Sewell, New Jersey – The Monroe University – Bronx softball team faced one of its most challenging doubleheaders of the season on Sunday afternoon, falling to nationally ranked No. 5 Rowan College of South Jersey – Gloucester by scores of 18-2 and 20-2 at the RCSJ Softball Field in Sewell, N.J.

In the opening game, Monroe Express (8-15) was unable to recover from a nine-run first inning by RCSJ – Gloucester (17-7). The Roadrunners added runs in each of the first three innings, building an insurmountable lead despite a late two-run effort by the Express in the top of the fifth.

Offensively, the Express were led by Jaliyah Rosario, who recorded an RBI double and finished 1-for-2 at the plate. Ciara Harriott, Amandy Rodriguez, and Judaiah Gourdine each collected a hit, while Harriott also drove in a run in the fifth inning. In total, the Express tallied four hits in the opening contest.

In the circle, Gourdine pitched a complete game, going four innings and allowing 18 runs (13 earned) on 20 hits. She struck out one and walked six. Despite the challenging outing, Gourdine showed poise and continued to compete through all four frames.

The second game saw a similar start, with the Roadrunners putting up 11 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Monroe responded in the second and fourth innings, scoring a pair of runs across those two frames and collecting six hits during the second game.

Amandy Rodriguez delivered a standout offensive performance, going a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate. Jaliyah Rosario continued her productive day with an RBI single, while Gourdine, Brendalie Oliviery-Baker, and Harriott also added a hit each in the effort. Sonia Rosa reached base twice and scored one of the Express' two runs.

On the defensive side, Melissa Martinez started in the circle and was charged with the loss after allowing 11 runs (four earned) in the first inning. Darlene Peña Puente entered in relief and pitched three innings, surrendering nine runs on four hits while walking five. The Express' defense battled throughout the game, showing continued effort despite the scoreboard.

While the results were not in Monroe's favor, the Express continued to show signs of offensive promise and growth as a unit. Rodriguez finished the day 3-for-4 across both games, while Rosario collected two RBIs and remained a consistent presence behind the plate. Harriott and Gourdine each contributed on both sides of the ball, and Oliviery-Baker continued to find ways to get on base and put pressure on opposing pitchers.

The Express will be back in action later this week as they turn their attention to Region 15 competition. Monroe aims to regroup and apply the experience gained as they prepare for a crucial conference doubleheader against Dutchess Community College. The matchup is set for Tuesday, April 8, at Flowers Park in New Rochelle, N.Y., with first pitch scheduled for 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.