AKRON, Ohio – Coppin State's volleyball rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat host Akron, 3-2 (15-25, 25-22, 13-25, 27-25, 15-8), Friday afternoon at James A. Rhodes Arena in Day Two of the Zips Invitational. The Eagles improved to 3-5 on the season, while Akron fell to 2-6.
 
After dropping the opening set, Coppin State battled back to even the match with a 25-22 victory in the second. Akron responded by taking the third set, 25-13, but the Eagles refused to go quietly, edging the Zips 27-25 in a thrilling fourth set before dominating the decisive fifth, 15-8.
 
Ivanna Luna and Cherisse Atilano led the Eagles offensively with 13 kills apiece, while Nia Curry added 11 kills. Luna was particularly efficient, hitting .478 with just two errors on 23 attempts.
 
Eva Rovello orchestrated the Coppin State offense with 37 assists while adding 10 digs and five blocks. The setter helped the Eagles hit .229 as a team, including a blistering .462 mark in the fifth set.
 
Coco Figueroa continued her strong defensive play with a match-high 21 digs while adding three service aces and four assists. Atilano and Rovello each contributed 10 digs for double-doubles, helping the Eagles withstand Akron's offensive attack.
 
Coppin State also controlled the net, finishing with nine blocks compared to six for the Zips. Rovello led the way with a match-high five blocks, while Kendall Minta, Kayden Cupid and Rori Gray each added three. Luna and Curry also chipped in with a pair of blocks apiece.
 
The Eagles faced their largest deficit of the match in the opening set, falling 25-15. Coppin responded in the second, using 14 kills and a .231 hitting percentage to earn a 25-22 victory and tie the match.
 
Akron regained control in the third set, hitting .516 to take a 25-13 win and move within one set of victory.
 
The fourth set proved to be the turning point. Coppin State registered 18 kills and hit .341, matching Akron's 18 kills while committing four errors. The Eagles eventually prevailed, 27-25, forcing a fifth set.
 
Coppin State left little doubt in the deciding frame, hitting .462 while holding Akron to a .048 hitting percentage. The Eagles closed out the match with a 15-8 victory to complete the comeback.
 
The Eagles return to action Saturday when they travel to Cleveland State for a 1 p.m. match to close out the Zips Invitational. The match will stream live on ESPN+.