BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The LIU women's volleyball team has its first win under first-year head coach Amable Martinez.

On Tuesday night, the Sharks swept Fairfield 25-22, 25-22, 28-26 in a crowded Steinberg Wellness Center in the home opener. 
 
In the third set, both teams went back and forth, with Fairfield trying to rally a comeback. The Sharks were down to set point until Camelia Melendez provided a kill and Amaris Smith, who finished the match with nine kills, sent the Stags packing on a hard shot to the middle of the court.
 
"Getting the first win is always exciting," Martinez said. "I think they put it together against a quality team. They good a good job of weathering the storm and I'm proud of them for that. We learned from our past experiences and all in all, I'm very excited about the future."
 
Melendez and Selina Koç came into their own this match, providing some much needed offense. Melendez recorded a team-high 18 kills, while Koç tallied a season-high 39 assists.
 
Rumur Rouille, Olivia Lucia, and Celine Mukura were forces in front of the net, combining for 17 kills and 13 blocks.
 
Alasha Colon, who was presented a custom game ball before the match for reaching 1,000 career digs, starred again defensively. This time she recorded 27 digs, four assists and a kill.
 
"Being honored before the game was really exciting because it was a moment I got to share with my team," Colon said. "We really wanted this game and we went for it. We wanted to play great not only for the fans, but for us, too."
 
LIU travels to New Rochelle for the Iona Invitational. The Sharks take on Boston College on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the first of three matches at the Gaels' home court.