LIU’s Shark Attack
As the defending Northeast Conference (NEC) champions, the LIU Sharks enter the 2024 NEC Women’s Volleyball Championship with one goal: reclaiming the title. Despite a challenging start to the season, LIU has found its rhythm in conference play, finishing fourth in the standings with a 10-4 record. With a reputation as the best defensive team in the league and a standout freshman making waves, the Sharks are poised to make a statement and an entertaining run.
A Defensive Powerhouse
LIU’s identity this season has been rooted in its defense, and for good reason. The Sharks lead the NEC in both digs and blocks, with players like senior libero Alasha Colon and graduate middle hitter Bria Plante anchoring their back row and front line, respectively.
Alasha Colon: As one of the league’s top liberos, Colon has tallied 512 digs this season, averaging 4.79 per set, placing her at the top in the NEC. Her ability to keep plays alive is crucial to LIU’s defensive strategy.
Bria Plante: The graduate student has been a force at the net, leading the NEC in blocks with 119 total (1.17 blocks per set). Plante also contributes offensively, with 154 kills and a .302 hitting percentage. Plante is a dual-threat player that does everything well.
This defensive foundation has made LIU one of the toughest teams in the conference to score against.
Offensive Contributions and Freshman Impact
While defense has been their strength, LIU’s offense has been effective as well. One of the biggest reasons why is the emergence of a freshman who seems to always be part of the NEC’s weekly release.
Bella Correia: The 6-foot-1 freshman from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has made an immediate impact with 174 kills this season, averaging 2.29 kills per set while hitting .268. Correia has also contributed defensively with 55 total blocks, highlighting her versatility.
Correia is complemented by veteran hitters like Camelia Melendez, who leads the team with 317 kills (the 2nd most kills on the team is Correia’s 174, for perspective) and 52 service aces.
The Road to the Tournament
LIU’s season got off to a rocky start, facing a brutal non-conference schedule that tested the team early. However, once NEC play began, the Sharks started to find their footing. Notably, their improvements came after their two losses to top-seeded Chicago State, leaving the question: how would a rematch play out now?
Despite their struggles against the Cougars, LIU closed the regular season with momentum, securing a playoff spot with 10 wins and strong performances down the stretch. Their ability to improve as the season progressed- as well as their championship experience- makes them a dangerous opponent in the postseason.
A Shot at History
The Sharks face top-seeded Chicago State in the semifinals on Friday, November 22. While Chicago State swept LIU in both regular-season meetings, the Sharks’ late-season improvements and experience as reigning champions give them more than a fighting chance.
With a dominant defense, emerging offensive stars like Correia, and the determination to defend their crown, LIU has the tools to make a deep run in the NEC Tournament. The question is whether their improvements will be enough to dethrone Chicago State on the Cougars’ home court.
