2023-10-05 22:49:46
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HOUSTON – The #21 University of Houston Volleyball team arrives back in the Fertitta Center for the first time in over a month for its Big 12 Conference home opener against West Virginia. The pair of teams will play a two-match series starting at 7 p.m. Friday. The final match of the weekend is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday.
The Cougars are looking for their first Big 12 Conference win after a tough three-set loss to #10 BYU in the team’s league opener followed by a set of losses at #19 Kansas last weekend. Houston is 2-0 against West Virginia in the all-time series.
QUICK HITS
Houston entered the AVCA Poll last season for the first time since 1994 and tied its highest final ranking in program history at No. 17. In the preseason iteration of this year’s poll, the Cougars were voted at #19 and have been ranked as high as #13 this season. The Cougars have been ranked in all seven polls so far this season and have been placed in 14 straight polls.
The Big 12 Conference ranked as the top volleyball conference in the country last year according to the NCAA’s Conference RPI release and added three 2022 NCAA tournament teams in Houston, BYU and UCF on July 1. The Big 12 currently has six teams ranked in the AVCA poll with another receiving votes.
Houston went a perfect 14-0 at home inside the Fertitta Center last season, one of 18 teams to go undefeated and one of nine to win 14-or-more. The team’s home win streak of 17 is the 4th longest active streak in the country.
Kellen Morin captured the University of Houston’s first individual Big 12 Conference honor by being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Aug. 29.
The Cougars broke their four-set digs record with 98 against SMU on Sept. 9.
Morin has been a force for Houston on the net this season, leading the team in blocks in 10 of the 12 matches and ranking 16th nationally with 1.42 blocks per set. Her mark aids Houston’s ranking of 42nd in the country in the category (2.50).
The Coogs held Liberty to a negative hitting percentage, the first time Houston held an opponent negative since Aug. 26, 2017 against Southern.
SERIES HISTORY
Coogs vs. Kansas
All-time: UH leads 2-0 | Sets: UH leads 6-2
In Houston: 0-0
In Morgantown: UH leads 1-0
Neutral Sites: UH leads 1-0
Last meeting: UH won 3-1 | N | Sept. 9, 2011
Houston Streak: W2
Rehr’s UH career vs. Kansas: First meeting
Houston’s Last 5: WW
BUY TICKETS
Fans can purchase Houston Volleyball tickets by calling 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or by clicking here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Risea $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN POINT HOUSTON CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Volleyball program by joining the Point HOUSTON Club. For more information about the Point HOUSTON Club, fans can click here or call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarVB on 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.
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