WASHINGTON, D.C. — George Mason (2-1, 0-0 Atlantic 10) reverse-swept Howard (0-2, 0-0 MEAC) in a thrilling five-set match, securing a 3-2 victory with scores of 17-25, 15-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-13 at Burr Gymnasium on Sunday. George Mason's decisive fifth set performance, highlighted by an attack percentage of .294, clinched the match in a tense finale.
The match began with the Patriots securing an early advantage following a kill by
Kiera Hamilton, leveling the score at 1-1. The Patriots gained momentum with a series of plays, including a block by Hamilton that resulted in an attack error by Howard, giving them a 2-1 lead. Despite this, Howard responded with a substantial mid-set run, pulling ahead 9-4, aided by several service aces from Alexys James. The Patriots' efforts to rally were highlighted by
Nia Thompson's back-to-back kills, narrowing the gap to 18-15. However, Howard maintained its lead to close the set at 25-17.
During the second set,
Caroline Rodriguez secured the opening point with a kill assisted by
Camryn Weldon. Hamilton contributed a key kill to level the score at 2-2, but a series of errors hindered the Patriots' momentum. Despite solid plays, including a service ace by Weldon, the Patriots faced challenges against Howard's consistent offensive pressure. Hamilton and
Jenna Hunt each delivered crucial kills, attempting to close the gap. However, Howard maintained a steady lead, capitalizing on the Patriots' attack errors. Ultimately, Howard took the set 25-15, concluding it with a decisive kill by Alexys James.
The Patriots gained momentum midway through the third set with a series of crucial plays, including a kill by Hamilton from
Ava Cheney, leveling the score at 5-5. Consecutive attack errors by Howard allowed the Patriots to establish a 7-5 lead. Thompson's kill, assisted by Cheney, further extended their advantage to 8-6. Howard rallied to tie the score multiple times, but the Patriots responded effectively each time.
McKenna Reynolds' introduction contributed to an attack error by Addison Buckner, pushing the score to 22-19 in favor of the Patriots. The set concluded with decisive kills from Hamilton and Thompson, sealing the set for George Mason at 26-24.
The Patriots overcame an early four-point deficit to secure a 25-19 victory in the fourth set against Howard. After a slow start with Howard leading 4-0, the Patriots responded with a key kill by Hamilton and a service ace by
Autumn Martinez-Robinson, leveling the score at 5-5. The teams traded points until a decisive run, highlighted by kills from
Meredith Brown and Hunt, put the Patriots ahead 17-15. The visitors maintained their momentum as Cheney's assists set up crucial points, including a kill by Thompson. The Patriots capitalized on Howard's errors, with
Alexa Stutzman leading the final stretch. Brown's kill, assisted by Cheney, sealed the set and match. The Patriots concluded the game with a final score of 25-19 in the fourth set.
The Patriots secured a narrow victory in the fifth set with a decisive comeback effort. Hamilton's early contributions, including a kill assisted by Weldon, helped maintain competitive momentum. Martinez-Robinson played a pivotal role, delivering a service ace and facilitating a series of crucial points that allowed the Patriots to close a three-point deficit. Despite Howard's resistance and a brief lead, the Patriots rallied with consecutive points, culminating in Brown's kill, assisted by Weldon, to clinch the set. The match concluded with the Patriots triumphing 15-13 in the final set.
PATRIOT POINTS
Kiera Hamilton
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- 20 kills
- two service aces
- 23.5 points
Nia Thompson
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- 11 kills
- two total blocks
- 8 digs
Meredith Brown
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- seven kills
- three total blocks
- 9 points
Autumn Martinez-Robinson
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- four service aces
- 11 digs
- three assists
UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Patriots will host UMES on Saturday, Sept. 5. The match will take place at noon at the Recreation Athletic Complex in Fairfax, Virginia.
