The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Valparaiso
Volleyball Preview: Chattanooga Classic
8/27/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM – UAB Volleyball is set to open the 2026 season this weekend at the Chattanooga Classic. The Blazers begin play on Friday with an 11 a.m. CT first serve against Valparaiso before closing the weekend trip with a pair of matches Saturday.
UAB returns to Maclellan Gym to take on Tennessee State at 11 a.m. before concluding with a 5 p.m. matchup against tournament host Chattanooga.
TOURNAMENT INFO
Chattanooga Classic
Date: Aug. 28-29
Location: Chattanooga, Tenn.
Venue: Maclellan Gym
TUNE IN TO THE BLAZERS
UAB vs. Valparaiso
Friday, Aug. 28 (11 a.m. CT)
Live Stats
UAB vs. Tennessee State
Saturday, Aug. 28 (11 a.m. CT)
Live Stats
UAB at Chattanooga
Saturday, Aug. 29 (5 p.m. CT)
ESPN+
Watch | Live Stats
SERIES HISTORY
UAB and Valpo have split the first two meetings in program history with the Blazers taking the inaugural matchup in straight sets back on Sept. 6, 1991. UAB will look to bounce back following a 3-0 defeat against the Beacons in the last contest in 2019.
The Blazers are set to clash with Tennessee State for the eighth time in program history. UAB has claimed the first seven meetings between the two programs in a series that dates back to 1987. UAB has dropped just two sets to the Tigers in the previous five contests.
UAB currently leads the all-time series with Chattanooga 4-2. The Blazers won the first four in the series dating back to 1984, including a pair of wins in Chattanooga.
FRESHMAN CLASS NEW BRINGS ENERGY
Along with the veteran additions, UAB welcomes five freshmen who will look to make an immediate impact during their first collegiate seasons. The class features talent at several positions, giving the Blazers additional depth as they enter the 2026 campaign. Pin hitter Diora Bender begins her collegiate career in Birmingham after a strong prep career at Waccamaw High School in South Carolina.
Six-foot-one middle blocker Chinwendu Aguoru joins the Blazers from Pflugerville, Texas, where she prepped at Hendrickson High School. Setter Ingrid Dittmar comes to UAB from Zanesville, Ohio, while Payton Sirdine joins the program from Bloomfield, Connecticut. Freshman outside hitter Makayla Meister is another newcomer expected to contribute early. Meister arrives following an accomplished high school career at Newark High School, where she earned All-Ohio honors in both 2024 and 2025 and was named Conference Player of the Year.
KEY RETURNERS
While UAB welcomes several new faces, the Blazers also return a strong group of contributors from the 2025 campaign. Senior outside hitter Mia Reese, junior outside hitter Abby Jones and setter Annastiina Tarkkanen headline the returning group and provide valuable experience heading into the new season. Reese enters 2026 as UAB's top returning offensive producer after leading the Blazers with 263 kills in 2025. She also recorded 211 digs, 23 service aces and 42.0 total blocks, providing an all-around presence for the Blazers.
Jones looks to build on a strong sophomore campaign in which she totaled 247 kills, 61 digs, eight service aces and 47.0 total blocks. The junior outside hitter will be one of UAB's key offensive options entering the 2026 season. Tarkkanen is also poised for a larger role after a productive sophomore season. The setter recorded 579 assists, 33 service aces and 163 digs in 2025 while helping guide the UAB offense. Her continued development will be key as the Blazers integrate several new offensive pieces into the lineup.
SCOUTING THE BEACONS
Valparaiso enters the 2026 season looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign that saw the Beacons finish 21-9. Valpo was picked to finish third in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll and enters the season with several key pieces returning from last year's squad. Junior Ava Helming headlines the returning group after earning Preseason All-MVC honors. Helming led the Beacons with 364 kills in 2025 while hitting .323, providing a major offensive threat for Valparaiso entering the new season.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Tennessee State enters the 2026 campaign looking to bounce back from a difficult 2025 season. The Tigers finished 1-30 a season ago, with their lone victory coming against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Triniti Jackson and Brie Blevins are expected to lead Tennessee State in 2026 as the Tigers look to turn the page and start the new season on a different note.
SCOUTING THE MOCS
Chattanooga enters the 2026 season after posting a 16-13 record in 2025. The Mocs were picked to finish fifth in the Southern Conference Preseason Poll as they look to build on last season's winning campaign. Chattanooga returns several of its top statistical performers from a season ago, including assist leader Ashley Reynolds, digs leader Caiti Barthel and blocks leader Kynli Kirkendoll.
SINGLE GAME TICKETS
Single game tickets for all UAB Volleyball home matches are available here.
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 Conference 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, follow @UAB_VB on Twitter and Instagram.
