New Rochelle, N.Y., February 25, 2020 – The Monroe Express women's basketball team advanced to NJCAA Region XV semifinals on Tuesday night after defeating Dutchess Community College, 56-52, in the quarterfinals. This will be the team's second straight semifinals appearance. 

With the win, the Express improve to 19-12 overall. 

"Tonight was an overall great team win. It was a very tightly contested game, but it was our toughness that guided us to victory." - Head Coach Jeremy Thompson. 

Freshman Quanisha Griffin finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Sophomore Monae Laing recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Desteny Arzu tallied her first double-double of the season, posting 14 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Freshman Ramatoulaye Diallo poured in 13 points, shooting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and had four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Freshman Rovell Cayenne pulled a career-high 10 rebounds while Aissata Diallo pulled down six and Darlenny Lirranzo had four boards.

"We found different players throughout the game that we're able to step up every time we needed a basket and score." - Coach Thompson continued

After falling behind by five early in the contest, Laing netted five unanswered points for the Express to tie the at 5-5 under four minutes into the game. After exchanging five lead changes, the Express exited the first period with a one-point lead, 13-12. In the second quarter, the Express used a 9-3 run to close out the frame with a seven-point lead, 27-19, heading into halftime. 

In the third period, the Falcons sparked a 5-0 scoring run to cut Monroe's lead down to two, 35-33, with 3:46 to go in the quarter. A basket from Laing inside the paint and a three-pointer by Diallo lifted the Express' lead back to seven points, 40-33, with 1:34 left in the third. 

The Express led by as much as eight points in the final quarter. Dutchess brought the game within two, 52-50, after a pair of free throws with 3:35 left on the clock. The Express held off the Falcons in the final minutes, scoring four straight points to seal the victory.

"Our effort on the defensive end in trying to stop Kamryn Hammond, who is extremely talented and tough to defend, helped us get extra possessions in transition when we needed them." - Coach Thompson.

The Express will take on the No. 2 seeded Hostos Community College matchup on Saturday, Feb. 29 in the Region XV semifinals.

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