CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -  George Mason softball (5-5) fell 9-6 to #18 Virginia (14-1) on Thursday at Palmer Park. Despite the Patriots' early lead with two runs in the first inning, Virginia's three home runs overpowered the visiting team. This game marked the Patriots' first ranked matchup of the season.

In the first inning, Kaleigh Friend drove in two runs with a single to left field, bringing home Madi Sobota and Logan Pickford. Virginia responded with a three-run homer from Bella Cabral, making it 3-2 in favor of the Cavaliers after one inning.

In the second inning, Tess Altevers Harris doubled down the left field line, scoring Payton Auerbach and Madeline Staats, both unearned. Virginia countered with a two-RBI single by Jade Hylton, extending its lead to 5-4. The fourth inning saw the Cavaliers increase their lead to 7-4 with the help of an RBI triple.

The Green & Gold closed the gap in the fifth inning. Logan Pickford doubled, scoring Sobota, and Friend followed with another RBI double, scoring Pickford. Virginia's Bella Cabral homered once more, bringing the score to 8-6.

In the sixth inning, Virginia's Hannah Weismer hit a solo home run to center field, ending the inning with a 9-6 lead. The Cavaliers held the lead through the seventh, securing a 9-6 victory over the Green & Gold.

Abbey Lane (3-3) started for the Patriots and was charged with seven hits and five earned runs, including one home run, with three walks and one strikeout over 77 pitches in 3.1 innings. Lane took the loss. Harlowe Nigh pitched 2.0 innings in relief, allowing four runs on four hits, with two home runs surrendered among them. Haleigh Dellow (0.2 IP) closed the game allowing one hit and two walks but no runs. Overall, the Patriots' pitchers combined for three strikeouts and seven walks in the game.

Tess Altevers Harris went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs. Logan Pickford scored twice and added a double while also recording one RBI. Pickford's two runs in the game were a season-high. Kaleigh Friend went 2-for-3 and drove in a season-high three runs. 

The Patriots continue their road swing in Greenville, S.C, to compete in the Paladin Invitational, hosted by Furman University. The tournament runs from Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1.

The Patriots' tournament schedule and live coverage information are listed below:  
  
Friday, February 27    
6 p.m. vs. Furman | Live Stats | Watch live on ESPN+      
  
Saturday, February 28    
4:30 p.m. vs. West Georgia | Live Stats        
7 p.m. vs. Winthrop | Live Stats     
  
Sunday, March 1    
9:30 a.m. vs. Seton Hall | Live Stats