NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The nationally ranked No. 4 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team bounced back and earned a convincing Region 15 victory over LaGuardia Community College, 63-19, at Monroe Athletic Complex on Thursday evening.

The Express strengthen their hold on first place in the regional standings with a 10-1 record (21-2 overall).

"Got off to a sluggish start but we figured it out," Express Head Coach Damel Ling said.

Both teams displayed strong defense in the opening minutes of the game as neither unit scored until Salimah Williams converted a layup to give Monroe the lead 3:06 in. The Blue and Gold continued execute strong defensive pressure as the Red Hawks (4-11, 2-10 Region 15) did not score their first basket until it was 2:48 left on the clock when Reneyah Fernandez hit a free throw to make it an 8-1 score in favor of Monroe. The Express' defense did not allow a field goal by the opposition during the first quarter as the home team led 13-2 after 10 minutes of play.

The Red Hawks' first field goal did not come unit 45 seconds into the second stanza. Monroe began to pull away as a layup by Beverly Williams sparked the Express finishing the half on a 13-0 run to take a 31-5 lead into the break. 

The Express outscored the opposition, 32-14, in the second half to cinch the regional win. 

Jaeda Kelly brought down a career-high 12 rebounds for Monroe during the evening, while forcing four steals. Beverly Williams scored 17 points, compiled five steals, and snatched four rebounds. Aneyah McLamb had a strong game with 13 points, eight boards, and six steals. Salimah Williams had nine points, seven rebounds, just as many assists, and seven steals. She also blocked two shots. 

Also helping the Express in the win was Lea Tavarez who drained three shots from downtown, while Diamondnique Stephenson had five rebounds and a pair of steals. Tyra Williams grabbed three rebounds and added a trio of steals. Aviah Richards had four boards.

Monroe – Bronx will travel to Brooklyn on Thursday, February 5, for crucial Region 15 matchup against nationally ranked No. 15 Kingsborough Community College. Tipoff at Kingsborough Gymnasium is set 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).