The Cougars fell short for the second time against the Cardinals when they traveled to Louisville for a rematch. In October, Louisville won in three sets, but UH pushed its opponent to five (17-25, 18-25, 25-13, 25-23, 6-15) on Friday.
Louisville, which is on a seven-game winning streak, remains undefeated in American Athletic Conference play.
The Cougars were able to stay alive and they won their third and fourth sets respectively. The defense kept UH alive and was able to fend off a three set sweep by its blocks at the net.
Three Cougars hit double-figure kills during the match. Freshman outside hitter Sarita Mikals registered 19 kills and 12 digs and hit .200. She had her 10th double double of the season. Junior right side Cortney Warren had 16 kills and hit .300, and sophomore outside hitter Kadi Kullerkann had 10 kills and four blocks.
After a tough loss against Louisville, the Cougars were able to bounce back against Cincinnati.
UH prevailed against Cincinnati on Sunday and defeated the Bearcats in only three sets (25-19, 25-19, 25-17). The Cougars are now 16-12 and 8-5 in the American Athletic Conference. Overall, the Cougars finished strong, and in set two, they hit .400 with 15 kills.
Cincinnati has had only one win this season, and the UH offense was able to hold the Bearcats down. Two Cougars had double figure kills; Warren hit .423 with 12 kills and Mikals had 13 kills and nine digs.
Match leaders were sophomore middle blocker Courtney Smith, who hit .500 with two blocks; freshman setter Sophie Paine, who led with 20 assists; and sophomore defense specialist Olivia O’Dell, who had 14 digs.
The Cougars will host Memphis at 7 p.m. Friday at the Athletics/Alumni Center and Temple at 1 p.m. Sunday.