VILLANOVA, Pa. — George Mason University (23-20, 9-9 A-10) split a doubleheader against Villanova (10-35, 5-13 Big East), losing the first game 6–1 before bouncing back with a strong 11-3 victory in the second outing at the Villanova Softball Complex.

GAME ONE: Villanova vs. George Mason, L 1-6
In the first game, the Patriots managed only four hits while Villanova secured the win with seven hits and three doubles. Villanova started strong with a four-run first inning: Maddie Burrows doubled to right center and later scored. Mackenzie Waghorn's double down the left field line brought in three more runs, closing the opening inning with Villanova leading 4–0.

George Mason got on the board in the third inning as Logan Pickford doubled down the left field line, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a single by Maddie Lemasters, making the score 4–1. Villanova added a run in the fourth inning when Jaclyn Morra scored on a single by Maranda Runco, extending the lead to 5–1. In the sixth, Aubrey Police, who pinch ran, scored on Maddie Burrows' double, concluding the game with a 6–1 victory for Villanova.

Abbey Lane pitched 4.0 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits while walking three batters and striking out one, moving her record to 10-7. Alyssa Rangel entered in relief, pitching 2.0 innings with one earned run on two hits. Logan Pickford contributed with a double and scored once, while Maddie Lemasters added a hit, driving in a run and stealing a base.

GAME TWO: Villanova vs. George Mason, W 11-3
In the second game, George Mason showed resilience, capitalizing on a season-high 12-hit performance to secure an 11-3 victory. Leadoff batter senior Logan Pickford set the tone in the opening early, recording a single in her first at-bat to mark the 100th hit of her career.

The Patriots took control early with a four-run second inning. Logan Pickford doubled to left field, bringing in Kamryn Inman and Kaleigh Friend. Maddie Lemasters followed with a double to right field, scoring Pickford and Madeline Staats, leading to a 4-0 advantage.

The Patriots continued to dominate in the fourth inning, scoring five more runs. Payton Auerbach scored on a fielding error, while Pickford scored on Alyssa Hopkins' double. Elyssa DeRosa's single up the middle drove in Tess Altevers Harris and Friend contributed two RBIs with her base hit. George Mason led 9-0 at the end of the inning.

Villanova attempted a comeback in the fifth, narrowing the gap with a three-run effort, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Maranda Runco and a two-RBI single by Lilly St. Jean, making it 9-3. However, George Mason sealed the game in the seventh with a two-run homer by Pickford, scoring Auerbach for an 11-3 final score. 

Bri Lencz delivered a strong performance for the Patriots, pitching 6.2 innings without allowing an earned run, scattering seven hits and striking out four batters. Harlowe Nigh entered in relief, allowing three earned runs on three hits. Logan Pickford led the offense with three hits, three runs scored, and four RBIs, while Alyssa Hopkins added two hits and drove in two runs. Elyssa DeRosa also contributed significantly with three hits and a run scored.

GAME TWO QUICK HITS

• The Patriots' 11 runs marked their highest-scoring output of the season.
• Payton Auerbach recorded a season-high three walks.
• Logan Pickford finished with a season-high four RBIs.
• Elyssa DeRosa tallied a season-high three hits.

The Patriots will continue their break from conference play by hosting Hampton at the George Mason Softball Complex on Tuesday, April 21 at 2 p.m.