BRENTWOOD, N.Y. – The second-seeded Monroe University – Bronx softball team had its season conclude in the Region 15 Championship Round with a 9-1 loss to third-seeded Dutchess Community College on Sunday afternoon. The contest took place at Brentwood Softball Field on the Suffolk County Community College Brentwood Campus.

It was a successful season for the Express as they earned its second straight trip to the Region 15 Championship Round but could not successfully defend their championship. The Falcons went undefeated in the regional double-elimination postseason. Dutchess will compete in the Northeast District Championship Series next weekend with details to be announced.

For the Express, Brendalie Oliviery-Baker, Lauren Vuorinen, Ciara Harriott, and Melissa Martinez earned spots on the Region 15 All-Tournament team. 

During the contest, each team's pitching held the opposing lineup scoreless in the first inning. Dutchess (13-14) got on the board with a pair of runs in the top of the second, highlighted by an RBI single off the bat of Calia Delvecchio. 

Martinez got her rhythm back in the circle and kept the Express in the contest for most of the game. Her most impressive frame came in the top of the fourth as Dutchess loaded the bases with nobody out. She maintained her composure and retired the next three batters to escape the jam without giving up any runs. 

Unfortunately for the Express (9-35), the Falcons plated two runs in the fifth and their bats exploded in the sixth with five runs to take a commanding 9-0 hold.

The Express scored a run in the home half of the sixth, thanks to Vuorinen successfully stealing home. However, it was not enough as Dutchess recorded the final out in the bottom of the sixth to clinch the Region 15 Championship.

Martinez pitched a complete game for the Express. At the plate, Judaiah Gourdine went 2-for-3 and stole two bases. Jaliyah Rosario drilled a double. Harriott, Oliviery-Baker, and Alicia Negrillo each hit a single. Sonia Rosa drew a walk.

For the Falcons, Delvecchio produced two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. Sophia Casailinova went 2-for-4 with a double and scored twice. In the circle, Kayla Baez earned the complete-game victory by striking out 12 batters and giving up no earned runs in six innings pitched. 

The Monroe University – Bronx softball team will return to regular season action in March of 2026.

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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