The American University volleyball team swept Coppin State, 3-0, in its final match before Patriot League play begins.

"We have an important league match to begin against Army and it was a good win for us tonight," said Head Coach Barry Goldberg. "Their team is athletic and they hit the ball hard and we blocked exceptionally well. Our blocking is improving but we're going to have to attack the ball better and better as this season goes on if we're going to get to the places we're trying to go."

American (7-5) took a nine point lead to open the first set when Sara Rishell blocked Ariel Richard's attack attempt for the 13-4 advantage. Coppin State came back within seven, but the Eagles continued to roll, winning the set 25-11 with set point from Bree Scarbrough.

Coppin State (4-7) tied the second set at nine, before the Eagles tallied five straight points for the 14-9 advantage. An attack error by Kristyna Lindovska brought Coppin State within four, but American added six unanswered tallies for the 21-11 lead. Cindy Okpegbue registered the kill for Coppin State to bring the team within 10, but a service error from Richard gave American set point.

The Eagles opened the final set with a 5-0 run before an attack error from Sarah Katz put Coppin State on the board. Coppin State tied it at 16 before American was able to outscore the team by a 9-2 margin for the 25-18 match victory.

American was led by Morgan Hendrix with eight kills and a .800 hitting percentage on the day with Lindovska and Rishell each adding six. Kylann Scheidt had 27 assists and Allison Cappellino led the defensive effort with 12 digs. Hendrix had a career-high nine blocks in the match.

The Eagles outhit Coppin State .305 to -.050, hitting .391 in the first set. Richard had a team-high eight kills for Coppin State.

American returns to Bender Arena this Friday, September 21 to face Army in a rematch of last season's Patriot League Championship. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Eagles Vision TV.