Rafael Suanes/George Mason Univ.

No. 15 Patriots Host No. 8 Penn State; Honor Seniors on Saturday

Men's Volleyball 3/31/2021 2:10:00 PM

WHERE: Fairfax, Va. | EagleBank Arena
WHEN: Friday, April 2 (7 p.m. ET); Saturday, April 3 (7 p.m. ET)
RECORDS: Mason (13-5, 10-4 EIVA), Penn State (16-2, 13-1 EIVA)
WATCH (Game one) | WATCH (Game two)
LIVE STATS

FAIRFAX, Va. – The 15^th-ranked George Mason men's volleyball team (13-5, 10-4 EIVA) is set to host 8^th-ranked Penn State inside EagleBank Arena on Friday and Saturday night.

Both matches are slated for 7 p.m. ET. Both games will be streamed via ESPN+.

Saturday's match will be Mason's Senior Night. Mason men's volleyball will honor Mike Kapusta, Sam Greenslade, Hayden Wagner, Brad Creamer, Jack Reese and Luis Velez prior to the team's final 2021 home match vs. Penn State.

The Patriots have clinched the no. 3 seed in the EIVA Championships. To their benefit, Mason will play both Penn State (1 seed) and NJIT (2 seed) in the final two weekends of the season in an effort to improve their seeding before the end of the regular season.

LAST TIME OUT
Mason earned a weekend sweep of Saint Francis (Pa.), improving their win streak to six. This is the Patriots' second six-game win streak of 2021.

Mason's coaching staff started five freshmen in their last contest, giving the young men valuable experience heading into the conference tournament.

A LOOK AT NO. 8 PENN STATE (16-2, 13-1 EIVA)
The Nittany Lions are currently first in the EIVA and have lost just one game in conference play (vs. NJIT on Feb. 14).

Last weekend, Penn State's head coach, Mark Pavlik, recorded his 600^th-career win on Saturday against Sacred Heart. Outside hitter Brett Wildman was also given the EIVA Defensive Player of the Week award for his efforts against the Pioneers.

Wildman led the team in kills (24) and earned a personal best in blocks in a match (6).

The Penn State duo of Wildman (.357) and Cal Fisher (.328) both lead the EIVA in hitting percentage. Fisher also leads the conference in aces per set (0.70).

HISTORY vs. THE NITTANY LIONS
Penn State defeated Mason twice earlier this season (Feb. 26-27), defeating the Patriots in four sets (24-26, 20-25, 26-24, 16-25) and in straight sets (19-25, 21-25, 16-25).

Mason has not defeated the Nittany Lions since April 6, 2019 when the Patriots traveled to Rec Hall and swept Penn State.

TICKETING INFO/HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Sunday is a single admission doubleheader. Tickets are $10 each and will be available through Ticketmaster beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 19.

250 fans will be permitted inside EagleBank Arena for the matches. The ability to host fans at these matches is based on current guidance from state and local health officials.

A limited number of students tickets will be available. Students should log into their George Mason Student Account Manager to claim a ticket. Please visit the student ticket page on GoMason.com for assistance if needed.

Before purchasing tickets, it is important to be aware of the health and safety protocols that will be in place at EagleBank Arena.

Physical Distancing

Fans must maintain a physical distance of at least 6' from others while in lines, on the concourse, or using the restroom.
Available seats will be sold in pods. While many pods are in 2, other sizes may be available. Each pod of seats is separated by the next closest pair by a minimum of six feet.

Assigned Seats

Seats are assigned in pods which are socially distanced throughout the arena.
It is imperative that you sit in your assigned seats to maintain a safe distance among all spectators.
The two seats nearest the aisle must remain empty to allow for distancing between sections as well as from those walking up and down the stairs.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are mandatory for everyone age 2 and older for the entirety of the game, including while seated in your assigned seat. Face coverings can be removed when actively eating or drinking.
The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
A PPE vending machine will be available in the Box Office lobby in the event you forget your face covering.

Self-Health Screening

Fans are encouraged to check their temperature and do a self-health screening. Fans who have a temperature of 100.4 or higher are asked to stay home.

Cleaning & Safety Procedures

EagleBank Arena has implemented increased and more comprehensive sanitizing measures before and after every event.
All employees will compete a health screening prior to entering the arena.
The HVAC system at EagleBank Arena has been recalibrated, with an increased frequency of filter replacement and increased daily operational run hours.

A comprehensive list of the COVID-19 procedures in place at EagleBank Arena can be found by visiting their COVID-19 guest information website.

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