FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's volleyball team dropped their 2024 season opener to the Howard Bison, 3-1.
The Patriots (0-1) went to four sets with the Bison (1-0): 25-22, 25-20, 25-27, 25-22. The Bison jumped out to a quick five-point lead at the start of the first set, and though the Patriots fought to come within one point, the deficit proved one that they couldn't overcome.
In set two, it was the Patriots who jumped out to an early lead, starting the set 5-1. The Bison clawed their way within two to make it 16-14 at one point, but the Green & Gold prevailed, winning the set and tying the game to avoid the sweep. Senior
Ewelina Gacek and freshman
Avery Booker combined for seven of 12 kills in the second set.
Set three started with another run by the Bison, who jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead. With that momentum, the Patriots couldn't keep up and dropped the set, 25-17.
Despite three long sets, set four proved to be a battle. There were 12 ties and five lead changes over the final set. Sophomore
Caroline Rodriguez led the team with all four of her game kills in the fourth set. But despite some gritty plays that kept the Patriots in arms reach, the Bison went on one final run to finish the game, 25-22.
Patriot Points:
- Gacek led the team with 11 kills and 10 digs
- Sophomore Autumn Martinez-Robinson tied a career-high three service aces, along with 12 digs and 5 assists
- The setting duo of red-shirt junior Damiana Bova-Ford and sophomore Camryn Weldon each contributed double-digit assists, 13 and 15, respectively
- Freshmen Jaylin Lott and Nina Mitchell, along with Weldon and Booker, made their debuts for the Green & Gold
- The Patriots outpaced the Bison in kills, 42-41, and digs, 61-59
Next Up:
Saturday, August 31, the Patriots will travel to American University to face the Eagles for a noon opening serve. The game will be available on ESPN+.
