Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (10/3/2024) - Gwynedd Mercy University (10-6) officially congratulated their new all-time kill leader - fifth-year outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) - prior to tonight's 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 19-25, 22-25) loss to Widener University (12-6). The Griffins used the boost from the recognition to score a 25-20 win in the first set of the match. Unfortunately, the spur lost its effect in the remaining sets as the Pride evened the affair with a gradual 25-21 win in the second set, won a set of runs 25-19 in the third, and finished the Red and Gold off with some drama in the fourth set; 25-22. Purnell finished with 21 points on 20 kills and an ace. Junior middle hitter Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) contributed a season-high 12.5 points with a career-high 11 kills, an ace, and a block assist.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University scored double digit kills in three of the four sets; they topped out with 15 in the fourth set, where they hit their best; .297 (15K-4E-37TA).
• The Griffins totaled nine aces and two team blocks.
• Purnell added two assists and 11 digs to her points. Pugh added an assist and a team-high 16 digs to hers.
• Sophomore outside hitter Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) was the third Griffin in double figure kills as she scored 10 in excess of an ace and eight digs.
• Junior setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) offered two kills, 39 assists, three aces, a block assist, and 10 digs.

Gywnedd Mercy University takes some time off before visiting Rutgers-Camden for a 7:00 p.m. match on Thursday, October 10.