Individual Efforts Not Enough in Contest with SMU

Friday, October 5

Dallas, Texas

7 p.m. CT

University of Houston

13-7, 0-5AAC

SMU

6-9, 3-2AAC

HOUSTON

SMU

Photo by: Stephen Pinchback

10/5/2018 9:17:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Pertens ties career-high with 14 kills; Irvine sets season-high 34 assists

By: Ryan Levine

DALLAS, Texas – Facing its intrastate rival, the University of Houston dropped its contest with SMU on Friday in straight sets (22-25, 15-25, 19-25).

The Cougars now sit at 13-7 on the season and 0-5 in American Athletic Conference play, as the Mustangs move to 6-9 and 3-2 against conference opponents.

GAME 1: HOUSTON 0, SMU 3

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
After the two squads traded blows to begin the match, a 6-1 run from the Mustangs put SMU ahead 13-7, resulting in Houston calling its first timeout. Houston managed to pull itself within a pair at the 19-17 mark, but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome for the Cougars, as SMU went on to win the first set by a score of 25-22.

Set 2
With the Mustangs jumping out to a quick four-point lead, SMU stretched its advantage to nine at 18-9 before finishing out the frame with a 25-15 victory and a 2-0 match lead.

Set 3
Houston found a way to keep pace with SMU in the final set, as the two teams traded leads, until SMU found itself ahead 16-13, forcing the Cougars to call a timeout. A 4-1 run from the Cougars tied the score at 17, but the Mustangs scored eight of the final 10 points to win the set 25-19 and come out with the 3-0 match victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Sophomore Abby Irvine fell one assist shy of tying her career-high. Her 34 helpers in the match marked the second time this season she has surpassed the 30-assist mark.
Sophomore outside hitter Silvia Pertens tied her career-high with 14 kills in the match. Her nine digs is a career-high, falling one short of her first career double-double.
Sophomore outside hitter Gabi Zelaya eclipsed the 10-kill mark for the ninth time this year.

UP NEXT
Houston continues its five-match road swing when it squares up against Memphis on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. CT. Following its contest with the Tigers, the Cougars will conclude their road trip on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. CT when they face Tulane in New Orleans.

The Cougars return to the Athletics/Alumni Center on Friday, Oct. 19 when Houston plays host to Tulsa.

STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarVB, and "Like" UHCougarVB on Facebook.

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.

– UHCougars.com –