NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., April 13, 2025 – The Monroe University - Bronx softball team dropped both games of a home doubleheader to nationally ranked No. 7 Community College of Rhode Island, falling 16-0 in Game 1 and 19-0 in Game 2 at Flowers Park. With the losses, Monroe falls to 4-25 overall on the season.

The Express couldn't find their rhythm offensively in the opening game, managing just three hits against a dominant pitching performance from CCRI's Janina Mazzulla. The Express struck out 15 times and left seven runners stranded on base.

Sophomore shortstop Ciara Harriott led Monroe at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a stolen base and one walk. Classmate Genesis Matias added the team's only other hit with a single through the right side in the sixth inning.

Melissa Martinez (3-8) pitched a complete game, throwing 113 pitches across seven innings. She allowed 16 runs (13 earned) on 16 hits while striking out five and walking two. Despite her efforts, the Express defense struggled behind her, committing three errors in the field.

The second game saw another tough outing for the Express as Rhode Island (13-5) jumped out to an early lead, scoring in every inning and notching 20 hits in the game.

Monroe collected three hits in the contest, one each from Harriott, Matias, and rookie Melissa Martinez. Harriott also reached base with a walk, continuing her productive day at the top of the lineup. Matias added a base hit in the fourth, while Martinez's single in the same inning briefly sparked an opportunity that was quickly extinguished by a double play.

Freshman Jalyn Miner (0-2) started in the circle for Monroe, allowing 19 runs (13 earned) over five innings on 132 pitches. The Express committed five defensive errors, making it difficult to contain CCRI's relentless offensive attack. The visitors capitalized on several miscues, including multiple wild pitches and passed balls.

Monroe will look to bounce back on Tuesday, April 15, when they travel to face Orange County Community College (NJCAA Division II) for a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 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.

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.