FINAL SCORE
George Mason (3-0) – 89
Monmouth (0-3) – 66
 
FAIRFAX, Va. – The Monmouth University Women's Basketball team began its four-game road trip with an 89-66 loss at the hands of George Mason at EagleBank Arena on Tuesday evening.

Damaris Rodriguez led the scoring for the Hawks with a season-best 17, while Jaye Haynes knocked down a career high four triples and finished with 14 points.

Behind eight steals, George Mason used stout defense in the first half to carry a 21-point lead into the break, but Monmouth answered by scoring 11 of the game's 14 points to begin the third. A trio of Taisha Exanor free throws with 3:58 remaining in the third brought the game within 13. The Patriots, however, never relinquished the lead all game long.

Rodriguez scored 10 of her 17 in the fourth quarter, including going a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw stripe. Dayshawna Carter had a strong fourth, as well, adding seven points and two assists. George Mason only outscored Monmouth by two in the second half, 43-41.
 
NOTES
- Monmouth shot 53.5% from the field. The last time the Hawks shot over 50% in a game was Feb. 23, 2024, vs. Drexel (W, 61-55).
- Monmouth is now 2-3 all-time versus George Mason, and it was the first matchup between the schools since 2004.
- Isabella Murray, Kellyn Preira, and Alexis Stewart each made their season debut for the Hawks.
- Haynes hit four three pointers – her most in a game since joining the Hawks.
- It marks back-to-back games Monmouth has reached double-digit assists as a team.
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Monmouth shot 53.5% from the field – its best mark as a team this season.
- The Hawks shot 78.9% from the foul line (15-of-19).
- MU won the rebounding battle, 29-26.
- George Mason had more points in the paint, 28-26.
- The Patriots had more second chance points, 14-7.
- George Mason had more bench points, 31-14.
- Monmouth lost the turnover battle, 25-8.
 
UP NEXT
The Hawks continue their road trip with a game at UMass on Friday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.