Houston volleyball collects two wins in Flo Hyman Classic with conference play looming

Houston volleyball hosted the Flo Hyman Classic inside the Fertitta Center from Sept. 18-19. After a 3-1 loss in the tournament opener against UTSA, the Cougars found an offensive rhythm that carried them through the rest of their nonconference schedule as they defeated Texas State 3-1 and swept HCU.

Throughout the tournament, junior outside hitters Sydney Jones and Kamille Gibson, alongside sophomore outside hitter Noemi Despaigne, combined for 137 kills across three matches. Jones and Gibson both tied their career highs for kills in a match with 29 and 20, respectively, against Texas State. 

Freshman setter Shannon Dworaczyk and junior setter Kalei Edson balanced a setting dynamic that contributed to 150 assists over the weekend. 

“These girls are there for me all the time, as well as the coaching staff,” Dworaczyk said. “They understand me really well… It’s definitely made me into a more confident player.”

UTSA hands Houston its first home loss

In their opening match against UTSA, the Cougars struggled offensively while the Roadrunners used the end lines to their advantage, with many of their kills landing narrowly in bounds. UTSA junior libero Alyssa Manitzas challenged Jones’ offensive efforts as she defended the back right side of the court.

Houston interrupted a potential sweep by securing the third set 25-21. However, the Cougars fell short in the fourth set, 25-22, marking their first home loss of the 2026 season.

Cougars outlast Bobcats in five sets

Friday, Houston secured a comeback win against Texas State. The teams battled neck and neck for five sets, exchanging leads and engaging in lighthearted sideline dance-offs.

The Cougars came out hot and clinched the first set 25-23. However, the Bobcats responded quickly in the second set, winning 25-21.

Dworaczyk recorded 36 assists, the most by any player in the match and a career high for the freshman. She and fellow setter Edson created scoring opportunities that ultimately helped Houston win the match-deciding fifth set.

“It’s so fun to be out there,” Dworaczyk said. “Getting those points encourages me to keep going throughout the game.”

Texas State battled to close the gap, but the Cougars held on to win the final set 15-12.

Houston completes weekend with sweep

The Cougars carried their offensive momentum into Saturday evening, when they swept Houston Christian 25-14, 25-19 and 25-18. Houston quickly took control against the Huskies and led 20-11 midway through the first set.

Sophomore libero Mattie Casale dove for digs to shut down the Huskies’ attempted kills. Alyssa Gonzalez finished the match with 10 kills, while Aiden Conner contributed seven blocks.

Houston will travel to Lawrence, Kan., on Friday, Sept. 25, to face the Jayhawks inside Allen Fieldhouse.