The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Auburn
Volleyball Preview: Alabama Showdown/Samford
9/16/2026 11:30:00β―AM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM βΒ UAB returns to the state of Alabama for a trio of matchups against in-state competition this week. The Blazers begin the week with a Thursday night contest at Auburn at 6 p.m. before facing South Alabama at 3 p.m. on Friday.
UAB concludes the weekend with a 4 p.m. match against crosstown foe Samford at the Pete Hanna CenterΒ for the Donate Life Match. UAB students will receive free admission by presenting their ONE Card at the entrance.
TOURNAMENT INFO
Alabama Showdown
Date: Sept. 17-18
Location: Auburn, Ala. Β
Venue: Neville Arena
Tournament Central
TUNE IN TO THE BLAZERS
UAB at Auburn
Thursday, Sept. 17 (6 p.m.)
SEC Network+
Watch | Live Stats
UAB vs. South Alabama
Friday, Sept. 18Β (3 p.m.)
Live Stats
UAB at Samford
Birmingham, Ala. -Β Pete Hanna Center
Sunday, Sept. 20 (4 p.m.)
ESPN+
Watch | Live Stats
VAUGHN, SMOCK EARN AMERICAN CONFERENCE WEEKLY HONORS
Kennedy Vaughn and Addyson Smock earned American Conference Honorable Mention honors following a 3-0 weekend at the Golden Grizzly Invitational.
Vaughn led the Blazers and ranked second in the American last week with 44 kills while hitting .274 across three matches. The Madison, Ala., native paced UAB in kills in each of the three contests, highlighted by a season-high 17 kills in the Blazers' 3-1 victory over Eastern Michigan. She added 20 digs, two blocks and two assists over the weekend. Through nine matches this season, Vaughn ranks third in the American with 119 kills and averages 3.40 kills per set.
Smock collected her second consecutive Honorable Mention selection after anchoring UAB at the net with a team-high 16.0 total blocks over the weekend. Her efforts helped the Blazers post 18.0 team blocks in Friday's 3-1 win over Oakland, marking the program's highest single-match total since 2023. Smock also recorded 10 kills on .474 hitting, along with three service aces and 11 digs. She enters the week ranked second in the American with 40.0 total blocks and leads the conference with 10 block solos.
SERIES HISTORY
UAB has controlled the all-time series against South Alabama (25-12) and Samford (26-8), and are looking to flip the script against Auburn (8-25) on Thursday.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Auburn enters Thursday's matchup with a 7-2 overall record. The Tigers picked up wins over Central Michigan and DePaul in Chicago over the weekend. Belle Patrick leads the Auburn attack with 122 kills this season, while Carson Eickenloff has orchestrated the offense with 246 assists.
At the net, Kate Mansfield leads the Tigers with 33.0 total blocks. Auburn currently ranks fourth in the SEC in service aces (53), total attacks (1,037) and kills (419).
SCOUTING THE JAGUARS
South Alabama enters the weekend with a 3-6 overall record after dropping two of three matches at the South Alabama Invitational. Cambria Gaier leads the Jaguars with 107 kills, while Anabelle Cerny ranks third in the Sun Belt with 316 assists.
Cerny (100) and Addison Hurst (129) lead the Jaguars defensively in digs, while Dalayla Blackwell has recorded a team-best 37.0 total blocks.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
Samford enters the new week with a 2-5 overall record and is coming off a 3-1 victory over Jacksonville State to close the Samford Invitational. Senior Ally Cordes paces the Bulldog offense with 105 kills, while Alison Ohlinger has recorded 270 assists.
Cordes also leads Samford with 79 digs, while Hazel Slusher leads the Bulldogs at the net with 36.0 total blocks.
2026-27 GOLD CARD
The 2026-27Β Gold CardΒ 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 toΒ 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,Β click hereΒ or contact Blazer Boosters to help fuel the continued success of UAB Athletics.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERSΒ
For more information on the UAB volleyball team, follow @UAB_VB on X and Instagram.
