Two games in a row the Cougars forced a fifth set in a close game, and two games in a row, they snatched a victory away from their opponents. In a tight, fast-paced offensive display, Houston finished strong and fought their way back to a .500 record, improving to 13-13 overall and 5-9 in the conference.

With this win, the Cougars are off to a good start to begin their three-game stretch of road games. The Pirates (11-12, 3-10) were in position to win, but could not stop a strong Houston team that rallied back to take the final two sets, finishing 3-2 (23-25, 23-25, 23-25, 21-25, 15-9).

Just as they had done in their last match, Houston came out strong to take the first set, but lost their momentum and the two following sets. But they were able to gather themselves and push past East Carolina.

Senior right side Cortney Warren led offensive charge with 24 kills and a .311 average, but the performance for the Cougars was a true team effort as four players came away with double-digit kills on the night.

Not to be outdone, the defense also played a major role in the match with four players also reaching double-digit digs by games end.

Senior libero Natalie Keck came away with her second consecutive 20-dig match, collecting 24 digs against the Pirates. She is now only 19 digs away from reaching the 2,000 mark in her career.

With strong performances one both sides of the ball to close out this game, the Cougars look to be in great shape as the final part of the season approaches.

The team will return home to rest until traveling to face conference rival Memphis on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Cougars battle back to .500 in win over Pirates” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar