By Kendra Webb (January 21, 2002)

The surging George Mason varsity volleyball team continued its rapid improvement last Friday night as it crushed Brentsville in a hard-fought match on the Tigers’ home court.

In the first game, the Mustangs fell behind 3-7 due to frequent errors before a time-out was called. After instructions from coach Mahony, the Mustangs forced the Tigers to make mistakes and hit long several times and the Mustangs fought back to 8-10. Then, the Tigers composed themselves and pulled out the win despite powerful kills by Beth Parks, Aysha Twose, and Kendra Webb, with 2, 1 and 3 kills respectively.

In game two, both teams played evenly throughout the match, exchanging kills, volleys, and side-outs. Sparked by a kill from Parks and with the game at 8-10, Mason came up with strong hits from its scrappy defense. Finishing the game with five kills and a block, the Mustangs came off the court with a 15-12 victory and were energized to leave Nokesville with a victory.

The Mustangs’ enthusiasm and consistent serving coupled with unforced errors by the Tigers led to a quick 9-1 lead in the third game. Offensively, the Mustangs were on fire as Christine Hillegass broke through with a kill. Also making points off their hits were Adrienne Thompson with one (five on the night) and five from Webb (13 on the night). 

The serving during the third game was exceptional with the Mustangs making 21 of 22, with two aces apiece from seniors Leen Quintyn and Thompson. Mason finished the match off quickly, winning 15-4 on a decisive kill.

Following the match, coach Barbara Mahoney said, "I couldn’t have been any more pleased with the quality of play I saw tonight. The girls were able to pull themselves together after that first game and really give it to them and get on the bus with a sweep. I hope the Tigers remember tonight for a long, long time." 

The Mustangs play next at home in The Pit this Friday against the Madison County Mountaineers who beat the Mustangs earlier in the season. A victory would even the Mustangs’ district record at 4-4. Junior varsity starts at 6:30 and varsity at 7:30.