CATONSVILLE, Md. – Once the Coppin State volleyball team got its engines revved up there wasn't much Rider could do to slow the powerful blue-and-gold locomotive.
After dropping the first set, Coppin State stormed from behind with a balanced performance to claim its first victory of the 2015 season by running Rider off the tracks, 3-1, in the first game of the Maddie Bingaman tournament at the RAC Saturday afternoon. Despite having 10 players in uniform, the Lady Eagles captured the match, 15-25, 26-24, 25-21, 25-18.
The win was also significant as it was the first triumph for head coach
Kyetta May at the helm of Coppin State. The first-year skipper, who arrived to CSU from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, witnessed everybody turn up and deliver several memorable efforts.
"This win definitely is special because the ladies have been in the trenches taking the bumps and bruises so far this season," May said. "I am more happy for the ladies than I am for myself because they came through today despite us being limited as far as bodies were concerned."
As usual in the middle of the madness directing with the smooth grace of an orchestra conductor was senior setter
Chelsee Sauni, who finished with a season-high 49 assists and 11 digs. It was her second double-double of the season and the 18th time in her career she handed out at least 40 assists in a match.
Coppin State's terrific triumvirate of freshman
Samantha Polk, senior
Cindy Okpegbue and senior
Kendra Ireigbe flummoxed Rider's defense by combining for 47 of the Lady Eagles' season-high 58 kills. They kept the Broncs under siege by killing the ball from every place.
Ireigbe and Polk led the way with a career-best 16 kills each. Ireigbe enjoyed a .382 hitting percentage along with a team best five blocks. Meanwhile, Polk had a .275 hitting mark with 40 attacks. They were a sight to behold as they controlled the match with power, precision and persistence. Polk and Ireigbe combined for 11 kills during the third set.
"Samantha is beginning to get comfortable for us," May said. "She's very coachable and she's bringing that necessary fire for us to succeed."
Meanwhile Okpegbue enjoyed her first double-double of the season with 15 kills and 12 digs. She even delivered three consecutive service aces midway through the fourth set that gave Coppin State the space it needed to conquer Rider. For Okpegbue, it was the 46th time she finished with double digit kills in a match.
Defensively, Coppin State collected 66 digs with four players recording double digits. Sophomore Glory Rosado paced the Lady Eagles with 19 digs and three service aces. Sophomore
Bailee Jackson was a major factor with 11 digs and three timely kills.
Senior
Denali Sturgeon and freshman
Alexa Williams also made significant contributions to the victory.
Rider got a double-double from Ryan Ackerman (12 kills and 11 digs). Hailey Riede finished with 13 kills.
In the seocnd match of the day:
UMBC 3, Coppin State 0Cindy Okpegbue registered her 1,000th career kill during the match that Coppin dropped 25-11, 26-24, 25-20. She finished with 10 kills to become the third volleyball player in school history to reach that milestone. She has 1,003 for her career.
Samantha Polk added nine kills and
Chelsee Sauni recorded 33 assists.
Coppin State returns to action next weekend when it competes at the Saint Francis (Pa.) Tournament in Loretto. Coppin State meets High Point Friday night at 4:30 p.m.
