PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Amable Martinez's debut as head coach of the LIU women's volleyball team came up narrowly short of what would have been a thrilling victory.

The Sharks fell to Lehigh 23-25, 25-21, 28-26, 24-26, 16-14 in the season opener at the Temple-hosted Cherry & White Challenge.
 
"In our first game, we got tested. We were able to do some good things. We saw a lot of positives," Martinez said. "Obviously, we would love to come out on top, but it's part of the learning process for us. We have a new group of players, so it's learning not losing."
 
Rumur Rouille, playing through injury with a heavily wrapped left leg, was a difference maker every time she was on the court. She finished with seven kills and four blocks.
 
When Rouille had to come out of the match, Celine Mukura was just as effective. She finished with seven kills and two blocks.
 
Alasha Colon, in her first game as a Shark, was all over the court. She produced a team-leading 31 digs while also adding seven assists.
 
Former NEC Rookie of the Year Amaris Smith showed that she is only going to get better in 2023, leading the team with 16 kills.
 
Allie Merz and Selina Koç, also making her Shark debut, led the team in assists with 14 and 23, respectively.
 
Making their LIU debuts along with Colon and Koç were Camelia Melendez, Bria Plante and Cristal Paulino Rubel.
 
Making their collegiate debuts were Sibana González and Tiana Brasby.

LIU faces Iona at noon and host Temple at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday before heading home to Brooklyn.
 
"We just have to make some adjustments and we'll be fine," Martinez said. "It's a quick turnaround to bounce back tomorrow. We match up well with both opponents. We have to come back and execute."

The Sharks are back on the court Saturday at noon against Iona.