University of Houston
Memphis
Houston Downs Memphis in Straight Sets
10/6/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston Volleyball program swept Memphis (25-13, 25-13, 27-25) on Friday night inside Athletics/Alumni Center.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 6-7 on the season on 2-3 in American Athletic Conference play, while the Tigers fall to 7-10 overall and 0-5 in league action.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
Houston got out to a blistering start, opening the match on a 12-1 run en route to a 25-13 set win. Senior middle blocker Brianna Gardner led all with four kills, as the Cougars held Memphis to a negative .029 attack percentage.
Set 2
The second set proved to be the same with Houston claiming another 25-13 victory for a 2-0 lead at the break. Sophomore outside hitter Megan Duncan (four kills), redshirt junior middle blocker Chenelle Walker (three kills) and Gardner (three kills) paced the Cougars offensively, as the team once against held the Tigers to a negative clip, this time negative .077.
Set 3
Both teams battled in the third set, pulling even on 12 points and swapping the lead four times after there was just one lead change between the first two sets. Tied 25-25, Duncan gave the Cougars the advantage with her 10th kill of the match. On the ensuing rally, sophomore setter Abby Irvine combined with Walker for her first career block to seal a 27-25 triumph to close the match in straight sets.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Afflerbaugh posted her third double-double of the season and 10th of her career behind a 10-kill, 11-dig effort.
• Afflerbaugh joined Duncan and Gardner to co-lead the team with a match-high 10 kills. Gardner also led all with six blocks (all assisted).
• Irvine recorded 22 assists and nine digs, while senior setter Keandra McCardell finished with 14 assists, eight digs and tied her season high with two service aces.
• Defensively, libero Katie Karbo recorded a match-high 14 digs, tying Memphis' libero Mady Ruhlman, her 10th time to lead all players in digs on the season.
• The Cougars recorded 11 blocks as a team, tying for their most in conference play and second most on the overall season. Houston also recorded 11 blocks against UConn on Sept. 29 and at UT Arlington on Aug. 25.
• Houston's 46 kills are the team's most in a three-set match on the season.
• The Cougars outhit Memphis, .275-.089.
UP NEXT
The Cougars will continue play in The American and close their homestand with a noon matchup against No. 24 Wichita State on Sunday. The match marks Houston's first against a ranked opponent since 2012 and first at home since 2010.
QUOTABLES
SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is once again proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2017-18 season. For just $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Volleyball, Soccer, Women's Basketball and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial saving as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, call 713-GO-COOGS or Click Here.
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.
