Reading, Pa. - (9/13/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University took the early advantage in today's match at Penn State Berks, rallying from a 17-10 deficit to win the opening set by a 26-24 measure. Unfortunately, the Nittany Lions evened the affair with a 25-15 win in the second set, confirmed their advantage with a 25-21 win in the third set, and defeated the Griffins by a 3-1 victory with an26-24 win in the fourth set. Junior outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) led Gwynedd Mercy University with 16.5 points (16 kills, block assist) and 18 digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University (2-4) rode the serve of freshman Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) in their mid first-set rally as several errors on the Penn State Berks (3-2) side allowed the Griffins to knot the frame at 19-19. From there, a pair of kills from freshman setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) put Gwynedd Mercy University in position to steal the set; 26-24. The Nittany Lions got revenge with a 25-15 win in the second set and staked their claim with a 25-21 win in the third set. In the fourth, Gwynedd Mercy University trailed most of the way before three straight home points swayed the decision in Penn State Berks favor. The Griffins rallied for the leads at 13-12, 19-18, and 24-23, only for a kill, an ace, and a hitting error to push the decision in the Nittany Lion favor.

Purnell added a pair of assists to her points. Gaston finished with four kills, 30 assists, a solo block, and eight digs. Pugh and freshman setter Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas) offered 12 digs apiece; the former also offered four kills, an assist, and a solo block, while the latter additionally totaled two kills, two aces, and a block assist.

Gwynedd Mercy University returns to the Griffin Complex on Thursday, September 15, when they host Penn State York in a 7:00 p.m. match.