WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jordan Jefferson had 18 kills, 13 digs and five service aces as Bethune-Cookman rallied for a 3-2 victory over Coppin State in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinals Friday at Howard University.

Tynesha Adams and Sterling Williamson each added 12 kills as the Lady Wildcats (16-15) advanced to play Howard, a 3-0 winner over North Carolina Central, in Saturday's semifinal.

Bethune-Cookman saw its 8-4 fifth set lead dwindle to 11-9 before the Coppin State (12-20) run ended with a service error. Two Williamson kills put the Lady Wildcats at match point, then Jefferson's service ace gave Bethune-Cookman its first five-set win at the tournament since beating Morgan State in 2011.

In the fourth set, BCU took a 15-8 lead sparked by three Jefferson aces, but the Eagles got as close as 20-19 before the Lady Wildcats closed the set.

J'nai Higgins finished with 38 assists, while Meraiah Hill had five kills and six blocks.

Miajavon Coleman, the MEAC Rookie Of The Year, led Coppin State with 19 kills.



NOTES: This was Jefferson's 31^st career double-double … BCU now 3-4 in 5-set matches this year … Adams' 12 kills matched her career high… BCU clinches its first non-losing season since 2004.