BROOKLYN, N.Y. — LIU's Sara van Gisteren was named NEC Women's Volleyball Player of the Week, while Reese Teves earned Defensive Player of the Week honors after helping the Sharks extend their winning streak to 12 matches.

LIU defeated FDU in five sets Friday before completing the weekend sweep with a straight-set victory Saturday. The Sharks improved to 12-7 overall and remained unbeaten in conference play at 8-0.

Van Gisteren totaled 45 kills, 39 digs and six blocks across the two victories, recording a double-double in each match. She delivered 32 kills, 19 digs and four blocks Friday as LIU rallied from a 2-1 deficit. During the match-clinching five-point run, she contributed three kills and a solo block, including the winning kill. She followed with 13 kills and 20 digs Saturday.

"What I really love about this team is how much fun we have together when we really have to battle for points," van Gisteren said. "Those long rallies and the hustling is what get us fired up, and we feed off each other's energy. I think that excitement and competitiveness bring out the best in us."

Van Gisteren leads the NEC in kills (4.17 per set) and points (5.14 per set), while ranking second in service aces (0.50 per set).

Teves anchored the back row with 40 digs across eight sets, averaging 5.00 digs per set. She led LIU with 23 digs Friday before adding 17 digs and seven assists Saturday. Teves leads the NEC in digs for the season, averaging 3.29 per set.

"I think a big part of our success this season has been how much we've grown together as a team," Teves said. "We've worked really hard to build trust in each other, and I think that shows in the way we play and support one another on the court."

Bella Correia was named an NEC Prime Performer.

The individual honors reflect LIU's strength across the lineup. The Sharks lead the conference in hitting percentage (.241), kills (12.63 per set), assists (11.69 per set) and points (16.31 per set). Sara Garcia (.399) and Yasmeen Muhammad (.362) rank first and second in hitting percentage, while Dilara Elmacioglu leads the league in assists (9.68 per set).

LIU has won 24 of 26 sets in conference play, sweeping seven of its eight NEC matches. Against conference opponents, the Sharks lead the league with a .331 hitting percentage while holding opponents to a league-low .121.

"We're all really excited heading into the NEC tournament and want to keep building on everything we've worked for this season," Teves said. "We're ready to compete and hopefully make a strong run!"

LIU returns to the Brooklyn Athletic Center to host Central Connecticut State on Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m.