WASHINGTON (March 4, 2021) – Howard University women's volleyball team fell to conference rival Coppin State (CSU) in four sets (16-25, 25-21, 22-25, 16-25) at Burr Gymnasium.
 
With the setback, HU dropped to 2-4 (1-3 MEAC) while CSU improved to 3-4 (2-1 MEAC) on the season.
 
Sophomore Tamar Wells (Apopka, Fla.) led the way with a team-best 14 kills while producing a .524 hitting percentage.
 
Both squads were deadlocked at 13 in the opening set until Coppin State scored the next four points to take control of the game and grab the match lead, 1-0.
 
CSU tied the contest at 14 apiece midway through the second frame, but a pair of hitting errors from Coppin State and a kill by Wells created enough separation for HU to tie the match, 1-1.
 
Howard recorded a respectable .234 hitting percentage in games three and four combined; however, unable to slow down the Eagles' momentum. CSU regained control of the contest with a .375 hitting percentage in the final two frames.
 
Redshirt junior Marcelle Butler (Canton, Ga.) registered 10 kills while second-year setter Kayla Diaz (Nanuet, N.Y.) added 35 assists and eight digs.
 
Defensively, newcomer Amari Patterson (Waukegan, Ill.) notched 13 digs in a losing effort.
 
Three Eagles had double-digit kills, led by Paola Caten with a match-best 15 kills in the win.
 
Howard travels back to Baltimore Friday (March 5) to face Coppin State for the fourth time this season. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. at PEC Arena.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.