Arlington, Va. - (11/14/2024) - A brilliant 2024 season came to its conclusion in this evening's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Semifinal as #4 Gwynedd Mercy University (17-11) lost to #1 Marymount University (11-21) by a 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-16) score. The Griffins used a late run to close the margin to just five points, 25-20, in the opening set. In the second, the Red and Gold trailed by a 14-11 spread before letting the Saints find a 25-17 conclusion. A pair of early Marymount University runs put the third set out of reach early. Fifth-year outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) and sophomore outside hitter Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) both recorded five kills, while junior setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) and marked one of the Griffins' eight aces.

Griffin Highlights

• Etter scored two of Gwynedd Mercy University's eight aces. Junior middle hitter Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) and junior defensive specialist Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas) also scored two aces apiece. Gaston and freshman libero Annalise Kuppel (Estell Manor, N.J.) recorded the others.
• Purnell paired her kills with four digs. As did Etter. The former finishes her collegiate career with program records in kills (1,268) and points (1,440.5).
• Gaston additionally recorded a kill and five digs; she tied Kuppel for the team lead in the latter.

Gwynedd Mercy University finishes the 2024 season with a 17-10 overall record and a 3-3 AEC standing. Their overall win total is the most since the 2006 season, when the Griffins went to the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) Semifinals with a 17-13 overall record and a 9-2 league standing.