University of Houston
UConn
Houston Sweeps UConn for First Conference Win
9/29/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston Volleyball program swept UConn (25-22, 25-22, 25-22) on Friday night inside Athletics/Alumni Center.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 5-6 on the season on 1-2 in American Athletic Conference play, while the Huskies fall to 8-7 overall and 1-2 in league play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
Both teams battled to open the first set, swapping the lead 11 times and pulling even on five points. Tied 14-14, Houston used a 3-0 surge to swing momentum. However, UConn stayed close and retied the match at 21-21, before a service error gave the Cougars back the advantage. With senior outside hitter Sarah Afflerbaugh holding serve, a kill from freshman outside hitter Silvia Pertens and two errors by the Huskies propelled Houston to a 25-22, opening-set victory.
The Cougars hit a match-high .231 attack percentage in the opening set and were led with five kills from sophomore outside hitter Megan Duncan.
Set 2
The second set also proved to be a back-and-forth affair late. Tied 18-18, kills from Duncan and senior outside hitter Brianna Lynch on either side of a UConn error gave Houston a three-point swing en route to another 25-22 win for a 2-0 advantage at intermission.
Set 3
Out of the break, the Cougars jumped out to a 5-0 lead to start the third set. However, the Huskies battled back to retie the match at 6-6. Later tied 14-14, three kills from Duncan highlighted a 4-0 Houston run. The advantage never fell below two points the rest of the way as the Cougars rode to their third 25-22 victory to close the match in straight sets.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Duncan led Houston with a season-high 15 kills, her fourth time to lead the team on the season with all coming in the last five matches. She (two solo, two assisted) and senior middle blocker Brianna Gardner (one solo, three assisted) also recorded four blocks apiece.
• Cougars Chenelle Walker and Pertens each finished with six kills. Walker also led the team with five blocks (three solo, two assisted).
• Freshman setter Abby Irvine recorded 17 assists and eight digs, while senior setter Keandra McCardell finished with seven assists and seven digs, respectively.
• Defensively, libero Katie Karbo recorded a team-best 12 digs.
• The Cougars recorded 11 blocks as a team, tying for their second most on the season and most in conference play.
• Houston outhit UConn, .206-.158.
UP NEXT
The Cougars will continue homestand with a 1 p.m. serve against Temple on Sunday.
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.
