AUBURN, Maine — The nationally ranked No. 4 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team faced one of its toughest road tests of the season on Sunday afternoon, battling through four quarters against a deep and aggressive Central Maine Community College squad (nationally ranked No. 1 in USCAA Division II). Despite moments of grit and late-game momentum, the Express fell 111–62 at Kirk Hall. With the result, Monroe moves to 21–4 overall on the year.

The opening quarter set the tone for a physical, fast-paced contest. Monroe attacked early, with Beverly Williams and Salimah Williams leading the charge offensively as the Express looked to establish rhythm on the road. Jaeda Kelly applied pressure defensively, recording four steals in the game, while Monroe competed on the glass to stay within striking distance. After ten minutes, the Express trailed 21–15 but showed poise against Central Maine's early push.

The second quarter proved challenging as the Mustangs (22-1) began to capitalize on transition opportunities and perimeter shooting. Monroe continued to battle defensively, forcing turnovers and contesting shots, but offensive consistency was difficult to find. Jazmyne Rios and Lea Tavarez provided sparks off the bench, combining key baskets as Monroe worked to keep pace. At the break, the Express went into halftime trailing 46–25, remaining focused on execution and effort.

Coming out of halftime, Monroe showed renewed energy and toughness. Beverly Williams led with confidence, attacking downhill and knocking down shots from the perimeter while also facilitating the offense. Despite Monroe's fight, Central Maine extended its advantage in the third quarter, sending the Express into the final period trailing 81–40.

The fourth quarter reflected Monroe's resilience. The Express delivered their most productive offensive stretch of the afternoon, scoring 22 points and playing with urgency and confidence. Jhency Pabon connected on a three-pointer, while Rios and Tavarez added timely baskets that energized the bench. Monroe finished the contest with 29 total rebounds and 20 assists, continuing to move the ball and compete until the final horn.

Beverly Williams paced Monroe with 18 points and eight assists in 36 minutes of action. while Rios and Tavarez each added seven points off the bench. Salimah Williams compiled nine points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Aneyah McLamb continued to battle inside, pulling down five rebounds. Aviah Richards made an impact in limited minutes, contributing four points and four rebounds. The Express forced 20 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, highlighting their defensive pressure throughout the game.

For Central Maine, Caitlin McCoy finished with 27 points; Ava Smith generated 15 points, 17 rebounds, and two assists. Lastly, Abilene Corson provided seven assists and two boards.

The Express will look to regroup and carry lessons from this road test forward as they continue their season, returning to action Thursday for another road matchup against nationally ranked No. 15 Kingsborough Community College in Region 15 play. Tipoff at the Kingsborough CC 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).