Volleyball | 11/22/2025 7:55:59 PM

BALTIMORE, Md., Nov. 22, 2025 – Coppin State returned to the top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Saturday night, defeating No. 2 Howard 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-20) inside PEC Arena to secure the program's second MEAC Volleyball Championship in three seasons. With the victory, the Eagles improved to 23-11 and clinched the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. 

Coppin State controlled the early stages of the match behind the steady presence of redshirt senior TaKenya Stafford, who was later named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Performer. Stafford delivered 16 kills on an efficient .387 clip while adding 11 digs, capping a standout tournament in which she totaled 39 kills, 31 digs, three aces and five blocks. 

Cherisse Atilano added 10 kills and nine digs, and Ayanna Pharoah finished with nine kills and three blocks. Kayden Cupid, an All-Tournament Team honoree, added seven kills and four blocks, while Ivanna Luna also chipped in seven kills.  Azul Pilahg, who surpassed 1,000 career assists during the match, registered 27 assists, four digs and two aces.  

Howard closes the season at 18-11, led by Rya McKinnon's 14 kills, Kristen Dear's five blocks, and Leah Reeves' 38 assists. 
Coppin State will now await its postseason opponent, which will be revealed during the NCAA Selection Show airing Sunday, November 30. 

Outstanding Coach – Tim Walsh, Coppin State  
Outstanding Player – TaKenya Stafford, Coppin State  
 
2025 MEAC Volleyball All-Tournament Team  

• TaKenya Stafford, Coppin State
• Rya McKinnon , Howard
• Daniela Ferreira, Morgan State
• Gerren Tomlin, Delaware State
• Aaliyah Mitchell, Delaware State
• Kristen Dear, Howard 
• Kayden Cupid, Coppin State