
Houston Rallies Late to Win First Match in Flo Hyman Collegiate Cup
9/3/2021 10:46:00 PM | Volleyball
Cougars overcome 12-7 deficit in fifth set to knock off Mississippi State and stay undefeated at 4-0
HOUSTON – Trailing 12-7 in the fifth and final set, the University of Houston Volleyball program rallied to score eight of the final nine points in taking a 3-2 win over Mississippi State in its first match of the Flo Hyman Collegiate Cup inside the Fertitta Center on Friday night.
Senior outside hitter Kortlyn Henderson led the way for the Cougars with five of her 12 kills in the fifth set, including three in a critical stretch as Houston clawed its way back into the match. The Waco, Texas, native added three blocks assists in the win.
With the win, the Cougars won their fourth straight match to open the season and their third five-set thriller. The Cougars also knocked the Bulldogs from the unbeaten ranks at 3-1.
The two teams split the first two sets with the Cougars cruising to a 25-15 win in the first set. Mississippi State rallied to tie the game with a 25-21 victory in the fourth set to set up the deciding frame.
Both teams battled to a 4-4 tie through the first eight points before the Bulldogs appeared to seize control of the match, winning six of the next seven points to take a 10-5 lead. Mississippi State's Sania Peties led the way with a two kills and a block solo during the rally.
After both schools traded the next four points, Mississippi State held a 12-7 advantage, needing only three more points to win the match. Senior middle blocker Isabel Theut ignited the Cougar rally with a kill, and sophomore outside Grayson Schirpik continued the momentum with an ace.
That's when the Henderson Show started. The senior smashed kills on three of the next four points to move the Cougars to within 13-12, and Houston tied the set at 13-13 following a Mississippi State attack error.
Following a Bulldog timeout, junior outside hitter Abbie Jackson and junior middle blocker Rachel Tullos teamed up on a block to give the Cougars the lead for good, and Henderson clinched the win with her 12th and final kill of the night.
Jackson led the way for Houston with 13 kills and added nine digs with six total blocks. Theut finished with 11 kills and five blocks assists. Sophomore libero Kate Georgiades led all players with a career-high 29 digs, while junior defensive specialist Sarah Martinez totaled 11 digs.
Mississippi State's Shania Cromarti led the Bulldogs with 13 kills, while Gabby Waden added 12 kills in the loss. Gabby Coulter totaled 14 digs with Lauren Myrick a close second with 13 digs.
WATCH the COUGARS
Houston's Saturday matches can be seen on Houston All-Access by following the appropriate links. Saturday's match against McNeese can be seen by clicking here, while Saturday's finale against ULM can be seen by clicking here.
TOURNAMENT RECAP
Mississippi State claimed a 3-0 win over McNeese to open the tournament. Shania Cromartie led the Bulldogs with nine kills, while Lilly Gunter added nine digs to pace Mississippi State.
McNeese rebounded in its second straight match to take a 3-0 win over ULM. Kendall Glueck led the Cowgirls with 10 kills, while Lilly Low finished with 10 digs and added nine assists in the win.
Friday, Sept. 3
Saturday, Sept. 4
BUY TICKETS
Fans can purchase Houston Volleyball tickets by calling 713-462-6647 or by clicking here. The 32-match schedule features 13 contests inside the Fertitta Center, which has returned to full capacity for the 2021 season.

ABOUT FLO HYMAN
Flo Hyman was one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Houston history. A native of Los Angeles, she joined the Cougars from 1974 to 1976 and made an immediate impact as one of the first female athletic scholarship recipients in school history.
Hyman was a three-time AIAW All-American and was recognized as the National Player of the Year in 1976. During her time in the Scarlet and White, she led the Cougars to 120 victories and a Top-5 finish at the AIAW National Tournament every season.
Following her collegiate career, Hyman began an award-winning international playing career and led the United States to the Silver Medal in the 1984 Olympic Games. She was inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor in 1988.
Hyman passed away unexpectedly in 1986 at the age of 31. Today, she is not only remembered as one of the sport of volleyball's most powerful players but as a leader who worked to uphold the Civil Rights Restoration Act and the strengthening of Title IX legislation.
UP NEXT
Following the Flo Human Collegiate Cup, the Cougars compete at the Texas A&M Invitational on Sept. 10-11 in College Station, Texas.
That tournament begins at 6 p.m., Sept. 10, as the Cougars face the host Aggies and continues Saturday against UTSA (10 a.m.) and Albany (5 p.m.).
From there, the Cougars continue their road swing as they play at the Bama Bash on Sept. 17-18 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
JOIN POINT HOUSTON CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Volleyball program by joining the Point HOUSTON Club. For more information about the Point HOUSTON Club, fans can click here or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarVB, and "Like" UHCougarVB on Facebook.
Senior outside hitter Kortlyn Henderson led the way for the Cougars with five of her 12 kills in the fifth set, including three in a critical stretch as Houston clawed its way back into the match. The Waco, Texas, native added three blocks assists in the win.
With the win, the Cougars won their fourth straight match to open the season and their third five-set thriller. The Cougars also knocked the Bulldogs from the unbeaten ranks at 3-1.
The two teams split the first two sets with the Cougars cruising to a 25-15 win in the first set. Mississippi State rallied to tie the game with a 25-21 victory in the fourth set to set up the deciding frame.
Both teams battled to a 4-4 tie through the first eight points before the Bulldogs appeared to seize control of the match, winning six of the next seven points to take a 10-5 lead. Mississippi State's Sania Peties led the way with a two kills and a block solo during the rally.
After both schools traded the next four points, Mississippi State held a 12-7 advantage, needing only three more points to win the match. Senior middle blocker Isabel Theut ignited the Cougar rally with a kill, and sophomore outside Grayson Schirpik continued the momentum with an ace.
That's when the Henderson Show started. The senior smashed kills on three of the next four points to move the Cougars to within 13-12, and Houston tied the set at 13-13 following a Mississippi State attack error.
Following a Bulldog timeout, junior outside hitter Abbie Jackson and junior middle blocker Rachel Tullos teamed up on a block to give the Cougars the lead for good, and Henderson clinched the win with her 12th and final kill of the night.
Jackson led the way for Houston with 13 kills and added nine digs with six total blocks. Theut finished with 11 kills and five blocks assists. Sophomore libero Kate Georgiades led all players with a career-high 29 digs, while junior defensive specialist Sarah Martinez totaled 11 digs.
Mississippi State's Shania Cromarti led the Bulldogs with 13 kills, while Gabby Waden added 12 kills in the loss. Gabby Coulter totaled 14 digs with Lauren Myrick a close second with 13 digs.
WATCH the COUGARS
Houston's Saturday matches can be seen on Houston All-Access by following the appropriate links. Saturday's match against McNeese can be seen by clicking here, while Saturday's finale against ULM can be seen by clicking here.
TOURNAMENT RECAP
Mississippi State claimed a 3-0 win over McNeese to open the tournament. Shania Cromartie led the Bulldogs with nine kills, while Lilly Gunter added nine digs to pace Mississippi State.
McNeese rebounded in its second straight match to take a 3-0 win over ULM. Kendall Glueck led the Cowgirls with 10 kills, while Lilly Low finished with 10 digs and added nine assists in the win.
Friday, Sept. 3
No. | Result |
Match 1 | Mississippi State 3, McNeese 0 (25-12, 25-2, 25-18) |
Match 2 | McNeese 3, ULM 0 (25-15, 27-25, 25-20) |
Match 3 | Houston 3, Mississippi State 2 (25-15, 22-25, 25-23, 21-25 15-13 |
Saturday, Sept. 4
Time | Match | Watch | Live Stats |
11 a.m. | Houston vs. McNeese | Houston All-Access | Live Stats |
2 p.m. | ULM vs. Mississippi State | Live Stats | |
6:30 p.m. | Houston vs ULM | Houston All-Access | Live Stats |
BUY TICKETS
Fans can purchase Houston Volleyball tickets by calling 713-462-6647 or by clicking here. The 32-match schedule features 13 contests inside the Fertitta Center, which has returned to full capacity for the 2021 season.


Flo Hyman was one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Houston history. A native of Los Angeles, she joined the Cougars from 1974 to 1976 and made an immediate impact as one of the first female athletic scholarship recipients in school history.
Hyman was a three-time AIAW All-American and was recognized as the National Player of the Year in 1976. During her time in the Scarlet and White, she led the Cougars to 120 victories and a Top-5 finish at the AIAW National Tournament every season.
Following her collegiate career, Hyman began an award-winning international playing career and led the United States to the Silver Medal in the 1984 Olympic Games. She was inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor in 1988.
Hyman passed away unexpectedly in 1986 at the age of 31. Today, she is not only remembered as one of the sport of volleyball's most powerful players but as a leader who worked to uphold the Civil Rights Restoration Act and the strengthening of Title IX legislation.
UP NEXT
Following the Flo Human Collegiate Cup, the Cougars compete at the Texas A&M Invitational on Sept. 10-11 in College Station, Texas.
That tournament begins at 6 p.m., Sept. 10, as the Cougars face the host Aggies and continues Saturday against UTSA (10 a.m.) and Albany (5 p.m.).
From there, the Cougars continue their road swing as they play at the Bama Bash on Sept. 17-18 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
JOIN POINT HOUSTON CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Volleyball program by joining the Point HOUSTON Club. For more information about the Point HOUSTON Club, fans can click here or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarVB, and "Like" UHCougarVB on Facebook.
– UHCougars.com –
Team Stats
MSU
UH
Kills
67
59
Errors
28
20
Attempts
191
173
Hitting %
.204
.225
Points
80
80
Assists
62
56
Aces
4
6
Blocks
9
15
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
HIGHLIGHTS: Houston 3, Texas Tech 1
Sunday, September 28
Houston at Big 12 Media Days
Thursday, August 07
Cougars All-Access: Barakat Rahmon (VB)
Tuesday, November 19
Cougars All-Access: Kate Georgiades (VB)
Wednesday, October 02