University of Houston
Temple
Cougars Suffer 3-1 Decision at Temple
9/25/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
PHILADELPHIA -- The University of Houston Volleyball team fell 3-1 (25-23, 21-25, 17-25, 17-25) at Temple on Sunday afternoon inside McGonigle Hall.
With the decision, the Cougars dropped to 5-8 overall and 0-2 in American Athletic Conference play, while the Owls improved to 8-4 overall and 1-1 in league action.
Junior outside hitter Sarah Afflerbaugh paced the Houston attack registering 14 kills, adding seven digs and three blocks. Outside hitters Megan Duncan and Brianna Lynch finished with nine and eight kills, respectfully.
Senior setter Keandra McCardell finished with 33 assists and eight digs, while freshman libero Katie Karbo anchored the back row with nine dug up balls. Senior middle blocker Hunter Wise tied her season high with four blocks.
Temple's Irem Asci led all with 26 kills. Setter Kyla Coundorides posted a double-double with 40 assists and 10 digs. Mia Heirakuji and Dara Peric also recorded double-digit digs, registering 14 and 11, respectfully. Kirsten Overton (6), Iva Deak (5), Izzy Rapacz (4) and Asci (4) all recorded four blocks or more.
The Owls outhit Houston .338-.159, holding a 61-46 advantage in kills, 59-44 lead in digs and 11-5 mark in blocks.
Temple started off strong in the opening set jumping out to an 8-4 lead. Later trailing 13-7, the Cougars rallied back with a 9-3 run, including three consecutive kills from Lynch, to tie the set at 16-all. Still tied at 23-23, Afflerbaugh closed out the set with two straight kills to give Houston a 25-23 victory, ending a streak of nine straight set losses.
The Cougars opened with three quick points in the second set, but the Owls quickly tied things at 4-4. Tied 8-8, Temple went on a 9-2 run to pull away. With the Owls sitting at set point, 24-17, Houston put together a 4-0 run, before bowing out 25-21 heading into intermission.
Both teams went back and forth out of the break, tied 11-11. Still neck and neck with Houston trailing 18-17, the Owls closed out the third set on a 7-0 run to take a 2-1 lead.
In the fourth set, it proved to be a similar situation with the Cougars trailing 17-16, before Temple closed the match on an 8-1 run to pick up the 3-1 decision.
UP NEXT
Houston will look to bounce Friday hosting Tulsa in a 7 p.m. first serve inside Athletics/Alumni Center.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter @UHCougarVB and "Like" /HoustonCougarVolleyball on Facebook. Houston Volleyball is now on Instagram as well at UHCougarVB.
SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2016-17 athletic season. For only $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
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.
