Fairfax, Va. – George Mason is headed to the EIVA Semifinals after a dominant sweep over the University of Charleston, winning 25-21, 28-26, and 25-23. The Patriots now prepare to face the tournament's top seed and host, Princeton University.
Redshirt junior Liam French once again led the offensive charge, tallying 16 kills and four aces to power Mason to victory.
The Patriots came out firing, jumping to a quick 7-3 lead thanks to kills from Jackson Herbert and Alexander Lillie, along with a service ace from French. French was unstoppable in the opening frame, registering five kills and three aces with an impressive .813 hitting percentage. Lillie anchored the defense with three blocks in the first set alone. Charleston attempted to rally, closing the gap to 23-20, but a French kill followed by an Eagles attack error secured the first set for Mason.
Charleston started strong in the second set, holding the lead until Mason evened the score at 11-11. The connection between Troy McDonald and Evan Snodgrass kept the Eagles off balance, with Snodgrass notching three kills during the stretch. Snodgrass's fourth kill gave Mason its first lead of the set, 18-17. French then came up big again with a solo block and a kill to bring up set point. Snodgrass sealed it with a final kill to give Mason a 2-0 lead.
French and Lillie set the tone early in the third set with a couple blocks. It was a tight battle until Lillie delivered back-to-back aces for a 15-12 lead. Herbert added an ace of his own, and McDonald extended the lead with a setter dump that made it 22-17. McDonald then assisted Lillie on the final point of the match, sending the Patriots to the semifinals.
By the Numbers:
Up Next:
George Mason takes on top-seeded Princeton in the EIVA Semifinals tomorrow at 5 p.m. in Dillon Gymnasium. A spot in the EIVA Championship is on the line.
