SEWELL, N.J. – The nationally ranked No. 4 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team delivered a composed and connected performance on Saturday afternoon, earning a road victory over No.13 Rowan College of South Jersey – Gloucester, 58-55, at the Health and Physical Education Complex. Behind balanced scoring, relentless defensive pressure, and strong team chemistry, the Express controlled the game from start to finish and closed out another quality win to improve their record to 20-1, keeping their undefeated record against NJCAA Division III teams this season stronger than ever. Monroe is now 4-0 against nationally ranked opponents this season.

The Express established their identity early, setting the tone with aggressive defense and unselfish offense. Salimah Williams opened the scoring from beyond the arc, while Jaeda Kelly immediately began dictating the pace with confident ball movement and active defense. In the paint, Aneyah McLamb asserted herself early, converting finishes around the rim and battling on the glass to give Monroe extra possessions.

"It was huge for us. On the road, you want these types of games to prepare you for postseason play," Express Head Coach Damel Ling said. "This is the most connected group I've had in my 27 years of coaching." 

The first period featured tight action, but Monroe gained momentum through defensive stops and hustle plays. Beverly Williams made her presence felt on both ends of the floor, contributing timely baskets, steals, and rebounds. Jazmyne Rios provided valuable minutes off the bench, helping Monroe maintain energy and intensity as the Express carried control into the second period.

The Roadrunners (13-4) rallied in the second quarter to jump out to a 15-12 lead with 6:01 to go. Monroe countered with a 10-3 run, capped off by a 3-point shot by Beverly Williams, to give the Blue and Gold a 22-18 benefit with 3:35 to go in the opening half. In the closing minute of the second quarter, Beverly Williams struck again from downtown, this time to give the Express a 30-24 benefit with 27 seconds left and that was the score after 20 minutes of play. 

The Express came out of the locker room with purpose. A string of defensive stops turned into quick offense, as Monroe pushed the pace and extended its advantage. Beverly Williams sparked the run with a layup that gave the Express their largest lead of the game at 35-26 with 7:28 to go in the third. The Roadrunners rallied to finish the stanza on a 10-4 run to pull to within three (39-36) heading into the final period of regulation play. 

Monroe - Bronx kept holding off the opposition for the majority of the fourth quarter. However, Rowan College of South Jersey – Gloucester finally tied it up thanks to a 3-point field goal by Anna DiPiero with 4:08 left to even the game at 50. The Express responded on the next possession as Salimah Williams took a feed from Kelly and drained a key 3-point dagger to put Monroe back in front by three. 

Both teams were held scoreless from that point until less than a minute remaining. Salimah Williams struck again with a 3-point sequence, this time converting a layup while being fouled, and then adding a free throw to pad the Express' lead to 56-50 with 58 ticks left. 

Fast forward to nine seconds remaining and Monroe up 57-53. Shannon Pierman of RCSJ – Gloucester drew a foul and went to the free-throw line. She drained both shots to narrow the Express' edge to two. On Monroe's next possession, Jaeda Kelly was intentionally fouled with six seconds to go. She missed the first free-throw attempt but nailed the second to extend Monroe's advantage to 58-55 but it remained a one-possession game. 

The Roadrunners had one last chance to tie it, but a 3-point attempt by the home team hit the side of the rim and into the arms of McLamb at the buzzer to clinch the impressive victory for Monroe – Bronx.

McLamb led the Express with a dominant double-double, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds while anchoring the interior on both ends of the floor. Beverly Williams added a strong all-around performance of her own, recording 15 points, five rebounds, and four steals as she consistently made plays in key moments. Monroe's unselfish play was evident throughout the night, as the Express totaled 16 assists as a team, a reflection of their chemistry and commitment to moving the ball and finding the best shot available.

For the Roadrunners, Pierman led with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Right behind her, DiPiero had 10 points, two rebounds, and four steals. 

Monroe University – Bronx will return to action on Tuesday, January 27, when the Express host Bronx Community College in regional play. Tipoff at the Monroe Athletic Complex is scheduled for 6 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, 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).