Box Score PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – All good things must come an end.
Unfortunately for Coppin State that includes the terrific careers of
Cindy Okpegbue, Kendra Iregibe,
Chelsee Sauni and
Denali Sturgeon, the winningest senior class in school history with 49 victories.
They did all they could and then some to try and extend their careers as well as Coppin State's season, but in the end Bethune-Cookman's height proved to be the difference in a 3-0 setback during the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) quarterfinal Friday afternoon inside of the Hytche Athletic Center on Maryland Eastern Shore's campus.
As usual Coppin State battled and gave everything it had during the 25-18, 25-19, 25-16 loss. Playing Bethune-Cookman at full strength is tough enough. However, playing the Lady Wildcats with their five all-MEAC performers as Coppin State did while missing three players, is like trying to guard Michael Jordan in his prime with one arm tied behind your back.
"I am very proud of my team," Coppin State head coach
Kyetta May said. "Just going into this match with such limitations and having several people playing in positions that they weren't recruited to play. I just think it speaks volumes about my young ladies because we did go out and compete. You can't be mad at that."
Okpegbue kept attacking as she delivered seven of her team-high 14 kills in the third set. Okpgebue finished her outstanding career with 1,259 career kills and 60 double-digit kill matches. Sauni continued fighting and finished with 30 assists.
While the season ended short of its ultimate goal, Coppin State had nothing to be ashamed of as it displayed championship character and battled through adversity to earn its fourth consecutive postseason trip, a first in program history. They set numerous school standards and raised the standard of excellence for Coppin State volleyball.
"I am going to look back and be proud of everything we accomplished," Sturgeon said. "When we leave and come back to check on the program, we know that great things will still be happening."
They can smile knowing that the program is in great hands. Freshman
Samantha Polk added nine kills for Coppin State, which concluded its season at 9-15 overall. Sophomore
Bailee Jackson had seven kills and sophomore Glory Rosado finished with 11 digs and four assists.
"It's been a fun experience and I know the legacy of this program won't stop because coach May is a great coach," Okpegbue said. "I feel like she's going to continue to bring people here that continue to build this program."
