Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (9/27/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (4-6) endured Penn State Berks (2-6) to a 3-1 (28-26, 26-24, 24-26, 25-18) finish in this evening's match thanks to a strong defensive effort at the net and timely runs. The Nittany Lions led the Griffins by a 16-10 spread midway through the first set. The tide turned with the serves of senior middle hitter
Ashley Brown (Lansdale, Pa.) and sophomore right side
Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) as Gwynedd Mercy University raced out to a 20-18 edge before winning the late back-and-forth of an extended 28-26 finish. The second set was closer with neither side leading by more than three points. Fortunately, it ended in a similar fashion as the Griffins grabbed a 2-0 lead with a 26-24 win. Following a mirror finish in the third set, Gwynedd Mercy University secured the triumph with a 25-18 win in the fourth set.
Griffin Highlights
- Gwynedd Mercy University hit .143 (37K-17E-140TA) for the match with their best effort coming in the final frame; .273 (9K-3E-22TA).
- Senior outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) totaled a team-high 10 kills and Brown made two solo blocks in excess of her eight kills, but Pugh led the Griffins with 11 points. She recorded eight kills, two aces, and two block assists.
- In addition to Brown and Pugh, junior middle blocker Lexi Lane (Frederick, Colo.) and sophomore setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) also factored into Gwynedd Mercy University net defense. The former recorded four block assists while the latter recorded a solo block and two block assists.
- Gaston also provided a kill, 32 assists, an ace, and 10 digs.
- Pugh's 11 points is a career high; she achieved it with eight kills, two aces, and her two block assists. She also made an assist and 11 digs.
- Junior libero Maddie Stancil (Lincoln University, Pa.) recorded a team-high 15 digs and an assist.
Gwynedd Mercy University returns to the Griffin Complex tomorrow, Thursday, September 28, to host Cairn University for a 7:00 p.m. match.
