Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (10/16/2024) - Gwynedd Mercy University (12-7, 1-1) evened their early Atlantic East Conference (AEC) season record with tonight's 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-14) victory over Centenary University (N.J.). The Griffins made short work of the Cyclones as they weathered the storm in a 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-14) final that saw the Red and Gold hit .283 (38K-10E-99TA), score eight aces, and combine for two blocks; 48.0 points. Fifth-year outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) scored a team-high 15.0 points of that team total with 13 kills and a pair of aces. She was joined in double-digit points by sophomore outside hitter Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.), who complimented her 11 kills with a dozen (12) digs.

Every year, thousands of volleyball athletes from around the country will participate in The Side-Out Foundation's Dig Pink® program. Middle school, high school, college, club, and adult teams will advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in their communities while raising funds for the Side-Out Foundation. Donations from Dig Pink events support metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients' participation in Side-Out's Precision Medicine Analysis Program in addition to supporting the foundation's own ongoing breast cancer research. DONATE | GET INVOLVED

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University forced Centenary University (N.J.) into their first timeout with an 8-4 edge in the first set. Later in the frame, the extended service of Purnell and freshman libero Annalise Kuppel (Estell Manor, N.J.) spurred the Griffins from a lingering 13-9 advantage to the eventual 25-10 conclusion.
• In the second frame, the Red and Gold again used Purnell's service to separate as they grew a 13-11 lead to a 17-11 perch, and later a 25-15 win.
• The Cyclones did not fair any better in the third set. But this time, the Griffins did the work up front with an early 13-7 lead that quickly increased to 19-9 before the 25-14 conclusion.
• In support of Purnell and Etter, juniors setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) offered 30 assists, two aces, a block assist, and seven digs, while junior middle hitter Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) contributed six kills, an assist, a block assists, and a team-high 13 digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University continues the Breast Cancer awareness theme tomorrow, Thursday, October 17, as they host Delaware Valley University for a 6:00 p.m. METAvivor - GRIFFINS GO PINK - Game.