Junior linebacker Phillip Steward became the first UH defender this season to win Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Cougars’ 56-3 win against East Carolina.
Steward picked off a career-high two passes and also recorded a tackle for a loss.
The Cougars totaled nine sacks and four interceptions as a team.
“Nine sacks, that’s pretty good,” Steward said.
“We should have gotten more, but that’s pretty good.”
Steward’s stat line could have looked even better as he returned his second interception 25 yards and looked poised on reaching the end zone before being tackled.
“I wanted it,” Steward said. “I got tackled, but I wanted a touchdown. I’m going to get one.”
Freshman recognized for second time by Conference USA
Caitlin Ogletree earned Conference USA Setter of the Week for the second time in three weeks.
In two matches against East Carolina over the weekend, Ogletree recorded 95 assists, 20 digs, three service aces and two blocks.
Her averages of 13.57 assists and 2.86 digs per set against the Pirates were the top marks in C-USA for the week.
Ogletree leads the Cougars with 691 assists, and is second on the team with 128 digs.
Exhibition against Rice rescheduled
The Cougars’ opening fall scrimmage against Rice will be played at 4 p.m. today at Cougar Field.
Originally scheduled for Oct. 9, the exhibition was canceled due to inclement weather.
The 14-inning scrimmage is free and open to the public.