BALTIMORE,MD (Nov.16) - The FAMU Lady Rattlers swept the Coppin State Eagles in the first round of the MEAC Volleyball Tournament. The host Eagles were defeated 25-20, 25-15 and 25-14 as the MEAC southern division champions weren't quite in sync in the first set, but found their rhythm in the second and third sets to put away those games at the Coppin State Physical Education Complex.

Yeisha Arcia, a second team All-MEAC selection as a rookie, led the Lady Rattlers with 16 kills. She would be the only Lady Rattler to score double figures in the match. Senior middle blocker Pamela Barrera carded eight kills, while Maria Ceccarelli knocked down six.

On the defensive side, Karol Marquez led FAMU in digs, scooping out 16 on the day. Ceccarelli had eight digs, while Katherine Huanec made four. Diana Gonzales set up 30 assists for FAMu in the win.

The Eagles were led by Ariel Richard who scored eight kills on the day. Chelsee Sauni dished out 21 assists, while Gabrielle Otero scored nine digs.

The Lady Rattlers advance to tomorrow's semifinal match with the winner of the North Carolina Central vs. Norfolk State game tonight at 7 p.m. The winner of that game will advance to Sunday's final, which will be played at 12 noon. The finals will be webcasted on the official Website of the conference www.MEACSports.com.