Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - (10/9/2025) - Gwynedd Mercy University (4-8) welcomed Rutgers-Camden (7-10) to the Griffin Complex for tonight's Side-Out Foundation Dig Pink match and grabbed an early 2-0 advantage with 25-21 and 26-24 wins in the first two sets. Unfortunately, the Scarlet Raptors took control of the match with a 29-27, 25-11 comeback that influenced their 16-14 deciding-set victory; 3-2 (21-25, 24-26, 29-27, 25-11, 16-14). Three Griffins finished with double-digit points, including junior outside hitter Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) who finished with 17.5 points on 11 kills, four aces, two solo blocks, and a block assist. Senior setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) contributed a kill, 40 assists, an ace, a block assist, and 14 digs to the Red and Gold effort.

POSTGAME INTERVIEW

Every year thousands of volleyball athletes from around the country participate in The Side-Out Foundation's Dig Pink® program. Middle school, high school, college, club, and adult teams will advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in their communities while raising funds for the Side-Out Foundation. Donations from Dig Pink events support metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients' participation in Side-Out's Precision Medicine Analysis Program in addition to supporting the foundation's own ongoing breast cancer research. During the Griffins' October home games, a Side-Out Foundation Dig Pink Raffle Table will be located in the lobby of the Griffins Complex; raffle tickets are available and donations are welcome. Winners will be selected at the October 29 home match versus Marymount University.



Griffin Highlights

• Gwynedd Mercy University took the cat-bird seat with 25-21 and 26-24 victories in the first two sets; the Griffins held a slight advantage more a majority of the first set and endured for their second-set win after owning a late 19-17 edge.
• The Griffins hit their best in the first set with a .152 (10K-5E-33TA) hitting percentage.
• The Red and Gold scored eight aces and five team blocks; Etter was a major contributor to both.
• In addition to Etter, senior middle hitter Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) (13.5 points) and sophomore middle hitter Emma Hastings (Collingswood, N.J.) (12.5) also reached double-digit points.
• Sophomore outside hitter Annalise Kuppel (Estell Manor, N.J.) (24 digs), Pugh (21), Gaston (14), Etter (13), all finished in double-digit digs.

Gwynedd Mercy University opens their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) schedule this Saturday, October 11, when they visit Marywood University for a tri-match with Rutgers-Newark. The Griffins and Pacers open the event with an 11:00 a.m. conference match, while the Red and Gold faces the Scarlet Raiders in a 1:00 p.m. neutral-site match.