HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston volleyball team opened the 2024 Conference USA season with a convincing victory over Middle Tennessee at Johnson Coliseum on Thursday.  

The Bearkats (6-6) started slow but finished strong in 3-1 win, stopping the Blue Raiders 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-21.

Middle Tennessee looked in control early in the first set. Sam Houston began to show signs of heating up by closing the set strong. 

The Kats came back with a vengeance in the second set where they tied it in statement fashion. Michaela Panekova led the set with four kills as Sam Houston got rolling with a 25-17 win. 

The Blue Raiders once again had the lead in the third set, but the Bearkats kept their composure. Sam Houston turned the table and changed the tide of the match with the 25-23 victory. 

The fourth set was never in doubt despite Middle Tennessee trying to get back in it late to force a fifth and decisive set. 

Panekova led the team with 12 kills and Chelsea Butler was close behind with eight of her own.   

Sam Houston will return to Johnson Coliseum on Friday at 6:30 p.m. to face Middle Tennessee in the final regular season meeting between the two teams.