(RV) WASHINGTON STATE (8-1, 0-0 PAC-12)
vs. Houston Baptist (5-6) | Fri., Sept. 20 | 8:00 a.m. (PT)
at UTRGV (5-6) | Fri., Sept. 20 | 5:00 p.m. (PT)
vs. Texas Southern (1-5) | Sat., Sept. 21 | 9:00 a.m. (PT)
> Watch | WSUCougars.com
> Live Statistics | UTRGV Stats
TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
>> The Cougars begin the 2019 UTRGV Tournament with Houston Baptist. This will be the first volleyball match between the two programs Friday morning.
>> Washington State will see a new face in Texas-Rio Grande Valley in match number two of this tournament, as WSU and UTGRV will square off in volleyball for the first time in program history.
>> The final match of this weekend tournament will feature the Cougars taking on Texas Southern for the first time in program history, with first serve slated for 9 a.m.
>> The Cougars hold an overall record of 14-3 when playing matches in the state of Texas, and will look to continue that winning trend this weekend at UTRGV.
NATIONAL RANKINGS
The Cougars continue to receive votes in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll here in week three, ranked at No. 29 (44 points) overall. The RichKern Poll sees Washington State up one spot at No. 28 this week, and the Pablo Rankings have WSU cracking the top ten at No. 10 overall as well.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
WSU defended their home court of Bohler Gym this past weekend, picking up three sweep victories over nonconference opponents, Idaho State, UT-Arlington, and Liberty. Washington State has protected Bohler Gym in recent years, going four straight seasons (2015-18) without a losing record at home. The Cougars will get their next opportunity to defend Bohler, Wednesday, Sept. 25 against rival, No. 10 ranked Washington.
FRESHMEN LEADERS
The freshmen class of Washington State Volleyball certainly made their presence known at the 2019 Cougar Challenge, playing a great role in aiding the Cougars to three consecutive sweeps to start play inside Bohler Gym this season.
Pia Timmer led WSU in kills (29), kills per set (3.22), and tied for first on the team in aces (4) during the weekend action.
Magda Jehlarova was a dominate force up front, totaling 17 overall blocks, and posted 1.89 blocks per set through the three matches. Redshirt freshman
Hannah Pukis anchored the offensive attack with 99 total assists, and posted 11.00 assists per set.
INTO THE TWITTER-VERSE
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