Pro, Texas Volleyball Journal

LOVB Houston falls to Salt Lake in straight sets on the road

From staff reports

LOVB Houston’s Amber Igiede (3) makes a kill attempt during a League One Volleyball match on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2026 at Bruin Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo courtesy of League One Volleyball)

LOVB Salt Lake stayed sharp from first contact to the finish Thursday, sweeping LOVB Houston in straight sets as the hosts continued their strong start to the season.

Salt Lake (2-1) took control early and never let Houston settle in, rolling to a 25-12, 25-20, 25-20 win behind efficient attacking and steady pressure at the net.

Houston struggled to find rhythm in the opening set as Salt Lake stayed clean offensively and turned extended rallies into points. The hosts built separation quickly and closed the frame with a commanding finish.

“Tough one,” said LOVB Houston head coach Sanja Tomašević. “I’m disappointed because we’re not playing the way we’re training, and we’re going to have to look at why that’s the case, starting with myself and my staff. We definitely need to turn it around. I know our time is coming. I know we have quality and I know we have talent.”

The second set brought a better response from Houston, which showed flashes of steadiness behind opposite Jordan Thompson and improved execution in transition. But Salt Lake’s balance and tempo remained the difference, especially in key moments late in the set as the home side extended the lead and moved within one set of the sweep.

Salt Lake maintained control in the third, continuing to win battles in transition and capitalize on Houston’s missed opportunities. Houston stayed within striking distance, but Salt Lake’s ability to convert rallies and finish points down the stretch sealed the match.

Thompson led Houston with 10 points, finishing with eight kills, two blocks and three digs. Setter Micha Hancock added 25 assists, two aces and a kill, but Houston couldn’t sustain pressure against Salt Lake’s defense and efficiency at the net.

Houston will return to Texas Saturday for the Texas Showdown at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, where it will face LOVB Austin. First serve has been moved to 1 p.m. due to the weather. The matchup marks the first meeting this season between the league’s two Texas teams and can be streamed on Victory+.