AUBURN, Maine — Monroe University– Bronx women's basketball team was tested in every way imaginable. Shots didn't always fall, momentum was difficult to swing, and the road environment proved challenging — but what never wavered was the Express' fight. Monroe competed for all 40 minutes, showing resilience, toughness, and growth in an 80–53 loss to the nationally ranked No. 2 (USCAA Division II) University of Maine at Augusta. Despite the setback, Express now stand at 21–3 overall on the year.

The opening minutes established the physical nature of the contest as Monroe attacked the paint and matched Maine – Augusta's (16-4) intensity on the defensive end. Salimah Williams got the Express on the board early, battling inside and finishing through contact, while Jaeda Kelly added a quick basket to keep the Express within reach.

Defensively, Monroe contested shots and worked hard on the glass, but the hosts capitalized on early opportunities to build momentum. Despite generating quality looks, the Blue and Gold struggled to convert consistently, closing the opening quarter trailing 23–12. Still, the Express remained composed, focusing on execution rather than the scoreboard.

The second quarter tested Monroe's resolve. The Express continued to defend with purpose, forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities, but offensive rhythm remained difficult to establish. Jazmyne Rios provided an immediate spark off the bench, spacing the floor and knocking down a key 3-pointer, while Salimah Williams followed with another from deep to keep Monroe pushing forward.

Every possession was a battle. The Express crashed the boards, moved the ball with intent, and stayed engaged defensively, even as the deficit grew. Monroe - Bronx went into halftime trailing 37–20, but Head Coach Damel Ling delivered a clear message in the locker room: "Our effort and attention to detail need to match in the second half."

Coming out of the break, Monroe played with renewed energy and purpose. Beverly Williams set the tone, attacking the rim with confidence and knocking down shots from the perimeter. Her aggressiveness ignited the offense and lifted the team's energy level on both ends of the floor.

Defensively, the Express forced turnovers and challenged every pass, refusing to allow easy possessions. Lea Tavarez added a timely basket, while Monroe continued to generate second-chance opportunities by battling on the glass. Though Maine–Augusta answered with scoring runs of its own, Monroe never backed down, closing the third quarter trailing 53–31 but showing clear signs of momentum and growth.

The final quarter reflected Monroe's identity.

The Express delivered their most complete stretch of basketball in the fourth, pouring in 22 points and playing with confidence, urgency, and togetherness. Jhency Pabon caught fire from beyond the arc, drilling two 3-pointers that energized the bench and rewarded Monroe's ball movement. Rios added another triple, while McLamb finished strong inside, converting through contact and continuing to battle on the boards.

Beverly Williams continued to lead by example, attacking downhill, creating offense, and refusing to let the game fade quietly. She finished with a team-high 17 points while logging 38 minutes, showcasing her endurance, leadership, and competitive fire. Monroe's ball pressure produced turnovers, and the Express capitalized by turning defense into offense, trimming the margin and forcing the home team to stay locked in until the final buzzer.

Monroe finished the night with 29 rebounds, highlighting the team's physicality and effort inside. The Express also generated 16 points off turnovers, a testament to their defensive pressure and relentless pursuit of the basketball. Salimah Williams contributed 11 points, four assists, and five rebounds, while Monroe's bench delivered 19 points, providing energy and momentum throughout the contest.

While the final score favored Maine–Augusta, Monroe's performance told a deeper story — one of resilience, effort, and continued growth. The Express competed through adversity, responded with their best basketball late, and stayed true to their identity until the final horn.

Reflecting on the game, Ling pointed to the bigger picture, noting that "Playing in a hostile environment on the road will prepare us for postseason play. We must get back to playing Monroe Basketball."

For Maine-Augusta, Lillian Cox finished with 18 points and 21 rebounds; Sage Fortin added 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists and lastly, Bella Petrocci contributed 13 points.

The Express will look to bounce back on Sunday afternoon with another road test against nationally ranked No. 1 (USCAA) Central Maine Community College, with tipoff set for 12 p.m. at Dave Gonyea Court.

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).