BROOKLYN – The Monroe University – Bronx men's volleyball team earned a triumphant Region 15 victory on the road over Kingsborough Community College, 3-1, at Kingsborough Gym on Monday evening. Set scores were 23-25, 25-19, 25-15, and 25-15.

Sophomore Jeremy Rivera-Aponte had a big match for the Express with 15 kills, eight digs, five service aces, two blocks, and just as many assists. Rookie Darren Lopez led all players with 17 kills, while adding five digs and a duo of aces. Newcomer Aiverson Guillen continues to take charge on defense with a match-high 16 digs. 

After suffering a narrow loss in the first set, the Express (3-12, 1-1 Region 15) fell behind, 14-11, in the second. However, the tide began to turn as back-to-back kills by Lopez highlighted a 5-1 run to propel Monroe into the lead, 16-15. Later, the Wave (0-4, 0-1 Region 15) tied the stanza at 18 points apiece. However, the Express finished the set on a 7-1 run to claim the frame and even the match at a game apiece. 

In the third set, Rivera-Aponte propelled Monroe to four unanswered points thanks to his two kills which padded the Blue and Gold's benefit to 15-9. The Wave could not generate a consistent run to get back into the stanza as Monroe finished the third game with an 8-3 run to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

In the fourth frame, five consecutive errors by Kingsborough gave Monroe a 10-5 cushion. The Wave were unable to catch up as the Express went on to clinch the fourth set, 25-15, and earn their first Region 15 victory of the season, 3-1.

For Monroe, sophomore Wiltor Cubas finished with 28 assists and four digs. Rookie David Garcia added 12 helpers. Freshman Fidel Ramirez scored six kills and provided a pair of service aces. Classmate Edwin Ortega added six kills and two digs. Second-year player Mickey Mingo tallied two successful attacks and four digs.

Monroe – Bronx will continue Region 15 play on Wednesday with a battle against national powerhouse Monroe University – New Rochelle. First serve at Monroe Athletic Complex is scheduled for 7:00 p.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.  

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