HERKIMER, N.Y. – The nationally ranked No. 5 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team continued its strong season with a 59–51 road victory over Mohawk Valley Community College on Saturday afternoon at Varsity Gymnasium.
Monroe improved to 16–1 overall after earning the hard-fought win in a physical, back-and-forth contest. The Express controlled the tempo early, taking a 16–13 lead after the first quarter behind active defense and second-chance opportunities. Mohawk Valley (5-4) responded in the second quarter, briefly grabbing momentum, but Monroe closed the half strong to take a slim 30–28 advantage into the locker room.
The Express delivered the decisive stretch coming out of halftime. Monroe opened the third quarter with increased defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. Beverly Williams sparked the run with timely baskets, while Aneyah McLamb attacked the paint to help Monroe build a double-digit lead midway through the period. The Express outscored Mohawk Valley 18–13 in the third quarter, taking a 48–41 lead into the final 10 minutes.
Mohawk Valley made several pushes in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to three with (50-47) with 7:21 remaining, but Monroe stayed composed down the stretch. The Express executed offensively, controlled the glass, and knocked down key free throws late to seal the eight-point victory. Monroe finished with 16 points off turnovers and limited second-chance opportunities, which proved critical in maintaining control.
Beverly Williams led Monroe with a game-high 20 points, adding four rebounds and three steals. McLamb followed with 17 points and seven rebounds, consistently finishing through contact. Salimah Williams contributed 13 points and nine rebounds, while Jaeda Kelly added seven points and five assists to help direct the offense.
Mohawk Valley was led by Jazmine Brown, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Takyla Vaughn and Felise Fowler chipped in 11 and 10 points respectively. Despite their effort and strong interior play, the Hawks were unable to overcome Monroe's third-quarter surge and late-game execution.
Monroe – Bronx will return to action on Sunday, January 11, when the Express face No. 6 Onondaga Community College at 1 p.m. at Allyn Hall Gymnasium in Syracuse, N.Y.
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, 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).
