University of Houston
TCU
Volleyball Concludes Season with 3-0 Win Over TCU
11/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 29, 2008
HOUSTON - The University of Houston volleyball team closed out the 2008 season Saturday with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-23 and 25-20) win over TCU at the Athletics/Alumni Center.
Senior Justine Farmer finished with a game-high 14 kills with eight assists and freshman Natalyia Panova added 11 kills and 10 digs.
The Cougars jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first set the Horned Frogs battled back within two, 8-6. But that would be as close as they would get as Houston would close out the set on a 10-2 run to take the 25-15 win.
It would be a much closer contest in the second set as the two teams would six tie scores in the early points of the set. TCU was able to get a little cushion, 9-6, scoring three straight points but Houston was able to battle back and tie the set, 13-13. But TCU regained the lead, 16-13, scoring three straight points to answer the Cougars.
When it looked as though the Horned Frogs would even the match, Houston once again chipped away at the lead to get within one, 23-22, forcing TCU to call a timeout. Off the bench Houston scored three straight points to win the set, 25-23.
Farmer led all players with 10 kills after the second set, while Panova added seven kills on 11 attempts for a .545 hitting percentage.
Houston would lead early in the third set, but TCU would even the score 7-7 and then go on to take their first lead at 9-8. But Houston wouldn't let TCU lead long as the would take back the lead, 12-11. They would extend their lead, 20-14, before the Horned Frogs made a slight run to get within three, 20-17.
However, UH would respond scoring four consecutive points to take a 24-17 lead but not about to let the Cougars win, TCU answered with three straight points on their own to set the score, 24-20. Head coach Bill Walton called a quick timeout and Houston came out of the break to score the winning point on a kill by Farmer.
Houston closes out the season with a 20-12 record, including a fourth place finish in Conference USA. The Cougars also advanced to the semifinals of the C-USA Championship falling to Tulane 3-2 on Nov. 22.
