FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason women's volleyball earned its first win of the 2025 season with a 3-1 victory over Howard on Saturday afternoon at the RAC. The Patriots (1-1) defeated the Bison (1-1) by set scores of 28-26, 12-25, 25-15, 25-14. This is the Patriots first win over Howard since 2021 and second win since 2015.
The opening set was a thriller, featuring 15 ties and six lead changes. George Mason held off multiple set points from Howard before closing it out, 28-26, behind kills from freshman Kiera Hamilton and senior Haley Graetz.
Howard responded strongly in the second frame, hitting an efficient .455 while limiting the Patriot's attack. The Bison rolled to a 25-12 win to even the match count.
The Patriots regrouped in the third set, turning up their offense to hit .385 as a team. Hamilton powered the attack with six kills in the frame, while freshman setter Ava Cheney guided the Green & Gold to a 25-15 victory.
George Mason saved its best for last in the fourth set, dominating on both sides of the ball. The Patriots hit .640 with 18 kills and just two errors, cruising to a 25-14 win to seal the match.
Patriot Points:
- Freshman Kiera Hamilton led the way with a match-high 16 kills, hitting .344 and adding 10 digs for her second double-double
- Senior Haley Graetz tallied 11 kills on a .500 clip
- Freshman Nia Thompson chipped in 10 kills in her Green & Gold debut
- Redshirt sophomore Meredith Brown added seven kills and two blocks
Up Next:
The Patriots return to action on Sunday, August 31, at the RAC when they face Georgetown, with first serve scheduled for 3 p.m. Admission is free for all spectators, and the match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
