Texas trip means plenty to Okpegbue and Sturgeon

BALTIMORE -- When you think of Texas, you may think Cowboys, barbeque and the Alamo.
 
Chances are, you wouldn't think that 33 percent of Coppin State's volleyball roster calls the Lone Star State home. However, the quartet of Cindy Okpegbue, Denali Sturgeon, Ellena Torres and Samantha Polk are Texas-bred, Coppin State volleyball Lady Eagles.
 
While the weekend trip to compete at the Hampton Inn Waco North Invitational hosted by Baylor University is special for the Texas quartet, it has extra special meaning for Okpegbue and Sturgeon, who are seniors. This weekend will be the first time they have played a match in Texas in four years.
 
For Okpegbue, who is from Austin, and Sturgeon, who is from San Antonio, this may be the last time they will play in front of friends and family as Coppin State Lady Eagles. Torres is from Spring and Polk is from San Antonio. Senior Kendra Ireigbe's brother lives in Dallas and he'll be seeing her play for the first time in person.
 
Although Okpegbue and Sturgeon live almost three hours combined from Waco, it in no way compares to the 1,500-mile travel from Coppin State. Both ladies are excited about having this opportunity to play in their home state.
 
Much like a kid on Christmas day, both Sturgeon and Okpegbue have anticipated traveling to Texas this weekend since the schedule was released earlier this year.
 
"It's a really good feeling because my friends and family haven't seen me play since high school," Okpegbue said. "So, they are going to be amazed."
 
Sturgeon's friends also have yet to see her play collegiately, however her loved ones support means the most.
 
"It means a lot, because my grandparents have not been able to fly and see me play, so I get to go home," Sturgeon said. "They get to see me play for one of the last times during my career."
 
Sturgeon is also very optimistic about competition in the Hampton Inn Waco North Baylor Invitational.
 
Like the state itself, Coppin State will be facing some Texas-sized competition during the two-day tournament. The combined record of their opponents is 8-2. Coppin State (0-3 overall) opens against Cal-Poly (3-0) on Friday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Lady Eagles conclude the weekend on Saturday against Baylor (2-1) at 11:00 a.m. and Sam Houston State (3-1) at 5:30 p.m.
 
Sturgeon shares a few pointers on which she feels her team should capitalize.
 
"I think that communication is definitely going to be key; especially with a lot of new people," Sturgeon said.
 
Coppin State is facing all three opponents for the first time in program history. There will be live stats of each match. However, only Coppin State's game against Baylor will be streamed live for a fee of $9.99.