- Mason swept Davidson to improve to 7-4 in Atlantic 10 play.
- The Patriots clinched their spot in the A-10 Championship for the first time in the program's six-year history in the Atlantic 10.
- Junior Bailey Williams finished with a match-high 11 kills and four blocks.
FINAL: Mason 3, Davidson 0 (PDF Box Score)
Williams – 11 kills; Emily Konchan – 37 assists; ShaLi Niu – 14 digs
FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University women's volleyball swept Davidson on Friday night to improve to 7-4 in A-10 play. Mason clinched its spot in the Atlantic 10 Championship for the first time in the program's six-year history in the A-10. The Patriots also earned a spot in a post-season tournament for the first time since 2009.
"Tonight was the sweep we needed for our program," said head coach
Aylene Ilkson. "The whole team worked so hard this week in preparation and I think it really paid off. I just continue to be impressed with the grit and fight of our women."
In the opening set of play, a four-point run by the Patriots helped open their lead to 8-4. Davidson inched away at Mason's lead to find the set tied up 12 all. Another four-point run by the Patriots put them back on top, 16-12. The Patriots led for the remainder of the set to win 25-20.
Mason and Davidson traded points early in the second set for a score of 5-5. The Patriots then went on a six-point run to lead 13-6. The Wildcats responded with a six-point run of its own to cut Mason's lead to one, 18-17. Two kills by junior
Katrina Santos helped extend Mason's lead, 22-18. The Patriots went on to take the second set, 25-22.
In the final set, Davidson jumped out to an early 6-1 lead. Mason roared back to find the set tied 12 all after a kill by Williams. The attack continued for the Patriots as they extended their lead 15-12. It was all Mason in the final stages of the match. A kill by senior
Maddie French gave the Patriots the set, 25-18, and the match in straight sets.
NOTABLE STATS
- Mason had its highest hitting percentage of the match during the first set, .333.
- Santos contributed 10 kills and four blocks in the victory.
- The Patriots earned their first sweep since Sept. 1 (vs. Norfolk State).
UP NEXT
Mason will take on VCU for its final home match tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the RAC.
