Another Five-Set Match Results in Win for Houston

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Houston Volleyball team fought off five match points to storm back and take down USF in five sets (22-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 16-14) on Sunday afternoon.

The win marks another comeback victory of the Cougars (14-11, 8-2 American), who have now competed in 12 five-set matches this season and are 8-4 in those contests.

On the day, junior setter Abby Irvine surpassed the 50-assist mark for the third time this year, finishing the battle against the Bulls (7-17, 1-9 American) with a team-high 51 helpers. Her day with rounded out with a season-high 17 digs, marking her conference-best 15^th double-double of the season. The Cougars are 11-4 this season when Irvine records a double-double.

Houston found two players reach the double-digit kill mark in senior outside hitter Megan Duncan and sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut. Duncan led the Cougars with 18 kills, while Theut's mark of 15 kills is a career-high. Senior libero Katie Karbo posted another 20-dig performance and is 122 digs away from the American Athletic Conference receord.

Houston 3, USF 2
Set 1
The match began with both teams battling it out, as neither side was able to gain an edge on one another. After the Bulls started to gain some momentum, Duncan put down her third kill of the match to tie the score at 15. Once the Bulls built a three-point edge, the Cougars went on a 5-2 run to tie it all up at 20, but USF responded and closed out the set on a 5-2 run of its own to take the opening frame 25-22.

Set 2
A huge block at the net from Haywood and Tullos put the Cougars up by four to start out the second frame. As USF began to close the gap, Duncan put Houston ahead by three to force a timeout from the Bulls, trailing 12-9. Once senior outside hitter Claire Karsten extended the lead to five with one of her kills on the day, the Bulls began to claw their way back, but Karbo ended the set with an ace to seal the 25-23 win for Houston.

Set 3
The Cougars came out quickly to a four-point lead to force a timeout from the Bulls, trailing 8-4. Houston then maintained its edge courtesy of freshman middle blocker Rachel Tullos, whose kill put her squad up 14-10. USF respond though, as a run from the Bulls closed the gap and trimmed the Houston advantage to a point, resulting in a timeout from the Cougars. The break in action wasn't enough to stop the momentum as USF finished out the set on a 7-3 run to win the frame 25-22 and take a 2-1 match lead.

Set 4
Another tight one is how the fourth set started, with the Bulls clinging on to a one-point lead. Once the Cougars were able to come out in front, a kill from Karsten put Houston ahead 12-9. Theut then slammed home another kill, giving the Cougars a four-point edge. USF responded though, and put together a run, but Houston held off the late push and sealed the 25-22 set victory to force the decisive fifth set.

Set 5
Trailing 14-9, Houston faced match-point five times in the final frame and fought off every one of them, scoring seven-straight points to storm back and win the set 16-14 to complete the comeback and win the match 3-2.

UP NEXT
Houston returns to the Fertitta Center for a four-match homestand on Nov. 1, as the Cougars host Tulsa at 7 p.m. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

– UHCougars.com –

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Megan Duncan

Isabel Theut

Claire Karsten

Rachel Tullos

Players Mentioned

Megan Duncan

Abby Irvine

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

Players Mentioned

Megan Duncan

Abby Irvine

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

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