FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason University (16-10, 9-6 Atlantic 10) edged out Fordham University (9-16, 3-12 Atlantic 10) in a five-set thriller at the Recreation & Athletic Complex on Friday evening, winning 25-23, 19-25, 17-25, 25-22, 15-12.
George Mason's offensive highlight included a .421 hitting percentage in the decisive fifth set.
The first set commenced with George Mason setting the pace through an early kill by
Haley Graetz, assisted by
Autumn Martinez-Robinson. The Green & Gold maintained a narrow advantage with key contributions, including a kill from
Chelsea Colter and a successful block by Colter and
Nia Thompson to halt Fordham's advances.
As the set progressed, the Patriots faced a challenge when Fordham tied the score at 10-10, eventually taking a brief lead. However, George Mason regained control with a decisive series, including
Avery Booker's impactful kill and Thompson's consistent scoring, culminating in Graetz's final kill to secure the lead. The Green & Gold closed the first set with a 25-23 lead.
George Mason began the second set with a strong showing, taking an early lead with kills from
Nia Thompson and
Haley Graetz.
Camryn Weldon facilitated several successful scoring plays, including a block that contributed to a 3-1 start. Despite their efforts, Fordham managed to tie the score at 8-8 after a series of errors from the Patriots and a service ace by Zoe Talabong.
As the set progressed, the Green & Gold regained momentum with kills from
Avery Booker and
Chelsea Colter, leveling the score multiple times. However, Fordham capitalized on service errors and timely kills to pull ahead. The set concluded with a 25-19 victory for Fordham, as George Mason was unable to close the gap.
George Mason faced a challenging start in the third set as Fordham established an early 7-0 lead. The Patriots managed to break Fordham's momentum with a service error, followed by a service ace from
Nia Thompson, narrowing the gap. Despite a determined effort with key plays from
Haley Graetz and
Avery Booker, George Mason struggled to maintain consistent scoring against Fordham's pressure.
Midway through the set, the Patriots showed resilience with a series of successful attacks, including a block by
Meredith Brown and kills from
Chelsea Colter and
Nia Thompson. However, Fordham's strong defense and effective serves allowed them to pull away. The set concluded with Fordham taking the set 25-17.
George Mason opened the fourth set with a strong start, establishing an early lead through a kill by
Nia Thompson and a service ace by
Camryn Weldon. Despite some back-and-forth exchanges, including a service error by Fordham, the Patriots maintained their advantage with key contributions from
Avery Booker and
Meredith Brown, extending their lead to 11-7. Fordham managed to level the score at 22-22 with a series of points, including a kill by Bridget Woodruff, but the Green & Gold regained control.
In the closing moments, George Mason's
Nia Thompson delivered a pivotal kill, followed by back-to-back service aces from
Autumn Martinez-Robinson, securing the set with a 25-22 victory. This decisive set win extended the match to a fifth set.
In the decisive fifth set, George Mason overcame an early deficit to clinch a narrow victory over Fordham. Fordham initially surged ahead with a 5-0 run, but the Patriots responded with a key sequence, including consecutive blocks by
Haley Graetz and
Chelsea Colter, narrowing the gap to 5-4. Later,
Nia Thompson's kill, assisted by
Ava Cheney, tied the score at 8-8, shifting momentum.
As the set progressed, George Mason took control with a balanced offensive effort. Thompson and Colter led with crucial kills, and a block by Graetz and Colter gave the Green & Gold a 14-12 lead. The final point, a kill by Colter assisted by
Camryn Weldon, secured the set for George Mason. The game ended with the Patriots winning 15-12 in the fifth set, concluding the match with a victory.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots return to action tomorrow, November 8 at 3 p.m. in a reach match with the Fordham Rams at the RAC.
