Houston Concludes Weekend at Flo Hyman CC

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Volleyball team wrapped up its opening weekend of the 2019 season at the Flo Hyman Collegiate Cup on Saturday inside the Fertitta Center.

Houston began the day falling to UT Arlington (2-1) in a five-set thriller 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 22-25, 12-15). In the primetime matchup against LSU (2-1), the Cougars (0-4) dropped their contest with the Tigers, 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 13-25, 15-25).

At the conclusion of the event, sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut was named to the All-Tournament team. She finished the weekend with a steady .227 hitting percentage, averaging 2.5 kills per set.

GAME 1: Houston 2, UT Arlington 3
Set 1
The match began in a seesaw battle between the two squads, but it was senior outside hitter Claire Karsten who paved the way for the Cougar offense, with her team-high two kills at the 10-10 mark. After a kill from freshman middle blocker Rachel Tullos put Houston ahead by five, UT Arlington was forced to call a timeout, trailing 19-14. The Cougars never took their foot off the pedal though, as they finished the set strong to win 25-18 and take a 1-0 match lead.

Set 2
Another tight battle started the second set, as freshman Abbie Jackson led the Cougars with five kills to keep the score knotted at 7-7. Jackson finished the match with a team-best 21 kills. The Mavericks were had no choice but to call a timeout, after a service ace from senior libero Katie Karbo put the Cougars ahead 17-13. From there, Houston kept its defensive pressure alive, as an attacking error from the Mavericks gave the Cougars the 25-18 set victory and 2-0 match lead at the intermission.

Set 3
Offensively, Jackson continued to lead the charge for Houston, with 12 kills to help put Houston ahead, 10-7. UT Arlington was able to cut the Cougar lead to one, resulting in a Houston timeout, but that wasn't enough to stop the Mavericks, as they ended the set on an 11-4 run to claim the third frame 25-21.

Set 4
The Mavericks were able to keep things rolling in their favor and force a decisive fifth set, after squeaking by the Cougars and winning the fourth set 25-22.

Set 5
The final frame saw neither team gain an edge on one another, as no one held more than a two-point lead until the final point was scored by the Mavericks to give them the 15-12 set win and a 3-2 match victory.

GAME 2: Houston 1, LSU 3
Set 1
Houston put a balanced offense on display early in the match, as three different Cougars tallied multiple kills to help take a 12-7 lead. Once the Tigers were able to bring the score to within a point, senior outside hitter Megan Duncan put an end to their threat with her kill to seal the 25-23 set victory for Houston.

Set 2
After LSU came out and grabbed onto a five-point lead, Houston was forced to call a timeout, trailing 11-6. The Tigers pushed their lead to eight, which proved to be all they needed and cruised to the 25-16 win to tie the match at 1-1, heading into intermission.

Set 3
To start the third frame, Houston managed to keep pace, but a 5-1 run from LSU pushed their lead to five, 10-5. The Cougars were never able to overcome the deficit, as the Tigers went on to win the set, 25-13 and hold a 2-1 match lead.

Set 4
The Tigers broke out to an early 5-0 lead and never looked back from that point, having won the set 25-15 to cement the 3-1 match victory.

UP NEXT
The Cougars hit the road for the first time this season and travel to Lake Charles, La., for a midweek matchup with McNeese on Tuesday, Sept. 3. First serve for that match is slated for 6:30 p.m.

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

Abbie Jackson

Isabel Theut

Claire Karsten

Kendall Haywood

Players Mentioned

Megan Duncan

Abbie Jackson

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

Players Mentioned

Megan Duncan

Abbie Jackson

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

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Recent Results