NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx softball team suffered a pair of losses to NJCAA Division II Salem Community College, by scores of 21-0 and 20-1, at Flowers Park on Thursday afternoon.
In Game 1, the Express (1-17) surrendered three runs in the opening inning to fall into a hole they were never able to climb out of.
The Mighty Oaks (15-9) poured on five runs in the second, three in the third, and 10 in the fifth.
For the Express in the opening game,
Rossel Hercules had a base hit and a walk.
Ebony Hernandez and
Nevaeh Feliciano each hit a single. In the circle,
Brianny Estepan started the game and took the loss.
For the Mighty Oaks, Lilly Peverelle hit a solo home run. Jaylene Aguirre and Megan Koski each went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. The former scored four runs, and the latter stole three bases. In the circle, Raegan Wilson earned the complete-game shutout victory by striking out nine batters, giving up three hits, and walking only one batter in five innings pitched.
In Game 2, Emme Witter hit a two-run homer in the top of the fourth inning that capped a four-run frame for the Mighty Oaks.
The Express got one of those runs back in the bottom of the first thanks to a leadoff home run off the bat of
Tiara Desanto, her second round-tripper of the year.
Unfortunately for the Blue and Gold, Salem pulled away by scoring four runs in the second, six in the third, and six more in the fifth on its way to the win and the sweep.
For the Express during the second game, Hercules reached base with a single.
Suki "Ren" Reyes produced a walk. Estepan once again took the loss in the circle.
For the Mighty Oaks during the second contest, Aguirre drilled two home runs, including a grand slam in the top of the fifth, compiled six RBIs, and scored three times. Witter went 4-for-5 with a home run, a triple, and two runs batted in. Peverelle stole five bases, had two hits, worked two walks, and scored a pair of runs. Tiana Wilson belted a solo home run. In the circle, Witter struck out nine batters, gave up just two hits, surrendered one walk, and let up a run in five innings pitched to earn the complete-game victory.
Monroe will hit the road on Saturday for a doubleheader against Community College of Rhode Island. First pitch at Winslow Field 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.
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