Sept. 19, 2006

Final Stats

Complete Box Score in PDF Format

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A balanced attack with nine players totaling at least one kill and 11 hauling in at least one dig helped the Navy volleyball team to a four-game victory over Coppin State, Tuesday night in Macdonough Hall. The Midshipmen improved to 5-8 on the year with the 30-26, 30-27, 24-30, 30-16 victory over the Eagles, who fell to 1-7 on the season.

"Give Coppin State credit," said Navy head coach Mike Schwob. "They pushed us throughout the match tonight and made us play at a high level. If our level dipped, they took advantage of it."

The Mids quickly jumped out to leads of 16-5 in game one and 18-8 in game two, but the Eagles had strong rallies in both games. The margin during the opening game closed to four points at 29-25, and it was a one-point game at 26-25 in game two before Navy held on for the victories to take a 2-0 lead.

Game three was all Coppin State as the Eagles held a slim advantage during the early portion of the game before taking leads of 19-13 and 26-19 and eventually forcing a fourth game.

The Mids quickly regained their form in the fourth game, jumping out to leads of 4-0 and 13-1 in winning the game and the match.

Coppin State's Indira Laurencin led all players with 17 kills on 33 swings, while Nikki England (Jr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the Navy offense with 16 kills. Andrea McGant grabbed a match-high 18 digs for the Eagles, with Jessie Sims (So., Etowah, N.C.) hauling in a Navy-high 15 digs. Sims also added 11 kills for her ninth double-double in 13 matches this season.

Navy as a team outhit Coppin State .209-.150, with the Eagles holding a 7-4 advantage in blocks.

The Midshipmen will now set their sights on the opening weekend of play in the Patriot League with a Friday night match at Lehigh and a Saturday afternoon contest at Lafayette.

"We're excited the league season is here," said Schwob. "Every match so far this year was meant to better prepare us for what starts Friday."