BRENTWOOD, N.Y. - In a rematch of last year's Region 15 Championship Series, the Monroe University - Express softball team (6-31, 2-2 Region 15) traveled to face Suffolk County Community College (8-15, 4-1 Region 15) on Tuesday afternoon. The highly anticipated doubleheader, however, didn't go in Monroe's favor, as they dropped both games by scores of 14-6 and 12-4. Despite glimpses of offensive life and moments of competitive fight, the Express were unable to overcome Suffolk's early scoring.

Monroe got off to a promising start in Game 1, scoring a run in the first inning, but Suffolk County quickly answered and took control with runs in each of the first three frames—including a seven-run outburst in the third that broke the game open. Still, the Express fought back in the fourth and fifth innings. The offensive highlight came when catcher Jaliyah Rosario crushed a three-run home run in the top of the fifth, bringing Monroe to within striking distance at 9-6. She also finished the game with a team-leading three RBIs. Rosario's strong game was not enough as the Sharks clinched the opening contest, 14-6. 

Brendalie Oliviery-Baker and Lauren Vuorinen each contributed with a hit and a run scored, while Judaiah Gourdine added an RBI single to her complete-game effort in the circle. Sonia Rosa and Alicia Negrillo chipped in with singles. Monroe drew three walks in the game and was active on the bases, including stolen bases from Oliviery-Baker and Vuorinen. However, the five errors committed defensively allowed Suffolk County to capitalize on extended innings and pull away.

Gourdine pitched all five innings for the Express, throwing 125 pitches and battling through eight walks and ten hits. Only six of the 14 runs she allowed were earned, underscoring how defensive struggles hurt the Express more than the Suffolk County bats alone.

The second game followed a similar pattern with the Express striking first but then the Sharks answering by scoring in every inning of the shortened five-inning contest. Monroe's offense put up a run in the first, two runs in the second, and one in the third, with Rosa collecting the lone RBI on the second game. Ciara Harriott and Genesis Matias recorded the only two hits for the Express in the contest. Matias also added a stolen base, and Monroe continued to apply pressure on the bases with additional steals from Oliviery-Baker and Vuorinen.

Melissa Martinez started in the circle and went four-plus innings, allowing nine hits and 12 runs—but only four were earned—as Monroe's defense faltered again with four errors in the game. The Express struggled to contain Suffolk County's aggressive baserunning and timely hits, as the Sharks piled up runs with consistent contact and smart situational play.

Throughout both games, the Express showed signs of offensive potential and aggressive play but were ultimately undone by defensive errors, making it difficult to support its pitching staff or keep momentum going on offense.

The Express will aim to regroup and sharpen their execution as they continue Region 15 action with a road doubleheader against Dutchess Community College on Thursday, April 24, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Both games are set to take place at the Dutchess Softball Field, with first pitch scheduled for 3:30 PM.

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.