Gwynedd Valley, Pa. - The Notre Dame of Maryland Women's Volleyball team had an outstanding weekend, sweeping both Penn St. Brandywine and Gwynedd Mercy in straight sets on Saturday, Sept. 28. 
 
NDMU battled in each of their three sets against the Lions, taking the first set by a score of 25-23. After trailing 22-21 late in the set, a service ace from Paulina Hernandez sparked a 4-1 run with Miasia Ferrer slamming down a kill to secure the set victory. The second set featured several early runs, with a 7-0 flurry by the Gators helping them build a 13-10 advantage. Once again NDMU trailed late in the set, but they went on a 4-0 run capped off by Ciarra Bockstie allowed the Gators to take a 2-0 lead in the match. The Gators capitalized on several mistakes by the Lions to pull away in the third set, with Gwen Abnett securing the victory by hammering down one final kill. 
 
The Gators offense was led by Ferrer who finished the match with eight kills on 14 swings. Emma Mueller racked up 15 assists and added two service aces. Jade Stewart led the Gators with 10 digs. NDMU's block made a major impact, resulting in 8 total blocks with Ferrer recording six blocking assists. 
 
NDMU then battled the hosts, looking to complete the weekend sweep. The Gators sprinted out to a 12-6 in the first set. The Griffins were bothered by the Gators block, resulting in several hitting errors that allowed NDMU to win the first set 25-22. Once again NDMU pulled away early in the second set using a 7-1 run featuring several kills from Emily Gordon. The Gators finished the set on a 6-1 run capturing the 25-13 second set victory. NDMU looked to close out the day in the third set, controlling game play. Abnett and Bockstie each crushed kills down the stretch to securing the set 25-19 and the 3-0 match victory. 
 
The Gators had Emily Gordon, Abnett, Mueller and Ferrer each record seven kills as part of a balanced offensive attack. Mueller also added 17 assists and Natalie Newton racked up 10 assists to control the offense. Stewart once again led the defense, registering eight digs. 
 
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators will start conference play, traveling for a rematch with Penn St. Brandywine on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The match is scheduled for 7:00 PM
 
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.