BRONX – The Monroe University – Bronx softball team will open the 2026 season with a doubleheader at NJCAA Division II Anne Arundel Community College on Sunday afternoon. First pitch at Anne Arundel Softball Complex, in Arnold, Maryland, is set for 12 p.m.

Fans can follow the action via live stats and live video at www.MonroeExpress.com/Coverage.

Monroe – Bronx looks to build its recent success, as the program earned a berth in the last two Region 15 Championship Rounds, including a regional title in 2024. 

It will be a young team for the Express in 2026 as 15 of the 19 players are newcomers. Expected to highlight the rookie class will be Karla Recio Rodriguez and Brianny Estepan who will bolster the Express' pitching staff. Outfielder/shortstop Nevaeh Feliciano, infielder Tiara Desanto, utility player Jayda Delgado, and catcher Taina Nieves will provide help in the lineup and in the field for the Blue and Gold. Among the returners, Melissa Martinez and Darlene Pena Puente will anchor the pitching rotation.

Lauren Farina will enter her fourth season as head coach of the Express softball program. She will once again be assisted by Ray Fabian. Also joining the Express softball staff will be Hilda Sanchez as an assistant coach. She pitched for the Monroe - Bronx for two seasons (2023 and 2024) and helped her team capture the Region 15 Championship during her sophomore campaign.

"Our goals for this year are to win the region, have a winning record, and making sure our players are growing and developing as people and student-athletes," Coach Farina said. "We want our players to succeed on and off the softball field."

The full preseason interview with Coach Farina can be seen at this link. 

The 2026 Monroe University – Bronx softball roster can be seen here.

The Express will play Region 15 rivals Suffolk County Community College and Dutchess Community College four times each during the regular season. The Express will also battle nationally ranked No. 8 Community College of Rhode Island four times this year. The schedule continues to be challenging as Monroe will have 16 games against NJCAA Division II opponents. The home-opening doubleheader for Monroe will be on Thursday, March 12, against NJCAA Division II Orange County Community College at Flowers Park. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.

The full 42-game 2026 Monroe University – Bronx softball schedule can be accessed at this link.

Check out www.MonroeExpress.com, as well as our social media channels, for all the updates relating to the 2026 Express softball season. 

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).