PITTSBURGH, Pa. — George Mason University (6-5, 2-2) defeated the Duquesne Dukes (1-8, 0-4) with a 16–14 victory on Saturday at Rooney Field. The Patriots' offense was bolstered by nine unassisted goals, contributing significantly to the win.
The game opened with the Patriots taking an early lead as
Emily Mowbray scored the first goal at 13:12, assisted by
Riley Ellis. The Dukes responded with a pair of goals, briefly taking the lead. However, George Mason's
Kate Anders turned the tide with a goal at 10:55, quickly followed by another player-down goal at 9:28, reclaiming momentum.
George Mason continued to press, extending its lead with a player-up goal by
Addison Bechler at 3:48, assisted by
Kate Anders.
Kaitlyn Bestick scored another goal at 2:21, aided by
Addison Bechler, pushing the lead further. The Dukes managed to score in the final minute, but the Green & Gold ended the first quarter ahead 5–3.
The Patriots found momentum midway through the second quarter with
Matye Riley scoring two player-up goals, assisted by
Addison Bechler and
Riley Ellis, respectively. This offensive burst brought the score to a 7–6 lead for the Patriots. However, the Dukes responded with a goal, equalizing the game. The quarter concluded with the score tied at 7–7.
George Mason surged ahead in the third quarter with an impressive offensive display.
Kate Anders scored two quick goals early on, each following a draw control by
Isabella Munz, solidifying their momentum.
Giselle Torain added another goal at 11:17, prompting a timeout from the Dukes. Despite the Dukes' efforts to respond, including a goal by Emma Raines, the Patriots maintained their lead with free position goals from
Kate Anders and
Addison Bechler.
As the quarter progressed, the Patriots continued to dominate possession, with
Emily Mowbray scoring twice, the second with an assist from
Kaitlyn Bestick.
Delaney Stup added a goal in the final minutes, extending the lead. The quarter ended with the Patriots ahead, 15–10, as they outscored the Dukes 8–3 in the third period.
In the fourth quarter, the Patriots faced a series of challenges as the Dukes narrowed the gap with two free-position goals. Despite the pressure, the Patriots responded with a goal by
Matye Riley, assisted by
Kaitlyn Bestick, maintaining their lead briefly at 16–12. As the quarter progressed, the Dukes continued their offensive push, reducing the Patriots' lead, but it wasn't enough. Ultimately, the game ended with the Patriots securing a 16–14 victory.
PATRIOT POINTS
- Kate Anders - 5 goals, 1 assist, 1 ground ball
- Matye Riley - 3 goals
- Emily Mowbray - 3 goals
- Addison Bechler - 2 goals, 2 assists
- Kaitlyn Bestick - 1 goal, 2 assists, 1 ground ball, 2 draw controls
- Giselle Torain - 1 goal, 1 ground ball, 1 draw control
- Riley Ellis - 2 assists, 1 ground ball, 1 caused turnover
- Delaney Stup - 1 goals
- Isabella Munz - 7 draw controls, 1 caused turnover
UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Green & Gold will face Davidson College on Saturday, March 28. The game is set for noon in Davidson, North Carolina.