LINCROFT, N.J. – The nationally ranked No. 15 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season in dominant fashion, rolling past Northern Essex Community College 80–33 on Saturday afternoon at Robert J. Collins Arena during the first day of the Brookdale Classic.
The Express (1–0) came out firing on all cylinders, jumping to a 20–5 first-quarter lead and never letting up. Monroe's high-pressure defense set the tone early, forcing an incredible 50 turnovers and holding the Knights to just 28.1 percent shooting from the field.
"We came out and played together on both ends of the floor," Express Head Coach Damel Ling said. "We had great effort and were balanced offensively."
Sophomore guard Winter Smith led the way with a game-high 17 points, adding nine steals, five rebounds, and four assists in a commanding two-way performance. Aneyah McLamb delivered a strong presence off the bench, notching a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six steals. Beverly Williams followed with 13 points and two steals, while Salimah Williams filled the stat sheet with 12 points, eight steals, and four assists.
Jazmyne Rios anchored the paint with seven rebounds and six points, and Amira McCleod added six points and two steals to round out the balanced attack.
Monroe's defense dictated the pace throughout, racking up 35 steals, winning the rebounding battle 46–38, and turning defense into offense with constant transition pressure. The Express held Northern Essex (0-1) to single digits in three of the four quarters and extended their lead to as many as 47 points late in the game.
The Express will continue their season at the Brookdale Community College Classic on Sunday, November 2, taking on Middlesex College at 2 p.m. at Robert J. Collins Arena.
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).
