Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (9/5/2024) - In tonight's women's volleyball home opener, Gwynedd Mercy University (1-2) recovered from a 27-25 opening-set loss to defeat Penn State York (1-1) by a 3-1 (25-27, 25-16, 25-23, 25-22) final. Outside hitters, fifth-year Bria Purnell (Reading, Pa.) (13 kills, 5 aces, 1 block assist) and sophomore Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) (16 kills, 2 aces, 1 block assist) totaled 18.5 points apiece, while junior setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) directed the Red and Gold attack with 36 assists; the trio helped the Griffins' hit .159 (48K-24E-151TA) for the match.

Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University paced Penn State York through most of the opening set and owned a 21-17 advantage before the Nittany Lions outscored them 10-4 down the stretch.
• The Griffins recovered from the first set loss with their best hitting of the night; .211 (14K-6E-38TA).
• They also improved on the serve, eventually totaling 13 aces. In addition to Purnell's five, junior setter/defensive specialist Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas) (3), junior libero Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) (2), Etter (2), and senior middle blocker Lexi Lane (Frederick, Colo.) (1) also contributed.
• Purnell added 11 digs to her offense, while Etter added 10.
• Pugh additionally recorded five assists and a team-high 19 digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University plays next on Saturday, September 7, when they visit Bryn Athyn College for a 1:00 p.m. opening serve.