FAIRFAX, VA-- The Patriots had six players score, goalkeeper Melissa Semkiw had 12 saves and Mason had strong command winning 21 draw controls as the Patriots defeated Saint Joseph's, 16-11, to move to 6-1 in the Atlantic 10 Conference standings.
 
Freshman attacker Deanna Balsama picked up where she left off as the A-10 Rookie of the Week scored three goals, had a season-high four assists and won a season-high 10 draw controls. Hailey Johnson had five points, including a hat trick with three goals. Abby Folker had her second hat trick of the season and won six draw controls. Erin Donoghue scored three goals, had a team-high six ground balls and two caused turnovers. 
 
Christina Romano scored the first of her two goals with just over a minute expired in the game. On the next possession, Erin Donoghue scored on a free position goal with 28:18 remaining in the half.
 
Saint Joseph's scored three straight goals for its only lead of the game, 3-2, at 24:34 left in the half. The Patriots Abby Folker answered scoring two straight goals to give Mason the lead. She would have a shot ring off the crossbar after the Hawks tied the game at 5-5.
 
The teams would trade goals leading into the half where the Patriots had a two-point edge, 10-8.
 
The defense was a little tighter in the second half as the Patriots outscored the Hawks, 6-3. 
 
Senior Rachel Woods played tough defense on the Hawks leading scorer Francesca Donato, limiting her to one goal and one assist.
 
Senior Chachi Kelehan got Mason on the board first in the second half, her 34^thgoal of the season, assisted by Hailey Johnson. She had two goals. The teams would trade goals and the Patriots' would maintain at least a two-goal advantage the remainder of the game.
 
Mason scored four out of the last five goals of the game to pick up the win. 

With only two games remaining before the Atlantic 10 Lacrosse Championship at George Mason Stadium April 25-28, the Patriots are tied for second with the Richmond Spiders (6-1). 
 
The Patriots will host #RevRival George Washington Sunday at 1 p.m. on Senior Day. Prior to the game, the Patriots will honor seniors Elizabeth Benedetto, Chachi Kelehan and Rachel Woods.