Nov. 28, 2002

Orlando, Fla. - The University of Houston volleyball team will wrap up its 2002 regular season campaign against Arkansas and Kentucky at the UCF Tournament this week. The Cougars (18-12, 7-7 C-USA), who finished Conference USA tournament play with a second-round loss to South Florida Nov. 23, will face Arkansas Friday and Kentucky Saturday in Orlando, Fla. Match times are slated for 3:30 p.m. CST.

The Cougars are led by Jenny Tanneberger, a two-time First Team All-C-USA selection and three-time 2002 C-USA Player of the Week. The 6-0 senior leads the Cougar hitting brigade averaging 5.12 kills per game. Her 41-kill performance on Oct. 12 at Saint Louis broke the school record and tied the C-USA and 2002 Division I high for most kills in a single match.

Freshman libero Jaci Gonzalez has led the Cougars to the top of C-USA defensive standings, averaging better than 4.50 digs per game against C-USA opponents. Gonzalez was the only freshman to earn Second Team All-C-USA honors in 2002.

The South Florida Bulls, who went on to defeat Louisville for the 2002 C-USA Tournament crown Monday, have received an automatic bid into NCAA post-season competition. Tournament selections/bids for the 2002 NCAA Division I Volleyball Championships will be announced Sunday evening on ESPNNews.

With an 18-12 overall record, the 2002 season marks Houston's 21st consecutive winning season and one of the best program records in school history.

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