University of Houston Athletics
Volleyball Opens C-USA Play At Rice Tuesday
9/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 19, 2011
HOUSTON - The University of Houston will begin its quest for the Conference USA title at 7 p.m., Tuesday when they travel across town to take on the Rice Owls at Tudor Fieldhouse.
Houston enters the week on a two-match win streak and winners in four of its last five matches. Senior Lucy Charuk leads the team with 103 kills and a .362 hitting percentage. Freshman Caitlin Ogletree paces the team with 370 assists and freshman Natalie Keck's 143 digs are a team high.
Fans can follow the match against Rice through the Gametracker link on the volleyball schedule page on UHCougars.com. The live video stream will be available through the All-Access site.
Prior to the start of the season, the Cougars were picked to finish third in the 2011 C-USA Preseason Coaches Poll and enter the match with a 7-3 record. In addition, Charuk and junior Chandace Tryon were also named to the Preseason All-C-USA Team.
Rice stands at 5-6 on the season after going 2-1 last weekend at the Chilly Fillmore's SFA Invitational. The Owls defeated Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin. Nancy Cole leads Rice with 116 kills and is one of three Owls with at least 100 kills. Megan Murphy paces the team with 455 assists and Megan White's 202 digs are a team high.
Tuesday's match marks the 77th all-time meeting between the Cougars and the Owls. Despite dropping the last four matches to Rice, Houston holds a 58-18 advantage in the all-time series. UH is also 9-5 in C-USA openers.
UP NEXT
The Cougars will return to the Athletics/Alumni Center to play host to Southern Miss and Tulane this weekend. Houston will play the Golden Eagles at 7 p.m., Friday and close out the weekend against the Green Wave at 1 p.m., Sunday.
