Wednesday, September 24
Fort Worth, Texas
6:30 p.m.
University of Houston
7-5,0-1Big 12
0
at
3
TCU
11-2,1-0Big 12
1
2
3
F
Houston
23
30
18
0
TCU
25
32
25
3
Houston Threatens, Falls to #9 TCU in Conference Opener
9/24/2025 9:14:00 PM | Volleyball
Cougars drop two sets by minimum, including a 32-30 marathon, in three-set loss to Horned Frogs
HOUSTON – The Houston Volleyball team battled with #9 TCU throughout the match, losing the first two sets by four points, but fell to the Horned Frogs in three sets at Schollmaier Arena on Wednesday night.
Houston (7-5, 0-1 Big 12) was tight with TCU (11-2, 1-0 Big 12) for much of the match. The Cougars were powered by 12 kills on 21 swings and only one error (.524 hitting percentage) from senior Avery Shimaitis and six blocks and eight kills from redshirt senior Kellen Morin.
Freshman Olivia Klimis shined on defense, posting a team-leading 13 digs, while the Cougars tallied 8.0 blocks in the match, leading TCU by 2.5 in the category. Houston has tallied two-or-more blocks per set in all but one match this season.
The first two sets were neck and neck between the in-state rivals with 37 ties and 12 lead changes in the first and second sets. After winning back-to-back points to even the first at 23-23, Houston dropped the first after TCU was able to pick up the next two points to clinch the opener.
Back tied 23-23 in the second frame, the Cougars fought off two set points before forcing one of their own at 26-25. The teams started a back-and-forth affair after, extending the set into the 30s before the Horned Frogs capitalized on an attack error with a service ace to win the second, 32-30.
The teams continued to trade blows into the third. Tied 10 times after seeing the frame reach 14-all, TCU pulled away with a 4-1 run to take the lead. The Horned Frogs retained the edge through the remainder of the set to win, 25-18.
NOTABLES
· Shimaitis recorded her 10th career match with double-digit kills.
· Klimis earned her second match this season with 10+ digs.
UP NEXT
Houston returns to Fertitta Center for its home conference opener as the Cougars scrap with another in-state rival, Texas Tech, at 1 p.m., Saturday. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball by providing NIL opportunities or by 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.
Houston (7-5, 0-1 Big 12) was tight with TCU (11-2, 1-0 Big 12) for much of the match. The Cougars were powered by 12 kills on 21 swings and only one error (.524 hitting percentage) from senior Avery Shimaitis and six blocks and eight kills from redshirt senior Kellen Morin.
Freshman Olivia Klimis shined on defense, posting a team-leading 13 digs, while the Cougars tallied 8.0 blocks in the match, leading TCU by 2.5 in the category. Houston has tallied two-or-more blocks per set in all but one match this season.
The first two sets were neck and neck between the in-state rivals with 37 ties and 12 lead changes in the first and second sets. After winning back-to-back points to even the first at 23-23, Houston dropped the first after TCU was able to pick up the next two points to clinch the opener.
Back tied 23-23 in the second frame, the Cougars fought off two set points before forcing one of their own at 26-25. The teams started a back-and-forth affair after, extending the set into the 30s before the Horned Frogs capitalized on an attack error with a service ace to win the second, 32-30.
The teams continued to trade blows into the third. Tied 10 times after seeing the frame reach 14-all, TCU pulled away with a 4-1 run to take the lead. The Horned Frogs retained the edge through the remainder of the set to win, 25-18.
NOTABLES
· Shimaitis recorded her 10th career match with double-digit kills.
· Klimis earned her second match this season with 10+ digs.
UP NEXT
Houston returns to Fertitta Center for its home conference opener as the Cougars scrap with another in-state rival, Texas Tech, at 1 p.m., Saturday. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball by providing NIL opportunities or by 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 –
Team Stats
UH
TCU
Kills
41
53
Errors
17
20
Attempts
127
133
Hitting %
.189
.248
Points
50.0
61.5
Assists
36
52
Aces
1
3
Blocks
8
5.5
Game Leaders
Kills-Aces-Blocks
Kills
12
Aces
0
Blocks
4
Kills
8
Aces
0
Blocks
6
Kills
7
Aces
1
Blocks
0
Kills
6
Aces
0
Blocks
2
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