New Rochelle, N.Y., December 14, 2019 – The Monroe Express women's basketball team defended their home court on Saturday evening, running by Rockland Community College 73-48, at the Monroe Athletic Complex.
 
"It has been really amazing to watch this team build chemistry on and off the court and as we near the semester break it is starting to show." - Head Coach Jeremy Thompson.
 
With the victory, the Express improve to 7-5 overall this season.
 
After setting a career-high in scoring in the team's previous outing, freshman Bronx, N.Y native  Barbara Valentin bested her mark pouring in a new-career high of 27 points to lead the Express in the win. She also added pulled down eight rebounds. Freshman Quanisha Griffin finished with a game-high eight assists, a team-high four steals, nine points, and six rebounds.
 
Freshman Imoni Beauvais tallied nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Rookie Desteny Arzu pulled down game-high 10 rebounds, recording her third double-figure rebounding performance of the season.
 
Freshman Ashley Molina registered eight points and four rebounds. Ramatoulaye Diallo posted four points, five rebounds, and three steals in her first career start.
 
Freshmen Anya Shepard totaled four points and five rebounds, Darlenny Liranzo collected three points, five rebounds, and three assists while Aissata Diallo picked up two points and four rebounds.
 
"What I am most excited about is the fact that this whole roster has been constantly improving everyday. From their hard work and on any given night there is always someone that can step up and have a great game" – continued Coach Thompson
 
The Express used an early 18-6 run in first quarter to jump ahead by 11 (20-9) with 3:49 left in the frame. A 7-2 spurt across the final stretch while holding Rockland without a basket for the first two minutes of the period lifted the Express to a 27-13 lead to cap the frame.
 
The Express had a great start to the second quarter, outscoring Rockland 18-6 to hold a 26-point advantage with 2:13 remaining in the half. Monroe's defense applied heavy pressure in the frame, holding the Hawks to 25 percent shooting and four made field goals in the quarter. The Express entered halftime with a commanding 47-21 lead.
 
The Express control the game throughout the second half. A 10-6 run to open the fourth quarter propelled the Express to a 32-point lead (69-37); their largest of the evening.

Monroe defense played a solid game, matching their season-high of 27 forced turnovers in contest, aiding to 30 points in transition. The Express outrebounded the Hawks, overpowering Rockland on the glass, 63-40, for their second-highest rebounding effort of the season.
 
The Express women's basketball program heads back to action on Tuesday, Dec. 17 on the road in a non-conference bout against Westchester Community College.

 
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).