Houston Falls to RV Tennessee in Nail-Biter

WACO, Texas – The University of Houston Volleyball team suffered a heartbreaking contest against RV Tennessee on Friday afternoon, falling to the Lady Vols by a score of 3-2 (25-23, 22-25, 26-24, 15-25, 8-15).

After the Lady Vols (3-3) tied the match at 1-1, the Cougars (5-6) stormed back in the third set and scored the final four points to take a 2-1 match lead but were unable to carry that momentum into the fourth and ultimately fell to Tennessee in five sets.

Behind senior Katie Karbo's team-high 24 digs, Houston posted a season-best 79 digs in the match. Freshman defensive specialist also helped lead the charge in the back row, tallying a career-high 17 digs.

Freshman outside hitter Abbie Jackson slammed home a team-best 16 kills to go along with her 11 digs, marking the fourth double-double of her career. She was joined by junior setter Abby Irvine as those with double-doubles today. Irvine finished the match with 30 assists and 11 digs.

Houston 1, Tennessee 3
Set 1
The Cougars began the match with a steady four-point advantage thanks to a kill from sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut courtesy of an assist from Irvine. After Houston extended its advantage midway through the set, the Lady Vols strung together a 7-0 run, which was ended by senior outside hitter Megan Duncan to tie the game at 17. The Cougars prevailed though, as they closed out the set to win 25-23 and take a 1-0 match lead.

Set 2
A seesaw battle to begin the set resulted in Tennessee holding a slight, two-point edge at the 9-7 mark. After a kill from Theut brought the Cougars to within a pair at 15-13, the Lady Vols stretched their lead to four late in the set, but Houston never backed down. Four unanswered points from the Cougars trimmed the deficit to 22-21, but Tennessee pulled away late to take the 25-22 set victory and tie the match score at one.

Set 3
The third frame started with the Lady Vols taking an early three-point but after the Cougars climbed back into it, a service ace from Jackson put Houston ahead 12-11. Tennessee put together a run of their own and took an 18-16 lead, forcing the Cougars to call a timeout. Coming out of the break, Houston found a rebuttal of its own and stormed back to score the final four points of the set and win 26-24 to retake a 2-1 match lead.

Set 4
Jackson brought the Cougars back to within a point with her 14^th kill of the contest at the 8-7 mark. Once Theut put Houston in striking distance again at 14-12, the Lady Vols went on a 6-2 run, which they never looked back on to win the set 25-15 and force a decisive fifth set.

Set 5
After Tennessee started the final frame with five unanswered points, Houston stormed back to tie the score at seven, thanks to another kill from Theut. The Lady Vols responded though, as a 4-1 from Tennessee put them ahead by three, which they never looked back from in route to the 15-8 set win and complete the 3-2 comeback victory.

UP NEXT
The Cougars return to Houston for a midweek matchup at Houston Baptist on Tuesday, Sept. 17. First serve against the Huskies is slated for 6 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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Abbie Jackson

Isabel Theut

Megan Duncan

Rachel Tullos

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Megan Duncan

Abby Irvine

Abbie Jackson

Katie Karbo

Isabel Theut

Players Mentioned

Megan Duncan

Abby Irvine

Abbie Jackson

Katie Karbo

Isabel Theut

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