WACO, TX. – Coppin State could have chosen to load its 2015 schedule with cupcakes and compete in tournaments where wins would be guaranteed.
Instead, the Lady Eagles opening two weeks of their schedule has been like running barefoot over hot coals. Coppin State has suffered a few bumps, blisters and burns against a savage slate of competitors, including this weekend where the Lady Eagles lost both matches to Baylor and Sam Houston State by 3-0 scores of the Hampton Inn Waco North Tournament hosted by Baylor University Saturday afternoon.
In each match, the Lady Eagles (0-6 overall) did some good things like pushing Baylor (5-1) in the second set before falling 5-25, 20-25, 16-25. They also battled Sam Houston State (4-3) before dropping a 16-25, 12-25, 18-25 decision.
For those counting at home, Coppin State's opening six opponents have a combined record of 36-8 (81.8 percent). Ultimately the arduous slate is preparing for the Lady Eagles for what they believe will be a successful season when the leaves turn colors and the weather becomes crisper.
Among the highlights from Saturday's action for Coppin State was senior
Cindy Okpegbue registering 10 kills against Baylor, the third time this season and 45th time in her career she has finished with double digits. For the weekend, Okpegbue racked up 23 kills, moving her 22 closer to becoming the third CSU volleyball player in program history to reach 1,000.
Okpegbue complemented her offensive attack by finishing with 14 digs combined against Baylor and Sam Houston State.
Senior setter
Chelsee Sauni delivered a match-high 22 assists against Baylor. She finished with 50 during the three-day tournament. Sophomore Glory Rosado had a season best 24 digs against Sam Houston State. Freshmen
Samantha Polk and
Alexa Williams had seven digs and five kills respectively against Sam Houston State. Williams along with senior
Kendra Ireigbe had four kills each against Baylor.
Coppin State returns to action next Saturday when it meets UMBC at 12:30 p.m. and Rider at 5:30 p.m. in the Maddie Bingaman Memorial Tournament hosted by UMBC.
