University of Houston
UConn
Houston Falls at UConn in American Opener
9/23/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
STORRS, Conn. -- The University of Houston Volleyball team fell 3-0 (20-25, 21-25, 11-25) at UConn in the American Athletic Conference opener for both teams on Friday night inside Gampel Pavilion.
With the decision, the Cougars fell to 5-7 overall and 0-1 in American play, while the Huskies improved to 10-2 overall and 1-0 in league action.
Junior outside hitters Brianna Lynch and Sarah Afflerbaugh led Houston offensively, recording nine and eight kills, respectfully. Sophomore middle blocker Chenelle Walker finished with six kills, while Afflerbaugh and freshman libero Katie Karbo anchored the back line with six digs each. Senior setter Keandra McCardell finished with 22 assists.
UConn's Kayla Williams led all with 10 kills and nine digs. Kenya Cason and Camille Evans recorded nine and eight kills. Setters Rebecca Rivera (19) and Emma Turner (16) combined for 35 assists.
The Huskies outhit Houston .304-.085, owning a 46-31 advantage in kills, 41-31 mark in digs and 7-4 lead in blocks.
UConn set the tone early in the opening set, jumping out to a 10-6 advantage and later doubling their lead at 18-10. The Cougars responded with a 6-2 run behind strong two strong swings from Afflerbaugh and one from Lynch, and three Husky errors to pull within four points at 20-16, before trading points the rest of the way for the 25-20 final.
Both teams traded points to open the second set, tied 7-7. A UConn kill and two quick Houston attack errors gave the Huskies a three-point edge at 10-7. Later trailing 15-12, the Cougars got kills from junior middle blocker Brianna Gardner, Lynch and McCardell to tie things up at 16-all. However, Houston suffered three consecutive attack errors to fall behind, as UConn rode the momentum to a 25-21 win and 2-0 lead at the break.
In the third set, the Cougars were held to a match-low -.143 clip in falling 25-11 to close the match in straight sets.
UP NEXT
Houston will look to bounce back on Sunday, visiting Temple in a noon first serve.
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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.
