FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason women's volleyball battled American University in a five-set thriller but ultimately fell short, 3-2, on Friday afternoon at the RAC. The Eagles (1-0) took the match over the Patriots (0-1) with set scores of 25-21, 24-26, 25-27, 25-20, 15-2.
The first set saw seven ties and two lead changes as both sides traded momentum early. American used a late run to separate from the Patriots and secure the 25-21 win.
George Mason answered with resilience in the second set. After nine ties and three lead changes, the Green & Gold edged out a 26-24 victory behind timely kills from redshirt sophomore Meredith Brown and sophomore Avery Booker.
The third set was the most tightly contested of the day, featuring 15 ties and seven lead changes. George Mason pulled through in extra points, 27-25, with junior setter Camryn Weldon distributing the offense and keeping the Eagles on their heels.
American regrouped in the fourth, capitalizing on Patriot errors to build a cushion and close out a 25-20 win, forcing a decisive fifth set.
The Eagles dominated the final frame, hitting an impressive .636 while holding George Mason to just one kill. American raced ahead early and sealed the match with a 15-2 victory.
Patriot Points
- Redshirt sophomore Meredith Brown led Mason with 13 kills on a .478 hitting percentage, adding three blocks for 15 points
- Freshman Kiera Hamilton made a statement in her debut with the Green & Gold, finishing with a double-double: 14 kills and 13 digs
- Sophomore Avery Booker tallied 12 kills
- Junior Chelsea Colter added eight kills and four blocks
- Junior Camryn Weldon notched a match-high 46 assists and added three aces
- Junior Autumn Martinez-Robinson anchored the defense with a game-high 25 digs
Up Next
The Patriots return to the RAC on Saturday, August 30, to host Howard, with first serve scheduled for 1 p.m. Admission is free for all spectators, and the match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
