- The Patriots won the first set of the match by a score of 25-22.
- Freshman Peyton Ehmke had a breakout game, contributing 12 kills and six blocks for the Patriots.
- Sophomore Emily Konchan had 31 assists and 10 digs for Mason.
FINAL: Mason 1, Howard 3 (PDF Box Score)
Peyton Ehmke – 12 kills;
Emily Konchan – 31 assists;
Siron Hardy – 14 digs.
Fairfax, Va. – George Mason University women's volleyball team came up short in its home opener against Howard on Saturday night. The Patriots started the match strong, taking the first set by a score of 25-22. Howard took the following three sets to win the match, 3-1.
In the opening set, Mason received help from all parts of the floor, jumping to an early lead of 5-1. The Patriots maintained control for the remainder of the set thanks to middle blocker
Peyton Ehmke who contributed four of her 12 kills in the first set of action. Outside hitters
Bailey Williams and
Katrina Santos each logged three kills to assist in the attack for the Patriots.
The Patriots continued to dominate the early stages of the second set, claiming a six-point lead over the Bison. Williams added two kills during the three-point run by Mason. Howard countered with short runs of its own to find the second set of play tied 18-18. The Bison were able to close out the set – winning 25-22.
In the third set, freshman
Siron Hardy came out strong, adding three early kills for the Patriots. Setter
Emily Konchan tallied seven assists and four digs to aid the Patriot attack in the third set of play. Ultimately, late runs by Howard led to the Bison winning the set, 25-16.
In the final set, the Patriots and Bison exchanged early points for a score of 10-10. Howard then went on an eight-point run, extending its lead 18-10. Mason threatened to push a fifth set by going on a run of its own; but ultimately came up short – dropping the set 25-21.
NOTABLE STATS
- After failing to log a block at American Friday night, Mason registered 10 total blocks on the night.
- Mason had a hitting percentage of .226 in the first set compared to Howard's hitting percentage of .103.
- Siron Hardy contributed in a new way for the Patriots tonight, tallying 14 digs.
UP NEXT
Mason participates in the Georgetown Tournament on Aug. 31-Sept. 1. The Patriots will take on Penn Aug. 31 at 10 a.m., followed by matches against Georgetown (noon) and Norfolk State (4 p.m.) on Saturday, Sept. 1.
