ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Over the weekend of November 8 and 9, 2024, the George Mason women's volleyball team faced off in back-to-back road matches against Saint Louis at Chaifetz Pavilion. While the Patriots ultimately dropped both contests, the team demonstrated grit, talent, and promising flashes of offensive firepower that suggest a strong foundation for the future.

In the first match on Friday night, George Mason fell in three sets (19-25, 16-25, 18-25), but the score didn't fully reflect the competitive nature of the match. The Patriots put up a solid hitting percentage of .225, led by Camille Larkin's stellar performance—she hit .600 with 7 kills and only one error. Avery Booker also contributed 7 kills, while Chelsea Colter continued her efficient hitting with a .500 mark. Defensively, Autumn Martinez-Robinson was a standout, anchoring the back row with 12 digs and consistent serve receive. Despite the loss, Mason showed resilience against a Saint Louis squad that had one of its sharpest offensive performances of the season.

The rematch on Saturday saw a more energized and determined George Mason squad that came out swinging and captured the first set 25-19. Colter and Graetz both notched 12 kills apiece, with Colter hitting a scorching .417. Olyvia Kennedy added 9 kills on a .400 clip, including her first of the game which was her 1,000th kill of her career. The Patriots were narrowly edged out in the next two sets, including a heartbreaker in the third that ended 26-24 in Saint Louis' favor. Throughout the match, Mason outpaced Saint Louis in total kills (56 to 53) and kept pace in blocks and digs, highlighting the team's balanced effort and tenacity.

Although the weekend ended without a win, George Mason left the court having proven their potential. The offense showed moments of real firepower, the defense held strong, and the team displayed the kind of chemistry that bodes well heading into future matchups. With continued growth, this group looks poised to turn close battles into wins.