University of Houston Athletics
University of Houston
UCF
PREVIEW: Houston Hosts UCF and Texas Tech for Big 12 Rivalry Week
10/15/2026 11:12:00 AM | Volleyball
Cougars face former American Conference rival UCF on Friday and in-state rival Texas Tech on Sunday
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Volleyball team continues its conference homestead inside the Fertitta Center to battle with UCF at 6:30 p.m. Friday for its annual alumni match. The Cougars then welcome in-state rivals Texas Tech, at 1 p.m. Sunday for Girls Day. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a Houston Cougars scrunchie.
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vs UCF 8-8 (0-6 BIG 12), Texas Tech 8-9 (0-5 BIG 12) |
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vs UCF |
Friday, Oct. 16 | 6:30 p.m.
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vs Texas Tech |
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 1 p.m.
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LAST TIME OUT
Houston fell in straight sets to BYU in the clash of the Cougars. Junior Sydney Jones led the attack, tallying 11 kills. Sophomore Noemi Despaigne registered a career-high 12 digs pacing the team.
QUICK HITS
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Thirteen (13) of Houston's 18 players are newcomers, including eight transfers and five freshmen.
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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).
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Head Coach David Rehr enters his eighth season in charge of the Cougars. In his time with Houston, he's posted a 134-86 record, including a 76-49 record in conference play.
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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.
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The Cougars return 22% of kills, 6% of assists, 28% of digs and 28% of blocks from the 2025 season.
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Nine Cougars claim the state of Texas as their home with four hailing from the greater Houston area.
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Houston's schedule provides a challenge with eight opponents reaching the NCAA Tournament a year ago and four playing in the regional semifinals.
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Setter Kalei Edson's 55 assists against Wake Forest (Aug. 29) sits fourth for most assists in a match by a Big 12 player
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Outside hitter Sydney Jones recorded the most kills in a single match by a Big 12 player with 29 versus Texas State (Sept. 18)
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Jones ranks second in the Big 12 in total kills with 250
SERIES HISTORY
COOGS vs. UCF
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All-time: Houston leads 17-16
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Sets: tied 64-64
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In Houston: Houston leads 9-7
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In Orlando: tied 7-7
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Neutral: UCF leads 2-1
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Last meeting: Houston lost 0-3 | Orlando, Fla. | Nov. 6, 2025
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Houston Streak: L2
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Rehr's UH career vs. UCF: 5-5
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UH's Last 5: LLWWW (3-2)
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Houston's Longest Win Streak: 8
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Houston's Longest Losing Streak: 4
COOGS vs. Texas Tech
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All-time: Houston leads 35-20
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Sets: Houston leads 114-88
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In Houston: Houston leads 11-8
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In Lubbock: Houston leads 11-9
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Unknown: 11-1
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Neutral: Series tied 2-2
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Last meeting: Houston won 3-2 | Lubbock, Texas | Nov. 26, 2025
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Houston Streak: W2
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Rehr's UH career vs. Texas Tech: 5-4
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UH's Last 5: WWLLW (3-2)
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Houston's Longest Win Streak: 11
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Houston's Longest Losing Streak: 4
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 –
