Houston Falls to Cincinnati in Five-Set Heartbreaker

HOUSTON – A conference record 17 blocks from freshman middle blocker Rachel Tullos was not enough to spark another dramatic comeback for the University of Houston Volleyball team, as the Cougars fell to Cincinnati by a score of 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 19-25, 25-18, 9-15) on Sunday afternoon.

The loss snaps Houston's winning streak at eight matches and the Cougars' (13-10, 7-1 American) undefeated run in The American ended at seven. The 7-1 mark in conference play for Houston is the program's best start in conference action since 2000 when the Cougars began Conference USA play 8-0.

Tullos' 17 blocks for the Cougars not only set a conference record for blocks in a five-set match, but it also is the most blocks any Division I player in any match has posted in the NCAA this season. Her 17 blocks marks just the fourth time since 2014 that a Division I player has recorded 17 blocks in a five-set match. Her five solo blocks on the afternoon are the most amongst those four performances.

As a team, the 20.0 blocks Houston recorded against the Bearcats' (15-5, 7-1 American) is the second time this year the Cougars have posted 20.0 blocks in a match. The first came in the win over SMU.

Houston's strong presence at the net on Sunday was also made possible courtesy of sophomore right side hitter Kendall Haywood, who tallied a season-high eight blocks in the contest. The Cougars' back row was anchored by senior libero Katie Karbo, who's 14 digs led Houston.

Karbo was joined by senior outside hitter Megan Duncan and freshman defensive specialist Karly Berkland, who each had 10 digs, as those to reach the 10-dig mark for Houston. Duncan's day was rounded out with 11 kills to complete her sixth double-double of the season.

Cincinnati 3, Houston 2
Set 1
After the Cougars fell behind early in the set, Tullos got the block party going for Houston with one of her five solo blocks to bring her squad to inside a pair. At the 12-9 mark, Tullos kept the Cougars within striking distance as another stop from her brought the score to 12-10. That sparked a run of six unanswered points for Houston, which was capped off by an overpass kill from Tullos to give the Cougars a 15-12 advantage. Once the Bearcats responded with a run of their own to knot the score at 17, neither team was able to gain an edge on one another until Tullos gave Houston the 25-23 set victory with her solo block on Cincinnati's standout outside hitter Jordan Thompson.

Set 2
Cincinnati took the first lead and continued to push the pace to a five-point advantage, forcing Houston to call a timeout trailing 10-5. The Cougars came out of the break and scored three of the next four points and brought the deficit to three thanks to another block from Tullos. Cincinnati then went on another run to extend the lead to six. The Cougars never backed down though, bringing the score to one, but the Bearcats fought off the Cougars late push to take set two 25-23.

Set 3
A slow start from Houston resulted Cincinnati opening up a six-point lead, which forced a timeout from the Cougars trailing 11-5. Houston managed to bring the score back to six after Cincinnati stretched the advantage to nine, but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome as the Bearcats took set three 25-19.

Set 4
The Houston block party continued at the net, as two of the first five points for the Cougars in the set came courtesy of blocks. Once a kill from senior outside hitter Claire Karsten pushed the Houston advantage to five, another block from Tullos put Houston ahead by six at 15-9. Sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut joined the block festivities to maintain the six-point advantage, and after the seventh block of the set forced a timeout from Cincinnati, Houston kept its momentum alive to win set four 25-19 and force the decisive frame.

Set 5
Houston's dominance at the net continued to be felt, as a block from Tullos and Haywood put the Cougars out in front by two. After the Bearcats responded with a 5-1 run to take a two-point lead of their own, Houston tied the score at eight, thanks to a slam from Theut. Cincinnati then grabbed a three-point edge to force a timeout from Houston but the break in action wouldn't be enough to stop the momentum, as the Bearcats went on to win the set 15-9 and claim the 3-2 match victory.

UP NEXT
Houston hits the road for a pair of matches in the Sunshine State as the Cougars travel to Florida and square up with UCF on Friday, followed by a match with USF on Sunday.

The Cougars return home for a four-match swing on Nov. 1 when Houston hosts Tulsa. Tickets for that match are on sale now and can be purchased here.

NEW GAMEDAY PROCEDURES
Those looking to watch the Cougars in action in 2019 are now advised to park in the Stadium Garage on Holman Street as well as Lot 16B on the southeast corner of Elgin and Cullen in front of Moore's School of Music.

Fans can park in both areas for $5, which will be open two hours before first serve. On days where other events are occurring on campus, $5 parking lots will still be available at locations to be determined later.

To enter the Fertitta Center, doors will only be open at the Holman Street entrances, where fans can purchase single-game tickets for as low as $5. Fans can buy tickets in advance now by either clicking here or calling (713) GO-COOGS.

Along with the list of prohibited items, also new to Houston Volleyball fans in 2019 is a Clear Bag Policy, which is being incorporated to help provide a safer environment for the public and to expedite fan entry into the Fertitta Center. The UH Clear Bag Policy strictly limits the size and types of bags that are permitted into the Fertitta Center.

Items such as backpacks, large bags and diaper bags are not permitted. Fans are strongly encouraged to not bring any bags. However, the following will be permitted:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
A small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" with or without a handle or strap. These small clutches are subject to search.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the entrance by arena personnel.

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 –

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