FAIRFAX, Va.- The FDU Knights (6-9, 0-2 NEC) fell in four sets to George Mason (12-7, 2-2 EIVA). The matchup was the second between the Knights and Patriots this season, as the Patriots won in four sets when playing in Hackensack.
With a tied score 8-8, the Patriots rattled off a five point run to extend their lead 13-8. The Patriots followed up the effort a few points later with another five point run.
The Knights attempted to close the gap late with a block from
Rayjan Suarez Palacios and a kill from
Laydon Biro. The Knights could not mount the first set comeback, falling 25-16.
George Msson carried their momentum into the second set. After Biro logged the first kill, the Patriots strung together four points to take the early lead. They continued to hold a two point edge over the Knights, before another three point run, extending their lead 9-4. FDU could not close the gap, as George Mason held on to take the second set 25-12.
Dylan McFadden tied the set early for FDU 5-5. A block from
Vinil Shah and Panaigotis Kourmouzos gave FDU their first lead of the afternoon, 7-6. The Knights were able to keep themselves in front after three more kills from McFadden. FDU held onto a 13-11 lead.
With the help of a three point burst, the Patriots fought their way back in front. The Knights responded back with a block from Suarez Palacios to retake a 20-9 lead.
FDU found themselves down late, facing a 27-26 deficit. Three unanswered points by the Knights, including two Mcfadden kills, powered FDU to a 29-27 win in the third set.
Trailing 4-1 early, Shah laid down the final kill in a three point run to cut the deficit to one. Following two kills from
John Petrucci, the patriots fought their way out to a 10-7 lead.
FDU attempted to close the gap, but George Mason held on to win 25-16.
The Knights return north, taking on LIU on March 20. Live coverage of the game will air on NEC Front Row.
