BRONX, N.Y., September 21, 2017 – The Monroe College women's rugby team played the first contest in program history at Fordham University on Sunday. In an impressive performance, the Mustangs took down the Rams, 14-5, to pick up the program's first-ever victory.
 
Sunday's victory is a testament to the hard work the Mustangs have put in throughout the preseason, as many of Monroe's athletes had not played the sport prior to arriving on campus in August. Though a number of mistakes were made during the game, the Mustangs showed character and determination throughout and demonstrated strong defense and physicality to help keep the Rams off the scoreboard.
 
Monroe took the lead in the first half with a try by captain Brenda Doctors, who ran 60 meters to score under the posts after some great work from Fatima Edwards off the back of the scrum. Center Susai Wise added the conversion to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead. Strong play and a great individual finish by the Fordham scrum half pulled the Rams back within two at 7-5 just before the half.
 
Monroe continued to show its toughness on defense in the second half, keeping the Rams out of the try zone. The Mustangs were able to capitalize on some strong running from the forwards, as they kept the ball alive and were able to release fly half Neyri Melgado for the second try of the game. Wise once again was good on the conversion to make it a 14-5 game.
 
Monroe will play its second contest on Saturday, Sept. 23, when the Mustangs visit Drew University in Madison, N.J. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 18 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's rugby, and the newly added club women's rugby team, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Monroe Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, will have six teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level beginning in the fall of 2017.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe College Athletics), Twitter (@Monroe_Mustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs), and follow the Monroe rugby teams on Twitter (@MonroeRugby) and Instagram (@monroemustangsrugby)