LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Express women's volleyball team remained perfect in Region 15 play on Thursday evening, sweeping LaGuardia Community College, 3-0, at the LaGuardia Sports Gym. The Express won by scores of 25-20, 25-8, and 25-20 to improve to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in Region 15.
Darilenia Paulino and Yamelyn Bonilla led the Express from the service line, recording seven aces apiece. Nicole Garrett added five aces, while Paulino also tallied 24 assists.
Sarai Hernandez paced Monroe with seven kills, while Bonilla and Ayleenee Salbitani Lopez each contributed five kills. Robyn Eddy led the Express at the net with three blocks and added five putdowns on offense.
Monroe jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the opening set behind four early aces from Paulino. After LaGuardia battled back to make it 22-20, the Express closed out the set with three consecutive points.
The Blue and Gold dominated the second set, racing to a 13-4 advantage before cruising to a 25-8 victory. Monroe then overcame an early 4-1 deficit in the third set, using a 9-0 run to take control and eventually secure the sweep.
"A win hits different when the whole squad gets to touch the court," Express Head Coach Odaly Aponte-Orta said. "Tonight, everyone contributed, everyone got their moment, and the Express kept rolling. Whole team. One mission. One win."
Bonilla and Jopnerys Espinal Chalas each recorded nine digs to lead the Express defensively, while Monroe finished with 27 kills, 24 aces, 26 assists, 34 digs, and three blocks.
For LaGuardia (2-5, 2-5 Region 15), Hannah Tenger led the Red Hawks with four kills and four aces, while Rylie Soto recorded seven assists and 10 digs.
Monroe returns to action at Roberto Clemente State Park Gym on Tuesday, September 22, for another round against LaGuardia. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
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