FREDERICK, Md. - The Monroe College Softball team dropped two games to NJCAA Division II Frederick Community College by scores of 9-1 and 6-1 at the Frederick Softball Field on Friday afternoon.
 
In the top of the first inning of game one, the Express (0-6) had something cooking as freshman center fielder Ciara Harriott and rookie utility player Brianna Talley each lined a single to set up runners on first and third. However, Monroe could not push a run across. 
 
Frederick (2-0) threatened in the home half of the first by loading the bases with nobody out. The Express executed strong defense as Harriott caught a line drive in center field and then threw to freshman second-base student-athlete Sonia Rosa who tagged the runner from first for the double play. Then, sophomore pitcher Angelica Uribe-Perez got the next hitter to ground out to the circle to escape the jam without giving up a run.
 
In the top of the second, freshman infielder Lauren Vuorinen and classmate Hilda Sanchez produced back-to-back walks for Monroe and then they each advanced a base due to a sacrifice by second-year catcher Ciara Aviles. With second and third, one out, sophomore outfielder Herleen Castillo hit a ground ball and was thrown out at first, but she picked up an RBI thanks to Vuorinen scoring on the throw to give the Express a 1-0 advantage. 
 
Monroe's lead did not last long, as Frederick scored four runs in the bottom frame, added two runs in the fourth, and then clinched the victory with three runs in the home half of the sixth inning.
 
For the Express, Harriott and Talley each went 2-for-3. Freshman catcher Jaliyah Rosario reached base with a single. Rookie right fielder Brendalie Oliviery-Baker stole a base.
 
For the Cougars, first-year pitcher Hailey Justice struck out four batters in six innings pitched to earn the complete-game victory.
 
In game two, Monroe – Bronx once again managed to score first, this time in the opening inning, as Vuorinen produced a sacrifice fly to right that scored Oliviery-Baker from third. However, the Cougars countered with four runs in the bottom half of the inning. Then, they scored two runs in the home half of the fourth on their way to the 6-1 victory and the sweep of the doubleheader.
 
For Monroe, Oliviery-Baker reached base twice, highlighted by a single. Freshman designated player Amandy Rodriguez and Aviles each produced a hit while Uribe-Perez earned a base on balls.
 
In the circle, Oliviery-Baker pitched a scoreless inning in relief for the Express.
 
For Frederick, Kaitlin Murphy earned the complete-game victory, striking out two batters in the process. 
 
Monroe – Bronx will conclude its second Maryland trip of the year on Sunday with a pair of games at NJCAA Division II College of Southern Maryland. First pitch at Southern Maryland Softball Field is set for 12:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College 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 College 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).