PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — George Mason (4-3, 1-0) edged La Salle (3-5, 0-1) with a 10-9 victory in a tense matchup at McCarthy Stadium on Saturday. George Mason secured the win with a critical overtime goal, marking its first conference victory of the season.
George Mason opened the match with strong defensive plays, including a notable save by
Regan Bestick at 11:23, keeping La Salle at bay. The scoring began with
Delaney Stup finding the net at 10:19, assisted by
Kaitlyn Bestick during a man-up situation.
Kaitlyn Bestick further extended George Mason's lead with a solo goal at 5:34, following a ground ball recovery by
Gabby Rizzio.
Despite La Salle's efforts to level the score with two goals, one by Bri McClain and another by Emi Waldron, the Green & Gold responded effectively.
Kaitlyn Bestick scored again at 3:54, this time assisted by
Riley Ellis, and
Matye Riley closed the quarter with a goal at 1:13, also assisted by Ellis. The quarter concluded with George Mason leading 4-2.
The Patriots capitalized on a man-up situation at 6:02 with
Kate Anders scoring her 26th goal of the season, assisted by
Matye Riley. This was followed by a pivotal goal at 5:19 from
Giselle Torain, extending their lead. Despite a late goal by La Salle's Sam Klein with just 21 seconds remaining, George Mason maintained their advantage. The quarter concluded with a score of 6-4 in favor of George Mason.
Kate Anders opened the third quarter with a goal for the Green & Gold at 13:12, assisted by
Giselle Torain, extending their lead. The Explorers responded quickly with a free position goal from Sam Klein at 12:20, narrowing the gap. Despite a green card on Anders, George Mason maintained momentum with strong defensive plays, including multiple ground ball recoveries by
Regan Bestick.
Later in the quarter, George Mason's
Emily Mowbray scored at 6:06, re-establishing a two-goal cushion. La Salle continued to pressure, with Emi Waldron scoring at 8:19. However, George Mason's defense held firm, aided by several saves from
Regan Bestick, ending the quarter with a score of 8-6 in favor of George Mason.
George Mason began the fourth quarter with a strong defensive presence, with
Isabella Kellogg's ground ball pickup at 12:47 preventing a La Salle scoring opportunity. Despite the Explorers scoring three consecutive goals, George Mason maintained its resilience. With just 8 seconds remaining,
Matye Riley scored a pivotal goal assisted by
Emily Mowbray, leveling the score. The game concluded with a tie, 9-9, as the final buzzer sounded.
George Mason secured the opening draw with La Salle in overtime. Both teams fought to have the last goal, but it was
Kaitlyn Bestick at the 2:03 that finally put the game away, giving the Patriots the win.
PATRIOT POINTS
UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Patriots will host Howard University at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Virginia, on Tuesday, March 10. The game is set to begin at 4 p.m.
