HAMPTON, Va. -- Everyone on the Lady Pirates help to get head coach Walter Mebane his first win over Coppin State, and they got it done, beating the Lady Eagles 80-63 Saturday at the Convocation Center.

“I think it's important to the program to get a win like this,” Mebane said, “because in building a championship contending team, there are certain teams you have to beat. Coppin State is one of those teams.” 

The Lady Pirates (12-12, 8-4 MEAC) extended their winning streak to five games, as they claimed the No. 3 spot in the conference standings. 

Freshman sensation Jericka Jenkins (Lancaster, Texas) led all scorers with 27 points behind the strength of seven 3-pointers. 

Sharella Leslie (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was in double digits with 15 points, all of which came in the second half. She was on fire in that frame, at one point scoring 10 points back-to-back. Sophomore speedster Bernadette Fortune (Virginia Beach , Va.) also was in double figures with 12 points. 

“I'm proud of all my seniors, especially Sharella,” Mebane said. “This is one of her last chances to play before the home crowd, and she played as well as she had to start the season.” 

Ashlee Finley (Harrisburg, Pa.) has really stepped up this season always knowing how to draw the foul. Finley dropped eight points in the win for the Lady Pirates. 

The game was all tied up at 50 in the second half and Hampton went on a 14-2 run to pull away and not let the Lady Eagles back in. 

The Lady Pirates will return to action on Monday, when they play host to Morgan State. Tip-off will be at 4:32 p.m. and the game will be telecast on ESPNU. For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.