PREVIEW: Volleyball Takes on Cincinnati for Big 12 Home Opener

HOUSTON – Houston volleyball returns home following a trip to Kansas and Kansas State in a duel with former American Conference rival, Cincinnati on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the Fertitta Center.

The Cougars look to continue winning ways in conference play while also celebrating Greek night. University fraternities and sororities are invited to partake in a challenge to see which organization displays the most passion.

Vs CINCINNATI 7-5 (0-2 BIG 12)
vs Cincinnati	Friday, Oct. 2 \| 6:30 p.m. Houston \| Fertitta Center Stats \| Tickets \| Watch

LAST TIME OUT

Houston secured its first Big 12 win of the season against rv Kansas State. Junior Sydney Jones registered double-digit kills for a team leading 10th time. Sophomore Mattie Casale paced the Cougars in digs with 11. Sophomore Noemi Despaigne posted a career high in hit percentage at .556 also tallying 13 kills.

QUICK HITS

Thirteen (13) of Houston's 18 players are newcomers, including eight transfers and five freshmen.

Six of those eight transfers are from Power Four schools, including three from the SEC. Those three are setter Kalei Edson (Auburn), and a pair of outside hitters Kamille Gibson (Oklahoma) and Sydney Jones (Tennessee).

Head Coach David Rehr enters his eighth season in charge of the Cougars. In his time with Houston, he's posted a 132-85 record, including a 74-48 record in conference play.

Assistant Coach Dylan Ross returns to Houston following a six-year stint as a head coach at his alma mater Loras College, where he led the Duhawks to the DIII Men's Volleyball Championship Elite Eight in 2024.

The Cougars return 22% of kills, 6% of assists, 28% of digs and 28% of blocks from the 2025 season.

Nine Cougars claim the state of Texas as their home with four hailing from the greater Houston area.

Houston's schedule provides a challenge with eight opponents reaching the NCAA Tournament a year ago and four playing in the regional semifinals.

Setter Kalei Edson's 55 assists against Wake Forest (Aug. 29) sits fourth for most assists in a match by a Big 12 player

Outside hitter Sydney Jones recorded the most kills in a single match by a Big 12 player with 29 versus Texas State (Sept. 18)
Jones ranks third in the Big 12 in kills per set (4.49)

SERIES HISTORY

COOGS vs. CINCINNATI

All-time: Series tied 15-15

Sets: Cincinnati leads 57-51

In Houston: Series tied 7-7

In Cincinnati: Cincinnati leads 8-6

Neutral: Houston leads 2-0

Last meeting: Houston lost 0-3 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Nov. 1, 2025

Houston Streak: L1

Rehr's UH career vs. Cincinnati: 6-2

UH's Last 5: WWWWL (4-1)

Houston's Longest Win Streak: 6

Houston's Longest Losing Streak: 8

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.

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