Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/28/2024) – "We set the bar high with our record-breaking 2023," acknowledged the matriarch of the reigning AEC Coaching Staff of the Year, Gwynedd Mercy University Head Women's Volleyball Coach Lauren Yancer '21. "Regardless, we're excited to have the opportunity to do even better this year. I expect big things from this team. We'll have our challenges and adjustments during the season for sure, but this team is motivated to surpass last year's accomplishments."
 
Gwynedd Mercy University finished their first season under Coach Yancer with a 12-16 overall record and a 3-2 conference mark that earned the Griffins their first home Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Women's Volleyball Championship Tournament match in program history and their first home postseason match of any type since 2006.
 
In 2024, Gwynedd Mercy University's greatest obstacle to overcome may be the loss of middle hitter Ashley Brown (Lansdale, Pa.). The 2023-2024 Gwynedd Mercy University Senior Female Student-Athlete of the Year, was a three-time All-AEC performer (1^st Team: 2023, 2021, 2^nd Team: 2022) and the 2021 AEC Rookie of the Year. She finished her collegiate career sixth on the program's all-time kill list with 685 attack points. "We will miss Ashley. Her leadership and talent were unmatched in the league," said Coach Yancer. "This year, we will rely on Bria, Lexi, Charlotte, and Kate to shoulder the load offensively and mentor our newcomers." Fifth-year outside hitter Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) garnered a third straight All-AEC Second Team laurel in 2023 as the owner of the league's fifth-best totals in points (5th, 319.0) and kills (5th, 282). She scored a team-high 282 kills on a .121 (282K-172E-908TA) hitting percentage, landed 24 aces, and made 21 blocks (13.0 points; 5 solo, 16 assisted) for a team-high 319.0 points. Junior right side/defensive specialist Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) was a key member to the Griffins' 2023 success as her versatility allowed her to make 12 starts at right side before taking over as the Red and Gold's libero. She finished the season with 40 kills, 50 assists, 18 aces, 11.0 (1 solo, 10 assisted) blocks, and a team-high 350 digs, but will likely see a return to the Griffins' side-out attack. Additionally, senior middle blocker Lexi Lane (Frederick, Colo.) contributed a career-best 168.0 points (131 kills, 15 solo blocks, 44 block assists) and sophomore outside hitter/defensive specialist Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) finished a strong freshman season with 257.5 points (217 kills, 22 aces, 8 solo blocks, 21 block assists).

Purnell, Lane, Pugh, and Etter will be joined on the frontline by freshmen; outside hitter Riviierra Littlejohn (Wichita, Kan.), middle blocker/hitter Emma Hastings (Collingswood, N.J.), and sophomore middle blocker/hitter Sara Wojciechowski (Holland, Pa.). "Riviierra and Emma will provide additional options for us," remarked Coach Yancer. "We should be able to diversify our strategy better with this group."
 
"Ayanna is our rutter. She provides consistency to everything we do. Her play in transition is respected throughout the league." recognized Coach Yancer. Junior setter/right side Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) enjoyed an All-AEC Second Team season in 2023 with the league's second best numbers in assists (2^nd, 751) and aces (2^nd, 56). Her classmate, junior setter/defensive specialist Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas) will provide relief while figuring into Gwynedd Mercy University's highly-regarded defensive depth chart as well.
 
Lopez is joined there by fellow returnee sophomore defensive specialist Danika Lewis (Coopersburg, Pa.) and three newcomers; junior defensive specialist Samantha Peralte (Morrisville, Pa.) and freshmen defensive specialist/liberos Annalise Kuppel (Estell Manor, N.J.) and Marley Robbins (Medford, N.J.).
 
"We work hard in practice and I can see that they are motivated to improve and try new things," declared Coach Yancer. "Our defense was unwavering last year and I think we can back that up in 2024. Pair that with some new offensive weapons and strategies, and I think you'll see we are one fierce pride of Griffins!"
 
The 2024 Gwynedd Mercy University women's volleyball season begins on Friday, August 30, when they Griffins visit Arcadia University for a 6:00 p.m. match.