FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason women's soccer team exploded for five goals as the Patriots defeated UNCG, 5-1, in the first round of the George Mason Invitational Friday at George Mason Stadium.

George Mason improved to 2-2, while the Spartans dropped to 2-2.

The game featured the first-ever night game at George Mason Stadium for the Patriot women after a Musco lighting system was installed over the summer. Mason took advantage of the momentous occasion by exploding for its highest offensive output since a 6-2 victory over Old Dominion on Oct. 22, 1999.

Sophomore Sarah Wilkinson recorded her first career multi-goal game with two goals, while seniors Caroline Kent, Katy McGee and Katy Robertson each added one. Kent got the first goal in the seventh minute as she took the ball off a UNCG defender and sent a 15-yard shot into the upper-left corner of the net for her third goal of the season.

Wilkinson scored her first goal in the 41st minute after Spartans freshman goalkeeper Jennifer Stillman made two point-blank saves on shots by Robertson, who gained her 35th career assist, tying her with Sherry Worsham for second all-time on the Patriot list.

McGee scored her second goal of the year as she sent a 35-yard shot over the head of Stillman into the goal in the 42nd minute to give Mason a 3-0 halftime lead.

Wilkinson got her third goal of the season in the 64th minute as she headed in a cross from junior Janet Burke, and Robertson capped the Patriot scoring with her first goal of the year in the 69th minute off a breakaway.

UNCG broke up the shutout in the 75th minute as freshman Cara Hammond sent a 16-yard shot inside the left post off a pass forward by freshman Shannon Alger.

In the first game of the day, William & Mary freshman Lydia Sturgis scored the game-winner with 2:26 left in regulation. Sturgis took a pass from senior Franny Swajkoski about 30 yards away from the goal, dribbled in and sent a 12-yard shot into the net for her first collegiate goal.

Illinois took a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute as junior Megan Kolze scored her second goal of the season off an assist from sophomore Tara Hurless. But the Tribe equalized in the 26th minute as junior Tara Flint scored her third goal of the year off assists by Sturgis and sophomore Taline Tahmassian.

The tournament continues Sunday as William & Mary faces UNC Greensboro at 12 p.m. before George Mason hosts Illinois at 2 p.m.

- UNCG -