POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx women's volleyball team split its final two Region 15 matches of the regular season. The Express won their first contest over Orange County Community College in five sets. However, Monroe was edged by host-Dutchess Community College in its second match, 3-2. Both contests took place at Falcon Gymnasium. 
 
The Express (15-6, 11-3 Region 15) earn a spot in the upcoming Region 15 Championships. 
 
In the five-set victory over Orange County (12-7, 9-5 Region 15), set scores were 25-14, 17-25, 25-17, 23-25, and 15-7.
 
Leading the way for the Express was freshman outside hitter Gabriela De La Rosa who slammed home 16 kills, anchored the defense with nine digs, and scored four service aces. Classmate Aleishka Diaz tallied a double-double with 11 kills and 20 digs. Sophomore opposite hitter Princess Corona notched 10 put downs, five digs, and two blocks. 
 
Second-year liberos Yasmel Molina and Arielys Colon also helped the Express defeat the Colts as they each produced 12 digs, with the former adding five service aces and a trio of assists. Sophomore setter Serena Bueno provided 24 helpers and nine digs, while rookie setter Julia Ramos generated 12 assists, six digs, and four service aces. Second-year middle blocker Chelsea Nolasco tallied five kills and four blocks. Classmate Nisa Llanos provided three kills and two blocks. Freshman defensive specialist Kaileex Batista added nine digs and two aces. Sophomore opposite hitter Shirley Garo tallied two blocks and a dig. 
 
In the narrow five-set defeat at the hands of Dutchess (13-12, 10-4 Region 15), set scores were 19-25, 25-8, 17-25, 25-21, and 15-7.
 
Diaz had another strong match for Monroe as she produced 15 kills, 12 digs, and five service aces. De La Rosa produced nine kills and eight digs. Molina had a monster match defensively with 29 digs, while adding three assists on the offensive side. Colon also anchored the defense with 16 digs. Ramos added 13 assists with eight digs, while Bueno notched 15 assists and six digs. Nolasco had four kills and five blocks, while Llanos registered three blocks of her own. Corona added four kills and two blocks. Freshman outside hitter Diamondnique Stephenson tallied two digs, while Batista provided two service aces and a dig. 
 
Details regarding Monroe's Region 15 Quarterfinal opponent, date, time, and location will be revealed at the end of this weekend. Check out www.MonroeExpress.com and our social media channels for more updates. 
 
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).