BLACKSBURG, Va. – For the second straight year, George Mason forced overtime against a ranked Virginia Tech team.

Unfortunately, for the second consecutive season, the Patriots came up short in the extra period. On Wednesday, Mason suffered a 9-8 setback at No. 19 Virginia Tech for its first loss of the season.

The Patriots (2-1) rallied from a four-goal, first-half deficit and tied it up on a goal by Chachi Kelehan with 1:58 left in regulation. But the Hokies (4-2) escaped with an unassisted goal by Emma Stevens with less than three minutes into overtime.

Last year, Virginia Tech also upended Mason in overtime, 11-10, in Fairfax. The Patriots tied it with 54 seconds to go before the Hokies won in extra time.

Senior Hannah Warpninski and freshman Erin Donoghue each scored two goals while senior Lindsey Tangeman, sophomore Julianna Brown and senior Holly Tevis also scored.

Sophomore Melissa Semkiw made 13 saves, including eight in the second half.

The Patriots return to action at noon on Saturday against Coastal Carolina at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax.