FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason women's lacrosse team couldn't overcome a fast start by the visiting Saint Joseph's Hawks, falling 16-6 today at George Mason Stadium.
 
Saint Joseph's (8-5, 4-1) jumped out of the gate scoring the first nine goals of the game, eight in the first period. The Patriots recovered with solid defense, but the deficit was too large as the Patriots drop to 2-10, 1-4 in the Atlantic 10. 
 
Leading scorer in the A-10 Lauren Figura was responsible for six of the Hawks first half goals. She hit the back of the net six times on her first eight shots.
 
Grad student Olivia O'Brien scored a goal on a free position shot at 9:54 in the second period to get the Patriots on the board, 9-1.
 
The Patriots scored three consecutive goals in the final four minutes of the half, two by O'Brien and a goal by Morgan Gunn, to cut the Hawks lead to six, 10-4 at the intermission. O'Brien finished the half with a hat trick.
 
After Saint Joe's scored three consecutive goals to begin the second half, the Patriots scored the final two goals of the period. With 3:04 remaining in the third stanza, Shannon Tuozzo scored for the Patriots, assisted by Morgan Gunn. A minute later, O'Brien rocketed a shot high over the right shoulder of goalie Jorden Concordia to notch her fourth of the game and the final goal by Mason today.
 
The Patriots were led in the match by O'Brien who finished with four goals and a team-high five draw controls. O'Brien leads the Atlantic 10 in draw controls (78) and ranks 24th nationally. 
 
St. Joseph's outshot mason 38-24 today. Mason goalie Meghan Deehan had 11 saves in the setback.

Mason remains home to host George Washington on Sunday at Noon at George Mason Stadium.