University of Houston Athletics
PREVIEW: Volleyball Hits Road to Open Conference Play
9/21/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston Volleyball team will open American Athletic Conference play with two road matches, visiting UConn in a 6 p.m. match on Friday and Temple in a noon tilt on Sunday.
The Cougars (5-6) are looking to bounce back from an 0-2 showing at the Rice Adidas Invite II to close out non-conference play, falling to both Yale and host Rice in straight sets on Saturday, Sept. 17. Freshman libero Katie Karbo was named to the all-tournament team, averaging 5.50 digs per set across the team's two matches. Friday's match between Houston and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was ruled a no contest by the NCAA after both teams mutually agreed not to play.
| Match Breakdown | ||
Friday, Sept. 23 | • 6:00 p.m. | Houston at UConn |  | |
Sunday, Sept. 25 | • 12:00 p.m. | Houston at Temple Live Stats| | |
QUICK HITS
• The Cougars are 2-1 in American openers under head coach Kaddie Platt and 1-0 when opening on the road. Houston last opened conference play on the road in 2013, sweeping Rutgers in straight sets.
• The Cougars, who are 25-33 all-time in American play, lead UConn 4-2 (Sets: 14-11) in the all-time series, but are 1-2 (Sets: 5-8) inside Gampel Pavilion. Houston trails Temple 3-4 (Sets: 12-17) in the all-time series and is 1-2 (Sets: 5-8) at McGonigle Hall.
• Houston ranks second in the American Athletic Conference and 23rd overall in the country with 1.72 aces per set, also ranking 61st with 74 total aces.
• Freshman libero Katie Karbo ranks third in the American Athletic Conference averaging 4.67 digs per set.
OPPONONENT BREAKDOWN
UConn
2016 Overall Record: 9-2, 0-0 American
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 12/3
Starters Returning/Lost: 4+Libero/2
Head Coach: Kris Grunwald
Record at School: 37-36 (3rd Season)
Career Record 78-56 (5th Season)
All-Time Series: Houston leads, 4-2 (Sets: 14-11)
Last Meeting: 2015 (W, 3-1)
Temple
2016 Overall Record: 7-3, 0-0 American
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 10/3
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/1+Libero
Head Coach: Bakeer Ganesharatnam
Record at School: 100-62 (6th Season)
Career Record: Same
All-Time Series: Houston trails, 3-4 (Sets: 12-17)
Last Meeting: 2015 (L, 0-3)
NEXT SERVE
Following Sunday's match at Temple, Houston will return to Athletics/Alumni Center for two conference matches, hosting Tulsa (Sept. 30) and SMU (Oct. 2).
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter @UHCougarVB and "Like" /HoustonCougarVolleyball on Facebook. Houston Volleyball is now on Instagram as well at UHCougarVB.
SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2016-17 athletic season. For only $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
JOIN POINT HOUSTON CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Volleyball program by joining the Point HOUSTON Club. To find out more information about the Point HOUSTON Club, visit UHCougars.com or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GOUH.
