POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Monroe University - Bronx softball team (7-32, 3-3 Region 15) traveled to Dutchess Community College (10-14, 2-6 Region 15) on Thursday, April 24, for a key Region 15 doubleheader. After dropping a tightly contested opener 8-5, the Express bounced back in Game 2 with a gritty 9-8 extra-inning victory, showcasing resilience and timely hitting to earn the split. The games took place at Dutchess Stadium. 

In the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 2, the Falcons loaded the bases with two outs and the Express holding a narrow 9-8 edge. However, Melissa Martinez came up big for Monroe by forcing the opposing hitter to hit a grounder to third. Lauren Vuorinen threw home and got the force at home plate to clinch the victory for the Express. Monroe has taken three out of four games from Dutchess during the regular season and solidifies its second-place position in the regional standings.

"The girls once again showed that they'll never give up on the game," Express Head Coach Lauren Farina said. "Their perseverance and heart won them Game 2 today. We are looking forward to finishing the week strong!"

In the opening game, Monroe found themselves trailing 4-0 early after Dutchess put up runs in the second and third innings. The Express battled back in the fourth behind a two-run single from Judaiah Gourdine pull to within two. After the Falcons scored two runs each in the home half of the fourth and sixth innings, the Express rallied again in the seventh with a three-run frame to slice the opposition's lead to 8-5. It wasn't enough to erase the deficit.

Despite the loss, Monroe's offense showed life, tallying 10 hits. Sonia Rosa had an impressive day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Jaliyah Rosario and Alicia Negrillo each went 2-for-4, with Rosario adding an RBI. Brendalie Oliviery-Baker created opportunities on the bases with two stolen bags, while Negrillo added another swipe of her own.

Gourdine handled pitching duties in the opener, going six full innings. She gave up eight runs—four of them earned—on 13 hits while walking three and striking out four. Defensive miscues proved costly for the Express, who committed four errors that allowed Dutchess to build and maintain its lead.

In the second game, Monroe's bats came alive early after falling behind 2-0 through the opening inning. The Express answered in the top of the second with a five-run outburst, capped off by a clutch three-run single from Oliviery Baker. After Dutchess pulled to within one in the bottom frame, Monroe added three more runs in the third, fueled by an RBI double from Ciara Harriott and a run-scoring single by Negrillo, to take an 8-4 lead.

Dutchess wouldn't go away quietly, scoring two runs each in the bottom of the third and the home half of the sixth to tie it up at eight runs apiece. The Express held their composure and in the eighth inning, capitalized on a dropped third strike to bring in the go-ahead run, which was Harriott.

In the bottom of the eighth, Martinez pitched into and out of trouble as she forced a grounder that got the potential-tying runner trying to score from third out to escape the bases-loaded jam and seal the win for the Express. 

Martinez earned the complete-game victory in the circle, going eight innings. She gave up eight runs—seven earned—while striking out one and walking one. Martinez's calm presence helped Monroe lock down the final three outs in a high-pressure moment.

Offensively, Monroe had strong performances up and down the lineup. Harriott, Oliviery-Baker, Negrillo, and Genesis Matias each collected two hits. Gourdine also blasted a solo home run, adding power to the mix, while Vuorinen and Amandy Rodriguez contributed with hits in key spots. Negrillo led the team with two RBIs in the game and reached base three times.

With the split, Monroe will look to build momentum heading into its next matchup. The Express return home to Flowers Park, New Rochelle, N.Y. on Saturday for a Region 15 doubleheader against Suffolk County Community College. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 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.