Robert Morris Volleyball (3-1) was back at the UPMC Events Center for the home opener of the 2024 season. The Colonials hosted Coppin State (2-3) for the first game of the Chick Fil-A Robinson Classic.

The Colonials defeated the Eagles in a five-set thriller in their home opener. RMU took an early 2-0 lead, 25-15 and 25-11.

After the set change, the Eagles showed some signs of life by winning sets three and four, forcing a fifth set in the first game.

In the end, the Colonials won the match in five sets, although there was some adversity at the end. The fifth set was close with a final score of 15-13.

As the season progresses, a team will face adversity, so it’s good for RMU to get some practice and prepare for the conference portion of the schedule.

“We got a big lead in the second set and relaxed a little bit. We have to realize that we can’t relax. When things were going really well, I think we took our foot off the gas a little bit,” said head coach Danny Doherty. “We’re just continuing to process the result and continue to learn through the preseason and prepare for the Horizon League.”

RMU was able to take advantage of Coppin State’s mistakes. The Eagles made 35 errors in the entire game, while RMU only made 17. The Colonials made them pay for it.

Coach Doherty was able to talk about his team’s ability to capitalize on these mistakes.

“A lot depends on how we line up. If we have a strong block and good defense, they’re going to make those mistakes because they’re trying to get around our block. I think we did a phenomenal job, 14 blocks in five sets. We just keep the pressure on.”

The Colonials were strong in front of the net, recording 14 blocks in the five-set matchup, and defense played a role in the win this afternoon.

“They’re rock stars,” Doherty said. “Everyone on this team is a rock star, but the blocking has been dynamic this year. I credit a lot of that to our staff preparing them and understanding the blocking calls on plays. We’ve had a fantastic start blocking.”

Robert Morris will return to the court later this evening to face Niagara in the second game of the Chick Fil-A Robinson Classic, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m.