The SMU volleyball team fell to both Rice and Houston at home C-USA matches over the weekend at Moody Coliseum.

The first loss 3-0 (30-24, 30-26, 30-23) came against Rice in a hard-fought battle on Friday night. Middle blocker Kelly Larkan led the team with nine kills and 10 digs, while freshman middle blocker Natalie Peters tallied eight kills and three blocks.

Outside hitter Rachel Giubilato had six kills, seven digs and two blocks in the loss, while junior libero Jennette Evanco recorded 18 digs. Sophomore setter Madison Hill contributed 17 assists, followed by freshman setter Stefanie Kons with 11.

Larkan said that while the team adjusted well to a recent lineup change, the girls still did not play to their full potential.

“We didn’t play like ourselves at all,” Larkan said.

The Mustangs (11-14, 7-6 C-USA) lost again to Houston 3-0 (30-18, 30-27, 30-19) on Senior Day on Sunday afternoon. Giubilato led the team, earning her 18th double-double of the season, with 11 kills and 10 digs. Peters followed with five blocks and nine kills, adding to her 33 solo blocks for the year, an SMU single-season record.

Hill showed strength for the team with 22 assists, while Kons also contributed with 11.

Senior middle blockers Larkan, Ashley Zener and Stephanie Bennett were honored prior to their last match in Moody Coliseum. Larkan led for the seniors with 11 digs and seven kills, while Bennett had three kills and one dig, and Zener tallied six kills and one block. Larkan said that playing for the Mustangs throughout her college career has meant a lot to her.

“It’s pretty much my whole life,” Larkan said. “These girls are my best friends.”

The Mustangs hit the court again this weekend on the road against UTEP and Tulane to wind up their regular season.