Maryland volleyball will travel up I-95 Tuesday for a nonconference matchup in Baltimore against Coppin State.
After a hot start to the season, the Terps are looking to regroup following a 3-1 loss to Wake Forest that snapped their five-match winning streak. Tuesday’s matchup offers an opportunity to reset before the grind of Big Ten play begins next week.
Tuesday’s matchup will begin at 11 a.m. and stream on ESPN+.
Coppin State Eagles (5–6)
2024 record: 16-16, 11-3 Mid Eastern Atlantic Conference
Head coach Tim Walsh has transformed
Coppin State into one of the MEAC’s most consistent programs since arriving in 2017. He is already the winningest coach in program history with 122 victories, three MEAC Coach of the Year awards and six straight semifinal appearances.
Last season, Coppin reached the MEAC semifinals and set school records in kills per set (12.84) and total assists. The Eagles placed three players on the All-MEAC First Team and had two freshmen named to the All-Rookie Team, evidence of the program’s balance between veterans and youth.
Players to watch
TaKenya Stafford, redshirt senior outside hitter, No. 8 — Stafford was a first-team All-MEAC pick in both 2023 and 2024 and made the MEAC All-Tournament Team last fall. She leads the Eagles with 160 kills and 13 service aces.
Coco Figueroa, junior libero/defensive specialist, No. 1 — Figueroa is the Eagles’ defensive anchor with 232 digs this season. She was a first-team All-MEAC selection in 2024 after leading the league in total digs and digs per set. She also ranked top-10 in aces and had four MEAC Defensive Player of the Week awards.
Strength
Defense. Figueroa is one of the best liberos in the MEAC and keeps rallies alive with her digging. The Eagles are also aggressive from the service line. Redshirt senior outside hitter TaKenya Stafford, freshman outside hitter Cherisse Atilano and redshirt freshman setter Andrea Cintron have all been effective servers, combining for 33 service aces this season. If they can serve tough and keep Maryland uncomfortable, they’ll give themselves a chance to stay in the match.
Weakness
Depth. While Coppin has standout players, depth scoring has been inconsistent. Beyond Stafford and freshman outside hitter Cherisse Atilano, the Eagles don’t have a high-volume attacker, which makes them easier to scout against taller, more physical front lines like Maryland’s.
Three things to watch
1. Maryland’s rebound after Wake Forest setback. The Terps had momentum from a five-match winning streak but stumbled in their 3–1 loss to Wake Forest. Senior opposite hitter Ajack Malual and redshirt freshman setter Lily Wagner will be central to how Maryland responds. A sharp, composed performance would be an encouraging sign before Big Ten play.
2. Coppin’s chance at a statement win. For Coppin State, this is not just another nonconference game. Coppin has never played Maryland, but Tuesday’s matchup gives the Eagles a chance to test themselves against a nearby major-conference program. Under Walsh, they’ve shown they can compete with high-level opponents.
3. The 11 a.m. factor. The morning start is unusual for both teams, who are used to evening matches. Energy, focus and routines will be tested. Whichever side adjusts better could seize early momentum, especially in the opening set.
