Sept. 14, 2007

Box Score

The George Mason women's soccer team took its fourth straight win on Friday night, including its third straight shutout as Mason beat Virginia Tech 1-0 in front of 860 fans at George Mason Stadium. The Hokies, having beaten nationally-ranked Tennessee last week, are ranked No. 7 in the Mid-Atlantic by Soccer Buzz. The Patriots are ranked 15th in the same poll.

Mason's defense continued to shut down the opposition throughout the first half behind goalie Kasey Davenport and defenders Colleen Killiany, Laura Salichs, Hannah Sklar and Sasha Vido. The Patriots (4-1-0), meanwhile struggled in the offensive third, failing to produce a shot on goal.

That changed in the 54th minute. Virginia Tech (2-2-1) was whistled for a foul leading to a Mason free kick. Laura Salichs took shot the ball and nearly scored with Ashley Owens making the save. Owens, however, gave up a rebound, and Jessica Paris was there on the left side to beat Owens and put Mason ahead 1-0.

Mason, which entered the game having held the opposition scoreless for 201 minutes, extended that streak to 291 minutes. The defense was especially staunch in the closing 15 minutes when Virginia Tech mounted several runs. The Hokies had a corner kick in the final minute but couldn't convert, then were whistled for offsides moments later. Davenport finished with five saves.

The Patriots will return to action on Sunday when they play at Maryland at 7 p.m.