HUTCHINSON, Kan., November 22, 2019 – The No. 16 seed Monroe College Mustangs women's volleyball team's run at the 2019 NJCAA Div. I Volleyball Championships came to an end on Friday, as the Mustangs fell in four sets to No. 9 New Mexico Military Institute at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Much like their first-round matchup against No. 1 Navarro College, the Mustangs turned in another strong effort, but ultimately were unable to pick up the victory.
 
A five-point run early in the opening set turned a three-point lead into an 8-6 deficit for the Mustangs. Four straight points shortly after had Monroe on top, 13-10. A 3-0 run later in the set took the lead away from the Broncos and put the Mustangs ahead, 18-16. The Mustangs had a 20-19 lead late in the frame, but the Broncos scored six straight points to close it out and pick up a 25-20 win.
 
The Mustangs opened the second set on a 7-1 run and later jumped out to a 9-2 lead. The Broncos responded with an 8-1 run, tying the set up at 10-10. The streaky set continued with the Mustangs rattling off 9-of-10 points to go up, 19-11. The Broncos chipped away late, including four straight points while the Mustangs had set point, but Monroe got the job done to grab a 25-23 win and tie the match at 1-1.
 
The Mustangs used a four-point run to take a 7-4 lead in the third stanza, but the Broncos quickly closed the gap. The teams traded leads throughout the set, seeing the Mustangs take a narrow 19-18 advantage late in the game. Four straight by the Broncos then put them up, 22-19. The Mustangs were able to get within two, but the Broncos scored three of the last four points to take a 25-21 win and a 2-1 lead in the match.
 
The Mustangs once again had the early momentum and took a 5-2 lead in the fourth frame. Four straight points later on had Monroe on top, 12-6. The Mustangs continued to lead, going up, 23-17, before the Broncos made a big run late in the set. Six straight points tied up the game at 23. The Mustangs scored the next point to reach set point, but the Broncos picked up the next two for match point. Monroe got one back to tie, but the Broncos tallied the final two points to grab a 27-25 win and a 3-1 victory.
 
Masoomeh Angooti had her second double-double of the tournament on Friday, totaling 12 kills and 10 digs, as well as a pair of blocks and an ace. Giulia La Longa led the team with 13 kills and made five blocks in the match. Zassmine Birdwell had 10 kills and a team-high six blocks. Both Mustang setters had double-doubles in the match, as Alondra Garcia registered 25 assists and 13 digs, while Yarianne Gonzalez had 15 assists and 10 digs. Melanie Orsini led the way with 23 digs. Alondra Ramos contributed six kills and 14 digs.
 
Friday's defeat ends the season for the Mustangs, who finish the year with a 27-14 overall record. The Mustangs had another impressive run to make it to the national tournament, putting in a terrific effort in Alabama at the Gulf Atlantic District Championships to capture the District B Title. Head Coach Nephtali Delgado Reyes was presented with the 2019 NJCAA District B Coach of the Year award during the national tournament. The Mustangs qualified for the NJCAA Championship tournament for the fourth straight year in 2019.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 31 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 12 teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
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).