| Displaying the flashes of brilliance that has characterized their dominance of the NJCAA, Division III over the past two years, the defending National Champion Monroe Lady Mustangs basketball team won their fourth consecutive Region XV Championship with a convincing 62-46 win over Hostos Community College in the Region XV Finals on Sunday, March 4. The tournament was held at Westchester Community College. As a result, Monroe (28-2) has again qualified for the national tournament, which will be held March 15-17 at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. Last year Monroe won that tournament and was crowned undefeated national champions. “We set the bar pretty high for ourselves,” Coach Seth Goodman said after Sunday’s game. “So while we’re thrilled and proud to have taken the Region again, it’s a step toward our main goal, and that is another national championship.” With a stellar 14 point, 13 rebound, 4 assist, and 5 steal performance in the Region Final, Monroe sophomore guard Angela Pace followed up her designation as Region XV Player-of-the-Year with a Tournament MVP trophy. Monroe’s other Angela, sophomore forward Angela Speight, who had 10 points and 8 rebounds against Hostos, was named to the All-tournament team. Sunday’s win in the Finals was Monroe’s 82nd consecutive win over a Region XV opponent. In fact they haven’t lost to any Division III team since the National Final in 2005. Along the way, Monroe has had an overall winning streak of 47 games and their current home winning streak is still alive at 36-games. The Lady Mustangs had reached Sunday’s Final by defeating Queensborough Community College 103-28 in the Quarterfinals, and Nassau 63-29 in the Semifinals |