Volleyball Falls in Five Sets at #24 Baylor - University of Houston Athletics

Friday, October 23

Waco, Texas

7 p.m.

University of Houston

11-8,4-4Big 12

#24 Baylor

13-5,5-3Big 12

Team	1	2	3	4	5	Final F
Houston	25	25	16	19	8	2
Baylor	21	21	25	25	15	3

10/23/2026 10:48:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Game Book

Cougars outkill the Bears, but fall short against intrastate rival

WACO, Texas – The University of Houston Volleyball team dropped a decision at #24 Baylor in five sets on Friday night. The Cougars were unable to stop the Bears' comeback ending, being reverse swept for the team's fourth conference loss of the season. Juniors Kamille Gibson and Sydney Jones, along with sophomore Noemi Despaigne, paced the Cougars with 16 kills each. Jones' five aces led the team and tied a career high.

Houston started on the front foot claiming the first set 25-21. Despaigne tallied eight kills leading the attack. The Cougars jetted out to an early 6-1 lead and took a 15-12 advantage heading into the media timeout. Houston maintained a steady lead, always holding a lead by at least three to close the set. Despaigne's eight kill of the set ended the frame 25-21.

Keeping the foot on the gas, the Cougars extended their match lead taking the second set, 25-21. Jones registered eight points in the set, scoring two aces and six kills. Both teams exchanged points, tying the score at 10. Four unanswered points by the Cougars created a 14-10 lead. Baylor brought the score within one, narrowing the Houston lead to 19-18. The Cougars claimed the set 25-21, taking a 2-0 set lead in the match.

Baylor dominated the third set, winning 25-16. The Bears hit .522 and held the Cougars to a .156 hitting percentage. The score remained tight in the early goings with neither team gaining an advantage more than three. Baylor took a 15-13 lead into the media timeout. The Bears claimed four of five points out of the media break, forcing a Houston timeout. Baylor ended the set on a 6-2 run, winning the third set 25-16.

The Bears tied the match, winning the fourth set 25-19. Baylor started the set on a 4-0 run. Houston trimmed the lead to one, with the score 10-9. Five straight points by the Bears extended the lead to 15-10 at the media break. Baylor maintained its advantage, taking the fourth set, 25-19.

Baylor completed the reverse sweep, triumphing in the fifth set, 15-8. Junior Kalei Edson started the set with an ace. With the score knotted at two, Baylor took hold of the set scoring four of five points, taking an 8-3 lead in the deciding set. Tough serving by Gibson narrowed the Baylor lead to one, turning the score, 8-7. The Bears ended the final set claiming seven of the final eight points, winning the set, 15-8.

UP NEXT
Houston reaches the midpoint of conference play, taking on Iowa State inside the Fertitta Center at 1 p.m. Sunday. The match represents the Mental Health Awareness match; fans are encouraged to wear white. The first 150 fans will receive a clear bag and greens ribbons as part of the mental health awareness themed giveaways.

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 –