MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx Express softball team split a road doubleheader against NJCAA Division II Orange County Community College on Sunday afternoon, earning a 3-2 victory in Game 1 before falling 12-0 in Game 2 at Orange County Field.
The victory in the opening game extended the Express' winning streak to five games.
"We had a really great day on the softball field," Express Head Coach
Lauren Farina said. "We are looking forward to having continued success and we are excited for the rest of the season."
In Game 1, Monroe (6-22) edged out a tightly contested 3-2 win despite being held to just two hits. The Express capitalized on key moments early and in the middle innings to secure the victory. Monroe struck first in the opening inning, as pressure on the bases led to an error that allowed the game's first run to score. Orange County answered in the second to tie things, but the Express regained control in the fourth inning.
Tiara Desanto reached base to spark the rally before
Karla Recio Rodriguez delivered Monroe's lone hit of the inning. A wild pitch brought in the go-ahead run, and
Nevaeh Feliciano followed with an RBI ground out to extend the lead to 3-1. Orange County (9-7) added a run in the fifth, but Monroe's defense held firm the rest of the way.
In the circle,
Kimberly Coste was outstanding in relief, earning the win after tossing 4 2/3 innings and allowing just one unearned run while limiting Orange County to two hits. Recio Rodriguez started the game and worked through early traffic before handing things off. The Express' defense turned two double plays to help preserve the win.
Bridget O'Leary was charged with the loss for Orange County.
In Game 2, Orange County took control early and never looked back, defeating Monroe 12-0 in five innings. The Colts scored two runs in the first inning and exploded for six more in the second to break the game open. Monroe struggled to generate offense, finishing with just two hits in the contest.
Rossel Hercules led Monroe at the plate with a double, while
Ebony Hernandez added a single. However, the Express were unable to string together scoring opportunities against Orange County starter Taylor Horaz, who tossed a complete-game shutout and struck out six.
Brianny Estepan took the loss for Monroe, while
Darlene Pena Puente and Coste also saw time in the circle as the Express worked to contain the Colts' offense.
Monroe will return home on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for a Region 15 doubleheader against Dutchess Community College at Flowers Park in New Rochelle, N.Y. First pitch is scheduled for noon, with Game 2 set to begin 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
www.MonroeExpress.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (
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