News Summary
The Houston volleyball team began their season with a historic achievement at Cameron Indoor Stadium, securing back-to-back sweeps in their opening tournament. Senior Brenya Reid led the team with outstanding performances, including a perfect set in program history and a strong showing against Florida International, Duke, and Bryant. The team showcased their offensive strength and defensive skills, setting the stage for a promising season ahead as they prepare to face San Diego State.
Houston – The Houston volleyball team opened their 2025 season with an impressive performance at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, on August 29, 2025. The Cougars achieved a historic milestone by securing back-to-back sweeps in their opening tournament for the first time since 2011, and notably, they recorded the first perfect set in program history across three matches.
Senior outside hitter Brenya Reid played a pivotal role in the team’s success, leading with a total of 36 kills, 40.5 points, 14 digs, three blocks, and two aces throughout the tournament. In their opening match against Florida International, Houston secured victory with set scores of 25-18, 25-21, and 26-24. Reid was instrumental in this win, contributing 19 kills, three block assists, and an ace for a match-high 20.5 points.
Supporting Reid, senior setter Lottie Scully added 28 assists and achieved a double-double with 10 digs. The match saw junior outside hitter Halle Schroder and senior outside hitter Avery Shimaitis combining for 12 kills, enhancing the team’s dynamic offense. Despite an early setback in the second set against Florida International, Houston rallied back with strategic plays that allowed them to take the lead after an 8-5 deficit.
The second set was tightly contested, with the score tied at 23 before Houston secured the win, propelling them to a 2-0 advantage in sets thanks to key plays from Shimaitis and freshman libero Aubrey Sears.
The following day, Houston faced Duke in another dominant showing, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-19, 25-13, and 26-24. Reid and Schroder continued to amplify their offensive prowess, combining for a total of 31 points against the opposing team. A significant moment came during the second set, where Houston went on a 10-3 run, fueled in part by back-to-back aces from senior defensive specialist Alana Torres-Rivera. The final set against Duke extended into extra points, but Houston managed to maintain composure and closed the match with a decisive kill from Schroder.
Houston capped off the tournament with a sweeping victory over Bryant, achieving set scores of 25-11, 25-21, and 25-18. The Cougars displayed consistent performance throughout the matches, hitting an impressive .643 as a team in the first set against Bryant. Notably, senior middle blocker Barakat Rahmon achieved an outstanding .833 hitting percentage, and Reid showcased a .667 efficiency, contributing to the team’s overall success.
The match against Bryant further demonstrated Houston’s offensive capabilities, as they out-attacked their opponents with a hitting percentage of .343 compared to Bryant’s .038 and dominated the blocking game with nine team blocks against Bryant’s one. Key contributions from Reid, Schroder, and setter Scully were essential in maintaining leads throughout the tournament matches.
As the season progresses, the Houston volleyball team will aim to build on their strong start when they host San Diego State on September 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. The team’s recent accomplishments and performance at the tournament signal a promising season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Volleyball Sweeps Season Opener
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- UH Volleyball Makes History
- Google Search: Houston volleyball
- Houston Volleyball Signs Four Transfers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Aubrey Sears Profile
- Google News: Houston Cougars volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
