UAB Closes Lou Carnesecca Invitational With 3-1 Win Over Rider

Saturday, September 5

Queens, N.Y.

9 a.m.

UAB

3-3,0-0American

Rider

1-4,0-0Metro

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
UAB	23	28	25	25	3
Rider	25	26	12	18	1

UAB Closes Lou Carnesecca Invitational With 3-1 Win Over Rider

9/5/2026 12:18:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

QUEENS, N.Y. – The UAB volleyball team wrapped up the Lou Carnesecca Invitational on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Rider. Rachel McCollum recorded her 1,000th career assist in the contest, becoming the latest Blazer to reach the milestone.

The Blazers jumped out to an early lead, scoring three straight points to open the match. Kills from Kennedy Vaughn and Mia Reese helped UAB build a 16-12 advantage, while a block from McCollum and Sydney Austin extended the lead to 22-20. Rider responded with a late surge, however, closing out the set 25-23 to take an early 1-0 lead.

The two teams continued to battle in the second set, trading points throughout. McCollum reached the 1,000-assist milestone on a kill by Makayla Meister that cut the Rider lead to 11-8. A service ace from McCollum later evened the score at 15-15 before the teams remained within a point of each other late in the set. With UAB trailing 25-24, Vaughn delivered a kill to tie the score. A kill from Meister and a Rider attack error then gave the Blazers a 28-26 victory, evening the match at 1-1.

The third set remained competitive early before UAB took control with a 9-3 run to take a 19-11 advantage. The Blazers continued to pull away down the stretch, closing out the set 25-12 to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

UAB carried its momentum into the fourth set, opening with a 9-1 run. Rider battled back to cut the deficit to 15-13, but the Blazers regained control to close out the set. Addyson Smock delivered the match-clinching kill, securing a 25-20 fourth-set victory and the 3-1 win.

Vaughn led the Blazers with 13 kills, while Smock totaled 5.0 blocks. McCollum posted a double-double with a team-high 19 assists and 12 digs, while Delaney Bowser paced UAB with 24 digs.
Smock was named to the Lou Carnesecca Invitational All-Tournament Team following her performance throughout the weekend. She totaled 11 kills, 10.0 blocks and seven digs across the three matches.

The Blazers will travel to Rochester, Mich., next weekend to compete in the Golden Grizzly Invitational. UAB opens play on Friday, Sept. 11, with a 9 a.m. matchup against Oakland before facing Eastern Michigan at 4 p.m. The Blazers will close out the weekend on Saturday with an 11 a.m. contest against Montana.

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.