Allentown, Pa. - (9/2/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (0-2) returned to Cedar Crest College (2-0) today for an afternoon grudge match versus the Falcons. Griffin rallies came up short in the first (25-19) and second sets (25-23), but in the third frame Gwynedd Mercy University established a 20-13 perch before Cedar Crest College claimed a 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-22)  with a 12-2 run. Senior outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) led the Griffins in points with 12.5 thanks to nine kills, three aces, and a block assist. Freshman outside hitter Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) was a factor as well with seven kills, two assists, an ace, and 14 digs.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University lead early in the first set, 3-2, but ended up trailing Cedar Crest College through most of the frame.
• The Griffins played better in the second set, recovering from a 14-7 deficit with a 10-3 run that brought the spread even at 17-17. Unfortunately, the Falcons won the race to 25 with a 8-2 closing run.
• In the third set, the service of senior defensive specialist Maddie Stancil (Lincoln University, Pa.) spirited Gwynedd Mercy University on a four-point run that separated them for a 13-7 edge. The difference increased to seven points as late as 20-13, but Cedar Crest College rallied late in a 25-22 conclusion.
• Purnell added a pair of assists and seven digs to her points, while fellow senior Ashley Brown (Lansdale, Pa.) totaled seven kills, an ace, a block assist, and five digs.
• Sophomore setter Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas) directed the Gwynedd Mercy University offense with 19 assists in two sets. She also recorded a kill, two aces, and four digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University plays next on Wednesday, September 5, when they host Penn State Abington in their 7:00 p.m. home opener.