WHEN: Friday, Aug. 24-Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018
WHERE: Bender Arena (American University) – Friday; RAC Gym (Mason) – Saturday
OPPONENTS: American– Friday, 7:00 p.m.;
Howard– Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
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LIVE STATS: Friday |
Saturday
TV STREAM: ESPN+ (Saturday only)
FAIRFAX, Va.– George Mason University women's volleyball will open the 2018 season at the DC Challenge with a duo of matches on Friday, Aug. 24 and Saturday, Aug. 25. The weekend slate will begin with a 7 p.m. match at Bender Arena against the American Eagles. On Saturday, the Patriots take on Howard at 5 p.m. in their home opener at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC).
NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS
- The Patriots lead the all-time series over American, 22-21; however, the Eagles have won the last seven meetings, dating back to 2010.
- Mason aims to defeat Howard for the first time since 2015. The all-time series record currently stands at 16-4, in favor of the Patriots.
- The Patriots look to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2015.
RETURNING PATRIOTS
George Mason returns eight letter winners including three starters plus a libero. Senior libero
Catie Espinoza led the team in digs per set (4.50), which was good for fifth in the Atlantic 10. Sophomore setter
Emily Konchan is coming off a stellar freshman season for the Patriots, having led the team in assists per set (7.93) and total assists (587). Junior outside hitter
Bailey Williams paced Mason's back line by leading the team in kills per set (3.15) and points per set (3.56).
THE NEWCOMERS
The Patriots will feature eight newcomers for the 2018 season, including six freshmen and two transfer student-athletes. Freshmen outside hitter
Siron Hardy, outside hitter
ShaLi Niu, libero
Marlanna Bozicevich, and middle blocker
Peyton Ehmke are expected to make a direct impact for the Patriots this season.
2017 NON-CONFERENCE LOOK BACK
One of last season's highlights came during the Mason Classic, after the Patriots wrapped up non-conference play winning its final two matches. First, Mason defeated the Hampton Pirates 3-1. In that match,
Bailey Williams led the team in kills (11) while
Emily Konchan had a match high 38 assists. The final game of the Mason Classic featured a thrilling five-set victory for the Patriots over the Loyola Greyhounds. The Patriots will host the Mason Invitational this year from Sept. 14 to Sept. 15.
THE OPPONENTS
American – 2017 Record: 26-8 (15-1 Patriot League)
The American Eagles return 13 of their 15 letter winners from last season's NCAA Tournament team. American was chosen to finish first in the Patriot League preseason poll, with three players selected to the Preseason All-Patriot League team. The Eagles are coming off a near-perfect conference record last season which included claiming the Patriot League championship in straight sets over Navy.
Howard – 2017 Record: 16-16 (9-3 MEAC)
Howard finished the 2017 season at .500 with an overall record of 16-16. An impressive conference record of 9-3 led the Bison to claim the MEAC Championship over Florida A&M. Howard returns 12 letter winners, including senior setter Tamia Dockery who led the team in assists per set (9.95).
For Tickets to Mason Home Volleyball games call (703) 993-3270
