George Mason whitewashes men's volleyball, 3-0

The men's volleyball team hoped that starting the season against some tough competition in California would give it a boost going into its Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association schedule. The trip, however, did little to raise the Tigers over taller George Mason (3-1 overall, 2-1 EIVA) Friday in the team's EIVA and home opener. Princeton dropped to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the EIVA as the visiting Patriots took the match in three straight games, 15-8, 15-8 and 17-15.

Not until the last game did the Tigers' offense begin to come together, staking the team to a 4-0 early lead. George Mason's size advantage, however, coupled with the Tigers' trouble on serve allowed the Patriots to dominate most of the match and turn the tide in the final game.

The Tigers gave up a considerable amount of height to the Patriots, especially at the net, where matches are won or lost. This, in addition to a Princeton offense that seemed out of sync for most of the night, allowed George Mason to win the first two games of the match handily.

In the third game, the Princeton attack showed signs of life as the Tigers jumped out to an early lead. As had been the case all evening, however, the team essentially gave away points with their inability to serve effectively.

Princeton had a chance to serve for a win in the finale, holding a 15-14 lead and the ball. But the serve landed out, giving the ball back to the Patriots. George Mason then won the final three points of the night, completing the sweep.