Rockford, IL – The Monroe University women's volleyball team is set to open its 2025 season at the OWT Tournament this weekend, with its first contest being Friday at 2:00 pm (1:00 pm CT) against #8 Illinois Central College.
 
"With a strong group of returners leading the way and a talented freshmen and transfer class adding depth and energy, we are excited for the challenges ahead," head coach Nephtali Delgado Reyes said. "I'm excited to lead this group of girls in my 14^th season."
 
The Mustangs return three of their top five players in sets played last season in outside hitters Jelena Peric and Fabiana Lopez, and middle blocker Flavia Pecora. Libero Mileyshka Melendez also returns in the hopes of continuing to climb up the program's all-time assist leaderboard.
 
The transfer class includes libero Emma Dedushaj (New Haven) and right-side hitter Deyja Tshibangu as Monroe looks to establish itself as a threat at the Division II level in 2025.
 
Monroe's opponent for game one is the Cougars from Illinois Central — a nationally-ranked program that finished last season at 32-15 and reached the Elite 8 of the NJCAA Tournament before losing to eventual champions Cowley County Community College.
 
The Cougars are just the beginning of a formidable schedule in Rockford. Later on Friday at 4:15 pm (3:15 pm CT), the Mustangs will take on #20 Mott Community College to round out the day. On Saturday, Monroe will face Lincoln Land Community College and Southeastern Community College before challenging two more ranked opponents on Sunday in #5 Parkland College and #17 Enterprise State Community College.
 
"Our schedule is packed with nationally ranked opponents, which will test us, but also prepare us for the goals we've set this season," Delgado Reyes said. "Every match is an opportunity to grow, compete, and push closer to becoming the team we know we can be."
 
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).
 
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).