BAYSIDE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx women's volleyball team pulled off a thrilling Region 15 victory in five sets over Queensborough Community College, at Robert F. Kennedy Gymnasium, on Tuesday evening. The Express advance their undefeated regional record to 6-0 (9-3 overall), while the Tigers drop to 4-2 in the region (6-3 overall). 
 
The set scores were 25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 18-25, and 16-14.
 
In the fifth set, the Express and Tigers were neck and neck. Monroe consistently jumped out to a one-point lead, but Queensborough kept striking back and tying the stanza up. After the Tigers tied it at 14, Express freshman outside hitter Aleishka Diaz took a set from first-year setter Julia Ramos and slammed the ball through the opposing defense to put the Blue and Gold up, 15-14, in front of a packed and raucous crowd. With a chance to close it out, Diaz launched a stellar serve that Queensborough could not control which clinched the instant-classic victory for Monroe.
 
"The team (Monroe) is still adjusting but they fought until the end," Express Head Women's Volleyball Coach Odaly Aponte-Orta said. "They did it together."
 
Four Express players registered double-doubles during the evening. Diaz finished with 13 kills and 24 digs. Freshman outside hitter Gabriela De La Rosa slammed home 12 kills and anchored the defense with 22 digs. She also added two service aces, just as many assists, and a block. Sophomore opposite hitter Princess Corona provided 10 kills and 10 digs. Second-year setter Serena Bueno registered 30 assists and 10 digs, while adding two kills.
 
Also helping the Express was Ramos who had a strong night defensively with 15 digs, while delivering six assists on the offensive end. Sophomore libero Arielys Colon generated 14 digs, two kills, and a helper. Classmate Yasmel Molina recorded 12 digs, three assists, and a pair of aces. Returning middle blocker Nisa Llanos registered four put downs and two blocks, while classmate Chelsea Nolasco notched four successful attacks of her own. Second-year right side hitter Shirley Garo finished with four kills and a dig.
 
Monroe – Bronx will take on LaGuardia Community College, in non-region action, on Tuesday evening. First serve at LaGuardia CC Sports Gymnasium is set for 7:00 p.m.  
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 31 teams competing across nine sports. There are 21 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, the Monroe University marching band, and the newly added esports and men's volleyball programs, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven 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/X (@MonroeExpress), Instagram (@MonroeExpress), and Threads (@MonroeExpress).