March 22, 2008

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - Behind another six-goal performance from junior attacker Brittany Berger, the 13th-ranked George Mason women's lacrosse team set a new school record with its fifth consecutive victory in a 14-6 win over Saint Joseph's on Saturday afternoon at George Mason Stadium. The team's 6-1 record after seven contests is the best start to a season in the 15-year history of the program.

With the win, the Patriots broke a school record that had stood since the 1996 season, when Mason closed its season with four straight wins. Before this season, the Patriots had not won more than three games in a row since that year. The streak began on March 1 when Mason defeated in-state rival Virginia Tech and has included wins over George Washington, Iona College and then-No. 18 Boston University in addition to today's victory.

Berger carried the Patriots' offense with her brilliant play. Her six goals tied a career high she set earlier this year in a win over George Washington. She also caused a pair of turnovers and scooped up two ground balls.

George Mason scored the first six goals of the contest to put the Hawks in an early hole. After dominating the first 30 minutes of play, the Patriots entered the break with a commanding 7-2 advantage.

Following the break, Saint Joseph's attempted to get back into the game, but could get no closer than four goals. Holding a 10-6 lead with 4:51 remaining, Mason slammed the door shut on the Hawks, scoring the final four goals to come away with a 14-6 victory.

The Patriots held the advantage in shots (32-20), ground balls (18-9), draw controls (13-9) and caused turnovers (15-4). A total of eight players scored at least one goal in the game for Mason, led by Berger's six. Senior Laura King scored twice and added two assists and senior Alex Velesz tallied three assists, two caused turnovers, two draw controls and a goal.

Jenna Martino led the Hawks with three goals while Christina Colangelo chipped in two. Goalkeeper Suzy Herlihy made 13 stops, including eight in the second half.

George Mason makes the short trip to American for its next contest, taking on the Eagles at 4 p.m. on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.