The Mustangs got a hot start by tallying 33 points in the first half to the Generals’ 18, seemingly paving the way for a safe win. However, the teams appeared to swap mojos in the second half as Mason added only 11 points to Washington-Liberty’s 34.

Younger faces take on bigger roles both on and off the court for George Mason High School’s boys basketball team as it started its season with a 55-43 loss over Independence High School and, coincidentally, a 55-43 win over Park View High School.

The change in the competitive landscape will test each program’s ability to repeat their previous successful seasons, but all the coaches maintain the new challenge is a welcome test for their teams.

The girls team placed fourth with 111 points and improved by four places from last year. It was their lowest point total since 2016 and marks the 16th year out of 17 finishing in the top 4. The boys finished ninth with 209 points and had the third best 1-5 split in the race.

Despite starting 0-2 and finishing 4-7 to make the playoffs, George Mason High School’s postseason was one and done after a 32-21 loss to Brentsville District High School in the opening round concluded its season.

Mason fell victim to the Tigers’ big plays several times throughout the night, and once the offense went cold and injuries started piling up in the second half, the Mustangs struggled to keep pace.

“We came out tense. We don’t play well when we’re tense. Some teams play well serious, we don’t. We have to be having fun,” said Junior outside hitter Megan Boesen.

George Mason High School’s volleyball team now has four straight-set victories in a row after acing away the playoff hopes of Maggie Walker Governor’s School in the 3B Region quarterfinal Tuesday night.

The Mustangs struggled early on both sides of the ball, allowing three first-half touchdowns and were down 21-0 at the end of the half.

After finding themselves down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Mustangs would rebound to take a late lead that they couldn’t hold onto in crunch time.