FAIRFAX, Va. – Despite a career-high 20 kills by sophomore Olyvia Kennedy, the George Mason women's volleyball team fell to George Washington in a back-and-forth five-set battle.
 
Kennedy recorded the match-high total at a .341 clip, while also contributing three digs and a block assist.
 
The Patriots jumped out to a 1-0 lead after the first set, as senior Mujay Mambu recorded a set-high five kills. With the set tied at 20, Mason scored three-straight to take a 23-20 lead and cruise to the victory.
 
Set two featured 20 ties and seven lead change, including at 23-23. However, a kill by Kennedy and an attack error by GW gave the Patriots the 2-0 lead.
 
Set three was a set of runs, as George Washington jumped out to an 11-5 lead. Mason scored the next three to make the score 11-8, but the Colonials 12 of the next 16 points to take a 23-14 lead. Mason would not give up however, scoring six-straight points. GW ultimately took set three, 25-23.
 
The Colonials came out swinging in set four, outhitting Mason .292-.143 to tie the match at two-a-piece.
 
Kennedy shined in set five, notching seven of her kills in the stanza. However, more efficient hitting by the Colonials' offense clinched the road win for George Washington.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Mambu was also exceptional on the night, tallying 17 kills at .275 with six total blocks.
• Freshman Gabriella Gelfound recorded her second career double-double with a career-high 30 assists and a career-high 18 digs.
• Graduate student Peyton Ehmke recorded six block assists to go along with five kills at a .308.
• Junior Grace Kristofic recorded a season-high 21 assists

 
UP NEXT
The Patriots will remain in Fairfax this weekend when they welcome Dayton to the RAC on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (3 p.m.).