Patriots Triumph Over Howard: Celebrating Our First Victory of the 2025 Season – George Mason University Athletics

George Mason Women’s Volleyball Secures First Win of the Season

George Mason’s women’s volleyball team celebrated their first victory of the 2025 season with a 3-1 win against Howard at the RAC. This match marked a significant achievement for the Patriots (1-1), as it was their first victory over Howard since 2021 and only their second since 2015.

The first set showcased intense competition, featuring 15 ties and six lead changes. George Mason faced several set points from Howard but ultimately clinched the win 28-26, thanks to impressive plays from freshman Kiera Hamilton and senior Haley Graetz.

In the second set, Howard turned the tables, hitting an impressive .455, which helped them secure a 25-12 victory and even the match. However, the Patriots bounced back in the third set, showcasing their offensive strength with a team hitting percentage of .385. Kiera Hamilton led the charge, scoring six kills as the Patriots won 25-15.

The final set was dominated by George Mason, who recorded an outstanding .640 hitting percentage with 18 kills and only two errors. They capped the match with a 25-14 win, sealing the victory.

Player Highlights:

• Kiera Hamilton stood out with a match-high 16 kills and added 10 digs, marking her second double-double of the season.
• Haley Graetz contributed 11 kills with a .500 hitting percentage.
• Freshman Nia Thompson made an impressive debut with 10 kills.
• Redshirt sophomore Meredith Brown added seven kills and two blocks.

Looking Ahead:
The Patriots are set to face Georgetown next on Sunday, August 31, at the RAC, with the match starting at 3 p.m. Admission is free, and fans can follow the action live on ESPN+.

Recent Trends in College Volleyball:
The popularity of women’s volleyball is on the rise. According to the NCAA, women’s volleyball saw a 4% increase in participation over the last five years, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in college athletics. This trend has led to more competitive matches and increased attendance at games, as seen in higher viewership numbers on streaming platforms.

As the George Mason Patriots build on their early-season momentum, they join many teams striving for excellence and fan engagement in this exciting sport.

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