BRONX, N.Y., OCTOBER 24, 2019 – In a historic evening, the Monroe College Express women's volleyball team earned their first postseason victory in program history to advance to the 2019 NJCAA Region XV semifinals with a sweep of Nassau Community College. Using a balanced attack, Monroe won the match 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.

"It's incredible to have witnessed how hard these girls have worked and watch their growth throughout the season." said head coach Joel Sanchez. "Last night's win marks another milestone reached by these amazing student-athletes! We are very proud of them."

Monroe won the first set 25-19. The Express had a set-high 13 kills on a .417 hitting percentage compared to five for the Lions. The Express took the second set with decisive set victory, 25-14. Monroe ended the match with a tightly contested 25-20 third set victory.

Sophomore Dennyfer Hernandez led the charge with 10 kills, seven digs, and four services aces. Sophomore Julie Trowers had nine kills and a pair of aces while freshman Irianna Castillo finished the night with five kills. 

Freshman Jeribeth Hodge posted a match-high 23 assists, along with four digs. Sophomore Reyna Cano chipped in seven services aces, two digs, and a pair of kills. Sophomore Smeritte Colon tallied a match-high eight digs, three aces, and two assists in the win.

Up next, Monroe advances to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XV Championships. The Express will take on No. 2 seed Queensborough Community College on Saturday, Oct. 26. If Monroe wins their semifinal matchup, they will advance to play in the championship match later that afternoon.

The Region XV semifinals and finals will both be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, hosted by Orange Community College in Middleton, N.Y.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 30 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Monroe Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus as of the fall of 2017, has 11 varsity and junior varsity 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 (@MonroeExpress) and Instagram (@MonroeExpress).