FAIRFAX, VA—George Mason, ranked No. 13 in the latest AVCA coaches poll, had three players reach double-digit kills, paced by Hayden Wagner with 15 kills, leading the Patriots to a 3-1 victory in close sets over visiting NJIT Saturday evening in EIVA Conference action at the RAC.

George Mason (7-3 EIVA, 14-7 overall) won the first frame, 25-21, but the Highlanders (2-8 EIVA, 7-13 overall) evened the match at 1-1 with a 25-23 victory.  The home team won the third and fourth frames, 25-20 and 25-22, respectively to earn the 3-1 victory.

In addition to Wagner's match-best 15 kills, Kyle Barnes added 13 kills while Sam Greenslade posted 11 kills, hitting a team-best .400.

Patriots' setter Luis Velez combined for 45 assists and seven digs while Will Calaman notched a team-high 11 digs.

The home team edged the Highlanders in the service ace category, 8-4, led by Wagner's four aces.

NJIT middle transfer Enrique de Diego Garcia hit an impressive .625, notching 10 kills on 16 swings with no errors, including five total blocks (one solo, four assists).

Sophomore Alvaro Gimeno led the Highlanders with 13 kills while freshman setter Roque Nido combined for 42 assists.

Defensively, freshman Jens Feldthus combined for a match-high 12 digs followed by senior libero Chris Wise with 10. 

NJIT held a 14-to-9 team blocking advantage, paced by middle blocker Luca Berger, who posted a match-high seven total blocks (one solo, six assists).  Gimeno and de Diego Garcia each posted five blocks.

NJIT, which concludes its road schedule, will play its next four matches at home inside NJIT's Wellness and Events Center.  The Highlanders will host Sacred Heart on April 5 and Harvard on April 6.  Both matches are scheduled for a 6pm first spike.