BRONX, N.Y., September 8, 2021 - The Monroe Express women's volleyball season finally returned to competitive play on Wednesday evening after the pandemic canceled their season a year ago. Unfortunately, despite a strong effort, they were defeated in their season-opener at Home in straight sets 26-24, 25-13, 25-13 by The Kings College (NY) at the Monroe Athletic Complex. The loss dropped the Express to 0-1 while the Lions improved to 2-1.
Sophomore Jeribeth Hodge (Bronx, N.Y.) and freshman Adaiah Felix (Bronx, New York) led the way offensively for the Express, putting down four kills apiece. Felix recorded a team-high three service aces and two blocks, while Hodge dished out a team-best five assists. Freshman Yorlenis Nunez (Bronx, N.Y. ) dished out four assists and joined classmate Arielys Colon to place two service aces apiece.
Defensively, the Express had four players register double-digit digs on the evening. Freshman Angelique Reyes (Bronx, N.Y.) recorded a team-best 15 digs, while Hodge brought in 14 digs, and Nunez and Colon both posted 13 digs, respectively.
The first set was a closely contested affair, with the Express recording 10 of the first 13 points to jump out to a 10-5 advantage before the Lions used a 7-1 run to go back in front 12-11. After a service error knotted things up at 12 apiece, Kings College (NY) increased their lead back to 21-17. The Express would tie it two more times before the Lions registered three of the final four points to take the first set 26-24.
The Kings College (NY) controlled the final two sets, building an 18-6 advantage midway through the second and 18-7 in the middle of the third, rolling to 25-13 results in both.
Kings College (NY) was led offensively by sophomore Bella Rush, who buried a game-high nine kills and tied a game-high alongside freshman Sam Klozik with three service aces. Klozik and junior Alex Kemsley also contributed six kills apiece.
Junior Abby Roth recorded a double-double with 17 assists and 12 digs. Defensively, five other Lions also recorded double-digit dig performances spearheaded by a game-high 17 digs from freshman Haley Gilroy. In addition, Klozik posted 16 digs, while Roth and Eliana Adler had 12 digs apiece, and Rush had 10 digs.
The Express will look to regroup in Region 15 competition next Tuesday, September 14, against Nassau Community College at 7 p.m. from the Monroe Athletic Complex. For more information on the game, please visit the
Monroe Express Women's Volleyball Schedule Page.
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 36 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, the Monroe College marching band, and the newly added esports program, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 17 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).
