PREVIEW: Volleyball Returns Home for Cougar Challenge

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Volleyball team is back in Fertitta Center this weekend for a trio of matches as part of the Cougar Challenge following an in-state road trip over the last week.

Houston starts the tournament at 7 p.m., Thursday against Texas A&M-Commerce, before a 7 p.m., Friday tilt against Ole Miss and a 5 p.m., Saturday contest against Tennessee State.

Thursday is Houston's local heroes match, with free admission and a Houston Flag hat for local heroes (veterans, active-duty military, first responders and teachers) while supplies last. On Friday, UHAA members receive a discounted ticket (online only, not available at the box office) for Throwback Night while the first 50 students in attendance get free pizza. Fans can also get a Houston fanny pack while supplies last.

Closing the weekend, Houston hosts its camper reunion match against Tennessee State, with campers from this past summer receiving free admission to the match. Fans 12-and-under will also receive Croc jibbets prior to the match. Families can also take advantage of the Family Four Pack, which gives you four tickets, hot dogs and soft drinks for only $40. Family Four Pack tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available at the box office.

Cougar Challenge
Date \| Time				Thursday, Sept. 19 7 p.m. \| Houston vs. Texas A&M-Commerce \| ESPN+ Friday, Sept. 20 3 p.m. \| Texas A&M-Commerce vs. Tennessee State 7 p.m. \| Houston vs. Ole Miss \| ESPN+ Saturday, Sept. 21 11 a.m. \| Tennessee St. vs. Ole Miss 2 p.m. \| Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M-Commerce 5 p.m. \| Houston vs. Tennessee State \| ESPN+
Location				Fertitta Center \| Houston, Texas
Live Stats				UHStats.com
Game Notes				Houston
Social Media				@uhcougarvb \| @uhccougarvb \| Cougar Volleyball \| #GoCoogs \| #BeSomeone

QUICK HITS

Houston is back receiving votes in the AVCA Coaches Poll. The team has received votes in three of the four polls so far this season.
Graduate libero Kate Georgiades ranks third in the Big 12 Conference and third in the state of Texas with 4.41 digs per set.
Graduate setter Annie Cooke is moving up multiple program career record lists. She currently sits in fourth on both the service aces (121) and assists (3,341) all-time rankings, needing one ace and 91 assists to move into a tie for third on each list, respectively.
Georgiades is also making moves on Houston record lists. She currently ranks fourth all-time in digs (1,922) and ninth in aces (96).
Among active players, Georgiades ranks second in Division I and first in the state of Texas and in the Big 12 in career digs with 2,149.
The Cougars boast a 14-7 record in matches immediately after a loss in the last three seasons, keeping losing streaks to a minimum. Additionally, Houston decisively wins those matches with a 47-27 set record.
Rehr is nearing 650 career victories, sitting at 647 in his 25-year career which includes 106 with the Cougars, the third-most in program history.

SERIES HISTORY
COOGS VS. TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE

All-time: Houston leads 1-0
Sets: Houston leads 2-0
In Houston: N/A
In Commerce: N/A
Neutral Sites: N/A
Unknown Sites: Houston leads 1-0
Last meeting: Houston won 2-0 | Unknown | 1977
Houston Streak: W1
Rehr's UH career vs. Commerce: N/A
Houston's Last 5: W (1-0)
Houston's Longest Win Streak: 1
Houston's Longest Losing Streak: 0

COOGS VS. OLE MISS

All-time: Houston leads 5-2
Sets: Houston leads 14-7
In Houston: Houston leads 2-0
In Oxford: N/A
Neutral Sites: Series tied 2-2
Unknown Sites: Houston leads 1-0
Last meeting: Ole Miss won 3-0 | Neutral | Sept. 14, 2013
Houston Streak: L1
Rehr's UH career vs. Ole Miss: 0-0
Houston's Last 5: LWWWW (4-1)
Houston's Longest Win Streak: 4
Houston's Longest Losing Streak: 1

COOGS VS. TENNESSEE STATE

All-time: Tennessee State leads 2-0
Sets: Tennessee State leads 6-4
In Houston: N/A
In Nashville: N/A
Neutral Sites: Tennessee State leads 2-0
Last meeting: Tennessee State won 3-2 | Neutral | Aug. 30, 2008
Houston Streak: L2
Rehr's UH career vs. Tennessee State: 0-0
Houston's Last 5: LL (0-2)
Houston's Longest Win Streak: 0
Houston's Longest Losing Streak: 2

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball joining the Point Houston Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Volleyball for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarVB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarVB. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarVB.

– UHCougars.com –

Upcoming Events

Recent Results