THROGGS NECK, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's volleyball team fell in three competitive sets to nationally ranked No. 5 Union County College New Jersey, at Monsignor Scanlan Gymnasium, on Wednesday evening. Set scores were 25-23, 25-19, and 25-20.

It was a rematch from the opening head-to-head matchup this past Friday that was won by Monroe, 3-0, at Monroe Athletic Complex. Tonight, it was Union's turn to take the victory.

Leading the way for the Blue and Gold (2-3) was Frandie Martin who tied a match high with 10 kills, while adding two blocks. Darren Lopez provided seven kills and four digs. Steven Francis Ouellet generated a trio of successful attacks, five defensive bumps, and four blocks. Edwin Ortega compiled two kills, four digs, and three blocks. Johnnovan Reyes added 23 assists, while Pedro Bello Lopez chipped in with four digs.

Monroe played catch-up throughout the opening set. After falling behind 24-20, the Express stayed alive by winning the next three points to pull to within one. However, Union NJ (4-2) closed it out with a kill by Sebastian Arias to give the visiting team a 1-0 lead in the match. 

The Blue and Gold got off to a great start in the second stanza as a kill by Martin gave his team a 7-3 advantage. However, Union went on a 6-2 run to tie it up at nine. Monroe scored four of the next six points, capped off by a kill from Martin, to take a 13-11 benefit.  The Owls snatched the momentum by going on a 4-1 run to jump ahead by one. Francis Ouellet got Monroe back on track with a kill to even the stanza at 15. However, Union finished the second frame with a 10-4 blitz to take a 2-0 hold in the overall contest. 

The third stanza was even, 6-6, but Union snatched momentum with a 6-1 rally to take a 12-7 advantage. The Express fell behind, 23-15, but a pair of successful attacks from Martin sparked four straight points to narrow Monroe's deficit to 23-19. However, Union scored two of the final three points, capped by a kill from Jaden Guzman, to clinch the three-set victory for the Owls.

Kevin Indoe finished with a near double-double for Union with 10 kills and nine digs. Ethen Lugo had a strong match with 29 assists, six service aces, and three defensive bumps. Arias provided nine kills, four digs, and two service victories. Mateo Jaramillo had five kills and two aces. Guzman added six attack victories, four digs, and a duo of service wins.

Monroe – Bronx will host a tri-match on Saturday at Monroe Athletic Complex in New Rochelle, N.Y. The Express will take on Passaic County Community College at 4 p.m. and then battle No. 10 Atlantic Cape Community College at 8 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.

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