HOUSTON (Nov. 10) - The University of Houston volleyball team's rally-bid to upset Conference USA co-leader Cincinnati fell just short late Friday night in Hofheinz Pavilion. When the dust finally settled, the Bearcats escaped with a 3-2 win to improve to 22-6 on the season and 14-1 league play. The Cougars fell to 19-7 overall and 11-4 in conference.

Five Cincinnati players converted for double-figure kills to hold off Houston and claim a 7-15, 15-9, 15-7, 9-15, 15-13 C-USA win. After rallying to tie the match at two games-apiece, the Cougars appeared on the verge of another comeback in game five. Cincinnati went up 14-10 in the finale but had to hang on for a 15-13 victory after UH closed to within one.

The good new for Houston was that senior hitter Jennifer Wittenburg returned to action for the first time in almost a month after a foot injury. She led all players with 34 kills, 25 defensive digs and seven blocks in her first time back on the court. Houston will next take on C-USA rival Louisville at home in Hofheinz Pavilion in the final regular season league match for both teams. First serve with the Cardinals will be at 2:00 p.m.

Conference USA Volleyball Linescore
Cincinnati    7    15    15     9    15
Houston      15     9     7    15    13

Kill Leaders
Cincinnati: Leslie Newell 19, Trish Ladusaw 17;
Houston: Jennifer Wittenburg 34, Bobbi Stewart 13;

Records
Cincinnati    22-6, 14-1;
Houston       19-7, 11-4;