Rice Volleyball Secures Spring Victory Over University of Houston

Rice University volleyball secured a victory over the University of Houston in a spring offseason match on April 15, 2026. The Rice team utilized late-set execution to earn the win against their cross-town rivals.

According to reporting from The Rice Thresher, the program viewed the match as a key opportunity to measure its progress during the offseason period.

Offseason Development and Strategy

The match served as a benchmark for the Owls as they continue their preparations for the upcoming competitive season. The ability to execute during the closing stages of the sets proved decisive in securing the result against Houston.

This offseason encounter follows a pattern of spring competition for the Rice program, which has previously used the spring slate to face various high-level opponents from across Texas.

Program Context and History

Rice and Houston maintain a competitive rivalry. In a previous exhibition match held just before the 2024 fall season, the Owls claimed a 3-2 victory over the Cougars at the Fertitta Center.

The program has recently focused on improving upon a 19-8 campaign from the previous year. During that period, the Owls recorded four wins over conference champions, including two victories over Wichita State and wins against Texas State and UT Arlington.

The team’s previous success was supported by key individual performances, including those of Samarah Hill and Lademi Ogunlana, both of whom were first-team all-conference selections. Savannah Skopal was recognized as a second-team all-conference pick and a unanimous all-freshman team selection.

Statistically, the program previously reached an RPI of 39 and led the American Athletic Conference in kills per set with an average of 14.02. Lademi Ogunlana also led the AAC in hitting percentage at .395.