Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (11/7/2023) - In front of a proud Red and Gold crowd, #3 Gwynedd Mercy University (12-15) advanced to the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Women's Volleyball Semifinals with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-15) victory over #6 Immaculata University (12-12). The Griffins led for a large majority of the evening with a 12-1 run at the beginning of the opening set, a 13-3 run midway through the second set, and a 5-1 start to the final frame. The Mighty Macs had little answer to Gwynedd Mercy University as the Griffins hit .233 (33K-12E-90TA) in the match while spotting a dozen (12) aces and combining for six team blocks.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University came out of the gate with fury as an opening 12-1 run propelled the Griffins to a 25-14 victory. The Red and Gold hit .407 (12K-1E-27TA) in the first set.
• The Griffins' stout play at the net included three solo blocks from senior middle hitter Ashley Brown (Lansdale, Pa.) and 1.5 blocks (1 solo, 2 assisted) from junior middle blocker Lexi Lane (Frederick, Colo.).
• Brown totaled a team-high 13 points with eight kills on a .368 (8K-1E-19TA) hitting percentage, two aces, and her three solo blocks. She also recorded six digs.
• Senior outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) scored all 12.0 of her points on kills. She hit .385 (12K-2E-26TA) and made seven digs.
• Sophomore setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) supplied 27 assists while scoring a kill, seven aces, and a block assist. She also made seven digs.
• Sophomore libero Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) captained the Red and Gold defense with a dozen digs. She also provided four assists.

Gwynedd Mercy University will travel to #2 Neumann University on Thursday, November 9, for their AEC Semifinal match. Opening serve is to be announced.