Bryn Mawr, Pa. - (10/2/2024) - Gwynedd Mercy University (10-5) officially has a new all-time kill leader as fifth-year outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) totaled 14 to surpass Chrissy Longbottom '06 (1,093) for the Griffins' high-perch and fuel a 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-14) Red and Gold victory at Bryn Mawr College. The Griffins hit a season's best .248 (35K-10E-101TA), landed nine aces, and combined for 4.0 team blocks (2 solo, 4 assisted blocks). Purnell was joined in double-digit kills by sophomore outside hitter Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.), who recorded 10 kills in excess of two aces and eight digs.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University overcame Bryn Mawr College early in the first set and gradually established an 18-12 advantage before scoring the first set-point of the match by a 25-15 margin.
• In the second set, the Owls owned a 17-12 lead prior to a Griffin rally that knotted the frame at 21-21. From there, points were traded until a service error and an Etter kill did Bryn Mawr in.
• A mid-set run brought the Red and Gold from an 11-9 deficit to a 19-11 lead in the third frame, essentially ending any changes for an Owl comeback.
• Gwynedd Mercy University hit their best in the second set; they finished the frame with an impressive .353 (14K-2E-34TA) hitting percentage.
• Purnell added an assist, an ace, and eight digs to her kills.
• Junior setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) totaled 31 assists, two aces, a solo block, two block assists, and a team-high 13 digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University continues their non-conference schedule tomorrow, Thursday, September 2, when they host Widener University for a 7:00 p.m. match.