Brian T. Chan, Sports Editor

Overview: The women’s soccer team returns to the pitch on Friday to take on the Long Island Blackbirds. George Mason University opened the 2009 season with three wins, their first 3-0 start since 1993, but dropped their first game against the Pennsylvania Quakers. Mason is 2-0 at home so far this season.

Mason: The team is led by senior forward Kelly Keelan, who has two goals and two assists entering this past weekend’s two games in Williamsburg.

Although she spent part of the season as the goalkeeper, Keelan led Mason with seven goals and 14 points last season. This season, she has fully committed herself as an offensive player.

Redshirt junior midfielder Omolyn Davis is off to a good start with a team-leading three goals. Davis transferred from Lindsey Wilson College, located in Kentucky, and sat out last season due to NCAA regulations.

Freshman forward Tiana Kallenberger will be one of the key pieces to Mason’s future.

Long Island: The Blackbirds started the season 4-0 and have yet to allow a goal from the opponents.

The Blackbirds defeated the San Francisco Dons and San Jose State Spartans to capture the University of San Francisco Odwalla Nike Classic.

The team is off to their best start in school history. Junior forward Kayleigh Morgan leads the team with two goals, which came from the 2-0 win over the Dons.

Morgan ended up being named the tournament’s most valuable player. She returns for the 2009 season after compiling the team’s second-most nine goals last season.

Sophomore forward Ariana Calderon had a successful rookie campaign, leading the team with 10 goals and 22 points.

The defending Northeast Conference Player of the Year will be a player to look out for on the field.