FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason University (17-10, 10-6 Atlantic 10) defeated Fordham University (9-17, 3-13 Atlantic 10) in four sets on Saturday at the Recreation & Athletic Complex, winning the match 24-26, 26-24, 25-21, 25-21. With their wins this weekend, the Patriots have officially secured their spot in the 2025 Atlantic 10 Tournament being held at VCU, November 21-23.
George Mason began the first set with an assertive start, keeping pace with Fordham through early exchanges. Key contributions came from
Chelsea Colter and
Meredith Brown, who each executed pivotal kills to maintain a competitive edge. Notably,
Haley Graetz and
Nia Thompson delivered critical points that helped the Patriots rally back to tie the score at various junctures.
The set saw the Green & Gold pulling ahead late, highlighted by
Avery Booker's kill and
Alexa Stutzman's service ace, which gave them a brief lead at 21-19. However, Fordham's late surge ultimately swung the momentum, allowing Fordham to narrowly close out the set. This set ended with a score of 26-24 in favor of Fordham.
George Mason found a turning point in the second set with a critical stretch that saw them recover from a deficit. Trailing 17-19,
Nia Thompson's kill, supported by
Camryn Weldon, initiated a key run.
Avery Booker contributed significantly with a series of kills, helping the Patriots pull ahead. Despite a late surge from Fordham, George Mason secured the set with
Chelsea Colter's decisive kill and a final point from
Haley Graetz, assisted by Weldon. The set concluded with the Patriots winning 26-24.
The Patriots gained momentum in the third set with a strong opening, highlighted by a service ace from
Nia Thompson and a kill by
Chelsea Colter, building an early lead. Despite a mid-set challenge from Fordham, including several service aces, George Mason maintained their composure. Key contributions from
Haley Graetz and
Meredith Brown, supported by consistent sets from
Camryn Weldon and
Ava Cheney, helped the Patriots regain and extend their lead. The set ended with a decisive kill by Brown, securing the set 25-21 for George Mason.
In the decisive fourth set, George Mason rallied to secure a solid lead with key contributions from their roster.
Nia Thompson initiated momentum with a kill and a service ace, leveling the score at 1-1 and 2-1, respectively.
Avery Booker and
Haley Graetz further extended the advantage, with Booker delivering multiple kills, including one to make it 20-15, and Graetz sealing the set with a final kill.
Despite Fordham's efforts to close the gap, bringing the score to 20-19 at one point, George Mason regained control through effective plays by
Mia Hazelett and
Meredith Brown. Ultimately, George Mason prevailed in the set, finishing with a 25-21 win, which won the match, 3-1.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots host Loyola Chicago next weekend, November 14 at 6 p.m. and November 15 at 2 p.m. All alumni are invited back to celebrate and be recognized on Friday and then the graduating class will be recognized in a pregame ceremony on Saturday. Admission is free for all fans.
