Fairfax, Va.- George Mason fought hard once again until the very end but the Nittany Lions overcame all the obstacles to go back to Pennsylvania with two conference wins. The Patriots conference record falls to 4-6. 
 
The first set began the same way as last night's matchup with both teams going back and forth looking for the lead. Evan Snodgrass was crucial in both the defensive and offensive end racking up kills and blocks to keep George Mason in the game. The game remained tied at 24-24 to extend the set and it was the Nittany Lions reaching the 26^th point first.
 
George Mason found their rhythm in the second set to tie the game up, 25-23. It was another fight until the very end but the offensive efforts of Jackson Herbert and Giomar Collazo led the Patriots out front. Collazo extended his number of service aces by three. Elijah Lazor was introduced into the game and made a tremendous effort on defense helping the Patriots win the second set.
 
The third set was a unforgettable performance by both teams giving the crowd the best show of 2025. The Patriots won the battle, 31-29. Penn State started off strong with an early 5-0 lead forcing an early timeout for the Patriots. George Mason made the comeback and fought tooth and nail to climb back on top. Giomar Collazo and Will Kuhns from Penn State went point for point in the final leg of the set. The game had to be extended past the 25^th point and both players showed up in the clutch moments. 
 
The Patriots overcame the obstacles set by Penn State and would take a crucial 2-1 lead.
 
The offensive trio of Giomar Collazo, Jackson Herbert, and Robert Evangelista gave all their energy to extend the lead. Evan Snodgrass and Elijah Lazor were the defensive core to protect the court and to cause headaches to the Penn State offensive core. 
 
Both teams kept their momentum and pushed to extremities for the fourth set. It was a close battle up until Penn State scored three consecutive points to reach a 21-17 lead. The Patriots made an immense effort to tie the game at 25-25 and to push the game to extra points. Penn State ultimately overcame the trouble, 32-30 and would force a fifth set once again. 
 
The fifth set continued the same energy from the previous sets with both teams going back and forth chasing the lead. Evan Snodgrass rose for the occasion recording multiple kills and blocks to push the Patriots ahead. The Nittany Lions had extra gas in the tank and won the set, 15-12, and would walk away with a 2-0 weekend against the Patriots. 

By the Numbers:

• Giomar Collazo had the most kills with 17 followed by Evan Snodgrass with a career high of 15
• Collazo, Evan Snodgrass, and Elijah Lazor also led in the block category with four blocks
• Gio had the most aces in the team with four
• Troy McDonald led the team in assists with 46
• Stef Kins had the most digs with 11

 
Up Next:
George Mason remains at home to face the University of Charleston on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19^th. The Patriots will be celebrating their Alumni Weekend, 50-year celebration, and Senior night on Saturday.