Houston libero Mattie Casale (19) receives the ball during an NCAA college volleyball game against Iowa State on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 in Houston. | Kylie Scarrow/The Cougar
Houston volleyball erased a five-point deficit and fought off 10 lead changes in the second set, paving the way for its first victory over Arizona since 1980 and its first on the Wildcats’ home court. The Cougars secured the sweep Friday in Tucson, Arizona, winning after three sets, 25-23, 29-27 and 25-19.
Houston finished with 48 kills to Arizona’s 31, but 24 attack errors and 12 service errors gave the Wildcats opportunities to stay within reach.
Junior outside hitter Sydney Jones led Houston with 19 kills, including 10 in the final set, while sophomore outside hitter Noemi Despaigne added 14. Freshman setter Shannon Dworaczyk recorded 44 assists.
After edging Arizona in the opening set, Houston struggled to maintain its rhythm in the second. The Wildcats broke a 12-12 tie with five unanswered points, capitalizing on four Houston errors to take a 17-12 lead.
A kill by junior outside hitter Kamille Gibson interrupted the run. Sophomore middle blocker Tara Greenberry followed with back-to-back blocks, sharing the first with Despaigne before blocking the next attack herself.
Trailing 19-16, Houston responded with four consecutive points to reclaim the lead. Jones delivered four kills during a seven-point stretch that pushed the Cougars ahead 23-20.
However, errors continued to threaten Houston’s advantage. After the Cougars reached set point at 24-21, Arizona scored four straight points, including two Houston attack errors, to take the lead.
Kills by Gibson and Despaigne erased two Arizona set points before a Wildcats service error saved Houston from a third. Despaigne then delivered consecutive kills to secure the 29-27 set victory.
Houston sharpened its offense in the third, recording 15 kills with just four attack errors. Gibson’s back-to-back aces extended the lead to 19-15 before Jones delivered the final kill and a match-ending ace to seal the sweep.
Gillian Pitts led Houston with 18 digs, followed by junior outside hitter Lily Barron with 13 and Gibson with 10. Greenberry added five blocks as the Cougars held Arizona to a .091 hitting percentage.
Houston will face No. 10 Arizona State at noon Sunday, Nov. 1, seeking its first win over the Sun Devils since 1985.
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