With a couple of injuries last week and some unfortunate circumstances the Richmond Spiders had only five defensemen, seven forwards and two goalies, going into the suburbs of D.C. to play a full rostered George Mason squad. The Spiders showed a lot of heart though, and played a back and forth game despite being exhausted.

George Mason struck first just 4 minutes into the first period cleaning up a rebound that was kicked out front by sophomore goalie Ben (Nap) Napierala. The rest of the first period was spent mostly in the Richmond end as they were having trouble getting their offense going. After the end of the first, Nap held the Spiders in the game with shot totals of 20-3 in favor of George Mason, yet the score remained 1-0.

The second period contained little action for the spiders as George Mason once again dominated the majority of the play. Mason scored on another multiple rebound sequence with 5 minutes remaining, and things were looking gloomy for the Spiders. With two minutes remaining the Spiders got a break with a much needed powerplay. James (Hank) Henry and his younger brother Tom Henry worked some magic, keeping control in the offensive zone. Sophomore defensemen Travis (TK) Kennedy and Dean Klein workded the puck over to Big Hank and he ripped a slap shot that would bounce twice before hopping over the George Mason goaltender's glove. The Spiders felt some life cutting the lead in half. George Mason responded quickly though, just 14 seconds later a mishap between Nap and TK caused a turnover with Nap out of his net, and Seve Cordova of Mason would net an easy goal his second of the night. Things were looking rough for the Spiders.

It seemed like there would be no chance for the Spiders in the third, with so few players, and a devastating goal just two minutes into the period by once again Seve Cordova on a back door chance. Somewhere the Spiders found life though and mounted an impressive comeback. With a few key saves from Nap and a breakaway goal from Michael Blaum, the Spiders were within two. Richmond maintained some offensive pressure and James Henry made a great pass out front to senior leader Ryan Pfingst, who netted the chance on the far side making the score 4-3. Just three minutes later Blaum fired home yet another goal with Pfingst and Hank registering the apples. Suddenly the score was tied with 9 minutes remaining. George Mason used their timeout in order to regain their composure. Richmond would continue to get some pressure, but would make a costly turnover at their own blue line. Seve Cordova of George Mason picked up the loose puck and went one on one with Nap. He didn't do anything fancy with the puck, but instead ripped a shot from the hashmarks that beat Nap over his shoulder, regaining the lead for George Mason. The Spiders gave it their all in the last 7 minutes, but to no avail, and left northern Virginia with their second conference loss of the season.

Seve Cordova had quite the night with four goals, while on the Richmond side, both Ryan Pfingst and James Henry ended the night with a goal and two assists and Michael Blaum had 2 goals along with 8 pims. Ben Napierala ended the night with 41 saves while the Mason goaltender registered 16.

The Spiders hope to regain most of thier players that were missing this past weekend, in order to make a strong showing against Loyola for their Home opener this coming weekend.