Austin, TX (September 14) -- Well before the season started the the University of Houston volleyball team knew its' mid-September stretch of four consecutive road matches against teams ranked in the nation's Top 25 would be demanding to say the least. After falling to the No. 8 ranked Texas Longhorns by the scores of 15-11, 15-4, 15-7 Tuesday night in Austin, the team's fourth consecutive loss in a grueling stretch that included BYU (No. 12), Ohio State (No. 14), Loyola Marymount (No. 25) and finally the Longhorns all back-to-back, the Cougars can at least think things will finally settle down.

Despite falling to 3-5, the early-season strength of schedule has obviously helped Houston. The Cougars came out and played the first game as if facing a ranked team in front of the 1,268 fans at UT's Gregory's Gym was no major task. Houston jumped out to a 9-8 lead early in the contest, but erratic passing cost UH a chance to win its first game over the Longhorns since 1995.

Houston struggled in game two and Texas took full advantage in building a 8-0 advantage before UH could finally get on the scoreboard. In game three the teams traded points until the score reached 5-5. However a 10-2 UT run the rest of the way proved to be the difference. Texas outhit, outblocked and outdug Houston for its fifth consecutive win without a loss.

The Longhorns were led by Sandra Reboucas' 12 kills and 13 defensive digs. Houston was paced by senior middle hitter Jillian King's 10 kills. Junior hitter Jennifer Wittenburg added nine kills with a pair of blocks in the 80 minute match.

Houston will finally return home for a match in Hofheinz Pavilion on Thursday, September 16. The Cougars will square-off against National Division rival South Florida. First serve in Hofheinz Pavilion will be at 7:30 p.m.

College Volleyball Linescore
Houston 11      4       7
Texas   15      15      15


Kill Leaders
Jillian King (UH) 10;
Sandra Reboucas (UT) 12;


Records
Houston (3-5); Texas (5-0)