Poughkeepsie, N.Y., February 15, 2020 - The Monroe College Express women's basketball team defeated Dutchess Community College on Saturday afternoon, earning a 61-55 victory over the Falcons on the road.

With the victory, the Express improve to 17-11 on the season and 11-4 in league action.

Freshman Darlenny Liranzo had an impressive outing, finishing the afternoon with an all-around career-high of 22 points, eights rebounds, and four assists. The Bronx native connected on 7-of-17 from the field, draining six three-pointers in the win.

Freshman Quanisha Griffin poured in 18 points, eights rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Freshman Ramatoulaye Diallo added 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a trio of steals. Rookie Desteny Arzu totaled 11 rebounds, four points, and a pair of assists. Aissata Diallo picked up two points and five rebounds while Rovell Cayenne had three rebounds and two steals.

Quick scoring in transition helped the Express get out to a nine-point lead, 11-2, over four minutes into the contest. The Falcons answered with a 7-3 run to tie the contest at 11-11 with just under two minutes to go in the period. Monroe closed out the quarter with a 19-16 lead over Dutchess.

In the second quarter, the Express had a 17-4 scoring run across the period, growing their lead to as much as 19 points, 39-20. The Express carried a 41-25 advantage into halftime.

In the third frame, Dutchess' defense held the Express to two points in the first eight minutes of the quarter, while trimming Monroe's lead down to five points, 43-38, with 3:46 left.

An 11-0 run to start to the final quarter boosted the Express to a 59-42 with 7:10 left in the contest. The Falcons used a late rally to cut their deficit down to single-digits, 61-53, but the Express would prevail with a 61-55 victory.

The Express women's basketball team returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in their regular-season finale against Nassau 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