By DREW GRANTHUM / Sports Writer

Several former local volleyball standouts are making an impact on the collegiate level for the UAB Blazers.

Former Oak Mountain standout Sam Skinner as well as former Pelham Panther Ally Slaughter have both played a role in the success of the Blazers so far in the 2013 season, as UAB currently sits at 3-1 on the season.

The Blazers just wrapped up tournament play, as the squad participated in the UAB/Samford Volleyball Challenge Aug. 30-31. The Blazers played in three matches, falling only to sixth-ranked Minnesota.

In the first match against Mercer, the Blazers came out on top, 3-0.

The second match saw Skinner log 17 kills, leading all players. Slaughter had three blocks in UAB’s loss to Minnesota.

Against Presbyterian, Skinner registered four blocks — one solo, three assists — and 15.5 points in a 3-0 win over the Blue Hose.

Against Jacksonville State in the final match of the tournament, Skinner logged 14 kills and was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Blazers will return to action Sept. 4 against Samford at home.