The Seahawks improved to 11-6-1 overall and 6-3-0 in CAA play as they extended their winning streak to four games. The win, combined with James Madison's loss to Drexel, also secured UNCW a spot in the upcoming CAA Women's Soccer Championship. The Patriots, meanwhile, moved to 6-11-1 and 2-6-1 with the setback.

"I am so proud of this team," said UNCW Head Coach Paul Cairney. "As a group, they simply work hard for each other and today was an example of that teamwork. Scoring early certainly set a great tone for the game. George Mason put us under great pressure in spells and our back four and Caitlin (Hunter) had to defend for long spells. Overall, we played well in what was a physical battle."

For the second straight contest the Seahawks opened the scoring at the 3:00 mark as Rose took a throw in from freshman Lindsey Byrne and placed a shot from 20 yards out into the back of the net.

Sophomore Stephanie Bronson doubled the Seahawks advantage in the 33rd minute, knocking home a feed from freshman Katrina Guillou for her fourth goal of the season. Rose was also credited with an assist on the play.

Guillou stretched the UNCW lead to 3-0 at the 68:23 mark, converting a feed from Rose in the middle of the box for her first collegiate tally.

Rose closed out the scoring in the 71st minute, putting home her own rebound attempt for her league-leading 12th goal of the season.

Rose's two assists give her 11 for the campaign, moving her into sole possession of first place on the program's season assists chart. Rose's 12 goals this season also moved her into a tie for third place on the school's season goal chart.

"Stephanie (Rose) is having a special season and she led the way today," said Cairney. "(Stephanie) Bronson's goal was from a great build up and it allowed us some breathing room. It was also great to get Katrina (Guillou) on the field for more minutes and her goal will give her confidence."

Senior Caitlin Hunter finished with seven saves for the Seahawks as she recorded her sixth shutout of the season and the 13th clean sheet of her career. Lyndse Hokason and Briana Kotler split time in goal for the Patriots and combined to make six stops.

UNCW posted a 13-10 advantage in shots taken in the contest, highlighted by an 8-3 edge in the first half.

Both teams close out the regular season Wednesday. UNCW travels to Georgia State for a 4 p.m. matinee while Mason hosts Towson in a 7 p.m. kickoff.  

"We have a very short turnaround now to get ready for an athletic and dangerous GSU team," said Cairney. "We will enjoy this moment of getting to the tourney, but we have to focus on the next game."