NEWTOWN, Pa. – The Monroe University – Bronx softball team displayed a relentless offensive attack on Saturday afternoon, securing a doubleheader sweep over Bucks County Community College by scores of 19-14 and 20-11 at Centurion Field. The Express bats were electric throughout the day, combining for 39 runs and 39 hits across the two contests.
Ebony Hernandez had a productive afternoon for the Express with three home runs during the doubleheader, including two in Game 1. She went 6-for-9 with eight RBIs and seven runs in the twin bill.
In the opening game, Monroe jumped out to an early lead with a four-run first inning, highlighted by an RBI double off the bat of
Rossel Hercules and a two-run single from
Melissa Martinez.
Bucks County (3-11) countered with four runs of its own to tie it up.
The Express broke the game open in the second frame with a nine-run outburst, fueled by two home runs by Hernandez, an RBI single each by
Karla Recio Rodriguez and
Brianny Estepan, and a two-run single courtesy of
Nevaeh Feliciano. Hernandez's first homer broke the 4-4 tie and her second round-tripper was a two-run shot that padded Monroe's lead to 13-4.
Despite a late push from the Centurions, Monroe held firm to secure the 19-14 victory.
Hernandez was a force in Game 1, finishing 3-for-5 with the two homers and she drove in three runs.
Tiara Desanto provided major production as well, going 4-for-5 with a solo home run, three runs scored, and a trio of RBIs. Martinez and Hercules each contributed three hits and two RBIs to the winning effort. Hercules drilled two doubles, while Martinez lined a double of her own.
Nevaeh Feliciano went 3-for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in.
Brianny Estepan earned the win in the circle for the Express in the opener, battling through seven innings and striking out 12 batters. She received plenty of support from a defense that worked through a high-scoring affair to seal the win.
Janelle Mendez started for Bucks County and took the loss.
The momentum carried directly into the nightcap as the Express' offense continued to roll. After trailing 3-0 in the first, Monroe erupted for seven runs in the second inning and another seven in the fourth to pull away. The Blue and Gold punctuated the victory with a three-run fifth inning to end the game via the run rule, 20-11.
"We really feel like the team has started to find its footing and we are hitting our stride," Express Head Coach
Lauren Farina said. "Every part of the lineup worked hard today. It was a major team victory!"
In Game 2, Hercules led the way by going 4-for-5, including a double, with four runs scored and three RBIs. Hernandez remained hot with three hits, including her third round-tripper of the twin bill, and four RBIs. Recio Rodriguez produced two hits, scored a run, and tallied an RBI. The Express were also aggressive on the basepaths, recording several stolen bases to keep the pressure on the Centurions' defense.
Kimberly Coste handled the pitching duties in Game 2, throwing a complete game to earn the victory. She limited the damage during the Centurions' early rallies and shut the door in the final frame.
Allison Micklo started for Bucks County and took the loss in the second contest.
With the sweep, the Express improve to 5-21 overall and have now won four consecutive games. Monroe will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they continue its road swing against NJCAA Division II Orange County Community College on Sunday, April 12, at Colt Softball Field in Middletown, N.Y. First pitch is set for noon, followed by the second game starting at 2 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
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