NEW YORK – The nationally ranked No. 8 Monroe University – Bronx men's volleyball team opened Region 15 play on Saturday afternoon by earning two victories at Borough of Manhattan Community College Gymnasium. The Express defeated host-BMCC in five sets and then claimed the victory over Hostos Community College, 3-0.

"Today marked an excellent kickoff for the Region 15 matches," Express Head Coach Marien Garcia said. "We anticipated a series of competitive matches, and they certainly delivered. We were able to make timely adjustments and reduce errors which proved crucial in determining the outcomes."

Against BMCC (1-2, 1-2 Region 15), set scores were 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 13-25, and 15-11. 

It was knotted at 10 in the rubber set. J'Adon George broke the tie with a kill and a block to give the Express a 12-10 lead. That began a 5-1 run to close out the match, capped by service ace from Rogelio Guarneros, to clinch the thrilling five-set victory for Monroe - Bronx in the Region 15 opener.

Leading the way for the Express (6-4, 2-0 Region 15) was Darren Lopez who provided 15 kills, eight digs, and five service aces. Steven Francis Ouellet had a near double-double with nine putdowns and 12 defensive bumps, plus two blocks. Frandie Martin added 11 kills, three digs, and two blocks. George compiled five successful attacks, seven blocks, and four digs. Fidel Ramirez chipped in with four kills, two digs, and a duo of blocks. 

Also helping Monroe against the Panthers was Johnnovan Reyes who provided 32 assists and eight defensive bumps. Pedro Bello Lopez anchored the defense with a career-high 19 digs. Edwin Ortega notched six digs and two blocks. David Garcia provided 10 assists and helped on defense with four attack-neutralizing bumps. Luis Vasquez added three digs of his own.

In the Express' victory over Hostos (0-3, 0-3 Region 15), set scores were 25-11, 25-13, and 25-19.

Ramirez led the way with eight kills, five blocks, and two digs. Mateo Somera provided four successful attacks and a defensive bump. Aiverson Guillen anchored the defense with seven digs. Darren Lopez scored five more aces and provided five helpers with two putdowns. Reyes finished with 17 assists, two kills, and just as many digs. Garcia had a solid match with three kills, just as many defensive bumps, six assists, and a pair of service victories. 

Also leading the Blue and Gold against the Caimans was Vasquez who tallied two kills, six digs, and three blocks. Erick Gutierrez slammed a pair of kills. Francis Ouellet added three victories on the attack, three blocks, and four digs. Martin recorded four kills. Damien Ramos chipped in with a kill and a dig. George added two successful attacks and a block. 

Monroe – Bronx's non-region match against Middlesex College, scheduled for Monday evening, has been postponed to a later date due to the upcoming snowstorm. The Express will play two Region 15 games on Saturday, February 28, on the campus of Kingsborough Community College. Monroe will battle the host-Wave at 12 p.m. and then take on nationally ranked No. 5 Monroe University – New Rochelle at approximately 2 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).