FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason softball (26-22, 10-11 A-10) fell to Loyola Chicago (25-20, 17-4 A-10) with a final score of 6-10 at GMU Softball Stadium on Sunday, April 26. Despite a five-run surge in the fifth inning, the Patriots were unable to overcome the Ramblers' consistent scoring, which included a four-run third inning.

This marked the series finale in a three-game series against the Ramblers. The Patriots had previously won the opening game with a score of 10-4 but the dropped the second, 1-3. While losing the series 1-2, George Mason becomes only the third team in the Atlantic 10 this season to win a game against the conference leaders.

The Ramblers set the tone in the opening inning as Liz Sedakis' double scored Averi Vander Woude. The Patriots responded as Logan Pickford opened the scoring for the Green & Gold with a solo home run to right center, leaving the score tied at 1-1 after the first inning.

The Ramblers gained momentum in the third inning. Sierra Sass and Averi Vander Woude reached base, setting up Liz Sedakis to drive in two with a single. Alli Pawlowicz followed with a two-run homer, extending their lead. After three innings, the Ramblers led 5-1.

Loyola Chicago added two runs in the fourth innning and another in the fifth to threaten a run rule victory with the score at 8-1 in the Ramblers' favor.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Patriots rallied. Pickford walked, and Elyssa DeRosa and Alyssa Hopkins singled to load the bases. Hopkins, who has recorded at least two hits in four consecutive games, continued her hot streak. Maddie Lemasters then reached on a fielding error, allowing two runs to score. Abbey Lane added a two-RBI single and Kamryn Inman singled in another run to bring the team closer. The Green & Gold scored five runs in the inning, but Loyola maintained a narrow lead, 8-6.

The Ramblers added insurance runs in the seventh inning. A fielder's choice and a double by Alexia Hansen brought in two additional runs. The final score was 6-10, with Loyola Chicago claiming the game and series victories.

Abbey Lane pitched 3.2 innings, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits, while striking out two batters and walking two. She went perfect at the plate, going three-for-three. Lane recorded a season-high three hits.

Harlowe Nigh followed in the circle, pitching one inning with one hit, one earned run, and one strikeout. Bri Lencz closed out the game with 2.1 innings of relief, conceding one earned run on three hits and issuing two walks.

George Mason will close out the regular season with an A-10 series on the road to face Rhode Island at the URI Softball Complex. The Patriots and Rams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, May 2 and a single game on Sunday, May 3.