Scranton, Pa. - (11/2/2021) - Sophomore Aybria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) provided the punch for #5 Gwynedd Mercy University (9-20) in tonight's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Opening Round match at #4 Marywood University (11-19) as the Griffins' outside hitter scored 17 kills on a .233 (17K-7E-43TA) hitting percentage and recorded three block assists for 18.5 total points. Unfortunately, her performance was not enough to detour the Pacers from a 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 25-15) victory. Marywood University grabbed the early advantage with a 25-19 win in the opening set, but Gwynedd Mercy University quickly evened the playing field with a 25-21 win the second set. The Griffins hit .103 (10K-6E-39TA), scored a pair of aces, and forced the Pacers into nine attack errors in the frame. Still, the home side recovered, advancing to the AEC Semifinals with clinching wins of 25-17 and 25-15.

Purnell added an assist and a pair of digs to her 11th double-digit kill performance of the season. Senior setter Bridget McTamney (Conshohocken, Pa.) supplied 27 assists in addition to four kills, a solo block, two block assists, and seven digs. Sophomore middle hitter Ashley Brown (Lansdale, Pa.) also contributed with five kills, an assist, an ace, a dig, and six block assists. Senior libero Ashley Morris (Quakertown, Pa.) made three assists and a team-high 25 digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University finishes the 2021 season with a 9-20 overall record and a 2-4 conference mark.