BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Long Island University women's volleyball team opened NEC play against Chicago State University on Friday night, defeating the Cougars in a 3-0 sweep to begin its conference schedule with a win. 

After finding themselves down early in the first set, the Sharks rallied by scoring on 11 of the next 13 rallies to jump out to a 13-7 lead in the opening frame. The momentum continued for the Sharks, who won the first set 25-12 on a kill by sophomore middle blocker Sara Garcia. 

LIU never trailed in the second frame, taking an early 13-4 lead midway through the match on a block by junior middle blocker Yasmeen Muhammad and sophomore outside hitter Bella Correia. The Sharks closed out the set, and took a 2-0 lead in the match, on a kill by Correia, giving LIU a 25-15 win. 

Following a 10-2 LIU advantage early in the third set, the Cougars stormed back to bring the Shark lead within one; however, a kill by junior outside hitter Sara van Gisteren sparked the Sharks, who claimed a 25-16 lead in the set and won the match 3-0. 

Freshman outside hitter Brooke Boyles led the Sharks with 12 kills, followed by 10 kills by senior setter Karly Klaer, who paced LIU in both aces (2) and assists (30). Muhammad's two total blocks were a team-high, while sophomore libero Miabella Musignac led LIU with 14 digs. 

LIU takes on Chicago State again on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m. at the Steinberg Wellness Center.