NEW ROCHELLE, NY — For the seventh time in head coach Nephtali Delgado Reyes’ seven years at the helm of the Monroe College women’s volleyball program, the No. 20-ranked Mustangs captured the Regional Championship after defeating Harford College, 3-0, Friday evening at the Monroe Athletic Complex. The Mustangs also continued their dominance on their home court, and are yet to lose a single set at the MAC this season.
The Mustangs rushed out to a 9-2 lead early on in the first set, forcing the Fighting Owls to take their first timeout of the evening. Following the timeout, the Mustangs strung together a 10-3 run, taking a 19-5 edge before the Fighting Owls used another timeout. Monroe’s momentum continued after the break, claiming six of the final eight points for a 25-7 win and a 1-0 lead in the match.
The Fighting Owls opened the second frame by taking the first point, but the Mustangs responded by taking 10 in a row. Harford managed to get a few back, but the Mustangs pushed their lead out to 19-5, forcing Harford to take its second timeout. Monroe came right back with the same rhythm, closing out the set with a 25-7 score for a 2-0 lead on the evening.
The Mustangs got off to a slower start in the third frame, holding just a 7-5 lead, but they found a rhythm and scored five in a row for a 12-5 advantage, forcing another timeout. After the break, the Mustangs scored 8-of-9 to take a 20-6 lead and make Harford take their final timeout. Nothing could break the Mustangs’ momentum on Friday, as they closed out the match with the final five points to capture the Regional Title.
Marissa Hackett, Keyshla Laureano Perez and Nerealice Quirindongo threw down eight kills apiece to lead all scorers on the evening. Quirindongo hit .889, while both Laureano Perez and Hackett hit .583. Hackett and Kyla Kaloi each had a pair of blocks. Nashally Eleutiza led the floor with 15 digs while also serving up five aces. Alexis Baer and Daline Rios both had strong nights with 18 and 16 assists, respectively.
The Mustangs will host the 2017 District P Championship on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Monroe Athletic Complex. They will take on the winner of Spartanburg Methodist College and Andrew College, who will play on Saturday, Oct. 28, for their own Regional Championship. Next Saturday’s District Championship match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
