BALTIMORE – The Coppin State women's basketball team (1-4) earned its first victory of the season by defeating Virginia Union, 68-54, in the Physical Education Complex Saturday afternoon.
Before stepping onto the court, senior
Bria Harris let last year's narrow two-point victory serve as a reminder and decided it wouldn't happen again.
"We already had what happened last year in our minds and knew what was coming," Harris said. "To get the end result, we had to go harder and execute. That was our game plan; to execute, get rebounds, and make our shots."
Harris and junior
Janelle Lane combined for 60 percent of the Eagles' total scoring with 41 points.
Harris finished with a career-high 21 points and nine rebounds. She has eight career games scoring double digits and three this season.
Lane earned her first double-double of the season on a career-best 20 points and 10 rebounds. She has scored in double figures in four of the five games this season. This is the 11th time in her career that she has posted double digits.
While showing out on offense, Lane punctuated her defensive performance by swatting one of her three blocked shots halfway up the bleachers.
Amber Griffin and
Omaah Tayong also helped out for the Eagles. Griffin added eight points. Tayong tallied seven points and 10 rebounds.
For the Panthers, Lady Walker and Ashle Freeman scored 16 points apiece.
Looking ahead, Coppin State is preparing for a two-week road trip starting at the University of Georgia on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
"Virginia Union and Georgia are two different teams," Lane said. "We have to take our time, be patient, pass the ball well, shoot the ball well, and come as a team. If we have each other's backs then I like our chances."
Georgia is just the first stop of the week. As they move up and down the east coast, the Eagles will also visit West Virginia, Mount St. Mary's, and Miami.
"Every team we play is going to make us better," Harris said. "We need to take each non-conference game one at a time and put it towards MEAC play."
