Collegeville, Pa. - (9/20/2022) - Gwynedd Mercy University separated from Ursinus College early in the first set of tonight's match, 11-6. Unfortunately, the Bears rallied late in the opening frame and used their 27-25 comeback win to fuel an eventual 3-0 (27-25, 25-12, 25-19) victory. Junior middle hitter Ashley Brown (Lansdale, Pa.) led the Griffin effort with 11 kills, a solo block, a block assist, and a pair of digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University (3-7) emerged from an early 6-6 tie with five straight points on the serve of freshman setter Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas), 11-6 and a kill from sophomore middle blocker Lexi Lane (Frederick, Colo.) kept the Griffins at a five-point advantage heading to the later stages of the first set; 19-14. But that is when Ursinus College (10-0) found their stride, outscoring the Griffins 13-6 down the stretch of a 27-25 end. The comeback motivated the Bears for a decisive 25-12 win in the second set and a controlled 25-19 win in the third set.

Freshman right side Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) and junior outside hitter Julia Rabe (Virginia Beach, Va.) helped Brown score Griffin points; the former netted two kills, two aces, and a block assist, while the latter finished with five kills. Lopez directed the Gwynedd Mercy University offense with 18 assists. She also recorded a block assist and four digs. Senior libero Ashley Morris (Quakertown, Pa.) captained the defense with 10 digs. She additionally provided an ace and a pair of assists.

Gwynedd Mercy University is back in action tomorrow, Wednesday, September 21, when they visit Bryn Mawr College for a 7:00 p.m. match.