BRONX – The Monroe University – Bronx women's volleyball team continued its winning ways on Tuesday evening, sweeping Hostos Community College, 3-0, at Roberto Clemente State Park Gym. The Express rallied from an early deficit in the opening two sets before dominating the third, earning a three-set victory to improve to 10-3 overall and 9-2 in Region 15 play. Set scores were 25-16, 25-20, and 25-12.
"Long week. Back-to-back matches," Express Head Coach Odaly Aponte-Orta said. "Tired legs, but strong hearts. They pushed through, found a way to get the WIN, and continue to connect more every time they step on the court."
Hostos jumped out to a 14-11 lead in the opening set, but Monroe answered with a decisive 11-1 run. Yamelyn Bonilla started the surge with a kill, followed by a ball-handling error from Hostos and another kill from Bonilla. Nicole Garrett then served an ace before Bonilla and Sarai Hernandez added consecutive kills to give the Express a 20-15 advantage. Hernandez later delivered the set-ending kill, securing a 25-16 comeback victory.
The second set featured another late Monroe comeback. The Caimans held a 19-17 advantage before the Express closed the frame on an 8-1 run. A bad set and attack error by Hostos helped Monroe take the lead before Bonilla delivered a kill and two service aces to put the Express at set point. Ayleenee Salbitani Lopez finished the set with a kill, giving Monroe a 25-20 victory and a 2-0 match lead.
Monroe then opened the third set with six straight points, immediately putting the contest in control. Salbitani Lopez added an ace during the early run, while Bonilla followed with consecutive kills. The Express continued to build their advantage and closed the match on four straight points, including an ace from Salbitani Lopez and consecutive Hostos attack errors, to complete the sweep, 25-12.
Salbitani Lopez led all players with 12 kills, while Bonilla added eight and Hernandez contributed six. Salbitani Lopez also recorded five service aces, with Bonilla adding four.
Darilenia Paulino directed the Monroe offense with 25 assists and led the Express with 13 digs. Salbitani Lopez and Brycelynn Paul each added six digs, while Hernandez, Robyn Eddy, and Garrett each recorded one block.
As a team, Monroe finished with 35 kills, 10 service aces, 34 assists, 42 digs, and two blocks while hitting .103. The Express held Hostos to a -.025 hitting percentage for the match.
For the Caimans (0-11, 0-10 Region 15), Assiatou Traore led the offense with six kills and three blocks, while Allison Conde recorded 10 assists.
The Express return to action Thursday, October 8 at Roberto Clemente State Park Gymnasium against Suffolk County Community College. The Region 15 match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
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