BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The LIU Sharks men's volleyball program opens its 2025 season tonight, hosting the Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks at 7 p.m. ET in the Steinberg Wellness Center.

LIU finished the 2024 season with a 14-13 record and an 8-4 mark in Northeast Conference play. The Sharks reached the NEC Tournament but were eliminated by Sacred Heart, 3-1. LIU returns 13 student-athletes, including team leaders in points and digs, Kale Spencer. The junior outside hitter, who earned Second Team All-NEC honors, is back for his third season.

The Sharks also return assist leaders Jack Sarnowski and Roei Horovitz. Sarnowski, a graduate student, finished the 2024 season with two NEC Prime Performer selections and recorded his 2,500th assist in a win over Barton. Horovitz, a standout freshman, was named NEC First Point/Rookie of the Week and a three-time NEC Prime Performer.

Justin Beaumont enters his first season as head coach of the Sharks. He had served as the team's assistant coach since 2023 and brings experience from all three NCAA levels, having worked at New Jersey City University, Saint Peter's, Broomfield College, and Felician University.

LIU was picked fourth in the NEC Men's Volleyball Preseason Poll. Saint Francis, the 2024 regular-season champion, topped the poll with three first-place votes. Defending NEC champion Daemen and NEC tournament semifinalist Fairleigh Dickinson each received one first-place vote and tied for second.

NEC Men's Volleyball Preseason Poll:

    1. Saint Francis U (3)
    2. (tie) Daemen (1)
    2. (tie) FDU (1)
    4. LIU
    5. D'Youville

The first serve is set for 7 p.m. ET tonight, and the match will be broadcast live on NEC Front Row.