The Mustangs’ win streak in the Western AthleticConference’s Eastern Division came to an abrupt halt Thursdaynight in Houston with a loss to the Rice Owls. The upset drops theMustangs’ record to 8-2 in the WAC and 17-6 overall. The Owlsimprove to 6-4 in the WAC and 15-9 overall.

Rice swept the Ponies in three straight games in the match, withscores of 31-29, 30-22 and 30-22. For the night, the Ponies hitonly .158 to Rice’s .292. Rice was led by junior Rebeca Pazo,who, in the first game, helped bring the Owls back with two serviceaces. Pazo then set up teammate Lindsey Carter’s kill to tiethe score at 19. Rice wouldn’t look back as they sealed thematch in the final two games.

The Mustangs, who defeated the Owls earlier this month at MoodyColiseum, still hold on to first place in the WAC East. Led byoutside hitter Jacky Niederstadt, who earlier this week was namedthe WAC Player of the Week, the Mustangs will travel to TulsaSaturday night to take on the Golden Hurricane. Game time is setfor 7:00 p.m.