GARDEN CITY, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx women's volleyball team saw its 2026 season end on Saturday afternoon, falling to top-ranked and nationally ranked No. 14 Fashion Institute of Technology, 3-0, in the Region 15 semifinals at Nassau Main Gym. The Express dropped the match by set scores of 25-15, 25-21, and 25-16, finishing the season with a 15-10 overall record.
Monroe's run of four straight district championships comes to an end.
FIT (20-1) eventually won the Region Championship and North Atlantic A District Title and will compete in the upcoming NJCAA Division III Women's Volleyball National Tournament.
The Tigers took control early, opening the match with a 25-15 first-set victory. Monroe responded with a stronger showing in the second set, keeping the contest competitive and scoring 21 points, but the Tigers held on to take a 2-0 lead. FIT then closed out the match with a 25-16 win in the third set to secure its place in the championship match and eventually earning the regional and district titles.
Yamelyn Bonilla led the Express offensively with nine kills, while
Sarai Hernandez and
Ayleenee Salbitani Lopez contributed two apiece.
Darilenia Paulino paced Monroe with seven assists, while
Jopnerys Espinal Chalas added three.
Bonilla and Chalas led the defensive effort with 11 digs each, followed by
Nicole Garrett with nine. Hernandez, Paulino, and
Robyn Eddy each recorded one total block.
FIT was led by Anya Lollos, who finished with 13 kills, while Mia Myers added nine. Juun Shin directed the Tigers' offense with 33 assists and recorded four service aces. Myers also led FIT with 16 digs.
The Express finished the 2026 campaign with another postseason appearance and a strong effort throughout the year.
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). Catch us on YouTube at
www.YouTube.com/MonroeExpress.
