Last season, Houston volleyball finished Big 12 play with just two wins, both against Texas Tech. This season, the Cougars entered their first matchup with the Red Raiders with more conference wins than they had all of 2025, and secured their fourth conference victory with a sweep (25-17, 25-9, 25-23).
The Cougars held the Red Raiders to just nine points in the second set, the fewest points Houston has allowed in a set this season. Junior outside hitter Kamille Gibson switched from a float serve to a topspin serve before the match, a change that paid dividends as she recorded six aces during a 10-0 Houston run.
“I want your head to come off,” Gibson said. “I am aiming for the worst.”
The Cougars carried that energy throughout the match, holding Texas Tech to a .034 hitting percentage, the second lowest percentage of the season. Sophomore outside hitter Noemi Despaigne led the Cougar offense with 17 kills, followed by junior outside hitter Sydney Jones’ 13 kills.
Houston also swapped the positioning of its middle blockers for the matchup, starting sophomore Tara Greenberry and senior Alexis Roberson.
“Our team is willing to change, and if it helps us win,” coach David Rehr said. “I think everybody is just bought in to it.”
The Cougars have also adapted over their past five matches, with freshman Shannon Dworaczyk starting at setter in place of junior Kalei Edson, who has been sidelined by illness.
Against Texas Tech, the 5-foot-9 Dworaczyk recorded two blocks and two kills, marking the first time in her young career she has recorded both in a match. She added 35 assists and eight digs.
“You know my short queen; she can do whatever she wants,” Gibson said. “I tell her she’s bigger than anybody.”
The Cougars face another test Friday against No. 24 Baylor in Waco, Texas. With Edson potentially returning, Houston will have to determine how to utilize both setters as it looks to improve its position in the Big 12 race.
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