rv Cougars Pounce, Sweep Season Opener Against Panthers

DURHAM, N.C. – The Houston Volleyball team opened its season in dominating fashion, sweeping FIU as multiple Cougars shined inside Cameron Indoor Stadium on Friday.

Senior Brenya Reid led the Houston (1-0) offense with 19 kills, her 37^th career double-digit kill performance. Senior Lottie Scully earned her 27^th career double-double with 28 assists and 10 digs. Defensively, redshirt senior Kellen Morin excelled in her return to the court, posting five blocks, two solo, and three kills. The middle blocker participated in half of the Cougars' blocks on the afternoon.

Houston wasted no time in establishing themselves to start the match. Evenly splitting the first 26 points, a 6-0 run for the Cougars put them in front for good and allowed Houston to claim the opening frame, 25-18. Reid rattled off seven kills in the match's first set while Scully earned seven assists and five digs, and Morin tallied three blocks.

The second set remained closer throughout. After 12 ties and five lead changes found the score tied at 23-23, a kill from senior Avery Shimaitis and ace from freshman Aubrey Sears allowed Houston to clinch the set, 25-23.

The final frame again saw a back-and-forth battle between Houston and FIU. While there were 13 ties in the set, Houston posted a .680 sideout percentage, its highest of the match, to limit any Panther runs. FIU was the first to force set point at 24-23, but three consecutive Houston points, including a kill from redshirt sophomore Alyssa Gonzales, a block from Gonzales and redshirt senior Barakat Rahmon and a kill from Scully, sealed the set, 26-24, and the match for Houston.

NOTABLES
·       Houston battled through a rare delay in the match as the fire alarm went off inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
·       Freshmen Aubrey Sears and Gillian Pitts both made their collegiate debuts.
·       Sears tallied three service aces in the match.
·       The win marked the 20^th for the Cougars at a neutral site under Head Coach David Rehr.

UP NEXT
Houston continues play in Durham, N.C., with a 4 p.m., Saturday, match against host Duke.

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