Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. – Colgate finished the Cherry Blossom Tournament with an overall record of 3-2 after falling to host George Mason 10-4 here Sunday afternoon.

After the Patriots had taken a 4-0 advantage in the third, Colgate responded with its first run of the game in the bottom half of the inning. George Mason added three more runs in the fourth, but again the Raiders came fighting back by earning two of their own to make it 8-3. Unfortunately, the deficit proved too much as the Patriots held on to win despite a late rally from Colgate in the seventh.

"Our defense just didn't get the job done today," Colgate head coach Melissa Finley said. "We didn't show up to play and the score reflected that. We let our guard down and it was disappointing to see the team finish the tournament on that note.

"But I'm glad we have a day to refresh and refocus before our game on Tuesday."

Colgate (4-11) received one hit and one RBI from its designated hitter, Jennifer Martin. Sophomore Marisa Dowling also added one hit to go along with her one run, while Tara Grennan earned two walks and scored a run in the game.

Brigit Ieuter pitched four innings, allowing six hits and eight runs before rookie Gillian Murray came in for three innings of relief. Murray gave up five hits and two runs.

George Mason (8-11) saw Julia Czarnecki go 4-for-4 with two runs scored, while Brooke Blankenship and Casey Price added three RBIs apiece.

Casey Herring earned the win in the circle, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing three hits and three runs. Christina Gabriele came in for relief and gave up just one run.

George Mason took the early 1-0 advantage in the first inning before tacking on three more runs in the top of the third to create a four-run margin between the teams.

Colgate would answer, however, in the bottom half of the third on a run from Kate Zucker. With one out, Zucker earned a walk to get a runner on base. The junior advanced to second on a passed ball before taking third on a wild pitch. Alyssa Chaulklin then registered a walk on the ensuring play. During the next at bat Chaulklin forced the George Mason defense to focus its attention on her as she attempted to steal, which allowed Zucker to touch home plate.

The Patriots notched three additional runs in the top of the fourth to increase their edge to 8-1, but again Colgate responded with runs in the bottom of the inning.

Haley Fleming started the Raider rally by earning a walk. On the next at bat, Dowling singled to advance Fleming to second before a Martin single scored her. Tera Vaughn then landed on first following a fielder's choice to put runners on the corners. During the ensuing play Vaughn attempted to steal, forcing the Patriots to try and get the out, which in turn allowed the Raiders to add on another run when Dowling hit home. Colgate placed runners on second and third over the next two batters but was unable to convert the opportunity.

The Patriots quickly increased their lead back to seven runs in the fifth and, despite one final run from the Raiders in the seventh, held on to take the 10-3 victory.

Colgate takes the field next on Tuesday for a game with Georgetown beginning at 4 p.m.