BELMONT, N.C. — LIU men's volleyball is off to a strong start on its first road trip of 2023.
 
In their 2023 season opener, the Sharks defeated Belmont Abbey in a sweep, 25-20, 25-22 and 25-17.
 
The two teams met to begin the 2022 season, the first season of men's volleyball in LIU program history.
 
The Sharks dominated took the first set, fueled by four service aces.
 
After trailing 11-9 in the second set, head coach Kai Dugquem called timeout. The reset was needed.
 
The team proceeded to take a three-point lead and closed the second set out quickly, thanks to back-to-back kills from Luke Chandler.
 
Gustavo Cavalcanti took the reins on the outside and paced the offense with 16 kills on a blazing .667 hitting percentage. Luke Chandler had 12 kills on 22 swings.
 
Luca Holanda facilitated with 31 assists and chipped in five digs.

The win against the Crusaders marked the first victory for Dugquem in his first match as head coach. 
 
LIU returns to action tomorrow at Queens University of Charlotte at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.