QUEENS, N.Y. —  The. LIU women's basketball team took a short trip to Carnesecca Arena on Monday night when it took on 2023 NCAA Tournament participant St. John's.
 
The Sharks started off strong and hung tough with the Red Storm as they took a 13-12 lead into the second quarter.
 
Unfortunately, the strong LIU start seemed to wake up St. John's as it went on a 23-0 run in the second quarter and never looked back. The Sharks fell, 81-44.
 
Ashley Austin was the best player on the court for LIU, scoring 14 points with three assists, two rebounds and two steals.
 
Austin was followed on the scoresheet by Janessa Williams who scored eight in her collegiate debut, Nigeria Harkless (seven points) and Emaia O'Brien (six points).
 
Williams also led the team with seven rebounds.
 
Harkless, Amaya Dowdy and Alexzeya Brooks made their LIU debuts in the game.
 
Racky Kane made her collegiate debut and recorded a steal.
 
The Sharks return to the court on Wednesday when they travel to take on Minnesota at 8 p.m. ET.