Fast Start Not Enough for Houston

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Volleyball team jumped out to a 1-0 match lead but was unable to sustain its edge, as the Cougars fell to Tulsa in four sets (28-26, 17-25, 19-25, 26-28) on Friday night.

Houston drops to 14-11 on the year and 8-3 in American Athletic Conference play, having split its season series with the Golden Hurricane (14-10, 7-4 American) for the first time since 2015.

The Cougars put together a strong defensive effort, with four players eclipsing the 10-dig mark to help guide Houston to a total of 80 digs on the night. Houston's back row was anchored by senior libero Katie Karbo, who tallied her ninth 25-dig performance of the season.

Senior outside hitter Megan Duncan posted a season-high 17 digs, while freshman defensive specialist Karly Berkland (14) and senior outside hitter Claire Karsten (13) rounded out those who reached the double-digit dig mark.

Offensively, sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut led the Cougars with 13 kills, as sophomore setter Kelsey Childers (24) and freshman setter Emily Edwards (14) each tallied a career-high in assists.

Tulsa 3, Houston 1
Set 1
In a first set that saw 12 ties, the match began in a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, but once the Golden Hurricane built itself a three-point lead, the Cougars were forced to call a timeout trailing 16-13. Houston then put together a 6-3 run that was capped off by a kill from Karsten to tie the score at 19. Once Tulsa went out in front 22-20, Houston called another timeout but then forced a break in action from Tulsa, after trimming the deficit to one at 24-23. After the Cougars continued to fight off set points from the Golden Hurricane, Houston managed to come out in front and seal the 28-26 set win, thanks to a block at the net from Theut and Edwards.

Set 2
A slow start from Houston allowed Tulsa to come out and build a seven-point lead to force a timeout from the Cougars trailing 11-4. The fast start from Tulsa proved to be all it needed to tie the match at one, as the Golden Hurricane took second frame 25-17.

Set 3
After another tightly contested beginning to a set, a kill from sophomore middle blocker/right side hitter Kendall Haywood put Houston ahead by three to force a timeout from Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane came out of the break responding with a 7-1 run to take a three-point lead of its own at 15-12. From there, the two sides traded runs, but it was Tulsa who closed out the set scoring six of the final nine points to take the frame 25-19.

Set 4
Tulsa jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, but after back-to-back aces from Duncan, Houston found itself trailing by just a point. The Golden Hurricane went up 13-10 and following two consecutive kills from freshman middle blocker Rachel Tullos, the Cougars were down a score. Houston remained to hang within striking distance and finally grabbed its first lead of the set at 22-21, courtesy of a kill from Theut to force a timeout from Tulsa. Once the Golden Hurricane scored three of the next five points to grab a 24-23 lead, a kill from Haywood kept the game alive and tied the score at 24. Houston put itself ahead by one at 26-25, thanks to a solo block from Theut, but the Cougars were unable to hold their lead, as the Golden Hurricane scored three unanswered points to win 28-26 and claim the 3-1 match victory.

UP NEXT
Houston continues its four-match homestand on Sunday, as the Cougars host Wichita State at 1 p.m. 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 –

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Next Event

Team Stats

Isabel Theut

Claire Karsten

Kendall Haywood

Megan Duncan

Players Mentioned

Karly Berkland

Kelsey Childers

Megan Duncan

Emily Edwards

Kendall Haywood

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

Players Mentioned

Karly Berkland

Kelsey Childers

Megan Duncan

Emily Edwards

Kendall Haywood

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

Upcoming Events

Recent Results