Join the Excitement: Women’s Volleyball Hosts the Patriot Invite at George Mason University!

Excitement fills the air as George Mason’s women’s volleyball team prepares for the Patriot Invite this weekend. They’ll play two teams at The RAC in Fairfax, VA—Coppin State and Rutgers.

The opening match kicks off on Thursday, September 18, at 6 p.m. against Coppin State, who currently holds a 5-7 record. This season, they’ve claimed victories over teams like Elon and Maryland. Despite challenges, Coppin was chosen to finish third in the MEAC and features standout players like Coco Figueroa and TaKenya Stafford, who made the preseason All-MEAC team. Historically, George Mason has faced Coppin State three times, with one win and two losses.

The action continues on Friday at 5 p.m. when Coppin State takes on Rutgers in a neutral matchup. Then, on Saturday, September 20, at 4 p.m., the Patriots will face the Scarlet Knights, who have started strong at 7-2, winning their last six games in a row. Rutgers was predicted to finish last in the Big Ten, so their current performance has been surprising. George Mason has a solid history with Rutgers, leading 6-3 in their matchups.

• Freshman Kiera Hamilton leads the Patriots with 133 kills this season.
• Meredith Brown continues to be a consistent performer, hitting .338 with 60 kills.
• Chelsea Colter stands out with 40 total blocks, showing her defensive strength.
• With 147 digs, Autumn Martinez-Robinson is crucial for the team’s defense.
• After a strong 2024 season with 11 wins, the Patriots are eager to build on that success this fall.
• This year, the team includes six newcomers, adding fresh talent to the roster.
• Key returning players, like last year’s ace leader Autumn Martinez-Robinson, are expected to shine again.
• Head coach Megan Shifflett Bachmann was recognized as the VaSID Coach of the Year last season.

Admission is free for all home matches, and games will be streamed live on ESPN+. Fans can look forward to enjoying a fun atmosphere as the team battles for victory this weekend!

For more information on the venue and upcoming events, check out the official George Mason athletics page. Keep an eye on social media for fan reactions and updates throughout the event!

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