GARDEN CITY, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx women's volleyball team continued its impressive run through Region 15 play by dominating both ends of Saturday's Region 15 Double Dual at Nassau Community College. The Express swept Bronx Community College and Hostos Community College in straight sets, showcasing depth, energy, and chemistry across the board. With the pair of wins, the Express improved to 15-3 overall and 11-1 in Region 15 action.

"We came out strong this weekend and earned every win," Express Head Coach Odaly Aponte-Orta said. "The focus now is to keep pushing, stay locked in, and finish the regular season with the same energy and drive. We're coming!"

In the opening contest against the Broncos (1-16, 1-9 Region 15), set scores were 25-20, 25-5, and 25-18.

The Express started the afternoon strong, battling through an early challenge in the opening set before finding their rhythm and cruising through the rest of the match. Bronx Community College put up a fight in the first frame, but Monroe's balance of power hitting and precision serving quickly took control. The Express closed the first set on a decisive run, then dominated the second with one of their cleanest performances of the season—holding Bronx to just five points. The Blue and Gold were able to close out the Broncos in the third game to earn the regional win. 

Cherlialix Carmona was unstoppable, leading the way with 14 kills on .667 hitting, paired with 10 digs and a service ace. Her offensive efficiency set the tone for the rest of the team. Julia Ramos was equally impactful, distributing 10 assists while adding six service aces and 13 digs, maintaining energy and consistency from the service line.

Kaileex Batista complemented the attack with 12 assists, three aces, and strong back-row play, while Sarai Hernandez delivered a dynamic all-around effort—registering five service aces, a solo block, and seven total points.

In the middle, Ayleenee Lopez added four kills on .231 hitting, and Aleishka Diaz anchored the defense with seven digs and four service aces, keeping Bronx off-balance throughout the match. 

As a team, Monroe recorded 18 service aces and 40 digs, hitting .241 overall while maintaining control from start to finish.

Fueled by their dominant showing in the first match, the Express carried their momentum into the second contest of the day. The team's communication and tempo were on full display, as Monroe consistently outpaced Hostos from the opening serve to the final point.

In the second contest against the Caimans (6-12, 5-11 Region 15), set scores were 25-15, 25-16, and 25-21.

The Express came out firing in the first two sets, jumping ahead early and forcing Hostos into difficult defensive positions. Even when the Caimans pushed back in the third frame, Express' composure and teamwork sealed the victory in straight sets—capping off a perfect day on the court.

Carmona once again led the way, putting together another standout performance with 18 kills, 14 digs, and two service aces, hitting an efficient .359 for the match. Diaz continued her strong day with 12 kills, just as many digs, and two service winners, while Robyn Eddy provided a major spark at the net with eight kills on .417 hitting and a block assist.

Ramos played with poise and control, delivering 15 assists, four aces, and a remarkable 24 digs, while Batista tallied a match-high 22 assists and six digs to keep Monroe's offense flowing. Hernandez made key contributions with four kills, two blocks, and four digs, and Lopez added balance with four assists, five digs, and a kill.

Yamelyn Bonilla contributed two kills, while Diamondnique Stephenson added four digs to help keep Hostos' attack in check. Defensively, the Express held the Caimans to just a -.011 hitting percentage while producing 44 kills, eight aces, and 69 total digs as a team.

The victory marked Monroe's second sweep of the day and demonstrated the team's depth, focus, and consistency from start to finish.

The Express return home to Monsignor Scanlan Gymnasium on Wednesday evening for a Region 15 doubleheader showdown against Kingsborough Community College. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The matchup will also mark Sophomore Night, as the Express celebrates the dedication, leadership, and contributions of its second-year players who have helped elevate the program both on and off the court. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to join the team in honoring its sophomores before the start of 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).