BALTIMORE -- Ariel Richard had nine kills and Cindy Okpegbue and Denali Sturgeon each had five kills, but American spoiled Coppin State's home opener with a 25-18, 25-8, 25-15 non-conference victory over the Eagles on Wednesday in the Physical Education Complex.
American remained undefeated on the season as Kelly McCaddin had 15 kills and a .778 hitting percentage and Morgan Hendrix had 10 kills and a .474 attack percentage.
American (7-0) hit .358 for the match and also out-blocked Coppin State 4-2.
Coppin State (1-7) could never get its offense untracked and hit .121 for the match. Kandace Thomas had four kills and hit .300, while Kendra Ireigbe had two kills and hit .286.
The first set featured five lead changes and 12 ties, but American used a late run to pull away.
The Eagles led 12-11, but American answered with an 11-2 run that gave them a 22-14 lead. Coppin State closed to within 24-18, but a kill by McCaddin closed out the first set.
American dominated the second and third sets to close out the match.
Coppin State returns to action this weekend at the UMBC Tournament.