Reading, Pa. - (9/3/2022) - Following a thrilling opening-day victory over Albright College (W, 3-2; 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-27, 16-14), Gwynedd Mercy University fell on the short side of both results at the Alvernia University Tri-Match. The Griffins first lost a competitive match with Goucher College (1-2) as the Gophers won the second (27-25) and third (25-20) sets before taking the deciding set by a 15-9 measure; L, 2-3 (25-22, 25-27, 20-25, 25-11, 9-15). Afterwards, Gwynedd Mercy University challenged the hosting Wolves, who defeated them in a three-set conclusion; 3-0 (12-25, 19-25, 20-25). Junior outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) led the Griffins in both matches, scoring 19.5 points (16 kills, 2 aces, 3 block assists) against the Gophers and seven (7 kills) versus the Wolves.

Purnell fed off the point play of freshmen setters Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) and Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas) against Goucher College. Gaston totaled two kills, 20 assists, an ace, three block assists, and four digs. Meanwhile, Lopez provided three kills, a dozen (12) assists, a team-high six aces, a pair of block assists, and 11 digs. Purnell completed her double-double with 13 digs. Senior libero Ashley Morris (Quakertown, Pa.) was the fourth Griffin with double-digit digs as she complimented her 14 digs with a kill and two aces.

Against the Wolves, Purnell added five digs to her seven kills. Gaston helped with two kills, 12 assists, a solo block, and four digs. Lopez was useful as well with two kills, two assists, two aces, and six digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University returns to action on Tuesday, September 6, when they visit Cairn University for a 7:00 p.m. match.