BALTIMORE, Md. — Top-seeded Coppin State punched its ticket to the MEAC Volleyball Championship match with a 3-1 victory over No. 4 Delaware State on Friday evening inside the Physical Education Complex (25-21, 25-20, 19-25, 25-21). 

Kayden Cupid delivered a standout two-way performance, finishing with a match-high 12 kills and 10 blocks. TaKenya Stafford added 11 kills and four blocks, while Ayanna Pharoah chipped in nine kills. Azul Pilahg paced the offense with 25 assists, and Cherisse Atilano anchored the back row with 23 digs. The Eagles held the Hornets to .058 hitting while posting 15 total blocks in the win. 

Delaware State (12-18, 7-7 MEAC) was led by Gerren Tomlin’s 13 kills and 11 digs, while Aaliyah Mitchell added 10 kills. Defensively, Kelsie Dawson and Hannah Sanders each registered seven blocks to keep the Hornets within striking distance. 

The Eagles controlled the first two sets before the Hornets responded with an efficient third-set push, hitting .194 to extend the match. Coppin State regained momentum in the fourth, closing out the semifinal behind timely blocks and clutch serving from Coco Figueroa, who recorded a match-high four aces. 

Coppin State advances to Saturday’s championship match, awaiting the winner of No. 2 Howard vs. No. 6 Maryland Eastern Shore. The championship will broadcast on ESPN+ beginning at 5 p.m.