Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Houston
Volleyball Falls to Houston, 3-1
10/14/2012 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 14, 2012
Final Stats
HOUSTON, Texas - Despite a 29 kill effort from outside hitter Laura Der and a 27 dig performance from libero Dorothy Rahal, Marshall fell to Houston on Sunday, 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 23-25), in the Athletics/Alumni Center.
Taking only its second loss in 15 matches, the Herd dropped to 16-6 (6-2 C-USA). The Cougar victory ended Marshall's five-match win streak and improved Houston to 6-13 (5-4 C-USA).
Der earned her 12th double-double of the season after earning a career-high 29 kills and adding 14 digs. The 29 kills are the most since 2010 when Elizabeth Herman recorded 30 against SMU on October 17. The count also ties Der for 20th all-time in program history for kills in a match.
"My teammates all allowed for it to happen," noted Der on earning the record-setting mark. "The defense picked up some great balls to give us extra swings, while other hitters let Katy (Schad) and I have some one-on-one situations. When Sammie (Bane) was in tempo, she really set a good ball."
Rahal contributed 27 digs on defense, tying her for 19th in Marshall's history for digs in a match. The junior ranks third in Conference USA this season for digs per set with 4.36.
"We had a couple of good individual efforts tonight, but we weren't the same team," said head coach Mitch Jacobs. "We can only be successful as a team and that is something I love about this group."
Katy Schad followed Der with a double-double of her own after posting 10 kills and 12 digs. She leads the team with 14 double-doubles for the 2012 season.
Sammie Bane finished with 52 assists, one set-up shy of her season-high. She also added seven digs on defense.
Houston's defense proved to be a key in Marshall's defeat as the Cougars booked 8.0 (16 assists) blocks compared to Marshall's 1.0 (2 assists). The two block assists ties for the lowest block count Marshall has attained all season.
The Cougars were led by Chandace Tryon and Katie Norris with 16 and 15 kills, respectively. Tyron also led the team in blocks along with Emily Howard with four.
Marshall will return home for its next two matches. The Herd will face UAB on Friday at 7 p.m. ET and follow with a Sunday match against Memphis at 1 p.m. ET.
"We will regroup for Tuesday practice and look ahead. We have a very tough weekend ahead of us and of course we look forward to being at home," said Jacobs.
