THROGGS NECK, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx women's volleyball team opened the 2024 Region 15 slate with a victory in straight sets over Kingsborough Community College, at Monsignor Scanlan Gymnasium, on Thursday evening. Set scores were 25-20, 25-18, and 25-12.
 
"Victory begins at home," Express Head Coach Odaly Aponte-Orta said. "Here's to the first of many. Let's keep this momentum going!"
 
Leading the way for the Express (3-3, 1-0 Region 15) was freshman outside hitter Gabriela De La Rosa who slammed home seven kills, had just as many digs, and scored five service aces. Rookie defensive specialist Julia Ramos nailed six aces, had just as many digs, and tallied a match-high 10 assists. First-year outside hitter Aleishka Diaz generated four kills and five aces. Sophomore middle blocker Nisa Llanos chipped in with four kills and a block. 
 
Monroe – Bronx got off to a strong start in the first set, jumping out to a 19-8 benefit. The Wave (1-2, 0-1 Region 15) came storming back by going on a 12-1 run to even it up at 20 points apiece. The Express were able to regain their composure by scoring the final five points of the set, highlighted by a kill from Diaz, to win the opening stanza, 25-20, and take a 1-0 lead in the match. 
 
The Blue and Gold's strong finish in the first game carried over into the second as Monroe catapulted to an 11-1 advantage. Kingsborough was able to chip away and eventually pull to within a 19-17 deficit. For the second set in a row, Monroe flipped the switch and finished the frame strong with a 5-1 run, capped off by a kill courtesy of sophomore right side hitter Princess Corona and a service ace by classmate Yasmel Molina, to give the Express a 25-18 win in the second set and a 2-0 hold in the match.
 
The Wave grabbed an early 2-0 edge in the third game. The Express got back on track as a service ace by De La Rosa and a kill from Diaz propelled the home team to a 7-2 run to take the lead. After Kingsborough scored the next point, Monroe University rattled off six straight points, highlighted by four consecutive service aces by Diaz, to take a 13-5 benefit. Later in the frame, Kingsborough scored to pull to within 17-11. However, Monroe yet again closed out a set strong, this time with an 8-1 blitz. Molina clinched the region-opening victory for Monroe by nailing a service ace to complete the sweep.
 
For the Express during the evening, Corona had three kills. Sophomore setter Serena Bueno provided five assists and two digs. Second-year middle blocker Chelsea Nolasco produced two put downs and an ace. Molina generated four aces, three digs, and an assist. First-year libero Arielys Colon had a solid match with five digs and three assists.
 
Monroe – Bronx will return to Monsignor Scanlan Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon for a non-region match against Roxbury Community College. The action begins at 12:00 p.m. The Express women's volleyball team will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month during the match.

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).