The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
1-1,0-0American
Tennessee State
0-2,0-0OVC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAB | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Tennessee St. | 17 | 18 | 20 | 0 |
Blazers Earn Pair of Wins to Close Chattanooga Classic
8/29/2026 8:33:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The UAB volleyball team picked up a pair of wins Saturday at the Chattanooga Classic, sweeping Tennessee State before defeating tournament host Chattanooga, 3-1, in the nightcap.
MATCH ONE: UAB 3, TENNESSEE STATE 0
After the teams traded points early, UAB took control with an 11-0 run to build a 20-11 advantage. Kennedy Vaughn closed out the opening set with a kill, giving the Blazers a 25-17 victory.
The second set remained competitive early before UAB began to create separation midway through. Kills from Makayla Meister and Abby Jones, followed by a Tennessee State attack error, pushed the Blazers ahead 13-10. UAB then used a 4-0 run to extend its lead to 20-15. Meister added another kill before Annastiina Tarkkanen capped the set with a service ace, securing a 25-18 win.
Looking to complete the sweep, UAB jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the third set following a kill from Sydney Austin. Tennessee State battled back to pull within one at 15-14, but the Blazers maintained their advantage down the stretch to earn a 25-20 set victory and secure their first win and sweep of the 2026 season.
Abby Jones led the Blazers with 11 kills, while Vaughn and Meister added eight apiece. Delaney Bowser recorded a team-high 20 digs. Tarkkanen finished with 14 assists, while Rachel McCollum added 11.
MATCH TWO: UAB 3, CHATTANOOGA 1
UAB took control midway through the opening set, building a 15-8 lead at the media timeout. A service ace from Addyson Smock extended the advantage to double digits at 20-10 before Kennedy Vaughn closed out the set with a kill, giving the Blazers a 25-15 win.
The teams traded points throughout the early stages of the second set before Chattanooga opened up a 15-10 advantage. UAB responded by winning six of the next seven points to even the score at 16-16.
The Blazers continued to build momentum, taking a 20-17 lead following a service ace from Annastiina Tarkkanen. UAB held on to claim the set, 25-22, and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
Chattanooga answered in the third set, using an early 9-3 run to take control. UAB responded with a run of its own, and a block from Rachel McCollum and Chinwendu Aguoru put the Blazers ahead 14-13. After Kennedy Vaughn broke a 19-19 tie with a kill, the Mocs closed the set on a late run to take it 25-22.
UAB responded emphatically in the fourth set, scoring the first six points. Chattanooga cut the deficit to one at 9-8, but the Blazers regained control with a 10-0 run to take a 19-8 advantage. UAB maintained its lead the rest of the way, with Aguoru closing out the set, 25-17, to secure the 3-1 victory and a second win on the day.
McCollum recorded a double-double with 24 assists and 10 kills, while Vaughn led all Blazers with 15 kills while hitting .467. Vaughn also added 10 digs for a double-double. Mia Reese posted UAB's third double-double of the match with 13 kills and 12 digs.
McCollum and Vaughn were named to the Chattanooga Classic All-Tournament Team.
The Blazers return to action next weekend in Queens, N.Y., for the Lou Carnesecca Invitational. UAB opens play Friday against East Texas A&M at 9 a.m. CT before closing the weekend Saturday against St. John's and Rider.
2026-27 GOLD CARD
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