NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The nationally ranked No. 10 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team continued its undefeated run in the region by topping Dutchess Community College, 67-44, at Monroe Athletic Complex on Saturday afternoon. 

Monroe is now 4-0 in the region and 8-1 overall.

The big difference in the game was the 3-point shooting. The Express drained eight shots from downtown, while Dutchess (2-5, 2-4 Region 15) only made one 3-point field goal during the afternoon. 

Beverly Williams led all player with 29 points, including five 3-point baskets, plus she compiled nine steals, four rebounds, and two assists to help Monroe - Bronx.

The Express came out sluggish to start the game, falling behind 5-2 with 5:12 to go in the opening period. With 4:42 remaining in the first stanza, Beverly Williams knocked down a 3-point field goal to tie it up and then a successful and-one three-point play by Aneyah McLamb gave Monroe the lead for good at 8-5 with 4:02 left in the first frame.

The Blue and Gold finished the quarter strong to take an 18-9 benefit after 10 minutes of play. 

Dutchess managed to shrink its deficit to 18-14 in the early stages of the second quarter and kept hanging around for the majority of the first half. However, with the score 24-18 in favor of Monroe, Beverly Williams knocked down another shot from downtown with 1:56 left before the break. That led Monroe to a 5-0 run to finish the second quarter which gave the Blue and Gold a 29-18 hold heading into the break.

After the Falcons shrunk the Express' lead to 33-26, a 3-point basket by Salimah Williams, a triple by Beverly Williams, and another shot from beyond the arc by Salimah Williams propelled Monroe to 42-26 benefit with 2:24 left in the third.

The Express built their lead to 23 twice in the fourth quarter, including the eventual final score of 67-44.

"Great start to region play," Express Head Coach Damel Ling said. "I thought the first half was not who we are, but I thought we came out in the second half with a lot more intensity and more of a commitment to defending."

Aneyah McLamb had a big game for the Express with 15 points, six steals, five assists, and four boards. Jazmyne Rios clutched eight caroms, while Salimah Williams generated eight points, four helpers, and just as many boards. Jaeda Kelly chipped in with five steals, four rebounds, and a trio of providers, while Amira McCleod also had four boards and registered just as many steals.

For Dutchess, Eva Bertiz produced a double-double with 19 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. She also blocked four shots, delivered three assists, and collected two steals. Kamira Sutton tallied 14 points, six boards, and three helpers. Amelia Turner secured 11 rebounds, while Katrina Carmel added eight caroms. 

Monroe – Bronx will travel to Long Island on Tuesday evening for a Region 15 matchup against Suffolk County Community College. Tipoff at Brookhaven Gymnasium is set for 6 p.m.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 31 teams competing across nine sports. There are 21 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.

For more information about the Monroe Express, please visit us at www.MonroeExpress.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Express), Twitter/X (@MonroeExpress), Instagram (@MonroeExpress), and Threads (@MonroeExpress).