NORFOLK, Va. – Led by the terrific tandem of junior
Kendra Ireigbe and freshman
Maya Horner, the Coppin State volleyball team turned its 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Norfolk State into a pre-Halloween block party.
The Eagles claimed a critical Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Northern Division conference triumph to move into sole possession of third place. Coppin State raised its overall record to 11-11 and Northern Division mark to 5-4 overall. After Coppin State dropped the first set, 25-20, the Eagles found their groove to win the next three sets 25-17, 25-15, 25-23.
In addition, with the victory, third-year Coppin State head coach
Ashley Preston tied Linda Mitchell's program record for most wins by a CSU head coach.
Normally, block parties are held during the searing heat of the summer with loud music and great food. With the leaves turning beautiful hues, chill getting crisper and days getting shorter, this was a different type of party.
The screams and cheers of the Coppin State players provided all the needed sounds to enjoy a happy trip home. The season-high 24 blocks by the Eagles along with a breathtaking display of high-level effort in the middle sets supplied the entertainment.
Ireigbe and Horner had a team-high seven blocks each.
Ireigbe was a dominant force against the Spartans Sunday. In addition to her blocking show, Ireigbe had a team-high 12 kills along with an insane .683 hitting percentage. She has four double-digit kill performances in her last five games. For Ireigbe, it was her sixth match this season with at least five kills. She had a career-best 10 against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 13.
Horner contributed eight kills to finish her weekend with 15.
Junior
Cindy Okpegbue had fun as well as she finished with 10 kills.
Kandace Thomas collected five blocks and eight kills.
Chelsee Sauni had a match-high 40 assists. Defensively, senior
Gabrielle Otero collected 17 digs. Coppin State took control in the middle sets by holding the Spartans to a hitting percentage below .200.
Coppin State continues its season Friday night when it hosts Delaware State at 7:00 p.m. All fans are encouraged to wear black as the Eagles will celebrate Halloween with a "Blackout."
