Coppin State’s women opened their season Monday evening with a strong presence around the basket, using their rebounding advantage and balanced scoring to turn back Cheyney at the Physical Education Complex Arena.

The opener began a demanding November schedule for head coach Darrell Mosley’s Eagles, with Tennessee’s visit to Baltimore arriving just three days later. Road games against Maryland and West Virginia also await as Coppin prepares for its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference campaign.

Anya George led Coppin with 20 points, while Samari Taylor recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Karen Nimo contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, and Shanaii Gamble added 11 points.

Coppin led 20–15 after the first quarter and stretched its advantage to 41–32 by halftime. A 21–15 third quarter created further separation, sending the Eagles into the final period ahead 62–47.

The Eagles finished with a 54–37 rebounding advantage and outscored Cheyney 48–16 in the paint. Those interior contributions helped offset a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc, where Coppin made four of its 21 attempts.

Cheyney continued to compete, outscoring Coppin 22–18 in the fourth quarter. Taniyah Finney paced the visitors with 19 points, including five three-pointers, while Mikiyah Mallett delivered 11 points and 18 rebounds. Jiah Price added 14 points off the bench.

Coppin closed out the victory to begin the season 1–0. The Eagles now turn to Thursday’s home meeting with Tennessee, scheduled for 7 p.m., as the eight-time national champions visit PEC Arena.

Final Score: Coppin State 80, Cheyney 69