FAIRFAX, Va - George Mason softball (14–15, 3–6 A-10) secured a 5–3 victory over the James Madison Dukes (15–15, 3–3 SBC) at GMU Softball Stadium on Wednesday, March 25. The win marked the Patriots' first victory against the Dukes since March 27, 2010, ending a 15-game losing streak that spanned nearly 16 years against one of the region's top collegiate softball programs.

A pivotal third inning proved decisive, as the Patriots plated all five of their runs in an explosive rally. The defense also had a standout performance, turning three double plays. Left fielder Madi Sobota was involved in two, making impressive throws after a flyout and a foulout to catch runners off base.

James Madison struck first in the top of the second inning. Bella Henzler reached on a fielding error and Emma Jo Evans doubled to bring her home.

In the third inning, the Dukes added a run on an RBI single. George Mason quickly responded with an offensive surge. Jessica Chan led off with a single and advanced to third on Logan Pickford's base hit. Maddie Lemasters tied the game with a sacrifice fly that scored Chan. Tess Altevers Harris then doubled to right-center, driving in Pickford. Kamryn Inman extended the lead with a two-RBI single, scoring Altevers Harris and Alyssa Hopkins, who had been hit by a pitch. Inman later crossed the plate on a wild pitch, capping a five-run inning for George Mason. By the end of the third, the Patriots led 5–2.

James Madison added a run in the fifth inning when Emily LeGrand scored on a single by Kira Ortega, cutting the deficit to 5–3. However, the Patriots maintained their lead, and the score held through the remaining scoreless innings to stand as the final.

Bri Lencz started for the Patriots, pitching 3.0 innings and allowing seven hits, two earned runs, and two doubles while issuing no walks. Harlowe Nigh entered in relief, tossing 1.1 innings and allowing two hits, one earned run, and two walks, earning the win to improve to 2–2. Alyssa Rangel closed out the game with a strong performance, pitching 2.2 hitless, scoreless innings while walking two and recording a 0.91 WHIP. Her work in the final innings was instrumental in preserving the lead, as she notched her third save of the season.

Logan Pickford recorded two hits and a stolen base. Tess Altevers Harris contributed a double and an RBI, while also scoring a run and stealing a base. Kamryn Inman finished with two RBIs and a run scored on her single. Jessica Chan collected a season-high two hits, scored a run, and added a stolen base.

George Mason continues its homestand at the GMU Softball Complex with a three-game conference series against Atlantic 10 opponent the Dayton Flyers. The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 28, at 12 p.m., followed by the finale on Sunday, March 29, also at noon.