FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason (5-3, 1-0) secured a decisive 15-6 victory over Howard (1-6, 0-0) on Tuesday. The Patriots were led by an impressive second quarter, where they scored eight goals, establishing a commanding lead.

The game commenced with George Mason taking an early lead as Matye Riley scored the opening goal at 14:12, assisted by Riley Ellis. The Patriots maintained offensive pressure, securing multiple draw controls and ground balls, though they faced turnovers that interrupted their momentum. The Bison equalized at 10:24 with a free-position goal. Despite several turns of possession and penalties, the quarter concluded with the score tied at 1-1.

George Mason seized momentum in the second quarter with a series of successful plays, beginning with Kaitlyn Bestick's free position goal at 10:59. This was followed by a goal from Kate Anders, assisted by Ellis, at 09:14, showcasing efficient teamwork. Giselle Torain added another goal from a free position shot at 08:19, putting the Green & Gold ahead significantly. The scoring continued for George Mason with another goal from Bestick, assisted by Ellis, capitalizing on a man-up situation at 05:51. Delaney Stup and Anders further extended the lead with goals at 03:50 and 00:02, respectively, the latter assisted by Brynn Belmont. The Bison managed a single goal in the quarter, but the Green & Gold ended the quarter leading 9-2.

The Patriots capitalized on their momentum in the third quarter with a series of goals, starting with Riley scoring at 11:11, assisted by Emily Mowbray. This surge continued as Stup found the back of the net at 10:27, set up by K. Bestick. Zuri Crumpton added another at 8:17, with Torain providing the assist, extending the Green & Gold's lead. The Bison managed to break through late in the quarter with a goal from Nyah McKinney at 00:32. Regan Bestick was instrumental for the Patriots between the pipes, recording multiple saves during the quarter. The quarter concluded with the Green & Gold leading 12-3.

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots capitalized on a critical free position opportunity with 8:22 remaining, as Addison Bechler scored. Following a yellow card on the Bisons, the Patriots took advantage with a man-up goal by Kata Buttrey at 2:53, and she added another man-up goal at 2:00, extending the lead. Despite a late goal by the Bisons, the Patriots maintained control. The final score was George Mason 15, Howard 6.

PATRIOT POINTS

• Kaitlyn Bestick - 3 goals, 1 assist, 2 ground balls, 2 draw controls, 1 caused turnovers
• Matye Riley - 2 goals, 1 draw control
• Kate Anders - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 ground balls, 4 draw controls, 1 caused turnovers
• Riley Ellis - 3 assists, 2 ground balls, 1 draw control
• Delaney Stup - 3 goals
• Kata Buttrey - 2 goals, 1 ground ball
• Giselle Torain - 1 goal, 1 assist, 1 ground ball, 2 draw controls
• Zuri Crumpton - 1 goal
• Addison Bechler - 1 goal

UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Patriots will host Saint Joseph's University at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Virginia, on Saturday, March 14. The game is set for noon.