Houston Falls to Texas Tech at Red Raider Classic

LUBBOCK, Texas – University of Houston Volleyball senior libero Katie Karbo tallied a match-high 20 digs, but her effort would not be enough, as Texas Tech claimed the 3-1 (16-25, 25-20, 17-25, 19-25) victory inside United Supermarkets Arena on Friday night.

Karbo is now nine digs away from becoming the third player in program history to record 2,000 digs in a career. Her 20 digs on the night was the eighth time this year she has posted a match-high in digs.

Offensively, senior outside hitter Claire Karsten led the Cougars (5-8) with a career-high 13 kills against the Red Raiders (8-4). Her senior counterpart Megan Duncan posted a steady .316 hitting percentage, while sophomore outside hitter Alexis Cheatum recorded a season-high seven kills.

Junior setter Abby Irvine put together her seventh double-double of the season, handing out 37 assists to go along with a season-high 15 digs. She's now posted a double-double in each of her past five matches. Sophomore middle blocker Isabel Theut and freshman middle blocker Rachel Tullos led the match with four blocks each.

Houston 1, Texas Tech 3
Set 1
After the Red Raiders jumped out to an early five-point lead, Tullos slammed home her first kill of the night to bring the Cougars within four. Houston continued to claw its way back to within striking distance, as Duncan's third kill brought the deficit to just three at 15-12. Texas Tech responded though, as four unanswered points pushed their advantage to seven and never looked back from that point, cruising to the 25-15 set victory.

Set 2
Cheatum extended the early Cougar advantage to three by connecting on her second kill of the match. Once Texas Tech tied the score at 12, Houston strung together a 5-1 run that was capped off by a stuff at the net from both Tullos and Cheatum, which forced a timeout from the Red Raiders, who trailed 17-13. Another late run from the Cougars stretched the lead to as much as seven, which was all they needed to take the second set 25-20 and tie the match at one.

Set 3
With the two sides battling it out to start the third set, Tullos managed to bring the Cougars' deficit to just one with her solo block at the net. Midway through the frame, the Red Raiders went on a 5-2 run that put Houston in a five-point hole at 20-15, setting the tone for the rest of the stanza, as Texas Tech went on to claim the 25-17 set win and held a 2-1 match lead.

Set 4
Karsten pounded home a couple of crucial kills for the Cougars midway through the frame, as her slam at the 13-11 mark cut Houston's deficit in half. She later provided the Cougars with a 15-14 advantage, but a 6-1 from the Red Raiders gave them a four-point lead, which proved to be the difference, as Texas Tech went on to win the set 25-19 and seal the 3-1 match victory.

UP NEXT
Houston concludes its time in Lubbock, Texas, as the Cougars wrap up their nonconference slate with a doubleheader on Saturday. The Cougars will matchup against UTEP at 11 a.m. before squaring up with Incarnate Word at 5 p.m.

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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Claire Karsten

Megan Duncan

Alexis Cheatum

Abbie Jackson

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Alexis Cheatum

Megan Duncan

Abby Irvine

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

Players Mentioned

Alexis Cheatum

Megan Duncan

Abby Irvine

Katie Karbo

Claire Karsten

Isabel Theut

Rachel Tullos

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