Nov. 20, 2008

Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Houston volleyball team will face Tulsa at 2 p.m. on Friday in the second round of the 2008 Conference USA Championship, hosted by the University of Memphis.

Fourth seeded Houston received a bye in the first round of the tournament after finishing with a 10-6 mark in league play and an 18-11 overall record. The Cougars are one of four teams to receive a first round bye at the Championships. UH has earned a bye in the first round seven times and have advanced to the Championship match three times, winning in 1997.

Tulsa was named the fifth seed after posting a 21-10 overall record and an 8-8 conference mark.

Beth Hodge and Jennifer Eichler of Tulsa each recorded 16 kills in the Golden Hurricane's 3-1 win over No. 12 East Carolina in the first round of the championship today at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. After the Pirates took the first set, Tulsa won three-straight to win the match.

This will be the third time that Houston has faced Tulsa in 2008. The Cougars won both contests, 3-0, and are now 5-3 all-time against the Golden Hurricane. Friday's match will be the first-ever between the two schools in the C-USA Championships.

Tournament play will continue through Sunday with the Championship match scheduled for 2 p.m. and will air live on CBS College Sports. Calling the action will be Jason Knapp, while Ann Marie Anderson will serve as the color commentary.

Fans, who have purchased the monthly or annual All-Access subscription, can catch earlier tournament action by watching the video stream at www.conferenceusa.com. Non-subscribers can purchase the monthly All-Access subscription for $9.95.

Fans can also purchase the championship game via pay-per-view for $7.95.

Gametracker will also be available for all matches during the tournament.