Houston Drops Conference Matchup at UCF
10/25/2019 8:27:00 PM | Volleyball
Irvine reaches 30-assist mark in sixth-straight match
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Houston Volleyball team began its weekend road trip in Florida falling to UCF in straight sets (25-27, 19-25, 15-25) on Friday night.
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Despite dropping their match with the Knights (15-7, 8-1 American) the Cougars remain on top of the West Division standings in the American Athletic Conference with their 7-2 mark in league action. Houston is now 13-11 overall on the year.
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Friday saw junior setter Abby Irvine command the Houston offense again, leading all players with 31 assists. It marked the 13th time this season she posted a match-high in assists. Senior libero Katie Karbo continued to inch her way towards the conference's all-time digs record, as her 14 digs put her 142 away from the top spot.
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Senior outside hitter Claire Karsten and sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut led the way for Houston in the kills category, as Karsten posted 11 slams, while Theut finished the match with 10 kills.
UCF 3, Houston 0
Set 1
After the Cougars jumped out to a 5-3 lead with back-to-back points, Houston extended its edge to three after a kill from Karsten put the Cougars ahead 9-6. The Knights managed to climb their way back into it and scored four unanswered point to take a one-point lead, forcing Houston to call its first timeout of the contest. Once senior outside hitter Megan Duncan connected with on ace, the Cougars carried that momentum all the way to their 22-19 advantage, resulting a timeout from the Knights. UCF came out of the break and made a statement, scoring eight of the final 11 points of the set to narrowly take the first frame 27-25.
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Set 2
Karsten continued to do her best to carry the offensive load, as her kill early on quickly put Houston out in front by two. A tough serve from Karbo resulted in an overpass from the Knights, which freshman Rachel Tullos took full advantage of with her slam to stretch the Cougar lead to 8-4. Another kill from Karsten maintained Houston's four-point edge for a while, but UCF found its groove midway through the set and tied the score at 15. The Knights continued its run and stretched their lead to five, having never looking back from that point, as they went on to win the set 25-19 and take a 2-0 match lead.
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Set 3
UCF began the third ahead by a pair, but a block at the net from Theut and Irvine brought the Cougars to within a score. From there, the Knights went on to score nine of the next 12 points to go up seven, which proved to be all they needed as they went on to win the set 25-15 and claim the 3-0 match victory. Â Â Â
UP NEXT
Houston concludes its road trip on Sunday, as the Cougars travel to Tampa, Fla., for a contest against USF at 11 a.m.
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The Cougars return home for a four-match swing on Nov. 1 when Houston hosts Tulsa. Tickets for that match are on sale now and can be purchased here.
NEW GAMEDAY PROCEDURES
Those looking to watch the Cougars in action in 2019 are now advised to park in the Stadium Garage on Holman Street as well as Lot 16B on the southeast corner of Elgin and Cullen in front of Moore's School of Music.
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Fans can park in both areas for $5, which will be open two hours before first serve. On days where other events are occurring on campus, $5 parking lots will still be available at locations to be determined later.
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To enter the Fertitta Center, doors will only be open at the Holman Street entrances, where fans can purchase single-game tickets for as low as $5. Fans can buy tickets in advance now by either clicking here or calling (713) GO-COOGS.
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Along with the list of prohibited items, also new to Houston Volleyball fans in 2019 is a Clear Bag Policy, which is being incorporated to help provide a safer environment for the public and to expedite fan entry into the Fertitta Center. The UH Clear Bag Policy strictly limits the size and types of bags that are permitted into the Fertitta Center.
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Items such as backpacks, large bags and diaper bags are not permitted. Fans are strongly encouraged to not bring any bags. However, the following will be permitted:
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.
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– UHCougars.com –
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Despite dropping their match with the Knights (15-7, 8-1 American) the Cougars remain on top of the West Division standings in the American Athletic Conference with their 7-2 mark in league action. Houston is now 13-11 overall on the year.
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Friday saw junior setter Abby Irvine command the Houston offense again, leading all players with 31 assists. It marked the 13th time this season she posted a match-high in assists. Senior libero Katie Karbo continued to inch her way towards the conference's all-time digs record, as her 14 digs put her 142 away from the top spot.
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Senior outside hitter Claire Karsten and sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut led the way for Houston in the kills category, as Karsten posted 11 slams, while Theut finished the match with 10 kills.
Set 1
After the Cougars jumped out to a 5-3 lead with back-to-back points, Houston extended its edge to three after a kill from Karsten put the Cougars ahead 9-6. The Knights managed to climb their way back into it and scored four unanswered point to take a one-point lead, forcing Houston to call its first timeout of the contest. Once senior outside hitter Megan Duncan connected with on ace, the Cougars carried that momentum all the way to their 22-19 advantage, resulting a timeout from the Knights. UCF came out of the break and made a statement, scoring eight of the final 11 points of the set to narrowly take the first frame 27-25.
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Set 2
Karsten continued to do her best to carry the offensive load, as her kill early on quickly put Houston out in front by two. A tough serve from Karbo resulted in an overpass from the Knights, which freshman Rachel Tullos took full advantage of with her slam to stretch the Cougar lead to 8-4. Another kill from Karsten maintained Houston's four-point edge for a while, but UCF found its groove midway through the set and tied the score at 15. The Knights continued its run and stretched their lead to five, having never looking back from that point, as they went on to win the set 25-19 and take a 2-0 match lead.
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Set 3
UCF began the third ahead by a pair, but a block at the net from Theut and Irvine brought the Cougars to within a score. From there, the Knights went on to score nine of the next 12 points to go up seven, which proved to be all they needed as they went on to win the set 25-15 and claim the 3-0 match victory. Â Â Â
Houston concludes its road trip on Sunday, as the Cougars travel to Tampa, Fla., for a contest against USF at 11 a.m.
Â
The Cougars return home for a four-match swing on Nov. 1 when Houston hosts Tulsa. Tickets for that match are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Those looking to watch the Cougars in action in 2019 are now advised to park in the Stadium Garage on Holman Street as well as Lot 16B on the southeast corner of Elgin and Cullen in front of Moore's School of Music.
Â
Fans can park in both areas for $5, which will be open two hours before first serve. On days where other events are occurring on campus, $5 parking lots will still be available at locations to be determined later.
Â
To enter the Fertitta Center, doors will only be open at the Holman Street entrances, where fans can purchase single-game tickets for as low as $5. Fans can buy tickets in advance now by either clicking here or calling (713) GO-COOGS.
Â
Along with the list of prohibited items, also new to Houston Volleyball fans in 2019 is a Clear Bag Policy, which is being incorporated to help provide a safer environment for the public and to expedite fan entry into the Fertitta Center. The UH Clear Bag Policy strictly limits the size and types of bags that are permitted into the Fertitta Center.
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Items such as backpacks, large bags and diaper bags are not permitted. Fans are strongly encouraged to not bring any bags. However, the following will be permitted:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- A small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" with or without a handle or strap. These small clutches are subject to search.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the entrance by arena personnel.
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarVB, and "Like" UHCougarVB on Facebook.
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.
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– UHCougars.com –
Team Stats
UH
UCF
Kills
37
52
Errors
14
13
Attempts
112
122
Hitting %
.205
.320
Points
44.0
61.0
Assists
36
46
Aces
2
2
Blocks
5.0
7.0
Game Leaders
Kills-Aces-Blocks
Players Mentioned
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
Cougars All-Access: David Rehr (VB)
Monday, September 16