MEN'S VOLLEYBALL vs. Charleston
WHEN: Thursday, April 18th at 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: University Park, Pa. | Rec Hall
RECORDS: George Mason (17-9); Chaleston (13-15)
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Fairfax, Va.- No. 15 George Mason's semifinal opponent has been confirmed, as the University of Charleston stand in the way of the Patriots to reach the EIVA Conference Final. The last time George Mason reached the EIVA Final was in 2021 where the Patriots were defeated by Penn State, 3-1. History could repeat if both teams win their respective semifinal game. The University of Charleston achieved an upset defeating Princeton, the #6 seed swept the #3 seed. 
 
George Mason and Charleston have faced earlier in the year at West Virginia. On February 23^rd, the Golden Eagles surprised the Patriots winning the encounter 3-1. Mason was locked in for the second game on the 24^th and came out with hard fought 3-2 win. The teams have faced each other 21 times since 2015. The Patriots have a lead in the series winning 19 of the 21 games that have been played. Although recently since 2023, four games have been played, with Mason winning twice and Charleston having won the other two. 
 
George Mason turned on the gears during March, going undefeated and were on an 11-game winning streak until a trip to Penn State ended that streak. Mason have only lost to Charleston, Princeton, and Penn State twice to reach the #2 seed in the EIVA Conference and go directly to the semifinals. The University of Charleston had a 3-7 conference record defeating Princeton, George Mason, and NJIT. The Golden Eagles caused havoc to the Tigers in the final two regular season games, each game going all five sets and each team taking one win. Charleston achieved a huge upset sweeping the Princeton Tigers to reach the semifinals of the EIVA Tournament. 

Scouting Charleston:

• Finished as the #6 seed but defeated #3 Princeton to reach the EIVA semifinals
• Graduate rightside hitter Garret Schnitker leads his team in kills with 328
• Junior libero Curtis Raines has the most digs with 172
• Junior setter Paul Stommel has 681 assists 
• Junior middle blocker Cole Duncanson leads the Golden Eagles with the most blocks (74) and with the most service aces (22)