Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 EDISON, N.J. – The Monroe University – Bronx softball team dropped two games to Middlesex College by scores of 11-4 and 9-4, at Middlesex Stadium, on Wednesday afternoon.

Monroe (0-6) trailed 2-0 heading to the top of the fourth of Game 1, but the bats came alive in that frame. With runners on the corners and nobody out, Michelle Cortes Molina stepped up to the plate and produced a single up the middle that scored Jayda Delgado to put the Express on the board. Two batters later, Tiara Desanto reached with an infield single to load the bases with one out. Taina Nieves took advantage by slapping a single through the left side to score Rossel Hercules and even the game at two runs apiece. That was all Monroe was able to score in the inning as the Colts got the next two outs to escape the jam. 

Middlesex (2-0) scored three runs in the bottom frame to regain the advantage. 

In the top of the fifth, Monroe – Bronx had runners on first and second with one out. Cortes Molina looped a single to center and then a throwing error allowed two runners to score which pulled the Blue and Gold to within one. Cortes Molina advanced to third on the play but could not cross home plate before the end of the inning.

The Colts' bats continued to thrive, however, scoring three runs each in the fifth and six innings to put the Express in an 11-4 hole and that ended up being the final score. 

For Monroe, Delgado produced two hits, including a double. Desanto recorded two singles. Hercules singled, worked two walks, scored twice, and stole a base. 

Kylie Rackett earned a complete-game victory in the circle for Middlesex as she struck out nine batters in seven innings pitched. For Monroe, Melissa Martinez took the loss.

After a scoreless opening inning by both teams in Game 2, the Express tacked on two runs in the top of the second, thanks to an RBI each by Cortes Molina and Nevaeh Feliciano, to take a 2-0 benefit. 

Middlesex countered with a run in the bottom frame and then an eight-run third inning to put the Blue and Gold in a 9-2 hole. 

Monroe – Bronx had a productive fifth inning as a two-run triple off the bat of Ebony Hernandez got her team closer at 9-4. 

The Express could not score again. The game was called after the top of the fifth due to darkness and the Colts ended up earning the win.

For Monroe, Feliciano singled. Delgado worked two walks. In the circle, Martinez pitched a scoreless frame in relief. Brianny Estepan started the game and struck out two Middlesex batters in the opening inning. Darlene Pena Puente was handed the loss in the circle.

For Middlesex, Sarah McLaughlin gave up two earned runs and struck out a pair of batters in five innings pitched to earn the complete-game victory.

Monroe – Bronx will have its home opener on Sunday against NJCAA Division II Orange County Community College. First pitch at Flowers Park is set for 1 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).