Oct. 3, 2003

Box Score

The University of Houston volleyball team opened Conference USA play Friday night with a 3-1 loss to the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in Hattiesburg Miss.

Southern Miss took the opening game, 30-25, but the Cougars battled to even the match with a second-game win, 31-29. The Golden Eagles then came from behind in each of the next two games, eventually winning 30-23 and 30-23.

Andrea Bush had a big night for Southern Miss, finishing with 32 points, including 30 kills. The 30-kill performance was one short of the Golden Eagles school record of 31.

Kelly McAnelly and Loure Dews each had 20.5 points for Houston, including 18 and 17 kills, respectively. Cinthia Piva had 11 kills, while Jaci Gonzales had a match-high 19 digs. Mirela Vasconcellos had 48 assists.

Houston will be in action again Saturday against Tulane at 7 p.m.