Houston outfielder Ariel Redmond (2) slams the bat toward the ball during an NCAA softball game, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

After a tough loss in the series opener, Houston softball won consecutive games to claim the series against the Cyclones in the opening weekend of conference play.  Houston is now 16-7 on the season, as they picked up their first Big 12 series win in school history. 

Cougars fall 8-10 in series opener

Houston fell to Iowa State in the series opener on Friday at Cougar Softball Stadium.

Although the Cougars claimed a strong 8-2 lead in the fourth, Iowa State bounced back in a dramatic fashion to send the match into extra innings.

After a scoreless 7th frame, the Cougars were unable to respond to two runs scored by the Cyclones in the 8th inning, allowing Iowa State to take the win 10-8. 

Freshman utility Brooke Wells, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, and sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins hit three consecutive home runs in the fourth inning, marking the first time the Cougars hit three consecutive home runs since 2005. As a result, the Cougars scored five runs in the fourth, taking an 8-2 lead.

Houston put up eleven hits in the game, the sixth game this season for the Cougars with ten or more hits. 

Wells entered in relief credited with the loss after giving up three runs. Freshman pitcher Abby Huhn secured the win for the Cyclones, only allowing two hits over four innings pitched. 

 A dominant performance by Houston evens the series

Houston beat Iowa State Saturday 6-2 to tie the series.

After an uneventful first inning, Houston scored three runs in the second to take a strong lead and held the lead for the remainder of the game. 

Wilkins led the way for the Cougars with two doubles and four RBIs.

Houston finished with six runs on seven hits, while Iowa State finished with two runs and five hits.

Freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak claimed the win for the Cougars, only giving up four hits over five innings. Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman recorded her fifth career save for the Cougars, while junior pitcher Jaiden Ralston took the loss for Iowa State, giving up five runs.

Iowa State struggled to score runs, with only bringing in one run in the fourth and one in the sixth. 

Houston claims a series win in the final frame thriller

Houston won 3-2 over the Cyclones Sunday to claim their first Big 12 series win.

In a tension-filled seventh inning, Wells batted in Wilkins for the Cougars’ fourth walk-off win of the season.

Wells led the way for the Cougars offensively with two hits and two RBIs.

Houston took the first lead of the game in the third inning 1-0; however, the Cyclones responded in the fourth by tying the score on a bases-loaded walk. Houston quickly responded, however, with an RBI by junior infielder Mandy Esman to reclaim a 2-1 lead. 

In the fifth, Iowa State junior Sydney Mallot tied the score 2-2 with a solo home run.

Redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux recorded the win for Houston after allowing only one hit. Cyclones sophomore pitcher Lauren Schurman claimed the loss for Iowa State, allowing one run on three hits over just over three innings. 

Next, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to play Oklahoma State on Friday, March 14, at 6 p.m. for a three-game series.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston softball claims their first Big 12 series win in school history against Iowa State” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston outfielder Ariel Redmond (2) slams the bat toward the ball during an NCAA softball game, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

After a tough loss in the series opener, Houston softball won consecutive games to claim the series against the Cyclones in the opening weekend of conference play.  Houston is now 16-7 on the season, as they picked up their first Big 12 series win in school history. 

Cougars fall 8-10 in series opener

Houston fell to Iowa State in the series opener on Friday at Cougar Softball Stadium.

Although the Cougars claimed a strong 8-2 lead in the fourth, Iowa State bounced back in a dramatic fashion to send the match into extra innings.

After a scoreless 7th frame, the Cougars were unable to respond to two runs scored by the Cyclones in the 8th inning, allowing Iowa State to take the win 10-8. 

Freshman utility Brooke Wells, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, and sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins hit three consecutive home runs in the fourth inning, marking the first time the Cougars hit three consecutive home runs since 2005. As a result, the Cougars scored five runs in the fourth, taking an 8-2 lead.

Houston put up eleven hits in the game, the sixth game this season for the Cougars with ten or more hits. 

Wells entered in relief credited with the loss after giving up three runs. Freshman pitcher Abby Huhn secured the win for the Cyclones, only allowing two hits over four innings pitched. 

 A dominant performance by Houston evens the series

Houston beat Iowa State Saturday 6-2 to tie the series.

After an uneventful first inning, Houston scored three runs in the second to take a strong lead and held the lead for the remainder of the game. 

Wilkins led the way for the Cougars with two doubles and four RBIs.

Houston finished with six runs on seven hits, while Iowa State finished with two runs and five hits.

Freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak claimed the win for the Cougars, only giving up four hits over five innings. Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman recorded her fifth career save for the Cougars, while junior pitcher Jaiden Ralston took the loss for Iowa State, giving up five runs.

Iowa State struggled to score runs, with only bringing in one run in the fourth and one in the sixth. 

Houston claims a series win in the final frame thriller

Houston won 3-2 over the Cyclones Sunday to claim their first Big 12 series win.

In a tension-filled seventh inning, Wells batted in Wilkins for the Cougars’ fourth walk-off win of the season.

Wells led the way for the Cougars offensively with two hits and two RBIs.

Houston took the first lead of the game in the third inning 1-0; however, the Cyclones responded in the fourth by tying the score on a bases-loaded walk. Houston quickly responded, however, with an RBI by junior infielder Mandy Esman to reclaim a 2-1 lead. 

In the fifth, Iowa State junior Sydney Mallot tied the score 2-2 with a solo home run.

Redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux recorded the win for Houston after allowing only one hit. Cyclones sophomore pitcher Lauren Schurman claimed the loss for Iowa State, allowing one run on three hits over just over three innings. 

Next, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to play Oklahoma State on Friday, March 14, at 6 p.m. for a three-game series.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball claims their first Big 12 series win in school history against Iowa State” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston outfielder Ariel Redmond (2) slams the bat toward the ball during an NCAA softball game, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

After a tough loss in the series opener, Houston softball won consecutive games to claim the series against the Cyclones in the opening weekend of conference play.  Houston is now 16-7 on the season, as they picked up their first Big 12 series win in school history. 

Cougars fall 8-10 in series opener

Houston fell to Iowa State in the series opener on Friday at Cougar Softball Stadium.

Although the Cougars claimed a strong 8-2 lead in the fourth, Iowa State bounced back in a dramatic fashion to send the match into extra innings.

After a scoreless 7th frame, the Cougars were unable to respond to two runs scored by the Cyclones in the 8th inning, allowing Iowa State to take the win 10-8. 

Freshman utility Brooke Wells, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell, and sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins hit three consecutive home runs in the fourth inning, marking the first time the Cougars hit three consecutive home runs since 2005. As a result, the Cougars scored five runs in the fourth, taking an 8-2 lead.

Houston put up eleven hits in the game, the sixth game this season for the Cougars with ten or more hits. 

Wells entered in relief credited with the loss after giving up three runs. Freshman pitcher Abby Huhn secured the win for the Cyclones, only allowing two hits over four innings pitched. 

 A dominant performance by Houston evens the series

Houston beat Iowa State Saturday 6-2 to tie the series.

After an uneventful first inning, Houston scored three runs in the second to take a strong lead and held the lead for the remainder of the game. 

Wilkins led the way for the Cougars with two doubles and four RBIs.

Houston finished with six runs on seven hits, while Iowa State finished with two runs and five hits.

Freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak claimed the win for the Cougars, only giving up four hits over five innings. Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman recorded her fifth career save for the Cougars, while junior pitcher Jaiden Ralston took the loss for Iowa State, giving up five runs.

Iowa State struggled to score runs, with only bringing in one run in the fourth and one in the sixth. 

Houston claims a series win in the final frame thriller

Houston won 3-2 over the Cyclones Sunday to claim their first Big 12 series win.

In a tension-filled seventh inning, Wells batted in Wilkins for the Cougars’ fourth walk-off win of the season.

Wells led the way for the Cougars offensively with two hits and two RBIs.

Houston took the first lead of the game in the third inning 1-0; however, the Cyclones responded in the fourth by tying the score on a bases-loaded walk. Houston quickly responded, however, with an RBI by junior infielder Mandy Esman to reclaim a 2-1 lead. 

In the fifth, Iowa State junior Sydney Mallot tied the score 2-2 with a solo home run.

Redshirt sophomore pitcher Nicole Bodeux recorded the win for Houston after allowing only one hit. Cyclones sophomore pitcher Lauren Schurman claimed the loss for Iowa State, allowing one run on three hits over just over three innings. 

Next, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to play Oklahoma State on Friday, March 14, at 6 p.m. for a three-game series.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball claims their first Big 12 series win in school history against Iowa State” was originally posted on The Cougar

Sophomore guard Kierra Merchant drives to the baseline against West Virginia defender at the Fertitta Center. |Karolina Navarro/The Cougar.

Houston women’s basketball lost to No. 18 West Virginia 79-51 on Feb. 8 at the Fertitta Center on Feb. 8.

The Cougars’ roster woes persisted as they could only suit up six players for the contest.

The Cougars got off to a sloppy start, as the Mountaineers had a 20-0 burst to start the game. Houston struggled offensively, committing 11 turnovers in the period.

Senior guard J.J. Quinerly led the charge for the Mountaineers in the first quarter with 20 points, securing a strong 25-4 lead to end the quarter.

In a back-and-forth thriller in the second quarter, UH found its rhythm and was able to keep up with the Mountaineer’s fierce offense.

The Cougars outscored WVU in the period to close the gap to 42-33 going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Cougars struggled to control the basketball committing six turnovers in the period. UH continued to fight to close the gap; however, WVU retained a strong offensive presence.

The Mountaineers were led by junior guard Syndey Shaw, who scored 13 points in the third quarter.

The Cougars began to gain momentum in the final quarter to try to close the gap and outscore WVU 20-18. However, their efforts could not give them their first lead of the game, and the Cougars fell to the Mountaineers 79-51.

Quinrley led WVU with 20 points and six assists, followed by junior guard Jordan Harrison with 14 points.

The Mountaineers dominated offensively with an impressive 51% field goal percentage.

The Cougars were led by redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke with 16 points, despite her fouling out in the fourth quarter. Cooke was supported by graduate guard Laila Blair, who scored ten points and five assists, and sophomore guard Kierra Merchant, who led the boards for the Cougars with ten rebounds.

Much of the Cougar’s offensive struggles can be pointed toward their high turnover count during the game, with 26 in the matchup.

West Virginia was able to capitalize on the Cougars’ mistakes, with 39 of their 79 points from turnovers. The Mountaineers also dominated down low, with 44 points in the paint.

With the extension of Houston’s seven-game losing streak, they are now 1-12 in conference and 5-19 overall. They will resume conference play on Feb. 15 against Colorado.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston women’s basketball offensive struggles continue in loss to No. 18 West Virginia” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston point guard Gigi Cooke searching for an open pass during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski, The Cougar

In a hard-fought battle that showcased resilience and grit, Houston women’s basketball came up short against UCF, falling 56-70 at Addition Financial Arena on Feb. 1.

The loss led to Houston and UCF swapping places in the conference standings as Houston shifted to last with an 1-10 Big 12 record. Despite a thrilling back-and-forth first half, the Cougars couldn’t maintain their lead as fatigue set in, and UCF capitalized on Houston’s depleted roster.

With just six eligible players available due to injuries and personal circumstances, each UH player played the entire game without substitution. Although the Cougars had to battle through all 40 minutes, they fought intensely the entire game.

“Just go out and fight. We know what we are capable of,” coach Ronald Hughey said. “You just have to play up to that level every single night.”

Houston began the game with a burst, opening the contest on a 7-0 run. Their defense and rebounding efforts were impressive early on as they dominated the board in the first quarter, collecting 12 rebounds.

Despite Houston’s strong start, the Knights managed to close the gap and finished the quarter only trailing by three.

Midway through the second quarter, the pace shifted in favor of the Knights. Fatigue plagued the Cougars, and UCF went on a 10-0 run to take a strong lead 25-19.

Houston tried to respond; however, they struggled to score offensively, culminating in a nearly three-minute scoring drought that sent the teams into halftime with UCF up 31-26.

UCF senior guard Kaitlin Peterson led the charge for the Knights, with 21 of the team’s 31 first-half points. The Cougars were led by graduate guard Laila Blair and sophomore guard Summer Bostock, who each finished the half with eight points.

To start the third quarter, Houston displayed a lock-down defensive effort and tied the score at 34, but fatigue began to show late in the quarter and UCF took advantage by responding with a 14-0 run to regain the lead. Houston entered the fourth quarter in the deficit 38-50.

In the fourth quarter, the Cougars continued to fight to close the gap, but UCF’s defense prevented Houston from finding its rhythm, and the Knights were able to secure the win.

UCF’s first conference win of the season was led by Peterson with 28 points and supported by sophomore forward Achol Akot with 14 rebounds. The Cougars were led by Blair with 19 points, followed by Bostock with 12.

Houston is now 5-17 on the season and 1-10 in the conference and will resume conference play Feb. 5 against Baylor.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Depleted roster hurts Houston women’s basketball as Cougars slide to last in Big 12” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston point guard Ashley Chevalier looking for a path to the net during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 5 2024 in Houston, Texas | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

In the Big 12 opener, Houston women’s basketball lost 74-59 to Texas Tech at the United Supermarkets Arena on Dec. 22

Despite a fighting comeback by the Cougars in the first quarter to take the lead for the first time, Houston could not hold the lead and secure the win.

Texas Tech used a 6-0 burst in the opening minutes to take an early lead before the Cougars called a time-out. Following the time out, the Coogs rallied and forced 9 turnovers to take a 17-14 lead by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Texas Tech found their rhythm, and the Red Raiders went on a 9-0 scoring run to take back the lead, going 5 for 7 from the field.

Going into the half, the Coogs faced a scoring drought of more than three minutes, while Texas Tech finished the half shooting an impressive 50% from beyond the arc, with junior guard Bailey Maupin leading the way with 18 points. 

Despite a strong inside presence, with 20 points in the paint in the first half, Houston still found themselves trailing 31-40 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Cougars struggled to score, as they went nearly five minutes without a field goal. Nine of their 15 points in the quarter came from the free-throw line, as Texas Tech committed 7 fouls.

In the fourth quarter, a player scuffle gives graduate guard Laila Blair her second technical of the game, forcing her to spend the rest of the game in the locker room. The game concluded with the Cougars ending on a three-minute field goal drought to close out the contest.

Despite staying resilient the entire game, the Cougars finished the game with 18 turnovers. Coach Ronald Hughey pointed to this as a major contributor to the outcome of the game. 

“The game is always going to go to the team that eliminates the most mistakes,” Hughey said. “You can be prepared all you want to, but you have to eliminate mistakes, and that’s what we didn’t do today.”

Redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke led the Cougars scoring 12 points off the bench, followed closely by Blair with 11 points. The Cougars’ scoring effort was a collective one, with every player making their mark on the scoreboard.

Maupin finished with a career-high 28 points to lead the Red Raiders to victory. 

Houston is now 4-9 on the season and will resume conference play on Jan. 1 against Kansas State.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston women’s basketball begins conference play with a loss to Texas Tech” was originally posted on The Cougar