The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
East Texas A&M
Volleyball Preview: Lou Carnesecca Invitational
9/3/2026 11:10:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM – The UAB volleyball team makes a trip to Queens, N.Y., this weekend as the Blazers compete in the Lou Carnesecca Invitational, hosted by St. John's. UAB opens the tournament with a 9 a.m. CT first serve against East Texas A&M before returning to Carnesecca Arena for a 6 p.m. CT matchup against the host Red Storm.
The Blazers close out the tournament with their third match on Saturday morning, taking on Rider at 9 a.m. CT.
TOURNAMENT INFO
Lou Carnesecca Invitational
Date: Sept. 4-5
Location: Queens, N.Y.
Venue: Carnesecca Arena
TUNE IN TO THE BLAZERS
UAB vs. East Texas A&M
Friday, Sept. 4 (9 a.m. CT)
SJU-TV
Watch | Live Stats
UAB at St. John's
Friday, Sept. 4 (6 p.m. CT)
ESPN+
Watch | Live Stats
UAB vs. Rider
Saturday, Sept. 5 (9 a.m. CT)
SJU-TV
Watch | Live Stats
CHATTANOOGA CLASSIC SUCCESS
The Blazers are looking to build upon a strong showing at the Chattanooga Classic to open the season last weekend. UAB went 2-1 at the tournament, earning dominant wins over Tennessee State and Chattanooga.
Several Blazers shined throughout the weekend, led by Rachel McCollum, who recorded UAB's first triple-double since Kelsey Smith on Sept. 27, 2024, with 17 kills, 28 assists and 16 digs. Kennedy Vaughn joined McCollum on the Chattanooga Classic All-Tournament Team after tallying 38 kills across three matches.
Mia Reese also turned in a strong weekend, posting a pair of double-doubles, including a 25-kill, 11-dig performance in Friday's season opener.
SERIES HISTORY
UAB has faced East Texas A&M just once in program history and will meet both St. John's and Rider for the first time this weekend.
The Blazers dropped a 3-1 decision to the Lions in the inaugural meeting between the two programs on Sept. 9, 2023.
SCOUTING THE LIONS
East Texas A&M enters the Lou Carnesecca Invitational with a 2-1 record after opening the season at the Lion Invitational. The Lions earned straight-set wins over Texas Southern and a 3-2 victory over ULM, while falling to Southern Illinois, 3-1.
Outside hitter Ariana Brown and libero Jade Washington were named Southland Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, on Monday. The Lions currently lead the Southland in both service aces (25) and aces per set (2.08).
SCOUTING THE RED STORM
St. John's enters the weekend with a 2-1 record after earning wins over Elon and USC Upstate during opening weekend. The Red Storm currently rank 24th nationally in assists with 166, led by Amanda Caputi with 83 assists.
Outside hitter Carola Tesoro was named the BIG EAST Freshman of the Week after leading the conference with 66 kills, averaging 5.08 kills per set.
SCOUTING THE BRONCS
Rider enters the weekend after splitting a pair of matches at the Cherry and White Invitational. The Broncs opened the season with a five-set victory over Fordham before falling to Temple.
Rider currently leads the Metro Conference in blocks per set (2.75) and opponent hitting percentage (.174) after opening weekend. Molly Rohde leads the defensive effort with 11.0 blocks, while Anja Kelly paces the offense with 18 kills.
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 X and Instagram.
