triples (16), runs scored (484), ERA (3.58) and slugging percentage (.484).

Houston claimed its first C-USA Regular Season title and went on to host its first NCAA Regional at Cougar Field during the 1999 season. The Cougars wrapped up the year ranked No. 24 nationally and jumped as high as No. 18 during the Regional appearance. Houston won 13 of its last 16 regular season games to finish 20-7 in C-USA play and capture the title. 1999 saw RHP Kyle Crowell, first baseman J.P.Woodward and outfielder Brandon Caraway receive All-America honors, while head coach Rayner Noble notched C-USA Coach of the Year and Crowell was awarded C-USA Pitcher of the Year honors. Houston had six named to the All-Conference Team. The Cougars notched wins over No. 1 Rice, No.3 Texas A&M, No. 4 Texas and No. 10 Alabama during regular season play for its second 40+ win season since joining the league in 1997.

1997 marked the first season to play in Conference USA. The Cougars wrapped up a second place regular season finish with a 19-8 mark and went on to claim the C-USA Tournament title en route to an NCAA South I Regional in Baton Rouge, La. Houston was ranked No. 24 during postseason play and the Cougars saw outfielder Goefrey Tomlinson and third baseman Dustin Carr named to All-America Teams, while Shane Nance was named a Freshman All-American. Four were named to the C-USA All-Conference Team, while four were named to the All-Freshman Team.