NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's volleyball team opened the 2025 season at the Monroe Mustangs Invitational on Friday. The Express fell to both College of DuPage and Union College (N.J.) in straight sets. The two contests were played at the Monroe Athletic Complex. 
 
In the opening match against DuPage (2-0), set scores were 25-4, 25-13, and 25-8. The Chaparrals led each set from wire to wire. 
 
Sophomore Jeremy Rivera-Aponte and rookie Darren Lopez each slammed home five kills for the Express (0-2), with the former having three digs to go along with a block and the latter providing two bumps on the defensive side. Freshman David Garcia and sophomore Harold Romero also helped with a trio of digs each, while newcomer Aiverson Guillen added two digs of his own.
 
In the contest against Union (1-1), set scores were 25-15, 25-16, and 25-12. The Owls held the lead throughout the first and second sets. In the third stanza, a kill each by Rivera-Aponte and freshman Edwin Ortega highlighted a run that propelled the Express to deadlock the stanza at five points apiece. However, the Owls went on an 8-1 run to take a commanding lead for good on their way to the win. 
 
For Monroe, Lopez had a solid match with five kills and nine digs. Rivera-Aponte added five kills of his own. Romero anchored the defense with 12 digs. Ortega generated four kills and six digs, while first-year player Luis Vasquez chipped in on defense with a trio of digs. Sophomore Wiltor Cubas provided eight assists and rookie David Garcia added six helpers and two digs. Freshman Fidel Ramirez added two kills and three digs. Classmate Rogelio Guarneros produced five bumps. Sophomore Mickey Mingo compiled four digs and a kill. Guillen recorded two digs, while freshman Erick Gutierrez had a dig of his own. 
 
Monroe – Bronx will return to the Monroe Athletic Complex for the second day of the Monroe Mustangs Invitational on Saturday morning. It will be against Bryant & Stratton – Wisconsin at 11:00 a.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). Catch us on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/MonroeExpress.