Feb. 21, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's lacrosse team will take the field for the first time in 2008 with a 1 p.m. game against Johns Hopkins on Saturday at George Mason Stadium in the season opener for both teams. George Mason is looking to start its season with an upset against the Blue Jays, who are ranked ninth in the IWLCA poll and tied for 11th in the Inside Lacrosse Media Poll.

The Patriots are counting on another big season from senior co-captain Laura King. Coming off a phenomenal junior season in which she recorded 37 goals, 48 points and a .552 shooting percentage, she will be asked to pace the attack for Mason again this season. King will share the team captain duties with junior Maggie Bridges and senior Alex Velesz.

Johns Hopkins is coming off a record-setting season in 2007. With a 12-8 record, the Blue Jays tied their best record in school history since making the move to Division I, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals for the first time in school history as a Division I program. Three players from Johns Hopkins - Lauren Schwarzmann, Kadie Stamper and Sam Schrum - have been named to the American Lacrosse Conference Preseason All-Conference Team. Schwarzmann has been an All-ALC selection three times and Stamper twice. Schrum was the ALC Rookie of the Year last season.

The Blue Jays lead the all-time series with Mason, 6-4. The two sides have played four of those games at George Mason Stadium, with each team winning twice. The Patriots will look to improve upon their 5-9 record in season openers and halt Hopkins' five-game winning streak in season openers with a win on Saturday. Mason fell to the Blue Jays in last year's opener in Baltimore, Md.

Tickets to the game will cost $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens. All full-time students enrolled at George Mason University will receive free admission with a valid student ID.