FAIRFAX, Va. - After a full tournament weekend to begin the 2026 season, George Mason softball claimed two of the three Atlantic 10 weekly awards, as senior Tess Altevers Harris was named A-10 Player of the Week and freshman Peyton Auerbach earned A-10 Rookie of the Week honors.

Mason opened the season at the Charleston Invitational, playing five games over Opening Weekend. The Patriots' offense was led by Altevers Harris, who put together a dominant all-around performance. The senior posted a .533 batting average, a .632 on-base percentage, and a .933 slugging percentage. Over the five games, she collected eight hits, scored three runs, drove in four RBIs, and stole five bases. In the Patriots' season opener against Central Michigan, Altevers Harris blasted a home run. She also delivered two doubles against College of Charleston and one against St. John's.

The weekly honor marks the second Atlantic 10 Player of the Week award of Altevers Harris' career, after previously earning the recognition during the week of March 24 last year. She is coming off a standout 2025 season in which she was named Second Team All-Atlantic 10.

Freshman Peyton Auerbach also made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut, earning Rookie of the Week honors following a productive first weekend in Green and Gold. In her first two outings as a Patriot against Central Michigan and College of Charleston, Auerbach delivered an RBI single in back-to-back games, quickly showcasing the offensive production she will provide the team this season. Auerbach hit .375 over the five games, recording six hits, five RBIs, six runs scored, and one double, while posting a .438 slugging percentage.

George Mason softball returns to action this weekend as the Patriots host their first home games of the 2026 season, welcoming Morehead State and Cornell to the George Mason Softball Complex in Fairfax, Va. Mason will open the tournament against Morehead State on Friday, February 13, with first pitch scheduled for noon.