Colorado defeated Sam Houston in three sets 25-21 25-16 25-18 to begin action for both teams in the Rice Adidas Invitational volleyball tournament for both squads.

Brooke White and Jordyn Vaughn led the Bearkats with seven and five kills, respectively. The Kats totaled 24 kills in 92 attempts but committed 22 attack errors. The Buffs posted 42 kills in 102 attempts with only 14 miscues. Gabby Simpson led Colorado with 14 kills.

Michelle Griffith assisted on 19 kills and led Sam Houston with 12 digs. Libero Claire Kilpatrick and outside hitter Breana Homer each had 10 digs.

The first set the two teams were tied 11 times with five lead changes. The last tie came at 19-19 but Colorado ended the set with a 6-2 run. The Buffs never trailed in the second frame. Holding a three-point lead at 13-0, Colorado took control of the second with a 7-1 run to go up 18-11.

Sam Houston and the Buffs traded early leads three times. Down one, 7-6, the Bearkats saw Colorado go on a 7-3 run on the way to a straight set win.

The Bearkats will play Louisiana-Lafayette and host team Rice Saturday. Sam Houston's next home match is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.