ARNOLD, MD. – The Monroe University – Bronx softball team opened the 2026 season on Sunday afternoon with a doubleheader against NJCAA Division II Anne Arundel Community College at Anne Arundel Softball Complex. The Express (0-2) battled throughout the day, dropping the opener 15-5 before falling in a high-scoring 21-18 contest in Game 2.
In Game 1, the Express showed early fights and timely hitting. After falling behind in the first inning, the Express responded in the second when Jayda Delgado worked a walk and later scored on a clutch RBI double to center field by Taina Nieves, tying the game at 1-1.
The Express continued to apply pressure in the third inning. Tiara Desanto reached base and Karla Recio Rodriguez got on to set the table for Brianny Estepan, who drove in a run with a double to right field. Monroe capitalized on wild pitches to plate another run and cut the deficit to one.
In the fourth inning, Monroe delivered its biggest swing of the game. Desanto singled to spark the offense, and Kimora Thompson followed with a two-run home run to left field, bringing the Express to within one at 6-5. Thompson's homer marked Monroe's first of the season and highlighted a strong offensive effort that included six hits in the contest. Despite the setback, the Express showed resilience and aggressive baserunning throughout the opener.
Game 2 turned into an offensive showcase for Monroe, as the Express pounded 16 hits and scored 18 runs in a back-and-forth battle.
After surrendering an early run, Monroe erupted for four runs in the second inning. Ebony Hernandez sparked the rally with a single and aggressive baserunning, while Delgado delivered an RBI double. Estepan connected on an RBI single that gave Monroe a 4-1 benefit. The Express took advantage of defensive miscues and remained aggressive on the basepaths, turning pressure into production.
After falling behind 6-4, Monroe added four more runs in the third inning, highlighted by heads-up baserunning and timely hitting, to take an 8-6 lead. The Express continued to stay aggressive, with multiple stolen bases helping create scoring opportunities.
The Riverhawks (2-2) tallied four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning to put the Blue and Gold in another two-run deficit.
The fourth inning was Monroe's biggest frame, as they exploded for six runs to jump out to a 14-10 advantage. Rodriguez delivered a key two-RBI single to right center which gave Monroe an 11-10 edge, and the Express capitalized on wild pitches and errors to take control of the game. Monroe's ability to string together quality at-bats kept the momentum in its favor.
Anne Arundel exploded with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth to retake the lead, 17-14.
Refusing to back down, the Express responded again in the fifth inning when Melissa Martinez crushed a two-run home run to center field, to narrow Monroe's deficit to 17-16. Later in the frame, Desanto drilled an RBI single to tie it up at 17.
However, Ann Arundel scored two runs in the bottom frame to take the lead.
Monroe continued to battle in the sixth, adding another run to stay within striking distance.
The Riverhawks tallied another pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth to regain the advantage and went on to earn the three-run win and the sweep.
Estepan led the offense with a four-hit performance in Game 2, while Desanto scored three runs. Rossel Hercules and Hernandez were aggressive on the bases, combining multiple stolen bases as Monroe showcased its speed and offensive depth.
In the circle, Martinez was charged with the loss in Game 1, while Estepan took the loss in Game 2.
Although the results did not go their way, the Express combined 23 runs and 22 hits across the doubleheader, demonstrating offensive firepower, resilience, and a competitive edge to open the 2026 campaign.
Monroe – Bronx returns to action on Saturday, March 7, traveling to Carneys Point, New Jersey for a doubleheader against NJCAA Division II Salem Community College. Game 1 is set for 12 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. start in Game 2 at Pennsville Little League Field.
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).
