Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Graduate libero Kate Georgiades delivered an outstanding performance with 36 digs, bringing her to a career milestone of 2,500 digs in Houston’s heartbreaking five-set loss against the TCU inside Schollmaier Arena on Nov. 20, 2024.

Georgiades joins only 26 other Division I volleyball players to reach this feat, becoming the first to do so in a Big 12 program.

In the decisive fifth set, the Cougars jumped to an 8-5 lead but couldn’t keep the Horned Frogs in check.

TCU quickly rallied back to even the set at 12-all. Houston put together a 3-0 run and nearly pulled off an upset victory, but the Horned Frogs claimed four of the match’s next five points to put the Cougars away for good.

Houston lost the frame 18-16. The tough loss brings its overall record to 11-14, 6-9 Big 12.

It was a night of double-doubles for the Cougars. Graduate outside hitter Julianna Dalton posted the second of her career with 11 kills and 10 digs.

Graduate outside hitter Angela Grieve followed with 16 kills and 14 digs, marking her 12th double-double of the season.

Graduate setter Annie Cooke added 42 assists and 11 digs and redshirt sophomore middle blocker Ella Wendel posted a career-high nine kills and three blocks.

The opening frame saw the Horned Frogs jump to a 7-4 lead. Houston used two runs to chip away at the deficit and eventually took a one-point lead at 16-15. The Cougars seemed to be in control, extending the lead to 23-19.

However, TCU refused to go away quietly. The Horned Frogs claimed the next five points to grab a one-point advantage, threatening to snatch the opening set, but the Cougars managed to fend off the attack and take the set 27-25.

To start the second set, TCU again rushed to an early 6-4 lead. Houston showed resolve and evened the set at 7-7. It was a game of back-and-forth until the Cougars used a 3-0 run to grab a one-point edge at 22-21.

The Horned Frogs fought back once again and forced a set point. However, UH quickly responded with a 4-0 run, claiming the set victory 26-24.

Houston maintained momentum by taking an early five-point lead to open the third set but wasn’t able to hang on to the advantage. TCU stormed back to even the set at 12-12 before using a 6-3 stretch to take control of the set for good, going on to win the frame 25-18.

The Horned Frogs quickly took over the fourth, claiming an early nine-point lead to set the tone for the rest of the frame. Houston did not have an answer as TCU went on to claim the set victory at 25-14 and force the fifth and final set.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Kate Georgiades digs up history in UH volleyball’s heartbreaking loss” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

The Houston Cougars are set to return to TDECU Stadium for their homecoming matchup against the Utah Utes on Oct. 26, 2024.

After a disappointing loss in week eight, where they struggled on offense and defense, the Cougars are eager to bounce back.

The offense 

Houston has faced challenges with offensive consistency this season, frequently rotating between quarterbacks.

However, sophomore Zeon Chriss, who shone in a breakout performance against TCU with 141 passing yards and completing 15-of-18 pass attempts, has emerged as a potential spark for the team.

Unfortunately, Chriss suffered a hamstring injury early in last week’s game against Kansas and missed practice this week. The good news for the Cougars is that he appears to have avoided a serious injury and is expected to play in the homecoming game.

“It was something he was concerned about,” said head coach Willie Fritz. “You want the guys to feel good about it when they’re out there, I think he will be fine”

While it remains uncertain who will start at quarterback, senior Donovan Smith will continue to see playing time.

Smith began the season returning from an off-season shoulder surgery, which impacted his comfortability in the passing game.

Still, he has increased his passing attempts in practices over the past two weeks.

“He’s felt good, so we’re going with it,” said Fritz.

Junior wide receiver Stephon Johnson will make his return to the field after missing the game against Kansas due to a concussion suffered in practice.

In a blow to the offensive line, senior Dakota White will miss the rest of the season due to a broken foot. 

History for homecoming

This Saturday’s game marks the first matchup between Houston and Utah since Sept. 23, 1978. The Cougars hold a perfect 4-0 record against the Utes, with all victories coming by double-digit margins.

This year the Utes will enter TDECU for the Cougars’ homecoming game, a tradition that dates back to 1946 when Houston played its inaugural Homecoming match against North Texas.

In the past 20 years, the Cougars hold a winning record of 13-7 in homecoming contests.

The opponent 

The Utes will enter TDECU Stadium looking to snap a three-game losing streak while grappling with their offensive struggles.

Senior quarterback Cameron Rising is out for the season due to a lower leg injury, leaving freshman Isaac Wilson to take the reins. 

Wilson has started four games this season but has struggled with consistency, posting a completion rate of just over 50% and throwing eight interceptions.

Additionally, this game will be the first for Utah since offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig stepped down. 

Despite their recent difficulties, Fritz cautioned against underestimating the Utes.

“They’re a very sound football team; they very seldom beat themselves,” 

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT Saturday at TDECU Stadium.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Week 9 preview: Houston to face Utah in homecoming contest” was originally posted on The Cougar

Senior linebacker Zykeius Strong takes down TCU’s sophomore quarterback Josh Hoover in a NCAA football game on Oct. 4 in Fort Worth, Texas. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

On October 4, Houston was within seconds of defeating TCU when senior linebacker Zykeius Strong took down TCU’s sophomore quarterback Josh Hover for the first sack of his Houston career.

“If somebody would’ve told me, ‘Zy, you’re going to be in college in Houston,’ I would have been like, ‘huh?,” Strong said.

The Alabama native did not take a path free from hazards and detours.

Like many high school athletes, Strong had his eyes set on playing Division I football. However, as the deadline for choosing a college approached, the offers he desired weren’t there.

“I got to my senior year, and I didn’t know what was next,” Strong said. “ I was going to enlist in the Army.”

Described by his Mountain Oak high school football coach, Cristopher Bell, as hard-working, charismatic and fun to be around, Strong grew up lacking focus.

Like most ninth-graders, he was busy living in the moment; how the actions of his freshman self would impact his future was the least of his concerns.

“I don’t think he was thinking anything beyond the end of whatever class period he happened to be in at the time,” Bell said.

Although Strong had always been interested in football, he did not start playing until his freshman year of high school, when things slowly began to come together.

“He was one of those kids where you knew once the light bulb went on, he was going to be unique,” Bell said.

By his junior year, Strong became increasingly focused on maturing as a person and an athlete.

In the off-season between his junior and senior year, he became a sponge, soaking up knowledge wherever he could.

Strong worked intensively with his former defensive line coach, Steward Carlisle, to prepare for the future and take full advantage of the opportunities in front of him.

Then, an opportunity came knocking: Hutchinson Community College offered him a chance to pursue his dream of playing football at the next level.

Following the initial visit, Strong decided to explore the route and committed to the community college.

Despite obstacles on or off the gridiron, he became one of five players from the 2018-19 Oak Mountain High School class to play at the collegiate level.

After redshirting his first year at Hutchinson, the linebacker began to see his dreams become a reality.

But just as things seemed to be going his way, there was a setback. Strong suffered a leg injury that caused him to spend time off the field.

“That was my first major injury,” Strong said “I didn’t know how to take it, but God puts you through things so you can keep going.”

Although the thought of giving up crossed his mind, with the help of prayer, family and encouragement from his grandmother, he found the strength to persevere.

Strong saw the sacrifices his support system made to give him access to opportunities that weren’t readily available to others in the community.

“The environment I grew up in and watching my family members work very hard to provide for me, that’s a big motivation,” Strong said.

Living up to his last name, he remained “strong” in pursuit of playing professional football and making his family proud.

Hutchinson Community College head coach Drew Dallas remembers Strong as a hardworking, natural leader with raw talent who was incredibly resilient.

He spent his time at Hutchinson working physically and mentally to turn his dreams into reality, gaining muscle mass to improve on the field, and leaning into his faith to guide him off the field.

After his stint at community college, it was once again time to review the offers, but this time the options weren’t limited. The No.15 overall JUCO player had offers to Houston and over five other schools.

Strong’s decision to continue his collegiate career with the Cougars over other offers was influenced by former Houston defensive line coach Brian Early’s tough coaching style and proven success in the league.

Transitioning from a community college in a city with a population just below 40,000 to a Division I university in Houston, which is home to millions, comes with its own set of challenges.

There are more responsibilities, opportunities and distractions, but he believes his untraditional journey prepared him for it all.

“Houston was in a position, where they knew that the level he could get to when he was healthy was pretty high,” Dallas said. “They took a chance on him, and it’s coming to fruition for him.”

During his junior season with UH Strong appeared in all twelve games for the Cougars and made six tackles.

This season, Strong has already tallied 15 tackles in six games. As he sees success on the field, he still gives thanks for his start at community college.

“Hutchinson took a chance on me, and that’s why I’m here today.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Strong steps: Zykeius Strong’s path to college success” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston’s Kate Georgiades, center, waits for A&M Commerce to serve the ball during the first set of an NCAA college women’s volleyball match, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/ The Cougar

The Houston volleyball team opened up conference play by claiming its first Big 12 win with a clean sweep over Kansas State on Wednesday night inside Morgan Family Arena.

The Cougars earned its second consecutive straight-set victory behind double-doubles by Graduates Angela Grieve and Annie Cooke the feat will go down in the record books as head coach David Rehr’s 650th win, his 109th with Houston.

Starting strong, the Cougars won the opening frames’ first four points to take an early lead, but the Wildcats came back to tie it at 11-11.

Houston eventually went down 20-17 but clawed its way back to even the score at 23-23 before forcing extras to win 27-25.

The match was a game of back-and-forth for the Cougars and Wildcats, seeing 27 ties, 12 coming in the third frame and 15 lead changes.

The final frame was a close one, remaining tied after 11 points. Neither team went up by more than two before Houston put together a 4-1 run to take a 23-19 lead.

The Wildcats put up a tough fight to keep the game alive and nearly succeeded, but the Cougars ended all hope of a comeback and clinched the set 25-23.

Grieve led the team in kills with 14 and added 10 digs; she now leads the team in double-doubles with four.

Cooke put up 19 assists and 10 digs to help secure the win. Graduate libero Kate Georgiades continued outstanding play, keeping her streak of double-digit dig performances with a team-high of 12.

Up next, Houston will close out its first week of conference play with a face-off against No. 9 Kansas on Friday, Sept 27.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston volleyball defeats Kansas State in second consecutive straight set win” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston holds their hardware high, as it repeats history, defeating Rice, 50 years after the first Bayou Bucket Classic. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

50 years ago on Sept. 14, 1974, the Houston Cougars shut out the Rice Owls in the inaugural Bayou Bucket.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, Houston claimed its first win of the season similarly, dominating Rice with a commanding 33-7 victory, befittingly returning the Bayou Bucket to the red and white.

The Cougars entered the field with a point to prove and held a grudge dating back to their last showdown with the Owls, which Houston lost 43-41 in a double-overtime thriller.

During practice this week, Fritz showed his team a video of Rice celebrating with the trophy last year.

“I told the guys this is a big ball game,” Fritz said. “Rice has it circled. We need to have it double-circled.”

The Cougars stepped on the field determined to show who runs Houston. UH had their first chance to score early in the first period but freshman kicker Joseph Kim couldn’t convert a 31-yard field goal attempt.

Despite the missed opportunity, the Cougars quickly recovered on thier next possession.

Although senior quarterback Donovan Smith had a slow start, passing for 11 yards and completing just 50% of his passing attempts, Houston rushed to the double-digit lead.

Junior running back Stacy Sneed rushed for a 65-yard touchdown with just under six minutes left to play in the first quarter.

Junior Mekhi Mews followed up on the next drive with a 75-yard punt return touchdown to put Houston 14-0.

Junior defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. was a dominant presence on the field early, collecting two  key tackles before getting hit with a targeting penalty in the second quarter.

Smith threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Stephon Johnson midway through the second quarter to extend the lead to 20-0.

The onslaught continued in the final half of play as Smith rushed for a touchdown in each of the final periods, including a highlight 37-yard run with seven minutes to go in the game.

He tallied 142 yards, completing 12 out of 21 attempts.

The Owls were uncomfortable on the offensive side of the ball the majority of the match, their first third down conversion coming in the waning minutes of the game.

Narrowly escaping a shutout, senior running back Dean Connors completed a four-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 26.

The Owls finished the game with eight first downs and 159 yards, the fewest allowed by Houston since they held Grambling State to 102 yards in 2021.

“I have been on the other side I know what it feels like,” senior linebacker Michael Batton said. “They were demoralized. We definitely took their soul, and that’s what we planned to do.”

Next, the Cougars will head on the road to begin conference play against Cincinnati on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston football dominates Rice in Bayou Bucket 50 years after first matchup” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston sophomore midfielder Aryanna Jimison, front, celebrates her second goal with teammates during the second half of an NCAA college soccer match, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Houston soccer battled through a physical match-up under gloomy skies to clinch their second straight win with a 2-1 victory over the University of Texas at San Antonio on Thursday evening.

The Cougars claimed a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute as sophomore midfielder Ayranna Jimison broke down the Roadrunner defense for the goal.

Jimison remained aggressive on the offensive end, doubling the UH lead in the 68th minute when senior defender Anna Reysa located her on the cross.

USTA did not go away quietly, as the Roadrunners attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, cutting Houston’s lead to one in the 81st minute.

Things began got gritty as time wined down, as junior forward Cameryn Maddox and UTSA senior defender Sasjah Dade exited the game with red cards in the 85th minute.

The Cougars managed to hold on to their lead as the game clock expired, improving to 2-2-1 on the season.

Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Dietrich earned a new career high with 14 saves in a single match.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston’s defense holds strong in 2-1 win against UTSA” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston football puts in the work during summer practice ahead of the season opener on Aug. 31. | Oscar Herrera/ The Cougar

This past year, Houston entered a period of transformation. Joining the Big 12 Conference was the headline but as time passed, it served as only a fraction of what was to come for UH. Change has been powerful for this football program this season, after coming off a 4-8 2023 season.

New coaches, new players, new energy and with that came a new culture. As year two of Houston’s time in the conference approaches, things look different, and according to the team, it feels different too.

In December 2023, Willie Fritz was named the program’s 16th head coach. Along with him came a winning resume spanning over 20 years and a personable touch to the field.

Fritz’s impact has already been widely felt in various ways. From bringing on new staff to adding pieces via the transfer portal, Fritz has had to craft a squad from nearly the ground up.

Sophomore defensive lineman Anthony “AJ” Holmes Jr. backed that statement.  “Coach Fritz cares about everybody and gets a chance to know everybody’s name. He doesn’t have any favorites,” Holmes said.

In theory, the number of unfamiliar faces should lead to some separation within the group, but perhaps this is where the head coach’s influence shines the brightest.

The tight-knit squad seems to be in perfect harmony, which can be credited to Fritz’s leadership style and bond with each player.

When asked to characterize the group since the change in approach, whether it was a first-year cougar or a returning member, one word that echoed throughout the locker room was family.

Senior kicker Jack Martin attributes the positive team chemistry to not only the staff but the player’s willingness to follow Fritz’s guidance and apply his teachings on and off the gridiron.

“Fritz leads the way for us,” Martin said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, who, what, where you’re from. Everybody here is a family.”

Even with all the internal positivity, voices outside the locker room tell a different story. After a rocky freshman season in the Big 12, many college football analysts don’t predict a major jump in standings for the Cougars ranking them near the bottom of the conference.

Sophomore linebacker Latreveon “Tre Tre” McCutchin sees the newfound culture as a building block of what’s to come on the field for Houston, something he feels may be overlooked.

“Coach Fritz is taking the program to heights that people are underestimating this program to go,” McCutchin said.

The team however isn’t shaken by the noise. Senior linebacker Kendre Gant, a transfer from Louisianna, is ready to prove the naysayers wrong.

“We are going to show them what the Houston Cougars got this year, not last year,” Gant said.

The Cougars will get their first chance to quiet the noise in its season opener on Aug. 31st vs UNLV.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“UH football’s culture drives connection ahead of 2024 season opener” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

As freshman Cougars, students will have many new experiences, including supporting their new team.

Here a few tips to make gearing up for the first game day a breeze:

What to bring

UH stadiums enforce a clear bag policy. Clear bags may not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Non-clear bags are acceptable, but be sure they are no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.

Portable chargers should be at the top of the gameday essentials list. There will be lots to see, do and record, and no one would want to miss a selfie with Shasta and Sasha because of a powerless phone.

What to wear

Game day is the perfect time to express individuality. Experiment with style, DIY, have fun with it and most importantly, wear red.

Weather can be tricky so it’s important to have options. Above all, make sure to prioritize comfort. Gamedays can be long and if all is going well, students will be on their feet for most of the game.

Typically, students wear UH shirts, white skirts, and cowboy boots,or sneakers. If all else fails, a favorite jersey and shorts will never do wrong.

Games to watch

Houston will open football season against UNLV at TDECU Stadium on Aug. 31. Expect tons of excitement from current students, alumni and Cougar fans alike. Arrive early as there is sure to be tailgating going on outside the stadium doors hours before kickoff.

Another big football game is on Sept. 14 against crosstown rival, Rice. Last season in a double-overtime thriller, the Owls claimed the Bayou Bucket for the first time since 2010. The Cougars look to get revenge and bring the hardware back to its rightful place at UH.

How to attend

Every student is allotted one free ticket to each regular season home game. The ticket can be claimed online at 10 a.m. the Monday before game day.

To bring a friend along, student guest tickets can be purchased at the box office on the day of the game.

Things to know

Student section tickets are general admission, so students should arrive early to be closer to the action.

Even for those who are not avid sports fans, games offer a way to engage with the UH community.

Be loud, be proud and cheer on the Cougars as they embark on their second year in the Big 12.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Ultimate game day survival guide” was originally posted on The Cougar

The Coogs celebrate senior outfielder Cary Arbolida’s valiant game winning hit. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston baseball played its last non-conference game of the season in a midweek match-up against the Nicholls State Colonels. Following a late-game rally, UH escaped with a walk-off 5-4 victory.

Nicholls hit early in the opening inning, pouncing on the Cougars to take a 2-0 lead, the Colonels added a homer in the third to extend its lead before Houston began to claw back into the game.

Freshman catcher Connor Bennet recorded his second homer of the season in the fifth inning to give the Cougars their first hit of the game.

Freshman infielder Ace Reese followed in the sixth with a three-run homer to claim the lead 4-3, but the Colonels didn’t go away quietly, tying up the match in the ninth inning 4-4 off a solo home run. A single off the bat of senior outfielder Cary Arbolida drove in the game-winning run for the Cougars.

The Cougars sit at 24-24 on the season. Up next, UH will travel to Kansas for its final Big 12 conference road series to face the Jayhawks on May 10-12.

sporst@thedailycougar.com

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“Another walk-off in the books for Houston baseball” was originally posted on The Cougar

Graduate Sydni Townsend continues reaching new heights with a record finish in the 400-meter hurdles. | Courtesy UH Athletics

UH Track & Field set eight new personal bests while running away with 19 podium placements in Friday’s regular-season finale at the Tom Tellez Invitational.

Graduate Sydni Townsend moved to sixth in the nation after her record-setting showing in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, winning the event with a meet-record time of 56.13.

Sophomore Zaeda Houff earned her first gold medal of the season, placing first in the hammer throw with a personal best of 52.24 meters, freshman Paris Kimble wasn’t far behind taking second place in the contest with a throw of 47.07 meters.

The men’s triple jump saw two Cougars take gold and silver honors. Senior David Ajama leaped to first with a jump of 15.85 meters and junior Kevin Snyder followed in second with a leap of 14.77 meters.

Sophomore Aubrey Tupper tied for first place in the women’s pole vault with a height of 3.80 meters and freshman Laney Kucera cleared 3.50 meters to secure third place.

Houston saw yet another 1-2 placement in the men’s discus throw, graduate Lusekelo Mwamukonda tossed his way to first place with a throw of 53.29 meters. Freshmen Cordell Nwokeji followed in second place with a personal best performance of 52.19 meters. Nwokeji didn’t stop there, seeing a first-place finish in the shot put competition with a throw of 18.71 meters.

Graduate Kelly-Ann Beckford earned a victory in the women’s 1,500 meters for the second time this season with a 4:34.27 finish.

Senior Jamar Marshall Jr. and freshman Jairius Burton finished second and third on the podium in the men’s 110-meter hurdles with times of 13.93 and 14.07.

In the 5,000-meter seniors, Zosia Bulhak and Daniela Castillo crossed the line at 18:19.58 and 18:37.23 respectively to capture silver and bronze honors.

Junior My’Kell Beck sprung to second place clearing 2.05 meters in the men’s high jump.

Freshman Michael Archie sprinted to second place in the men’s 5,000 meters with a 15:21.08 finish.

Graduate Izac Canchola threw silver in the men’s javelin with 59.23 meters.

The 400-meter race saw a third-place finish for graduate MiKenna Robinson running a time of 56.34 in her first outdoor 400-meter race.

Senior Caleb Malbrough placed third in the men’s long jump, leaping 7.38 meters.

Next, the Coogs will head to Waco to compete in the Big 12 Outdoor Championships on May 9-11.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Cougar track & field closes its regular outdoor season with Tom Tellez Invitational” was originally posted on The Cougar