FAIRFAX, Va. - Junior outside hitter Kyra Thompson (Tucson, Ariz.) returned to the lineup to lead the Scarlet Knights with nine kills, but Rutgers fell 3-0 (25-10, 25-22, 26-24) to undefeated New Mexico Friday afternoon in the first match of the George Mason Tournament in Fairfax, Va.

Thompson also added nine digs for RU (0-4), while sophomore Caitlin Saxton (Encinitas, Calif.) continued her stellar play with five kills and a team-high 15 digs. Freshman Kallie Pence (College Station, Texas) recorded a match-high 28 assists in the loss.

In the second set, RU led by as many as four points (12-8) and had chances to take command of the set, but the Lobos went on a 17-10 run to take the 2-0 lead, including a 6-3 spurt to break a 19-19 tie.

The Scarlet Knights showed the most resiliency in the third set as they led most of the way. RU's biggest lead was five (14-9), but once again New Mexico would come on strong at the end. A 14-7 Lobos run would give them a 23-21 lead, but back-to-back kills from Lauren Voss (Hartland, Wisc.) and Saxton would knot the set at 23. After the two squads traded points, New Mexico would finish the match with consecutive kills from Rose Morris and Sarah Kwasigroch.

The Lobos (4-0), who are coming off three consecutive victories at the MCM Elegante Lobo Classic, were led by Jeanne Fairchild who tallied a match-high 19 kills. Morris also posted double figures in kills as she recorded 12 in the win.

Rutgers will continue play in the George Mason Tournament on Sept. 6, as the Scarlet Knights will take on LaSalle and Liberty. Matches will begin at 10:00 a.m.