Last Week’s Stats: .340 hitting percentage, 5.75 points per set, 4.63 kills per set, 1.13 service aces per set, 1.63 digs per set
A red-hot LIU squad kept its season-long winning streak intact this past weekend thanks to the play of senior Melendez. The veteran outside hitter had a hot hand for the Sharks, who extended their win streak to eight-straight matches and clinched a spot in the upcoming NEC Championships with back-to-back 3-1 wins over Mercyhurst. Turning in a .340 hitting percentage, Melendez averaged 4.63 kills and 1.13 service aces per set to finish with 46.0 points on the weekend. Putting up double figures in kills in both matches, the Puerto Rico native registered 19 in Friday’s match, a personal-best for a four-set match this season. On Saturday, she tacked on 18 more kills to go along with a season-best five service aces. In league play, Melendez leads all players with 29 total aces and 0.78 per set, while her 4.47 points per set are good for second in the circuit. This is Melendez’s second NEC/Molten Player of the Week award this season.