FLORENCE, Ala. (September 1, 2026) – After a perfect weekend at the Troy Invitational, the University of North Alabama volleyball team welcomes Alabama A&M for the 2026 home opener at CB&S Bank Arena on Wednesday.
The Lions enter the midweek matchup with a 3-0 record following three sweeps against Alabama State, Troy and Mercer in the Troy Invitational. Alabama A&M is also 3-0 after its home invitational last weekend, completing two sweeps.
First serve is set for 6 p.m.
The match will be available to stream on ESPN+ with live stats available on StatBroadcast. "Voice of the Lions" Benjamin Ray will be on the call alongside UNA Hall of Famer Ande Jones and sideline reporter Gyvan Hammons.
MATCH INFO
North Alabama vs. Alabama A&M
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
CB&S Bank Arena — Florence, Alabama
6 p.m.
Watch | Live Stats | Tickets
NOTES
SCOUTING THE LIONS: North Alabama enters the match with a 3-0 record following three sweeps at the Troy Invitational in Troy, Ala. The Lions entered the 2026 season returning three All-ASUN selections; Reese Ricketts, Kinslee McGowan and Kendall Barnes. During her rookie season, Ricketts received ASUN Freshman of the Year, and in her sophomore season she was a Third Team All-ASUN selection. McGowan also comes off a Third Team All-ASUN selection season after totaling 1,164 assists to lead the conference. On top of these players, the Lions also bring back five players that played in at least 90 percent of matches. Last season, North Alabama had an overall record of 14-16 and a conference record of 8-8, finishing seventh in the conference.
LAST TIME OUT: Last weekend, North Alabama opened the season at the Troy Invitational in Troy, Ala. The Lions went 3-0 after defeating Alabama State, Troy and Mercer in just nine sets. UNA starts the season with three sweeps for the first time since 2006.
SCOUTING ALABAMA A&M: Alabama A&M also starts the year 3-0 after hosting their own Invitational and sweeping two of those matches. They were ranked fourth in the SWAC preseason poll, with four votes for first place. The Bulldogs bring back key player Rayishon Jackman, who earned SWAC Preseason Player of the Year last month and recorded 386 kills and 312 digs in 2025. Sophomore Kelani Talakai rung in Preseason Setter of the Year after recording 494 digs to lead the SWAC. The Bulldogs have 11 returners and and 13 new faces. Five of the returners were big contributors in 2025, playing in at least 30 matches.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST THE BULLDOGS: North Alabama has an overall record of 9-6 over Alabama A&M. They have played each other for the last three seasons — UNA winning in 2023 and 2024 and Alabama A&M winning the matchup in 2025. In 2021, the two faced off two matches in a row with UNA sweeping both.
WEEKEND ACCOLADES: Two Lions earned accolades from their performances over the weekend. Ava Martindale reeled in two honors: Troy Invitational All-Tournament Team and UAC Defensive Player of the Week. Kinslee McGowan earned her fifth career setter of the week award after earning a program high of four last season from the ASUN. Martindale recorded 51 digs and a .968 reception average. McGowan recorded 100 assists to lead the conference.
FRESHMAN MAGIC: Mississippi native Anna Hoffmayer settled in nicely for her college debut at the Troy Invitational. The middle blocker recorded nine blocks over nine sets to lead the team and rank fifth in the UAC in blocks per set. She also tallied 18 kills with a team high .351 hitting percentage.
ON DECK: UNA will host three more matches this weekend as part of the Noona Kennard Invitational, hosting Jackson State and Chattanooga on Friday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and UT Martin on Saturday at 3 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
