HAVERHILL, Mass. — The LIU women's tennis team has been picked first in the NEC preseason coaches poll. And on Sunday, the Sharks opened league play in winning fashion.

LIU defeated host Merrimack, 4-0, at Cedardale Health and Fitness.

Leo Boisseau at first singles (6-2, 6-2), Elianos Storkaas at third singles (6-2, 6-0) and Kate Jorjiolani at fourth singles (6-1, 6-2) all won in straight sets.

The Sharks entered the NEC opener off road losses to Rutgers on Friday (4-0) and Boston University (6-1).

LIU returns to action Friday against NJIT at Sportime Syosset.