FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason women's volleyball wrapped up its weekend with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Loyola Maryland on Sunday afternoon at the RAC. The Patriots improved to 6-3 on the season after taking the match by scores of 25-17, 24-26, 23-25, 25-17. With this win, George Mason sweeps the weekend, 3-0, for the first time since 2009.
The Green & Gold came out sharp behind Nia Thompson and Meredith Brown, who combined for nine early kills. Mia Hazelett sparked a key service run with back-to-back aces, while Chelsea Colter and Haley Graetz controlled the net with timely blocks. Goerge Mason closed the set on an 8-3 run to claim the opener.
The Greyhounds fought for a tightly contested the second frame that featured 12 ties and 6 lead changes. Both teams made runs, but never maintained more than a 3 point lead. Tied at 24-24, a Loyola Maryland attack error and one final kill by Kiera Hamilton finally gave the Patriots the win, and sent them up 2-0 heading into the third set.
Loyola refused to quit though, as early service pressure built a 7-1 lead. George Mason fought back behind Colter and Hamilton, rallying back from a 14-4 deficit to tied the game at 23-23. However, Loyola's defense held off the rally, sealing the narrow 25-23 decision force the fourth set.
With their backs against the wall, the Patriots responded in dominant fashion. Hamilton was unstoppable in the frame, tallying five kills on .714 hitting, while Thompson added five more of her own. Setters Ava Cheney and Camryn Weldon spread the offense with precision, and Colter secured the game with her 15th kill of the match. The Patriots won, 3-1.
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UP NEXT
The Patriots are back in action on Thursday, September 18 at 6 p.m. vs. Coppin State at the RAC. Admission is free for all fans and a livestream will be available on ESPN+.
