RICHMOND, Va. — The Patriots (17-13, 10-8 Atlantic 10) faced a tough battle against VCU (15-12, 12-6 Atlantic 10) on Tuesday afternoon at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, ultimately falling in four sets with scores of 19-25, 25-15, 20-25, 20-25. This match wraps up the Green & Gold's most successful season since 2009.
The Patriots showcased their defensive prowess with 12 total blocks, but VCU's offense came out swinging, boasting a .382 hitting percentage in the opening set.
George Mason hit the court with determination, launching a 4-0 run featuring standout kills from
Kiera Hamilton and
Nia Thompson.
Meredith Brown extended the lead with a powerful kill, making it 5-1. However, VCU rallied to level the score at 14-14 and moved ahead to 16-14. Despite a spirited response from Thompson, VCU claimed the set 25-19.
In the second set, the Green & Gold seized the momentum, driven by Thompson's dynamic play. With crucial assists from
Camryn Weldon and
Ava Cheney, Thompson's attacks were relentless, propelling the Patriots forward. A highlight reel stretch saw George Mason rack up five straight points, including two service aces from Weldon, stretching the lead to 20-11. Capitalizing on VCU's attack errors, the Patriots closed the set with a decisive block by Brown, winning 25-15.
The third set began with a stumble on a service error by Thompson, but the Patriots quickly equalized with a kill from Brown, thanks to Cheney's assist. Hazelett and Hamilton teamed up for a block, tying it up at two. VCU, however, surged ahead to a 9-3 lead, helped by a series of George Mason errors.
Undeterred, the Patriots clawed back with impressive plays, including a Hamilton kill and a forced error by Brown and
Haley Graetz, narrowing VCU's lead to 18-17. VCU regained control, though, advancing to a 23-18 lead. Despite a late push featuring a Thompson service ace and a Brown kill, the set slipped away 25-20.
In the fourth set, the Patriots fought valiantly, highlighted by a crucial service ace from
Autumn Martinez-Robinson, closing the gap to 11-9. Hamilton and Brown delivered key kills, keeping the pressure on VCU. A late surge tied the game at 19-19 with a block from Thompson and Brown, but VCU regained their footing and clinched the set 25-20, sealing the match.
PATRIOT POINTS
