Houston Falls to Tulane on Senior Night

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Volleyball team celebrated its six outgoing players on Friday night, but Tulane soiled the occasion, downing the Cougars in four sets (26-28, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17).

The loss marks the first time since 2012 the Cougars (15-13, 9-4 American) split their season series with the Green Wave (18-8, 8-5 American).

Prior to the start of the match, Ryan Emmert, Abby Giles, Kylie Napoleon, Claire Karsten, Megan Duncan and Katie Karbo were all recognized for their efforts and commitment to the Houston Volleyball program.

By the end of the night, Karbo posted a match-high 29 digs to move her 49 digs away from the American Athletic Conference all-time digs record. Sophomore setter Kelsey Childers dished out a career and match-high 39 assists, which was rounded out with 11 digs, marking the third double-double of her career.

Duncan led all players with 13 kills, as freshman middle blocker Rachel Tullos recorded 10 kills for the second time in as many performances.

Tulane 3, Houston 1
Set 1
The Green Wave threw the first punch and jumped out to an early 10-4 lead, forcing a timeout from the Cougars. After back-to-back aces from Tullos, Houston closed the deficit to four and continued to claw its way back into it, tying the match at 20. From there, the two teams battled it out, as the Cougars responded every time the Green Wave took the lead, until Tulane managed to take set one by a score of 28-26.

Set 2
In tightly contested second frame, neither team had more than a four-point edge on one another, as Houston never backed down whenever Tulane began to pull away. After a kill from sophomore right side hitter Kendall Haywood gave Houston the 11-10 lead, Tulane responded with four unanswered points to regain a three-point advantage. Once the Green Wave were ahead 18-14, the Cougars called a timeout and then went on a 6-2 run, which was capped off by an ace from Karbo to tie the score at 20. From there, Tulane responded with a run of its own, scoring five of the final eight points to take set two 25-23 and hold a 2-0 match lead.

Set 3
The Cougars came out of the intermission firing on all cylinders, holding an 11-4 lead to start things off. Once the Green Wave found a rebuttal and tied the score at 12, Houston responded with a run of its own, which was cemented by freshman outside hitter Abbie Jackson to put the Cougars back out in front by a pair. After a kill from Tullos gave the Cougars a five-point lead, there was no looking back for Houston, as a 25-21 set victory forced a fourth frame.

Set 4
Houston found a way to climb out of its slow start and tied the score at eight, thanks to a kill from Jackson, but Tulane then went on a 6-2 run to go out in front 14-10, resulting in a timeout from the Cougars. They came out of the break scoring three of the next four points to bring the score to within a pair, courtesy of an ace from Childers. However, a 10-4 run from Tulane closed out the set and sealed the 3-1 match victory for the Green Wave.

UP NEXT
Houston wraps up its 2019 home slate on Sunday, as the Cougars host UConn 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 –

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Team Stats

Megan Duncan

Rachel Tullos

Abbie Jackson

Claire Karsten

Players Mentioned

Kelsey Childers

Megan Duncan

Ryan Emmert

Abby Giles

Kendall Haywood

Abbie Jackson

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Kylie Napoleon

Rachel Tullos

Players Mentioned

Kelsey Childers

Megan Duncan

Ryan Emmert

Abby Giles

Kendall Haywood

Abbie Jackson

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Kylie Napoleon

Rachel Tullos

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