FAIRFAX, Va. – Patience is a virtue. It's not easy to have, but it is a virtue.

The Virginia Commonwealth University women's soccer team is hoping their patience will pay off in the long run as the Rams took yet another hard luck loss on Friday afternoon in a 1-0 defensive battle at George Mason.

"It was a hard fought defensive battle that really came down to the few chances that either team was able to produce," Co-Head Coach Tim Sahaydak said. "I give Mason credit for being able to finish a dangerous rebound in the first half."

It's the third straight shutout loss for the Black & Gold, who faced their second consecutive game without leading scorer Breiana White, who is out with a concussion. VCU now sits at 0-3 in Colonial Athletic Association play, while Mason improved to 3-0 in conference action.

The Patriots came into the contest as the top-ranked offense in the CAA, but the Black & Gold's back line was able to keep them in check, especially All-CAA forward Omolyn Davis, who registered just two shots.

With the teams trading possession early, Mason finally broke through about 25 minutes when Tiana Kallenberger unleashed a shot that freshman Megan Lynch was able to knock down, but Mary Kate Lowry was there to clean up the rebound and gave the Patriots a 1-0 advantage.

After halftime, the Rams started to gain control and put some pressure on Mason with four shots in the final 20 minutes.

VCU's best chance came with under three minutes left when sophomore Carly Edgcomb unleashed a shot that bounced off the underside of the crossbar and deflected just wide of the net.

"I'm proud of the way our girls responded in the second half and really controlled play," Sahaydak said. "Carly had a great chance late, but unfortunately it just didn't bounce the way we needed it to."

Mason was able to hold off any other chances by the Black & Gold and pick up the 1-0 win. Overall the Rams got their chances with a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks, but lost a 14-6 battle in shots.

Lynch finished with six saves on the night, with her goals against average on the year moving to 1.05 GAA.

The Rams return home on Sunday afternoon when the Tigers of Towson University visit VCU's Sports Backers Stadium for a 1 p.m. contest.