Houston gathers around outfielder Jordee Wilkins (11) to celebrate her home run during an NCAA softball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball bounced back from a tough weekend series against BYU, defeating McNeese State 10-6 in a midweek game at Cougar Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Cougars came from behind after trailing 2-1 in the first inning, scoring five runs in the second to take control of the game. 

Freshman two-way Brooke Wells was the standout performer, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, an RBI and a walk, while also contributing a key defensive play. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one run. 

Freshman pitcher Maddie Hartley picked up her second save of the season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings to close out the game.

McNeese State mounted a late comeback attempt, with senior infielder Reese Reyna’s solo homer and freshman infielder Brylie Fontenot’s run cutting Houston’s lead to three in the sixth inning. 

However, Wells answered with a clutch triple to score junior infielder Mandy Esman, solidifying the Cougars’ 10-6 victory.

McNeese initially jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, with a pair of doubles driving in a run and another coming home on a groundout. 

However, Houston quickly responded in the bottom of the first as sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins blasted a solo home run to left field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. 

In the second inning, the Cougars took the lead for good. Freshman infielder Madox Mitchael led off with a walk, stole second and scored on freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond’s single. 

Wilkins followed with a double to bring Redmond home, giving Houston a 3-2 lead. 

A sacrifice fly from freshman catcher Isabel Cintron plated sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme, and Esman’s single brought Wilkins across the plate. 

Wells then capped the five-run inning with a single that forced an error, allowing Esman to score, putting Houston ahead 6-2.

McNeese State threatened again in the third with a run to close the gap, and in the fifth, junior infielder Jada Munoz’s solo homer made it 6-4. 

However, the Cougars answered back in the home half of the fifth, extending their lead to 9-4. 

Redmond walked with the bases loaded to score freshman infielder Emilee Prochaska, and an error on a pop fly allowed Mitchael and Hartley to score. 

The Cowgirls continued to fight in the sixth, as Reyna hit another solo homer and a bases-loaded walk brought Fontenot home, cutting the lead to 9-6. 

But Wells’ RBI triple in the bottom of the inning gave Houston the insurance run it needed, finalizing the score at 10-6.

This victory marked Houston’s second 10-6 win in the last eight days and extended the Cougars’ streak of scoring five or more runs in an inning to 11 times this season. 

Wilkins extended her hitting streak to nine games, her longest of the season, while Wells also reached base in her ninth consecutive game. 

Mitchael had her second career multi-stolen base game, increasing her season total to 11 steals. 

With the win, Houston improves to 18-11 overall, though they remain 2-5 in conference play.

The Cougars will now hit the road for a three-game series against Utah in Salt Lake City. The series begins on Friday, March 28, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball bounces back with 10-6 win over McNeese” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston gathers around outfielder Jordee Wilkins (11) to celebrate her home run during an NCAA softball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball bounced back from a tough weekend series against BYU, defeating McNeese State 10-6 in a midweek game at Cougar Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Cougars came from behind after trailing 2-1 in the first inning, scoring five runs in the second to take control of the game. 

Freshman two-way Brooke Wells was the standout performer, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, an RBI and a walk, while also contributing a key defensive play. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one run. 

Freshman pitcher Maddie Hartley picked up her second save of the season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings to close out the game.

McNeese State mounted a late comeback attempt, with senior infielder Reese Reyna’s solo homer and freshman infielder Brylie Fontenot’s run cutting Houston’s lead to three in the sixth inning. 

However, Wells answered with a clutch triple to score junior infielder Mandy Esman, solidifying the Cougars’ 10-6 victory.

McNeese initially jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, with a pair of doubles driving in a run and another coming home on a groundout. 

However, Houston quickly responded in the bottom of the first as sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins blasted a solo home run to left field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. 

In the second inning, the Cougars took the lead for good. Freshman infielder Madox Mitchael led off with a walk, stole second and scored on freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond’s single. 

Wilkins followed with a double to bring Redmond home, giving Houston a 3-2 lead. 

A sacrifice fly from freshman catcher Isabel Cintron plated sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme, and Esman’s single brought Wilkins across the plate. 

Wells then capped the five-run inning with a single that forced an error, allowing Esman to score, putting Houston ahead 6-2.

McNeese State threatened again in the third with a run to close the gap, and in the fifth, junior infielder Jada Munoz’s solo homer made it 6-4. 

However, the Cougars answered back in the home half of the fifth, extending their lead to 9-4. 

Redmond walked with the bases loaded to score freshman infielder Emilee Prochaska, and an error on a pop fly allowed Mitchael and Hartley to score. 

The Cowgirls continued to fight in the sixth, as Reyna hit another solo homer and a bases-loaded walk brought Fontenot home, cutting the lead to 9-6. 

But Wells’ RBI triple in the bottom of the inning gave Houston the insurance run it needed, finalizing the score at 10-6.

This victory marked Houston’s second 10-6 win in the last eight days and extended the Cougars’ streak of scoring five or more runs in an inning to 11 times this season. 

Wilkins extended her hitting streak to nine games, her longest of the season, while Wells also reached base in her ninth consecutive game. 

Mitchael had her second career multi-stolen base game, increasing her season total to 11 steals. 

With the win, Houston improves to 18-11 overall, though they remain 2-5 in conference play.

The Cougars will now hit the road for a three-game series against Utah in Salt Lake City. The series begins on Friday, March 28, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball bounces back with 10-6 win over McNeese” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston gathers around outfielder Jordee Wilkins (11) to celebrate her home run during an NCAA softball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball bounced back from a tough weekend series against BYU, defeating McNeese State 10-6 in a midweek game at Cougar Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Cougars came from behind after trailing 2-1 in the first inning, scoring five runs in the second to take control of the game. 

Freshman two-way Brooke Wells was the standout performer, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, an RBI and a walk, while also contributing a key defensive play. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one run. 

Freshman pitcher Maddie Hartley picked up her second save of the season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings to close out the game.

McNeese State mounted a late comeback attempt, with senior infielder Reese Reyna’s solo homer and freshman infielder Brylie Fontenot’s run cutting Houston’s lead to three in the sixth inning. 

However, Wells answered with a clutch triple to score junior infielder Mandy Esman, solidifying the Cougars’ 10-6 victory.

McNeese initially jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, with a pair of doubles driving in a run and another coming home on a groundout. 

However, Houston quickly responded in the bottom of the first as sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins blasted a solo home run to left field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. 

In the second inning, the Cougars took the lead for good. Freshman infielder Madox Mitchael led off with a walk, stole second and scored on freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond’s single. 

Wilkins followed with a double to bring Redmond home, giving Houston a 3-2 lead. 

A sacrifice fly from freshman catcher Isabel Cintron plated sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme, and Esman’s single brought Wilkins across the plate. 

Wells then capped the five-run inning with a single that forced an error, allowing Esman to score, putting Houston ahead 6-2.

McNeese State threatened again in the third with a run to close the gap, and in the fifth, junior infielder Jada Munoz’s solo homer made it 6-4. 

However, the Cougars answered back in the home half of the fifth, extending their lead to 9-4. 

Redmond walked with the bases loaded to score freshman infielder Emilee Prochaska, and an error on a pop fly allowed Mitchael and Hartley to score. 

The Cowgirls continued to fight in the sixth, as Reyna hit another solo homer and a bases-loaded walk brought Fontenot home, cutting the lead to 9-6. 

But Wells’ RBI triple in the bottom of the inning gave Houston the insurance run it needed, finalizing the score at 10-6.

This victory marked Houston’s second 10-6 win in the last eight days and extended the Cougars’ streak of scoring five or more runs in an inning to 11 times this season. 

Wilkins extended her hitting streak to nine games, her longest of the season, while Wells also reached base in her ninth consecutive game. 

Mitchael had her second career multi-stolen base game, increasing her season total to 11 steals. 

With the win, Houston improves to 18-11 overall, though they remain 2-5 in conference play.

The Cougars will now hit the road for a three-game series against Utah in Salt Lake City. The series begins on Friday, March 28, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball bounces back with 10-6 win over McNeese” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston gathers around outfielder Jordee Wilkins (11) to celebrate her home run during an NCAA softball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball bounced back from a tough weekend series against BYU, defeating McNeese State 10-6 in a midweek game at Cougar Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Cougars came from behind after trailing 2-1 in the first inning, scoring five runs in the second to take control of the game. 

Freshman two-way Brooke Wells was the standout performer, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, an RBI and a walk, while also contributing a key defensive play. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one run. 

Freshman pitcher Maddie Hartley picked up her second save of the season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings to close out the game.

McNeese State mounted a late comeback attempt, with senior infielder Reese Reyna’s solo homer and freshman infielder Brylie Fontenot’s run cutting Houston’s lead to three in the sixth inning. 

However, Wells answered with a clutch triple to score junior infielder Mandy Esman, solidifying the Cougars’ 10-6 victory.

McNeese initially jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, with a pair of doubles driving in a run and another coming home on a groundout. 

However, Houston quickly responded in the bottom of the first as sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins blasted a solo home run to left field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. 

In the second inning, the Cougars took the lead for good. Freshman infielder Madox Mitchael led off with a walk, stole second and scored on freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond’s single. 

Wilkins followed with a double to bring Redmond home, giving Houston a 3-2 lead. 

A sacrifice fly from freshman catcher Isabel Cintron plated sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme, and Esman’s single brought Wilkins across the plate. 

Wells then capped the five-run inning with a single that forced an error, allowing Esman to score, putting Houston ahead 6-2.

McNeese State threatened again in the third with a run to close the gap, and in the fifth, junior infielder Jada Munoz’s solo homer made it 6-4. 

However, the Cougars answered back in the home half of the fifth, extending their lead to 9-4. 

Redmond walked with the bases loaded to score freshman infielder Emilee Prochaska, and an error on a pop fly allowed Mitchael and Hartley to score. 

The Cowgirls continued to fight in the sixth, as Reyna hit another solo homer and a bases-loaded walk brought Fontenot home, cutting the lead to 9-6. 

But Wells’ RBI triple in the bottom of the inning gave Houston the insurance run it needed, finalizing the score at 10-6.

This victory marked Houston’s second 10-6 win in the last eight days and extended the Cougars’ streak of scoring five or more runs in an inning to 11 times this season. 

Wilkins extended her hitting streak to nine games, her longest of the season, while Wells also reached base in her ninth consecutive game. 

Mitchael had her second career multi-stolen base game, increasing her season total to 11 steals. 

With the win, Houston improves to 18-11 overall, though they remain 2-5 in conference play.

The Cougars will now hit the road for a three-game series against Utah in Salt Lake City. The series begins on Friday, March 28, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball bounces back with 10-6 win over McNeese” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston gathers around outfielder Jordee Wilkins (11) to celebrate her home run during an NCAA softball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball bounced back from a tough weekend series against BYU, defeating McNeese State 10-6 in a midweek game at Cougar Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Cougars came from behind after trailing 2-1 in the first inning, scoring five runs in the second to take control of the game. 

Freshman two-way Brooke Wells was the standout performer, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, an RBI and a walk, while also contributing a key defensive play. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one run. 

Freshman pitcher Maddie Hartley picked up her second save of the season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings to close out the game.

McNeese State mounted a late comeback attempt, with senior infielder Reese Reyna’s solo homer and freshman infielder Brylie Fontenot’s run cutting Houston’s lead to three in the sixth inning. 

However, Wells answered with a clutch triple to score junior infielder Mandy Esman, solidifying the Cougars’ 10-6 victory.

McNeese initially jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, with a pair of doubles driving in a run and another coming home on a groundout. 

However, Houston quickly responded in the bottom of the first as sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins blasted a solo home run to left field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. 

In the second inning, the Cougars took the lead for good. Freshman infielder Madox Mitchael led off with a walk, stole second and scored on freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond’s single. 

Wilkins followed with a double to bring Redmond home, giving Houston a 3-2 lead. 

A sacrifice fly from freshman catcher Isabel Cintron plated sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme, and Esman’s single brought Wilkins across the plate. 

Wells then capped the five-run inning with a single that forced an error, allowing Esman to score, putting Houston ahead 6-2.

McNeese State threatened again in the third with a run to close the gap, and in the fifth, junior infielder Jada Munoz’s solo homer made it 6-4. 

However, the Cougars answered back in the home half of the fifth, extending their lead to 9-4. 

Redmond walked with the bases loaded to score freshman infielder Emilee Prochaska, and an error on a pop fly allowed Mitchael and Hartley to score. 

The Cowgirls continued to fight in the sixth, as Reyna hit another solo homer and a bases-loaded walk brought Fontenot home, cutting the lead to 9-6. 

But Wells’ RBI triple in the bottom of the inning gave Houston the insurance run it needed, finalizing the score at 10-6.

This victory marked Houston’s second 10-6 win in the last eight days and extended the Cougars’ streak of scoring five or more runs in an inning to 11 times this season. 

Wilkins extended her hitting streak to nine games, her longest of the season, while Wells also reached base in her ninth consecutive game. 

Mitchael had her second career multi-stolen base game, increasing her season total to 11 steals. 

With the win, Houston improves to 18-11 overall, though they remain 2-5 in conference play.

The Cougars will now hit the road for a three-game series against Utah in Salt Lake City. The series begins on Friday, March 28, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball bounces back with 10-6 win over McNeese” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston gathers around outfielder Jordee Wilkins (11) to celebrate her home run during an NCAA softball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball bounced back from a tough weekend series against BYU, defeating McNeese State 10-6 in a midweek game at Cougar Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Cougars came from behind after trailing 2-1 in the first inning, scoring five runs in the second to take control of the game. 

Freshman two-way Brooke Wells was the standout performer, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, an RBI and a walk, while also contributing a key defensive play. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one run. 

Freshman pitcher Maddie Hartley picked up her second save of the season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings to close out the game.

McNeese State mounted a late comeback attempt, with senior infielder Reese Reyna’s solo homer and freshman infielder Brylie Fontenot’s run cutting Houston’s lead to three in the sixth inning. 

However, Wells answered with a clutch triple to score junior infielder Mandy Esman, solidifying the Cougars’ 10-6 victory.

McNeese initially jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, with a pair of doubles driving in a run and another coming home on a groundout. 

However, Houston quickly responded in the bottom of the first as sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins blasted a solo home run to left field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. 

In the second inning, the Cougars took the lead for good. Freshman infielder Madox Mitchael led off with a walk, stole second and scored on freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond’s single. 

Wilkins followed with a double to bring Redmond home, giving Houston a 3-2 lead. 

A sacrifice fly from freshman catcher Isabel Cintron plated sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme, and Esman’s single brought Wilkins across the plate. 

Wells then capped the five-run inning with a single that forced an error, allowing Esman to score, putting Houston ahead 6-2.

McNeese State threatened again in the third with a run to close the gap, and in the fifth, junior infielder Jada Munoz’s solo homer made it 6-4. 

However, the Cougars answered back in the home half of the fifth, extending their lead to 9-4. 

Redmond walked with the bases loaded to score freshman infielder Emilee Prochaska, and an error on a pop fly allowed Mitchael and Hartley to score. 

The Cowgirls continued to fight in the sixth, as Reyna hit another solo homer and a bases-loaded walk brought Fontenot home, cutting the lead to 9-6. 

But Wells’ RBI triple in the bottom of the inning gave Houston the insurance run it needed, finalizing the score at 10-6.

This victory marked Houston’s second 10-6 win in the last eight days and extended the Cougars’ streak of scoring five or more runs in an inning to 11 times this season. 

Wilkins extended her hitting streak to nine games, her longest of the season, while Wells also reached base in her ninth consecutive game. 

Mitchael had her second career multi-stolen base game, increasing her season total to 11 steals. 

With the win, Houston improves to 18-11 overall, though they remain 2-5 in conference play.

The Cougars will now hit the road for a three-game series against Utah in Salt Lake City. The series begins on Friday, March 28, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball bounces back with 10-6 win over McNeese” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston gathers around outfielder Jordee Wilkins (11) to celebrate her home run during an NCAA softball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball bounced back from a tough weekend series against BYU, defeating McNeese State 10-6 in a midweek game at Cougar Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 25. 

The Cougars came from behind after trailing 2-1 in the first inning, scoring five runs in the second to take control of the game. 

Freshman two-way Brooke Wells was the standout performer, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, an RBI and a walk, while also contributing a key defensive play. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing just one run. 

Freshman pitcher Maddie Hartley picked up her second save of the season, tossing 1.2 hitless innings to close out the game.

McNeese State mounted a late comeback attempt, with senior infielder Reese Reyna’s solo homer and freshman infielder Brylie Fontenot’s run cutting Houston’s lead to three in the sixth inning. 

However, Wells answered with a clutch triple to score junior infielder Mandy Esman, solidifying the Cougars’ 10-6 victory.

McNeese initially jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, with a pair of doubles driving in a run and another coming home on a groundout. 

However, Houston quickly responded in the bottom of the first as sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins blasted a solo home run to left field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. 

In the second inning, the Cougars took the lead for good. Freshman infielder Madox Mitchael led off with a walk, stole second and scored on freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond’s single. 

Wilkins followed with a double to bring Redmond home, giving Houston a 3-2 lead. 

A sacrifice fly from freshman catcher Isabel Cintron plated sophomore infielder Kayley Prudhomme, and Esman’s single brought Wilkins across the plate. 

Wells then capped the five-run inning with a single that forced an error, allowing Esman to score, putting Houston ahead 6-2.

McNeese State threatened again in the third with a run to close the gap, and in the fifth, junior infielder Jada Munoz’s solo homer made it 6-4. 

However, the Cougars answered back in the home half of the fifth, extending their lead to 9-4. 

Redmond walked with the bases loaded to score freshman infielder Emilee Prochaska, and an error on a pop fly allowed Mitchael and Hartley to score. 

The Cowgirls continued to fight in the sixth, as Reyna hit another solo homer and a bases-loaded walk brought Fontenot home, cutting the lead to 9-6. 

But Wells’ RBI triple in the bottom of the inning gave Houston the insurance run it needed, finalizing the score at 10-6.

This victory marked Houston’s second 10-6 win in the last eight days and extended the Cougars’ streak of scoring five or more runs in an inning to 11 times this season. 

Wilkins extended her hitting streak to nine games, her longest of the season, while Wells also reached base in her ninth consecutive game. 

Mitchael had her second career multi-stolen base game, increasing her season total to 11 steals. 

With the win, Houston improves to 18-11 overall, though they remain 2-5 in conference play.

The Cougars will now hit the road for a three-game series against Utah in Salt Lake City. The series begins on Friday, March 28, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston softball bounces back with 10-6 win over McNeese” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston guard Laila Blair (14) drives to the basket against Arizona guard Skylar Jones (4) during the first overtime quarter of an NCAA college women’s basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 22 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Joshua Braggs/The Cougar

The Houston women’s basketball team faced a season full of adversity and challenges.

The Cougars have often been down to as few as six available players, and three key players: senior forward Maliyah Johnson, senior guard Kateri Poole and senior forward Avalon Miller all sustained season-ending injuries.

“It’s been a crazy year with all the injuries,” coach Ronald Hughey said. “We are a team that likes to run the floor and press, but with only six or seven players healthy enough to play, we had to change our game plan completely.”

The bad

This season, UH finished with a 5-25 record, which is tied for the second-worst record in program history.

The Cougars also finished last in the Big 12 with a 1-17 record. Their only victory came on Jan. 14, when they defeated No. 24 Oklahoma State 79-76 inside the Fertitta Center.

Houston’s conference finish, a mere .056 win percentage, is tied for the second-worst in program history. 

The only worse finish was the 1996-1997 season, their first year in the Women’s Conference USA, where they went 0-14 in conference play.

The Cougars’ offense averaged 58.7 points per game, the fifth-lowest in program history, and shot just .358 from the field and .289 from three-point range. 

“You can run the perfect offense and get wide-open looks all you want to, but at the end of the day, you have to make shots,” Hughey said.

Defensively, UH allowed 68.6 points per game, giving them a -10 scoring margin, which ranked last in the Big 12.

Opposing teams out-rebounded the Cougars by an average of 9.4 boards per game and out-assisted them by 5.5 assists per game.

With their struggles on the court, Houston also saw a drop in attendance, finishing last in the Big 12 in that category. The Cougars averaged just 891 fans per game, with the next lowest being UCF at 1,431.

To put this into perspective, Iowa State, the leader in attendance, averaged 10,000 fans per game, which is a gap of 9,109 fans per game between the Cyclones and the Cougars.

Given the poor performance this season and Houston’s 14-year NCAA tournament drought, significant work in the offseason will be necessary to get the program back on track.

The good

Graduate guard Laila Blair has been a bright spot for the Cougars this season and throughout her time at Houston.

“I am so blessed to have played my entire career as a Cougar, and it was God who brought me back here this offseason,” Blair said.

Blair averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season. She made history by breaking several records, including setting the school’s 3-point record and moving to second all-time in points scored.

“I cannot even begin to say how much Laila has meant to this program,” Hughey said. “She had many options to go to different schools, but she chose to stay home to be a Cougar.”

Senior forward Peyton McFarland played a key role for Houston, especially in the latter part of the season when many players were injured.

“Peyton is doing everything she can to help us win games,” Hughey said. “Sometimes, we have to rotate in guards to give her a break, so I’m proud of how she’s overcome adversity and what she’s done for us this season.”

McFarland averaged 6.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game and played 29.8 minutes per game, an 11-minute increase from last season.

Sophomore guard Kierra Merchant also stepped up, averaging 9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

“She’s had some excellent games for us, and I’m proud of how she’s improved,” Hughey said. “Merchant is giving us everything she has, and it’s challenging because she’s just a sophomore.”

Graduate guard Eylia Love and redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke were also vital for the Cougars this season. The duo combined for 23.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, providing consistent offense for the team.

“Eylia Love and Gigi Cooke have both had moments where they’ve shone,” Hughey said.

The duo did just that in the final games of the season. 

Cooke delivered a career-high 25 points against No. 8 TCU, while Love set her season-high of 20 points against UCF.

Houston celebrated five seniors on Senior Night: redshirt senior guard Leilani Augmon, senior forward Maliyah Johnson, senior guard Keteri Poole, Blair, Love and McFarland. 

In the Big 12 Tournament, the team fell to Colorado 66-58 in the first round, despite the Buffalos turning the ball over 33 times and Houston aquirng a season high 16 steals.

The season came to a hault, leaving Houston with one Big 12 win to its name.

sports@thedailcougar.com

—
“Women’s basketball 2024-25 season recap” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston guard Laila Blair (14) drives to the basket against Arizona guard Skylar Jones (4) during the first overtime quarter of an NCAA college women’s basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 22 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Joshua Braggs/The Cougar

The Houston women’s basketball team faced a season full of adversity and challenges.

The Cougars have often been down to as few as six available players, and three key players: senior forward Maliyah Johnson, senior guard Kateri Poole and senior forward Avalon Miller all sustained season-ending injuries.

“It’s been a crazy year with all the injuries,” coach Ronald Hughey said. “We are a team that likes to run the floor and press, but with only six or seven players healthy enough to play, we had to change our game plan completely.”

The bad

This season, UH finished with a 5-25 record, which is tied for the second-worst record in program history.

The Cougars also finished last in the Big 12 with a 1-17 record. Their only victory came on Jan. 14, when they defeated No. 24 Oklahoma State 79-76 inside the Fertitta Center.

Houston’s conference finish, a mere .056 win percentage, is tied for the second-worst in program history. 

The only worse finish was the 1996-1997 season, their first year in the Women’s Conference USA, where they went 0-14 in conference play.

The Cougars’ offense averaged 58.7 points per game, the fifth-lowest in program history, and shot just .358 from the field and .289 from three-point range. 

“You can run the perfect offense and get wide-open looks all you want to, but at the end of the day, you have to make shots,” Hughey said.

Defensively, UH allowed 68.6 points per game, giving them a -10 scoring margin, which ranked last in the Big 12.

Opposing teams out-rebounded the Cougars by an average of 9.4 boards per game and out-assisted them by 5.5 assists per game.

With their struggles on the court, Houston also saw a drop in attendance, finishing last in the Big 12 in that category. The Cougars averaged just 891 fans per game, with the next lowest being UCF at 1,431.

To put this into perspective, Iowa State, the leader in attendance, averaged 10,000 fans per game, which is a gap of 9,109 fans per game between the Cyclones and the Cougars.

Given the poor performance this season and Houston’s 14-year NCAA tournament drought, significant work in the offseason will be necessary to get the program back on track.

The good

Graduate guard Laila Blair has been a bright spot for the Cougars this season and throughout her time at Houston.

“I am so blessed to have played my entire career as a Cougar, and it was God who brought me back here this offseason,” Blair said.

Blair averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season. She made history by breaking several records, including setting the school’s 3-point record and moving to second all-time in points scored.

“I cannot even begin to say how much Laila has meant to this program,” Hughey said. “She had many options to go to different schools, but she chose to stay home to be a Cougar.”

Senior forward Peyton McFarland played a key role for Houston, especially in the latter part of the season when many players were injured.

“Peyton is doing everything she can to help us win games,” Hughey said. “Sometimes, we have to rotate in guards to give her a break, so I’m proud of how she’s overcome adversity and what she’s done for us this season.”

McFarland averaged 6.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game and played 29.8 minutes per game, an 11-minute increase from last season.

Sophomore guard Kierra Merchant also stepped up, averaging 9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

“She’s had some excellent games for us, and I’m proud of how she’s improved,” Hughey said. “Merchant is giving us everything she has, and it’s challenging because she’s just a sophomore.”

Graduate guard Eylia Love and redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke were also vital for the Cougars this season. The duo combined for 23.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, providing consistent offense for the team.

“Eylia Love and Gigi Cooke have both had moments where they’ve shone,” Hughey said.

The duo did just that in the final games of the season. 

Cooke delivered a career-high 25 points against No. 8 TCU, while Love set her season-high of 20 points against UCF.

Houston celebrated five seniors on Senior Night: redshirt senior guard Leilani Augmon, senior forward Maliyah Johnson, senior guard Keteri Poole, Blair, Love and McFarland. 

In the Big 12 Tournament, the team fell to Colorado 66-58 in the first round, despite the Buffalos turning the ball over 33 times and Houston aquirng a season high 16 steals.

The season came to a hault, leaving Houston with one Big 12 win to its name.

sports@thedailcougar.com

—
“Women’s basketball 2024-25 season recap” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston guard Laila Blair (14) drives to the basket against Arizona guard Skylar Jones (4) during the first overtime quarter of an NCAA college women’s basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 22 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Joshua Braggs/The Cougar

The Houston women’s basketball team faced a season full of adversity and challenges.

The Cougars have often been down to as few as six available players, and three key players: senior forward Maliyah Johnson, senior guard Kateri Poole and senior forward Avalon Miller all sustained season-ending injuries.

“It’s been a crazy year with all the injuries,” coach Ronald Hughey said. “We are a team that likes to run the floor and press, but with only six or seven players healthy enough to play, we had to change our game plan completely.”

The bad

This season, UH finished with a 5-25 record, which is tied for the second-worst record in program history.

The Cougars also finished last in the Big 12 with a 1-17 record. Their only victory came on Jan. 14, when they defeated No. 24 Oklahoma State 79-76 inside the Fertitta Center.

Houston’s conference finish, a mere .056 win percentage, is tied for the second-worst in program history. 

The only worse finish was the 1996-1997 season, their first year in the Women’s Conference USA, where they went 0-14 in conference play.

The Cougars’ offense averaged 58.7 points per game, the fifth-lowest in program history, and shot just .358 from the field and .289 from three-point range. 

“You can run the perfect offense and get wide-open looks all you want to, but at the end of the day, you have to make shots,” Hughey said.

Defensively, UH allowed 68.6 points per game, giving them a -10 scoring margin, which ranked last in the Big 12.

Opposing teams out-rebounded the Cougars by an average of 9.4 boards per game and out-assisted them by 5.5 assists per game.

With their struggles on the court, Houston also saw a drop in attendance, finishing last in the Big 12 in that category. The Cougars averaged just 891 fans per game, with the next lowest being UCF at 1,431.

To put this into perspective, Iowa State, the leader in attendance, averaged 10,000 fans per game, which is a gap of 9,109 fans per game between the Cyclones and the Cougars.

Given the poor performance this season and Houston’s 14-year NCAA tournament drought, significant work in the offseason will be necessary to get the program back on track.

The good

Graduate guard Laila Blair has been a bright spot for the Cougars this season and throughout her time at Houston.

“I am so blessed to have played my entire career as a Cougar, and it was God who brought me back here this offseason,” Blair said.

Blair averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season. She made history by breaking several records, including setting the school’s 3-point record and moving to second all-time in points scored.

“I cannot even begin to say how much Laila has meant to this program,” Hughey said. “She had many options to go to different schools, but she chose to stay home to be a Cougar.”

Senior forward Peyton McFarland played a key role for Houston, especially in the latter part of the season when many players were injured.

“Peyton is doing everything she can to help us win games,” Hughey said. “Sometimes, we have to rotate in guards to give her a break, so I’m proud of how she’s overcome adversity and what she’s done for us this season.”

McFarland averaged 6.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game and played 29.8 minutes per game, an 11-minute increase from last season.

Sophomore guard Kierra Merchant also stepped up, averaging 9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

“She’s had some excellent games for us, and I’m proud of how she’s improved,” Hughey said. “Merchant is giving us everything she has, and it’s challenging because she’s just a sophomore.”

Graduate guard Eylia Love and redshirt sophomore guard Gigi Cooke were also vital for the Cougars this season. The duo combined for 23.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, providing consistent offense for the team.

“Eylia Love and Gigi Cooke have both had moments where they’ve shone,” Hughey said.

The duo did just that in the final games of the season. 

Cooke delivered a career-high 25 points against No. 8 TCU, while Love set her season-high of 20 points against UCF.

Houston celebrated five seniors on Senior Night: redshirt senior guard Leilani Augmon, senior forward Maliyah Johnson, senior guard Keteri Poole, Blair, Love and McFarland. 

In the Big 12 Tournament, the team fell to Colorado 66-58 in the first round, despite the Buffalos turning the ball over 33 times and Houston aquirng a season high 16 steals.

The season came to a hault, leaving Houston with one Big 12 win to its name.

sports@thedailcougar.com

—
“Women’s basketball 2024-25 season recap” was originally posted on The Cougar