Fairfax - The Patriots started their season with a loss against UC San Diego at Santa Barbara, California. Mason was only able to win one set out of the four that was played last night.

Jack Bolz and Omar Hoyos led the team last night with 10 kills each and Liam French was right behind collecting 9 kills. Sam Peters delivered 5 blocks; Jack Bolz and Jason Ashenfelter collected 4 blocks each. Troy McDonald was inspired and achieved 30 assists and 7 digs. Troy led the team in both categories (assists and digs). Paul Wyszynski also got 7 digs and collected 3 assists. 

On the other hand, Josh Schellinger from UC San Diego, was present in every category for his team. Josh led the team in kills (14) and aces (2), and was second in his team for blocks (5), assists (2), and digs (8).

The first set was exciting with both teams going back and forth trying to run away with the lead. The largest lead maintained in the first set was only 3 points. GMU led by 3 early on in the set, 8-5, and UCSD would have their own 3 point lead later in the set, 21-18. Mason kept their head in the game during that time and went on a 4 point run to overcome the deficit and lead very late, 22-21. It was a back and forth game which led to the set being extended and UCSD eventually taking the tough contest, 27-25.

The second set maintained the same momentum as the first with both teams going back and forth not giving the other any space to be comfortable. It would once again go down to the final breath with George Mason taking the set this time, 25-23. 

The third set was heavily contested but UCSD took it 25-21. George Mason fought back in the fourth going neck in neck with UCSD to tie the game and force a fifth set but UCSD overcame the challenge and finished the game claiming the fourth set as well.  

Next game:

Mason will face the home team Santa Barbara, January 5th at 7:30pm. This game will be live streamed on ESPN + or follow on Live Stats