Author: Jonathan Bates

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George Mason went on the road and defeated the reigning back-to-back-to-back MIVA champion in four games on Friday night. The Patriots (six aces versus ten service errors) out-served the Buckeyes (two aces versus 21 service errors). Junior outside attacker Hayden Wagner led George Mason with 17 kills, while Ohio State was led once again by sophomore opposite Jake Hanes, who had a match-high 19 kills. Impressively, George Mason ended the match in dominant fashion with a 13-4 scoring run. The Buckeyes are now 2-3 for the first time since 2014, when they dropped the first three matches that year, while the Patriots are 4-1 to start the year for the second time in three seasons. Check out our post-match audio interview with George Mason head coach, Jay Hosack, as conducted by associate editor, Jonathan Bates.

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In a match that featured two OT sets, No. 9/9 Stanford remained undefeated by beating No. 2/2 UC Irvine in four games. The Cardinal were led by outside attacker Jordan Ewert who had 20 kills on the night. After a slow start from the service line, Stanford’s serving helped propel them to the victory. UC Irvine outblocked Stanford, 15 to 6, led by Scott Stadick’s nine.  Check out special contributor Ted Wang’s interview with Stanford middle attacker Kyler Presho, who had the kill to take the third game, and his father, UC Irvine Assistant Coach, Mark Presho.