George Mason Softball Faces Off Against UVA on March 18
Mark your calendars! The George Mason softball team will take on the University of Virginia in Charlottesville on March 18 at 5:00 p.m.
Patriots Up for the Challenge
Last weekend, the Patriots kicked off their conference play against Rhode Island. They had an exciting doubleheader where they won the first game 8-6 but fell short in the second, losing 5-7 after ten tough innings. With the series tied, pitcher Kylie Wilkerson stepped up, delivering an impressive performance in the final game, achieving a shutout with a 4-0 win. Kylie struck out five batters and allowed only three hits.
Currently, the Patriots are soaring in the Atlantic 10 conference, leading in several categories, including stolen bases (1.87 per game), total runs (101), and runs batted in (97). They also hold the top spot for triples with nine, ranking them 21st nationally.
Key players include Elyssa DeRosa, who is not just leading the conference with four triples but also ranks seventh in the nation. Kamryn Inman and Maddy Johnson are both making waves in stolen bases, ranking 4th and 8th in the conference, respectively. Abbey Lane shines as well, ranking fourth in complete games and second in saves in the A-10, placing her 24th in the nation.
Highlights from the Rhode Island Series
- Maya McGowan led the team with a .429 batting average.
- Elyssa DeRosa added her fifth triple of the season.
- Tess Altevers Harris celebrated her first career home run, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts.
- Madi Sobota hit two home runs, including an inside-the-park option.
Scouting the University of Virginia
The Cavaliers come into the match with a solid 21-7 record and a five-game winning streak. Bella Cabral is their standout player, boasting a .400 batting average, along with 32 hits and 23 RBIs. She leads the ACC in assists and ranks high for doubles and home runs. Jade Hylton is another threat, holding a .349 average and ranking second in the ACC for triples.
The Cavaliers’ pitchers are also performing well. Savanah Henley has made a strong impact with 52 strikeouts, while Eden Bigham leads the ACC and ranks third nationally with four saves.
Historically, the Patriots have struggled against UVA with a 1-13 record in their matchups. Their last meeting in March 2023 ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat for Mason.
What’s Next?
After facing UVA, the Patriots will head to Olean, New York, for a three-game series against St. Bonaventure. This series will feature a doubleheader on March 22 and a single game on March 23.
In a time where college sports are gaining more popularity, the excitement and competition within the A-10 conference add to the thrilling atmosphere. Fans are encouraged to follow live updates via social media at @MasonSoftball on X and @gmusoftball on Instagram.
For more detailed statistics, check out the NCAA’s official rankings here.
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