Volleyball Falls in Conference Opener to #19 Kansas

Friday, September 25

Lawrence, Kan.

6 p.m.

University of Houston

7-5,0-1Big 12

#19 Kansas

8-3,1-0Big 12

Team	1	2	3	Final F
Houston	29	20	15	0
Kansas	31	25	25	3

Volleyball Falls in Conference Opener to #19 Kansas

9/25/2026 10:24:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Game Book Photo Gallery

Cougars falter in Lawrence to begin Big 12 Conference play

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Houston Volleyball team lost in its conference opener in straight sets against #19 Kansas, Friday night at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.

The Cougars battled hard in the first set but fell short, 29-31. Sophomore Mattie Casale registered 10 digs along with junior Sydney Jones tallying six kills, leading the team in their respective categories. The Jayhawks opened the match on a 7-0 run, forcing a Houston timeout. Kansas continued its strong start boasting a 15-7 lead at the media break. The Cougars scored five out of seven points to cut the deficit to five. With the score at 19-13, Houston's four unanswered points decreased the advantage to two. Kansas answered two points, before Houston returned the favor with four consecutive points to close the gap to 22-21. An exchange of points knotted the score at 23 before a service error by Houston created a set point for Kansas. The Cougars responded with two points of their own to create a 25-24 advantage. Kansas fended off two set points before creating three set points of their executing the final one winning the set, 31-29.

Kansas doubled their lead, taking the second set 25-20. Neither team created an advantage larger than three points with six lead changes occurring in the set until a Jayhawk ace extended the Kansas lead to 23-19. The Jayhawks finished the set shortly after ending the set 25-20.

Houston dropped the third set, 25-15. The team struggled offensively, hitting .129 in the final set. The Cougars jumped to an early 3-0 advantage, forcing a Kansas timeout. A strong response from the Jayhawks saw the cut disappear with the score knotted at five. Kansas continued that momentum using a 4-0 and 5-0 run the to take the final set 25-15.

STANDOUT COUGARS

Kalei Edson: 23 assists; 3 kills; 6 digs;
Sydney Jones: 14 kills; .222 hit percentage; 4 digs

UP NEXT
The Cougars remain in the sunflower state for a matchup with Kansas State at 2:30 p.m., Sunday.

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 –