BALTIMORE – Coppin State freshman
Alexa Williams' career goal is to become a neurosurgeon or an emergency room technician.
While accomplishing that goal will have its share of arduous challenges and long hours in the library burning the midnight oil, it may seem easy compared to the tough on-the-job training she's receiving after transitioning from a rightside hitter to a middle blocker at the start of October out of necessity.
"I was uncomfortable at first," Williams said following Coppin State's 3-0 victory over Norfolk State in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) match Friday night inside of the raucous Auxiliary Gym. "I am getting more comfortable now, learning my footwork and understanding my role. I like it and I am getting used to it."
A 5 foot, 9 inch biology major from Los Angeles with a bubbly personality, Williams enjoyed a solid effort with five kills and three blocks to help Coppin State finish Norfolk State by scores of 25-23 in all three sets. In sweeping Norfolk State for the second straight season, the Lady Eagles raised their overall record to 8-11 overall and 5-3 in the conference. Coppin State celebrated its annual "Dig Pink Night"
Coppin State senior
Cindy Okpegbue did the heavy lifting for Coppin State with a match-high 18 kills. In raising her career kill total to 1,153 kills, Okpegbue also hit .350 to lead Coppin State. It's the third time in the Lady Eagles' last four matches she has finished with at least 18 kills.
Samantha Polk added nine kills for the Lady Eagles, which also received 31 assists from senior
Chelsee Sauni. Sophomores
Bailee Jackson and Glory Rosado finished with 14 digs each.
Williams had to shift to a middle blocker when senior
Kendra Ireigbe suffered a season-ending injury. She has the tools to be an effective blocker as she has more hops than a kangaroo and doesn't back down from taller opponents. When Williams learned she was playing middle blocker, she called her mother and sister and spoke with them.
In addition to her family members, Ireigbe has helped her grow in the role and provided pointers.
"Kendra has been great helping me with notes and tips on everything from my blocking, hitting and footwork," Williams said. "I appreciate her. I played middle before in high school, but nothing like this. It was just standard hitting. Playing middle here, you have all of these different types of plays so I had to get used to and I think I have adjusted well."
Okpegbue has enjoyed watching Williams' development.
"She's more confident now," Okpegbue said. "She's really took heed to watch coach has said in practice. She has been performing well for us the last two weeks so we're just excited to see her progress as a player and how the MEAC tournament unfolds. It's a great feeling to play well in front of our fans."
Coppin State first year head coach
Kyetta May had a special feeling that Williams would enjoy a nice match.
"I said during warmups that this is definitely going to be Alexa's game today," May said. "All week in practice she's been looking different as far as working harder and applying what I've been telling her as far as open up her base as far as getting to the blocks. We've seen it tonight as far as her being more engaged and active."
Norfolk State (2-17 overall, 1-5 MEAC) was led by Angie Darcus' 16 kills and Darcy Moore's 29 assists.
Coppin State continues its three-match homestand Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. against Hampton. Norfolk State visits Morgan State at the same time Sunday.
