UH softball gets back in the win column in their final non-conference matchup.| Oscar Herrera/ The Cougar

UH softball defeated Sam Houston 11-6 earlier this week in their final non-conference matchup of the season at Bearkat Softball Complex.

Junior utility Lair Beautae stole the spotlight, etching her name into program history with three home runs and propelling her season total to an unprecedented program record of 55 runs scored.

Graduate pitcher Taylor Edwards showcased her prowess both at the plate and on the mound, recording a 4-3 win-loss record, on 2.1 innings of pitching. 

Adding to the formidable lineup, graduate pitcher Shelby Smith showcased her veteran skill with her 19th career home run.

Junior catcher Turiya Coleman and graduate utility Bree Cantu joined the offensive onslaught, each tallying multi-RBI games, contributing to the commanding performance.

The Cougars are now competing with Baylor in their final series before the Big 12 Tournament. 

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“A look back at Houston softball’s mid-week win over Sam Houston” was originally posted on The Cougar

The women’s 4×400 meter dash team’s 3:27.32 finish broke the school record they set on Friday. Their finish now holds the eighth-fastest 4×400-meter relay in Penn Relay history and the No. 4 time in the nation. | Courtesy UH Athletics

Cougar track and field showcased their prowess at the Championships of America in the Penn Relays and Texas Invitational, held from April 25 to 27. 

Penn Relays

Friday saw a memorable victory for the women’s 4×400 meter dash, as Houston clinched a first-place finish. Graduate student Syndi Townsend, senior Iman Babineaux, graduate student Kelly-Ann Beckford and freshman Michaela Mouton showcased exceptional teamwork and determination, culminated in a first-place finish. Their time of 3:27.32 broke the school record they set on Friday. Their finish now holds the eighth-fastest 4×400-meter relay in Penn Relay history and the No. 4 time in the nation.

On the men’s side, Houston demonstrated formidable prowess in the 4×200 meter relay, as they secured second place. Despite their best efforts, their team consisting of senior Davonte Burnett, senior Ireon Brown, freshman Cayden Broadnax and senior Shaun Maswanganyi narrowly missed out on the top spot, losing to South Florida.

In the fiercely contested 4×100 meter relay, the Cougars secured a respectable fourth-place finish.

Individually, sophomore Louis Hinchliffe emerged as a standout performer for the men’s team, showcasing his remarkable speed. Hinchliffe delivered a second-place finish in the 100m dash heat, followed by a first-place finish in the 100m championship run with a time of 10.21.

Senior Shaun Maswanganyi ran away with a fourth-place finish in the 100m dash and a runner-up position in the 100m championship, closely behind his teammate.

Additionally, senior De’Vion Wilson demonstrated his proficiency in the 110m hurdles, clinching the championship title with a commanding first-place, 13.38 finish. The performance marked the fifth-fastest in Penn Relays history. Wilson is tied for No. 5 in the nation with his season-best mark.

On Thursday, graduate student Ethan Marshall exhibited his strength and skill, securing a ninth-place finish in the hammer throw competition with an impressive throw of 57.26 meters.

Texas Invitational 

Senior Lueskelo Mwamnukonda soared to second place in the discus event, achieving a personal best throw of 55.46 meters, marking a significant milestone in his collegiate career.

Freshman Cordeli Nwokeji made a remarkable debut, securing sixth place in the discus with a personal best throw of 51.44 meters. Not stopping there, Nwokeji impressed further by clinching third place in the shot put event with an impressive throw of 18.74 meters.

In an exhilarating moment, freshman Paris Kimble left her mark in the women’s javelin throw, seizing victory with a remarkable final attempt that soared to 44.13 meters. Her outstanding performance not only secured her first place but also earned her a prestigious spot in the school’s record book, claiming fourth place in its history.

On the track, the men’s relay team delivered a stellar performance in the 4×400-meter relay. Composed of junior Trey East III, junior Dillon Leacock, junior Nakoah Witt and freshman Joshua Sims-Waddy achieved their personal best time of 3:11.73.

The Cougars prepare to host The Tom Tellez Invitational on May 3, where they will work to showcase grit and determination on their home track.

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“Cougar track and field races to success at Penn Relays Championships of America and Texas Invitational” was originally posted on The Cougar

Graduate outfielder Kennedy Thomas swings at a pitch in UH’s Feb. 15 win over Nicholls. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

The UH softball team put together an incredible performance and claimed a resounding victory on the road against Stephen F. Austin with a 17-5 score.

Houston’s dominance was particularly evident during a commanding stretch in the third inning where it surged ahead with an astounding nine runs, catapulting its lead into double digits.

Junior infielder Lair Beautae showcased her prowess on the field, delivering a standout performance with two hits, two runs, and an earned walk. Meanwhile, graduate utility player Bree Cantu left an indelible mark on the game, contributing significantly with a remarkable home run that earned her five RBIs.

Additionally, graduate infielder Jasmyn Rollin demonstrated her skillset with three runs, two homeruns, and two RBIs, while freshman outfielder Mikalah Nitta made a notable impact, securing two runs, three home runs, and two RBIs.

The Cougars’ collective effort culminated in one of their standout performances of the season, with several players achieving personal bests and career games.

With the triumph, the Cougars boast 19-9 record. Looking ahead, UH returns home to the Cougar Softball Stadium for a three-game series hosting Kansas beginning Friday evening.

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“UH softball dominates Stephen F. Austin in mid-week clash” was originally posted on The Cougar

Ace Reese’s walk-off double sent UH past Sam Houston Tuesday night. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

The UH baseball team added another win to their season record (8-4) after clinching a walk-off 2-1 victory against the Sam Houston Bearkats in the Sanders Cup opener.

Freshman pinch hitter Ace Reese played the hero delivering the go-ahead two-RBI double in the bottom of the ninth. The hit came on an 0-2 count with the Cougars’ backs against the wall with one out.

Senior outfielder Tre Jones got UH going in the ninth inning with a walk before reaching third base on a bunt from senior pinch hitter Jason Schoenvogel, setting up Reese’s walk-off.

Senior pitcher Chris Stuart came up huge after Sam Houston got on the board with a home run in the second inning as he pitched four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. 

Looking ahead, the Cougars now shift their focus to their upcoming series against Baylor, the team’s first-ever Big 12 matchup, which begins on Friday.

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“UH baseball walks off Sam Houston at home” was originally posted on The Cougar

UH softball drops to 12-5 on the season in a thirteen inning 6-5 loss to McNeese. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Cougar softball fought tooth and nail yet lost 6-5 in 13 innings to McNeese.

The matchup marked the Cougar’s longest game in both innings and duration, clocking in at over four hours.

Despite their valiant efforts, the Cougars found themselves unable to surmount the relentless onslaught from the Cowgirls.

A solo home run in the fifth from sophomore shortstop Mandy Eason secured Houston’s first lead.

The Cowgirls forced extra innings after driving in a runner in the seventh that tied the game 4-4.

McNeese took the lead in the top of the eleventh. However, Houston’s senior outfielder Amanda Carden’s single pushed graduate outfielder Katy Repa across the plate to tie the game at five.

With a runner in scoring position, Houston failed to match McNeese in the 13th, allowing the Cowgirls to emerge victorious.

Nevertheless, amidst the heartbreak, standout performances shone through.

Junior Catcher/Utility Turiya Coleman delivered a 3-5 performance at the plate, driving in a crucial run in the fourth.

Graduate pitcher Shelby Smith pitched the final three innings, allowing one run with sophomore pitcher Paris Lehman striking out five in her 9.2 innings.

Next up, the Cougars prepare to kick off a three-game road series against Texas A&M Commerce Friday-Sunday.

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“UH Softball loses to McNeese in 13 inning heartbreaker” was originally posted on The Cougar

UH could not keep up with the No. 5 Longhorns Wednesday night. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

UH women’s basketball went head-to-head against the No. 5 Texas Longhorns at the Fertitta Center, ultimately losing 82-66.

Struggling to find their rhythm, the Cougars battled to connect with the hoop, managing a modest 42% shooting from the field. Meanwhile, Texas dominated the boards, outrebounding the Cougars by 18 rebounds. 

Adding to UH’s woes, key seniors Kamryn Jones and Peyton McFarland found themselves plagued by foul trouble throughout the game, further complicating Houston’s efforts. 

However, senior guard Lalia Blair emerged as a beacon of resilience for Houston, scoring 23 points while converting nine of her 24 attempts and sinking 40% of her three-pointers, accompanied by three steals. Senior forward Maliyah Johnson also made a noteworthy contribution, netting 12 points, four rebounds and a steal.

Off the bench, graduate guard Britney Onjeye made her presence felt, chipping in with 11 crucial points on an impressive 80% shooting while adding two rebounds and three assists.

Looking ahead, the Cougars will regroup as they prepare to face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, Feb. 21 in Stillwater, Okla.

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“UH falls to No. 5 Texas at home, 82-66” was originally posted on The Cougar

The UH women’s basketball team fell Kansas on the road on Thursday evening. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

In a fierce showdown at the Allen Fieldhouse the UH women’s basketball team clashed with the Kansas Jayhawks, ultimately succumbing with a final score of 52-69. 

Facing a relentless defensive onslaught the Cougars struggled to find their rhythm on the court, mustering a mere 28% shooting from the field and 17% from beyond the arc. Their defensive efforts were similarly challenged, especially in containing the dominant presence of Kansas center Taiyanna Jackson and two other Jayhawks who tallied double-digit scores. 

Despite these formidable obstacles senior guard Laila Blair emerged as a beacon of resilience for the Cougars, delivering an impressive performance with 18 points, two rebounds, and a crucial assist. Blair’s tenacity was evident in her 5-for-13 shooting from the field, and 3-for-7 from long range. 

Adding to the Cougars’ offensive prowess, senior forward Maliyah Johnson and freshman guard Kierra Merchant each contributed double-digit points.  Johnson’s eleven points, including nine in the first half, kept the Cougars within striking distance trailing by just 5 points at halftime. 

In the frontcourt senior forward Peyton McFarland showcased her versatility by notching nine points along with an impressive nine rebounds and three blocks.

Despite the spirited effort, the Cougars faltered in the face of relentless pressure from Kansas and the Jayhawks orchestrated decisive runs to seize control of the game in the final quarter. 

Notably Merchant stepped up in the dying moments, scoring six of her ten points in the fourth quarter,  underscoring the Cougars’ resilience and determination until the final buzzer. 

Looking ahead, the Cougars regroup and return to the Fertitta Center to host the No. 7 Texas team Longhorns Wednesday, February 14.

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“UH women’s basketball drops road game to Kansas” was originally posted on The Cougar