STORRS, Conn. – For the first time since 2009, Sacred Heart University women's volleyball opened the season 2-0 after gutting out a five-set victory over LIU on Saturday afternoon at the UConn Invitational. 

For the second time in her career, both of which came against LIU, Gaby Zovko tallied a triple-double with 38 assists, a career-high 14 kills, and 14 digs. In addition to tallying a triple-double, Zovko finished with a .600 hitting percentage. 

Camryn Luginbuhl and Allison Murray also had outstanding days, as the duo each finished with a double-double. Luginbuhl tallied 19 kills and 11 digs, while Murray had 16 kills and 18 digs. Miliani Villarreal was the last Pioneer with a double-double on 21 digs and 11 assists. 

Records:
Sacred Heart: 2-0
LIU: 0-2
 
Top Performers:
Gaby Zovko: 38 assists, 14 digs, 14 kills, 3 aces, .600 hitting percentage
Camryn Luginbuhl: 19 kills, 11 digs, 4 aces, 2 blocks
Allison Murray: 16 kills, 18 digs, 1 ace
Miliani Villarreal: 21 digs, 11 assists
 
How It Happened:
SHU bursts out of the gates in the first set, taking a 9-3 lead to start the match. The Sharks fought their way back into the set, getting as close as three, 16-13, before 4-0 run propelled the Pios to a 20-13 advantage. Sacred Heart took the set by a 25-21 final score. 

After dropping a close second set, the Pioneers bounced back with a convincing 25-13 win in the third. LIU stayed within striking distance at the frame's open before a 10-1 run gave SHU the momentum to take the set. 

LIU retaliated in the fourth to the tune of a 25-13 win to force a fifth set. 

In the fifth, the Sharks opened the frame up 4-1 before a 4-0 SHU surge gave the Pios a 5-4 advantage. After some back-and-forth play, the score was 8-all, and Sacred Heart took command of the frame with a 5-0 spurt. Up by five, 13-8, only needing two points to win, SHU held on with a 15-11 victory to seal the exciting five-set triumph. 

Up Next:
SHU concludes the UConn Invitational with a road match against the Huskies at 2 p.m.