The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics

11/1/2026 5:26:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
HOOVER, Ala. – The UAB volleyball team delivered a record-breaking performance at the net Sunday afternoon, earning a 3-1 victory over UTSA at Hoover High School.
The Blazers totaled a program-record 22.0 blocks, while Addyson Smock set a program record of her own with 16.0 blocks. Both marks are the highest in program history since recordkeeping began in 1991.
UAB raced out to a 6-2 lead in the opening set before UTSA began chipping away. A 7-1 Roadrunner run gave the visitors the lead, and the two teams traded points through the middle stages. After a Kennedy Vaughn kill put UAB at set point, 24-20, UTSA responded with six consecutive points to steal the opening frame, 26-24.
UTSA carried its momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 9-3 advantage. The Blazers answered with six straight points to even the score. A block from Makayla Meister and Smock gave UAB a 20-17 advantage, and the Blazers held on down the stretch. A Reese and Sydney Austin block sealed the 25-23 victory and evened the match at one set apiece.
The teams traded runs in the third set before UTSA used a push to build an 18-15 lead. UAB responded with a 4-1 run, capped by an Annastiina Tarkkanen service ace that knotted the score at 19. The Blazers continued their push, scoring the final four points of the set to claim another 25-23 victory and take a 2-1 match lead.
The fourth set remained competitive early, with the teams tied at six before UAB took control. The Blazers put together a decisive 6-0 run, capped by another Smock and Meister block, to create separation. UAB maintained its advantage the rest of the way, with Reese delivering the match-clinching kill in a 25-18 set victory.
Reese led the Blazers offensively with 15 kills, while Vaughn added 14 kills and eight digs. Smock finished with four kills and a record-setting 16.0 blocks, including one solo block and 15 block assists. Delaney Bowser contributed five service aces, and Rachel McCollum dished out 35 assists.
UAB hits the road next weekend for a matchup against Florida Atlantic on Friday, Nov. 6. First serve in Boca Raton is set for 5 p.m. CT.
2026-27 GOLD CARD
The 2026-27 Gold Card is on Sale. The 2026-27 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for American or NCAA Championship events.
SPORT GIFT ACCOUNTS
As UAB student-athletes begin a new year of competition, support through sport-specific gift accounts continues to play a vital role in the department's mission to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors and Make a Difference. Contributions provide essential resources in key areas such as recruiting, nutrition, student-athlete development and technology, helping equip Blazer teams for success in the American Conference. To learn more about supporting your favorite program, click here or contact Blazer Boosters to help fuel the continued success of UAB Athletics.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB volleyball team, be sure to follow @UAB_VB on X and Instagram.
The Blazers totaled a program-record 22.0 blocks, while Addyson Smock set a program record of her own with 16.0 blocks. Both marks are the highest in program history since recordkeeping began in 1991.
UAB raced out to a 6-2 lead in the opening set before UTSA began chipping away. A 7-1 Roadrunner run gave the visitors the lead, and the two teams traded points through the middle stages. After a Kennedy Vaughn kill put UAB at set point, 24-20, UTSA responded with six consecutive points to steal the opening frame, 26-24.
UTSA carried its momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 9-3 advantage. The Blazers answered with six straight points to even the score. A block from Makayla Meister and Smock gave UAB a 20-17 advantage, and the Blazers held on down the stretch. A Reese and Sydney Austin block sealed the 25-23 victory and evened the match at one set apiece.
The teams traded runs in the third set before UTSA used a push to build an 18-15 lead. UAB responded with a 4-1 run, capped by an Annastiina Tarkkanen service ace that knotted the score at 19. The Blazers continued their push, scoring the final four points of the set to claim another 25-23 victory and take a 2-1 match lead.
The fourth set remained competitive early, with the teams tied at six before UAB took control. The Blazers put together a decisive 6-0 run, capped by another Smock and Meister block, to create separation. UAB maintained its advantage the rest of the way, with Reese delivering the match-clinching kill in a 25-18 set victory.
Reese led the Blazers offensively with 15 kills, while Vaughn added 14 kills and eight digs. Smock finished with four kills and a record-setting 16.0 blocks, including one solo block and 15 block assists. Delaney Bowser contributed five service aces, and Rachel McCollum dished out 35 assists.
UAB hits the road next weekend for a matchup against Florida Atlantic on Friday, Nov. 6. First serve in Boca Raton is set for 5 p.m. CT.
2026-27 GOLD CARD
The 2026-27 Gold Card is on Sale. The 2026-27 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for American or NCAA Championship events.
SPORT GIFT ACCOUNTS
As UAB student-athletes begin a new year of competition, support through sport-specific gift accounts continues to play a vital role in the department's mission to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors and Make a Difference. Contributions provide essential resources in key areas such as recruiting, nutrition, student-athlete development and technology, helping equip Blazer teams for success in the American Conference. To learn more about supporting your favorite program, click here or contact Blazer Boosters to help fuel the continued success of UAB Athletics.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB volleyball team, be sure to follow @UAB_VB on X and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
UTSA
UAB
Kills
57
45
Errors
34
20
Attempts
142
126
Hitting %
.162
.198
Points
75.0
76.0
Assists
55
42
Aces
7
9
Blocks
11
22
Game Leaders
Monday, November 02
Saturday, October 31
Monday, October 26
Friday, October 16






















