Howard Wins Consecutive Conference Game at Coppin
By Jasmine King, Public Relations '13
BALTIMORE, MD – The Howard University (3-17, 2-2 MEAC) captured the win over Coppin State (4-17, 1-5 MEAC) in four for a consecutive conference win.
"We didn't come out the gates like we should have," comments Head Coach Dawn Barnes. "The ladies seemed very comfortable and Coppin took control of the first few points serving aggressively."
The Eagles put up a tough first game. Going point for point, the Lady Bison fell 23-25 charting five missed serves for the set. Furious with the outcome, the Lady Bison picked up their feet and won the second set 25-21.
With the match tied, both teams fought point for point for a second set win, but the Eagles couldn't put a cap on the strong offense from the Lady Bison's middle attackers. With crucial blocks by Gabrielle Martin and Assata Conway, the Lady Bison picked the Eagles apart and found a way to win the third set 25-15.
Going into the fourth set, HU could smell the victory over the Eagles. The game was played at the Lady Bison's tempo. Howard dominated the set 25-14 winning the match.
Senior, Tosin Elebute, dominated the match finishing with 18 kills and one dig shy of a double double. Martin put down 13 balls for Howard and Conway charted seven kills. Junior setter, Jasmine King racked up 20 assists followed by Stephanie Shultis with 16 assists. Junior libero, Jasmine Tipton had a game high of 14 digs. "I was very pleased with Tipton who did very well at libero," says Barnes.
The Lady Bison out swung the Eagles and averaged a better percentage. The Eagles played solid defense on the back row finishing with 50 digs to the Lady Bison's 46. At the net, HU put up solid blocks finishing with six blocks to the Eagles two blocks.
For the Eagles, Ariel Richard finished with 14 kills and nine digs, just shy of a double double. Salena Weekly and Vanity Massey both finished with seven kills. Freshman setter, Torie Livingston put up 35 assists. Libero Gabrielle Otero finished with 12 digs followed by Tyler Phillips with nine and Massey with six.
The team takes on the Morgan State at home the Susan G. Coleman "Dig Pink" game at 3 pm. This will be the Lady Bison's first home match on their home court due to construction.