POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx women's volleyball team split its two matches in the Region 15 Double Dual, on the campus of Dutchess Community College, on Saturday afternoon. The Express dropped the first match to Orange County Community College in straight sets. Monroe bounced back later in the day to defeat host-Dutchess, 3-1.
Monroe stands at 12-3 in region play (13-8 overall), good for fourth place in the regional standings.
"We continue to compete and show flashes of great volleyball, but mental toughness and closing out sets remain challenges we must overcome," Express Head Coach
Odaly Aponte-Orta said. "It's not just about how we start, but how we finish. We need to stay focused, trust each other, and learn to reset when adversity hits. The talent is there. Now it's about building the mindset to finish strong."
In the hard-fought loss against the Colts (13-1, 9-1 Region 15), set scores were 25-14, 25-18, and 29-27.
Ayleenee Salbitani Lopez had a productive match for the Express with 11 kills, eight digs, and a pair of service aces.
Yamelyn Bonilla tallied three successful attacks, two helpers, and 11 defensive bumps.
Darilenia Paulino notched 21 assists, nine digs, and a trio of kills.
Sarai Hernandez generated seven kills, three blocks, and two digs.
Nicole Garrett registered four putdowns and eight digs.
Robyn Eddy slammed a duo of kills.
The liberos provided strong defense for Monroe as
Jopnerys Espinal Chalas tallied seven digs, while
Brycelynn Paul recorded five defensive bumps. The latter added three assists.
In the four-set win over the Falcons (11-9, 9-6 Region 15), set scores were 15-25, 25-16, 25-16, and 25-19.
Eddy produced a career-high seven blocks, while adding six kills and three digs. Salbitani Lopez tied her season-high in kills with 13, while providing seven digs and two aces. Paulino registered 37 assists and 21 digs, both career highs. She also slammed two kills and had just as many service aces.
Bonilla compiled five kills, 14 digs, and four service aces. Paul anchored the defense with 18 digs and scored three service victories. Chalas tallied nine defensive bumps of her own. Hernandez had a solid match with five putdowns, two blocks, and a pair of attack-neutralizing bumps. Garrett had three kills and just as many digs.
Monroe – Bronx will host Nassau Community College in a crucial Region 15 matchup on Tuesday evening. First serve at Roberto Clemente State Park Gymnasium is set for 7 p.m. It will be Breast Cancer Awareness Night as well as Sophomore Night. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and the Express sophomore players will be honored in a ceremony prior to the start of the match.
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