Cedar Rapids, Iowa -  Monroe University saw its postseason run come to a close on Thursday evening, falling 3-0 to Iowa Central in its third and final match at the NJCAA Division II Volleyball Championship. The Mustangs finish the year at 35-8, securing another national tournament appearance and a strong campaign under head coach Nephtali Delgado Reyes.

Monroe put together competitive stretches in all three sets, but the Tritons' offensive efficiency proved too much as Iowa Central claimed the match 25-16, 25-22, 25-18. The Mustangs totaled 29 kills on a .146 attack clip, highlighted by a team-best 9 kills from Fabiana Lopez, who added 7 digs and a service ace. Deyja Tshibangu closed her tournament with 8 kills on a .280 hitting percentage, while Jelena Peric contributed 6 kills at .333.

Setter Mileyshka Melendez handed out 16 assists and added 6 digs. Libero Emma Dedushaj led the floor defense with 12 digs, followed by Annie Callen with 8. At the net, Monroe recorded 8 block assists, paced by Tshibangu and Flavia Pecora with 3 each.

Iowa Central hit .297 on 47 kills, led by Talya Sampson's 22-kill performance and Shirley Monaghan's 13.

Despite the loss, the Mustangs close the season with another 35-win year, a national tournament berth, and multiple standout individual performances across three days in Cedar Rapids.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University 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.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).