The Patriots fell to the Northeastern Huskies, keeping them from the tournament Saturday night. Photo by Ezekiel Watkins
Marketing students set new attendance record
For months, Cindy Wadell and her sports marketing class have been learning about all facets of sports marketing.
They have been working in conjunction with the women’s volleyball team, exploring marketing strategies and successfully raising attendance rates by more than 80 people.
On Saturday night, the students saw their hard work pay off as more than 700 students and fans filled the Recreation and Athletic Complex to witness the women’s volleyball season finale.
The class was armed with donated Mason apparel, free smoothie coupons and tickets to a Washington Wizards game and raffled off a flurry of prizes following the second set.
Following the match, Wadell’s students set up an autograph session and invited children and fans of all ages to meet the team.
Coming into the evening, a goal of 900 fans was set. Though their goal was not obtained, the 711 fans that piled into the gym shattered a previous record by more than 70 people.
“I think it was definitely a huge success,” said Ludek Lhotsky, a student in the sports marketing class.
Patriots miss tournament after heartbreaking loss
A four set win over the Hofstra Pride on Friday night put the Patriots in control of their own destiny heading into Saturday night’s contest with the Northeastern Huskies. A win would send Mason to its second consecutive CAA Tournament, while a loss would limit their chances.
After two sets, the Patriots held a commanding lead and seemed to be in control. A record attendance of 711 fans filled the Recreation and Athletic Complex and gave the arena a feeling somewhat akin to that of the Patriot Center during basketball games.
A competitive third set that saw more than 15 ties and lead changes was the momentum shifter for the Patriots. With the score tied at 23 in the set, Mason made two untimely errors on the attack and fell 25-23, allowing the Huskies an opportunity to push the match to a fourth set.
The Huskies took full advantage and controlled the fourth set from the opening serve. They pushed their lead to six in the early going and won the match by the same margin.
In the fifth and final set, Mason trailed 14-8. Making one final push, the Patriot drew two within three but were extinguished by a service error, giving the Huskies a 15-11 victory and a berth to the CAA Tournament.
Comments