NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx softball team dropped two games to NJCAA Division II Howard Community College, by scores of 13-1 and 15-4, at Flowers Park on Tuesday afternoon.
In Game 1, the Express (1-15) gave up five runs across the first three innings. The Blue and Gold got one run back in the bottom of the third thanks to a home run by
Rossel Hercules that pulled Monroe to within four.
Howard (11-11) had a productive fifth inning with eight runs scored, highlighted by a three-run homer off the bat of Gianna Peluso, a two-run round-tripper by Madison Hamolia, and a solo home run by Marissa Webb. The final score ended up being 13-1 in favor of the Dragons.
For Monroe – Bronx, Hercules went 2-for-3, while
Tiara Desanto singled and stole three bases.
Ebony Hernandez produced a base hit, while
Michelle Cortes Molina worked two walks.
Karla Recio Rodriguez and
Heather Torres each earned a base on balls, while
Nevaeh Feliciano stole a base. In the circle,
Darlene Pena Puente struck out seven batters but took the loss.
For Howard, Webb gave up just one run and stuck out 10 batters in five innings pitched to earn the complete-game victory.
In Game 2, the Dragons scored 10 runs in the top of the second to take a commanding double-digit lead. The visiting team also added three runs in the third and two more in the fourth to go up 15-0.
In the bottom of the fourth, Recio Rodriguez scored on a sacrifice fly from Hernandez to put Monroe on the board. In the home half of the fifth, Desanto drove in two runs on a double and ended up scoring on a pair of throwing errors to slice the opposition's lead to 15-4. However, the Dragons were able to record the last out to clinch the win.
For the Express, Cortes Molina went 2-for-3, while Recio Rodriguez, Hercules, and
Jayda Delgado each reached base with a single.
Leslie Ramirez drew a walk. In the circle,
Brianny Estepan started the game and took the loss.
Howard was led by Webb at the plate who hit a pair of two-run homers and finished with three round-trippers during the afternoon. Peluso hit her second three-run homer of the twin bill. Jensyn Koonce belted a two-run home run.
Koonce had a strong game in the circle as well, striking out four batters, giving up four runs, and surrendering one walk in five innings pitched to earn the complete-game victory.
Monroe will return to Flowers Park on Thursday afternoon for a doubleheader against NJCAA Division II Salem Community College. First pitch is set for 3 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 (
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