New Rochelle, N.Y. – Ten Mustangs softball players were honored during an emotional pre-game ceremony on Friday's Sophomore Day as coaches and Athletic Director Lou Melendez recognized the sophomores for their contributions to Monroe's program. The 10 sophomores feted were Carly Coleman, Leidaly Garcia, Joansley Espinal, Tara Sasso, Maranda Diaz, Cassidy Wootten, Chayne Dauo, Lillybeth Lopez, Yalitza Rodriguez and Chae Padron. Game photos and flowers were given to each player as part of the ceremony.
 
In the game that followed, Monroe was bested by SUNY Orange, 11-2.
 
The festive mood quickly sobered as a potential two-run-homer by Rodriguez was disallowed in the first inning after umpires ruled that she missed second base.  
 
The Colts jumped out to a 7-0 lead with four runs in the second and three more in the third.  The Mustangs responded with a rally in their half of the third.  Padron reached on an error and Yeisy Cruz ran for her.  Cruz moved to second on a sacrifice and got to third on another error.  From there, she scored on the back end of a double steal as Garcia took second and she stole home.
 
SUNY Orange responded with two more runs in the top of the fourth. They led 9-1 heading into the bottom of the inning.  Monroe would get on the board once again.  With one out, Diaz blasted a triple to right-center and scored on an overthrow to third.  She also made a pair of sparkling defensive plays at short in the sixth and seventh innings.  The Colts went on to win 11-2.

The Monroe College softball team is now 8-14 for the season.  They face Burlington County College on Sunday for a doubleheader in Pemberton, NJ.  The first pitch is slated for noon.