NEWARK, N.J. – The George Mason men's volleyball team (3-5) fell in three sets (20-25, 23-25, 17-25) against NJIT (5-2) on Friday afternoon inside the NJIT Wellness and Events Center.
Mason came back from behind in the first set to cut the Highlanders lead, tying the set several times before NJIT slipped away. The Patriots led at the beginning of the final sets but were unable to prevail as the Highlanders were able to string along strong offensive efforts to take the win. The Green & Gold put up a hard offensive battle, but it was not enough to win the match.
"I thought there were some good performances by some people tonight," said Head Coach
Jay Hosack. "In order to beat a good team like NJIT, we need everyone to step their game up. I know my guys are frustrated, but they are working hard to make the changes so they can start turning the corner on these matches."
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Sophomore Omar Hoyos tied for the team leader in kills (10) and was one of two Patriots to tally four digs.
- The outside hitter Hoyos tallied one of Mason's two service aces of the match.
- Freshman Lucas Little tied for the team leader in kills (10).
- Both Hoyos and Little lead the team with three blocks each.
- Senior Richie Hoff had a strong offensive presence tallying seven kills and one service ace, his first of the season.
- The outside hitter Hoff lead the team in hitting percentage (0.292).
- Redshirt junior Zach Talamoa set a team high of 16 assists.
- Freshman Bobby Fowler tied a team high four digs in the match.
- NJIT outhit Mason, 42.5 percent to the Patriots' 25.3 percent.
- Mason tallied 33 kills to NJIT's 46.
- NJIT recorded seven service aces to Mason's two.
- The libero Fowler made his first appearance in the Green & Gold.
UP NEXT
Mason will travel to St. Francis Brooklyn on Saturday Feb. 12 with first serve slated for 6 p.m. ET.
