FAIRFAX, Va. – Despite an early deficit, George Mason showcased resilience and offensive firepower in the second half, battling hard against American University before falling 18-9 at home.
While American (2-2) jumped out to an early lead, the Patriots (2-2) refused to go quietly.
Daniella Jimenez led the Patriots with a career-high tying four goals.
Kate Anders added two goals, and
Dahlia Trippel,
Catherine Pollard, and
Kaitlyn Bestick each contributed a goal to the Patriots' offensive push.
After a challenging first quarter, Jimenez provided a spark with a free-position goal to get Mason on the board. The second quarter saw Anders convert a free-position shot, while Trippel scored a man-down goal. Coming out of halftime, George Mason responded with its strongest quarter of the game, outscoring American 4-5 in the third. Jimenez scored just 35 seconds into the half, and Anders, Bestick, and Pollard all found the back of the net in quick succession about halfway through the third quarter.
The Patriots continued their push in the fourth, with Jimenez adding two more goals, including a connection with Trippel with 9:11 left on the clock. Though American managed to close the game strong, goalkeepers
Regan Bestick and
Maddie Holloway collectively made nine crucial saves throughout the game.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
The Patriots host Lindenwood on Sunday, February 23, at 12 p.m. Admission is free for all and a livestream will be available on ESPN+.
