• Mason fell to Rhode Island, 1-0, in Sunday's series finale.
• The Patriots move to 13-19 overall and 3-6 in conference play.
• The Rams claimed the series win with the victory on Sunday afternoon.

FINAL: Mason 0, Rhode Island 1 (PDF Box Score)

KINGSTON, R.I. - The George Mason softball team fell to Rhode Island, 1-0, in Sunday's series finale. The Rams claimed the series win after the two teams split Saturday's doubleheader. Mason moves to 13-19 on the season and 3-6 in Atlantic 10 play while Rhode Island improves to 13-18 overall and 2-5 in conference play. 

A solo blast in the bottom of the sixth was the deciding run as Rhode Island shut out the Patriots. Mason's Marina Vitalich and Rhode Island's Riley Kernan held the two teams to only seven hits in the pitching duel. Vitalich struck out six batters against zero walks through 6.2 innings of work, holding the Rams' offense quiet up until the sixth inning. Kernan struck out five batters against three walks to earn the victory. 

Mason had several opportunities to plate runs in the rubber match but ultimately left eight runners on base. In the top of the fourth, Anna DiMari and Adriana Erickson notched singles to help Mason load the bases. With two outs on the board, EJ Bankson struck out to end the inning. Later in the sixth, Sydnee Wells walked and later managed to move to third base off a passed ball. The Patriots ended the inning with back-to-back ground outs, stranding Wells on third. 

After a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth frame gave Rhode Island the lead; Mason had one final opportunity to even the score. Marissa Butts walked while Meghan Graham notched a single in the inning to put runners on second and third. The Patriots grounded out for the final out of the game, dropping the series finale. 

The Patriots return home for a midweek doubleheader against Coppin State on Thursday, April 11. First pitch set for 2 p.m. at the George Mason Softball Complex.