SELDEN, N.Y. – The top-seeded and nationally ranked No. 7 Monroe University – Bronx women's basketball team knocked off the defending regional champion and fourth-seeded Hostos Community College in the semifinal round of the Region 15 Tournament, 90-49, at Brookhaven Gymnasium (Suffolk County Community College) on Saturday afternoon.

The Express (25-6) earn a berth in the Region 15 Championship Game for the fifth year in a row and will battle nationally ranked No. 14 and third-seeded Kingsborough Community College, in the same gym, on Sunday at 12 p.m. The winner will earn an automatic bid into the NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament. 

"Great effort all the way around," Express Head Coach Damel Ling said. "It's going to be a tough test against Kingsborough tomorrow. Hopefully we leave tomorrow with the gold plaque"

In the win over Hostos (10-13), Monroe jumped out to 9-1 advantage just over two minutes into the game and never looked back. The Express led by a many as 47 on their way to the wire-to-wire victory.

Beverly Williams had a big game for Monroe with game-highs of 27 points and 13 steals, as well as a trio of assists. Salimah Williams had a strong outing with 17 points, nine steals, eight assists, and four rebounds. Jazmyne Rios came off the bench and notched 16 points, four boards, and just as many steals. Aneyah McLamb generated 10 points, six caroms. four steals, and three assists. Jaeda Kelly tallied nine points and three steals.

For Hostos, Assiatou Traore had a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while also delivering three assists. Saniya Lester snatched 10 boards. Makayla Lima added 10 points and eight caroms. Chantel Hawes secured nine rebounds. 

For updates regarding Monroe competing in its fifth-straight Region 15 Championship Game, check out www.MonroeExpress.com as well as our social media channels. 

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).