NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., March 27, 2024 – The Monroe College Mustangs men's volleyball team held its first-ever Sophomore Night on Wednesday before closing out the regular season against the Monroe College Express at the Monroe Athletic Complex. The Mustangs defeated the Express in three sets, improve to 23-5 overall and a perfect 8-0 in Region 15 play this season.
The Mustangs got off to a quick start by taking a 9-2 lead over the Express early in the opening set. Four straight points later put the Mustangs up by 10, with another four straight later on making it a 21-7 score. The Mustangs had one more 4-0 run to close out the opening set, securing a 25-8 win to go up, 1-0.
The Mustangs ran out to a 5-1 lead to open the second stanza, but the Express scored 3-for-4 to get back within two. The Mustangs later turned an 8-5 lead into an 11-5 edge. The Mustangs then used eight straight points to take a commanding 20-7 advantage over the Express. The Express were able to make a late push, but it was not enough in the end, seeing the Mustangs claim a 25-12 win to take a two-set lead.
The Mustangs caught fire in the third frame. After taking a narrow 3-2 lead, the Mustangs scored six straight to go up, 9-2. They then went on a 9-1 run to take an 18-4 edge over the Express. The Express scored 5-of-8 points to make it a 21-9 lead for the Mustangs late in the game. The Mustangs scored the next three to reach match point, but the Express delayed it a bit with three more points before the Mustangs were able to wrap things up with a 25-12 win.
The Mustangs spread the wealth in Wednesday's win, with
Damian Baker and
Briggs Wieboldt sharing the team lead with five kills. Baker also registered four blocks, two digs and an ace. Wieboldt picked up a team-high three digs with a block and an ace of his own.
Arnau Riu Giralt and
Gabriel Stokes were next with four kills apiece, with Stokes also making three blocks.
Timothy Reyes handed out 19 assists while making three blocks with two digs and an ace.
Joe Kieler had two kills and two aces, while
Joriel Delgado had two kills, two digs and an ace.
Devounte Bennett served up two aces of his own.
The Mustangs are now set to host the inaugural Region 15 Championship tournament next Saturday, April 6, at the Monroe Athletic Complex. The tournament will begin at 12 p.m. featuring the top four teams in Region 15.
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 28 teams competing across nine sports. There are 20 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well the Monroe College 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.
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at
www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (
Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (
@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (
@monroemustangs).
