FAIRFAX, VA—George Mason swept visiting, 3-0, (25-17, 25-16, 26-16) Friday evening to open Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) action at RAC Gym.

The Patriots, which hit an impressive .377 for the match, improves to 1-0 in the EIVA, 5-7 overall while the Highlanders, who entered the match winners of its last two matches, moves to 0-1 in the EIVA and 2-8 overall.

George Mason was paced by two players – Hayden Wagner and Sam Greenslsade, who notched nine kills each.  Greenslade hit .533 for the match on 15 swings and just one error.  Middle Bryce Gatling combined for a .571 hitting percentage, posting four kills on seven attempts, including four total blocks (1 solo, 3 assists).

Setter Brian Negron registered a match-high 26 assists while Will Calaman and Johnny Gomez each added a match-best seven digs.  Wagner followed with six digs.

NJIT was led by freshman newcomer Alvaro Gimeno's nine kills and five digs while Bailey Mundy added four kills and Luca Berger and Kevin Myren each posted three kills.

Highlander setter Ricardo Whitaker piled up 21 assists while Gimeno was the team-leader in digs with five.  Libero Shannon Heckman notched four digs.

In the service ace category, both teams were even at 5-5, led by Kevin Myren with two aces.  Myren also led the Highlanders in front of the net with three block assists.

NJIT will return action on February 23 at 7pm, when the Highlanders host EIVA opponent Sacred Heart in the Wellness and Events Center.  A day later, NJIT will welcome EIVA foe Harvard at 4pm.