PHOENIX – The LIU women's volleyball team finished up the Grand Canyon University Invitational tonight in Phoenix in games against Iowa State and Arizona. 
 
The Sharks played hard against some really tough competition in both the Cyclones and Wildcats, but fell in three sets in both matches (25-18, 25-12. 25-22) and (25-12, 25-13, 25, 17)
 
"We played two tough high-level opponents today," said head coach Amable Martinez. "We had moments of great volleyball, but we weren't consistent enough to win."
 
Alasha Colon starred once again, tallying 31 digs in two games.
 
Bella Austin and Indira Benitez both made their first collegiate starts on Saturday. Austin recorded five kills and two digs in her start as Benitez tallied five kills.
 
Selina Koç and Allie Merz led the Sharks in assists. Koç recorded seven in the first match and 15 in the second as Merz tallied 11 across both matches.
 
Amaris Smith and Camelia Melendez led in points across both matches. Smith scored 13.5 points (10 kills) in both matches and Melendez recorded 11 points (11 kills).
 
"We have a lot to learn from," said Martinez. "The team and coaching staff are looking forward to playing at home in front of our home crowd against another really good opponent."
 
The Sharks return to Brooklyn on Tuesday and will have their first home match against Fairfield at 6 pm. The match will be streaming on ESPN+.