Washington, D.C. -- The George Mason women's lacrosse team had its best all-around effort this season with a 18-5 win against Howard at Greene Stadium in Washington, D.C. this afternoon.

The Patriots (1-4) had its highest offensive output and best defensive effort to earn its first win of the season. Howard dropped to 1-4 with the setback.

In a dominating performance, Olivia O'Brien earned 18 draw controls, breaking the Patriots record of 13 set by Hannah Warpinski's at Duquesne, April 7, 2017.
 
The 18 goals were spread out among eight teammates led by senior Phoebe Nelson with four goals. Freshman Lauren Distad added three goals, while five players each had two goals apiece. Grad student Ioanna Mantzouratos finished with a game-high six points (2/4). Melanie Hutchinson led Mason with three ground balls.

The Green and Gold jumped out to a 3-0 lead to start the match with unassisted goals. Howard responded with two of the next three goals to cut the Patriots' lead to 4-2 at the end of the first period. 

The defense stepped up in the second and third stanzas, allowing Howard only a lone goal late in the third period. The Patriots rattled off 10 straight goals in that stretch to lead 14-3 going into the final quarter. Six of the 10 Patriot goals in the two middle periods were assisted by Mason teammates led by three helpers from Mantzouratos and two assists from Shannon Tuozzo. 

The Patriots out-shot Howard 42-13 and won the turnover battle, 15-10.

The Patriots return home for a Wednesday afternoon match against Mount St. Mary's on March 9. Opening draw is at 4 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.