Charleston, W.Va. –  Charleston opens up weekend with victory over George Mason in a close 3-1 match. On Saturday the Golden Eagles fell to the Patriots in another close match, this one ultimately going the distance, Mason winning 3-2. 
 
Game 1:
 
The Basics:
Location: Wehlre Innovation Center
Score: UC  3, GM 1
Records: UC 8-5 (1-2 EIVA), George Mason 5-6 (1-1 EIVA)
 
How it Happened:
In an exhilarating clash between two collegiate volleyball powerhouses, the University of Charleston emerged victorious over George Mason with a final score of 3-1. The Patriots initiated the opening set with an initial 3-1 advantage, but the tide shifted when Charleston leveled the game and eventually surged ahead, securing a comfortable 11-6 lead. Charleston maintained their lead throughout the set, and Mason couldn't narrow the gap. The Golden Eagles claimed the first set with a score of 25-18, boasting a significantly higher hitting percentage of .556 compared to Mason's .304. Additionally, George Mason committed twice as many service errors (6-3), contributing to Charleston reaching the 25th point.
 
The second set saw a spirited comeback from George Mason as it was relatively close at 17-16, but Mason rallied with several consecutive points jumping out to a 21-17 lead. Charleston went on to score four more points in the set, but Mason was victorious 25-21 in the second set.
 
In the hard-fought third set, Charleston initially took the lead, but Mason fought back, maintaining a tie until the closing moments. Despite Charleston having a set point, a crucial service error by Max Nissen extended the set. Luckily, Mason couldn't capitalize on the opportunity, and Charleston went on to gain the 26th point and claim a 2-1 lead.
 
Heading into the fourth set, Charleston aimed to seal the game, while Mason sought to force a fifth set. The Golden Eagles gained an early 6-1 lead, appearing to be in control. However, at 15-21, Mason staged a comeback, scoring seven consecutive points to secure their first lead of the set at 22-21. The Golden Eagles did not let the new lead affect them as they went on to close out the set 26-24 once again, this time claiming the match victory over the Patriots.
 
Game 2:
 
The Basics:
Location: Wehlre Innovation Center
Score: UC  3, GM 2
Records: UC 8-6 (1-3 EIVA), George Mason 6-6 (2-1 EIVA)
 
How it Happened:
After an exhilarating four set match on Friday evening, Saturday's contest was bound to be a war between the Golden Eagles and Patriots. The first set was a back-and-forth battle, but Charleston eventually took a commanding lead, 18-11. The Golden Eagles maintained a steady six-point advantage, preventing Mason from narrowing the gap. Ultimately, Charleston clinched the first set with a score of 25-17.
 
The Golden Eagles found themselves trailing early in the second set, down 9-5 to the Patriots. Charleston then went on a four-point run to equalize the match, but Mason responded with a four-point run of their own to regain the lead. The Patriots then extended their lead even further, 19-13 Charleston trailing. The Golden Eagles started to chip away, bringing the set back within reach, only trailing by two, 21-19, but their efforts fell short as Mason went on to close out the set 25-21.
 
The third set unfolded as another tightly contested battle, featuring numerous even set points. After being deadlocked at 18-18, Charleston secured a crucial point post-timeout, ultimately winning the third set 25-23.
 
The fourth set emerged as a pivotal moment for both teams, UC trying to close out the match and George Mason looking to force a fifth set. The set was back and forth, but with Charleston trailing 21-19 late in the set, a timeout was called. With the set tied at 24-24, an untimely service error gave Mason the slight edge, but a kill by dominant Jesse Delancy brought the set back to even at 25 all. Mason went on to win the next two points after a kill and UC error, taking the fourth set 27-25 and forcing a winner take all fifth set.
 
The Golden Eagles jumped out ahead in set five 6-3, Mason's Liam French shut down the lead by earning his team the next two points with consecutive kills. With Charleston only having a one-point advantage at the side change, the match was up for grabs for either team. Charleston once again took a three-point lead, but Mason once again answered bringing the set back within one, trailing 11-10. Charleston had match point 14-12, but could not finish the match out, committing three consecutive errors to close out the match. The fifth set ended 16-14 in favor of Mason, a devastating end for Charleston.
 
Despite the loss, Jesse Delancy had 27 kills in the match, and Karl Klehm had 10 blocks, both who which went on to earn EIVA players of the week.
 
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles head to the West Coast during Spring Break to take on four California opponents over the span of a week.