Women's Volleyball | 11/21/2014 7:39:00 PM
BALTIMORE – When the lights are brightest; Coppin State freshman
Maya Horner shines.
Horner's playoff debut was memorable as her career-best 16 kills were a crucial component to Coppin State's dramatic 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Bethune-Cookman in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) quarterfinal contest Friday morning in the Physical Education Complex.
"She's built for these moments," Coppin State volleyball coach
Ashley Preston said. "She was second in the state of Tennessee in kills and played on a high-level club team. She loves big moments. She's the constant in our offense at times. As long as you have a constant in your offense, then you're good. She's a smart player."
Horner enjoyed her first career postseason appearance. Playing with veteran poise and patience, Horner had plenty of perfectly placed balls that ended up as points for Coppin State. Horner helped keep the Eagles going until their experienced core of hitters began killing everything in sight.
"It was amazing," Horner said. "I was a little nervous at first, but the experience was amazing and I loved it. Every moment of it. My role is to be the OH2, score when I need to score and keep the ball in play."
Quiet by nature, Horner has let her play do the talking for her this season.
She's had strong moments this season like the double-double she recorded against Saint Peter's at the Towson tournament and the 14 kills in a tough 3-2 setback to Hampton University. Horner also enjoyed a .345 attack percentage in that same match against Hampton. For the season, she has six double-digit kill games. Against Norfolk State on Oct. 26, Horner had a career best seven blocks.
Horner was slowed earlier this year by some nagging aches and pains, but she's healthy and feeling great. While the kills get the crowd going and are momentum changers, Horner, much like her personality, likes to do the small things that are sometimes overlooked.
"I like to do the weird stuff like playing defense and passing," Horner said. "I don't know why. I guess; I am just different. Even though that's not my role here, I love it. Hitting is fun too."
Especially on the big stage and under the postseason spotlight.
