FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University men's volleyball team fell at home Saturday evening to George Mason, 3-0. 
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: 0-5
George Mason: 3-3
 
Top Performers:
Patrick Mucherino: 11 kills, 1 blocks, 3 digs
Carlos Santa Cruz: 10 kills, 3 aces, 4 digs
Petr Beranek: 9 kills, 2 blocks, 3 digs
Dylan McClung: 4 blocks, 4 kills
 
How It Happened:
In the first set, the Pioneers stayed within three points of the Patriots but were unable to break away enough at the end to take the win falling 25-22.
 
The Pioneers secured 16 kills in the second set to the Patriots' seven, holding an 18-16 lead late in the frame. Unfortunately for SHU, it was burdened by errors late in the set, as the Patriots rallied to take the second 25-21. 
 
SHU started off strong in the third with three consecutive aces from Carlos Santa Cruz. The Pioneers held the lead until the 16^th point. Sacred Heart continued to fight, fighting off one set point, but ultimately fell, 26-24.
 
Patrick Mucherino paced the Sacred Heart offense Saturday with 11 kills. Santa Cruz was right behind him in kills with 10, added four digs and three aces. First year libero Bartek Olczyk led the team with five digs. First year Petr Beranek came off the bench and was able to tally nine kills and two blocks. At setter, Teddy Payne secured 33 assists.
 
Up Next:
The Pioneers return home next Friday at 7:00 p.m. when they face Harvard.