In the season opener for the Howard Community College women's lacrosse team, the Dragons took advantage of a fast start to soar past the Cougars 12-3.

After the team lost a couple of All-Americans to graduation, this year's team needed to answer the question of who would pick up the torch; especially on the offensive side. That question was answered quickly as sophomore star Rebeka Coughlin (Sykesville, MD, Liberty HS) and freshman phenom Cassidy Delaney (Ellicott City, MD, Marriotts Ridge High School) dominated on draw controls with 3 each as well as goal scoring as Delaney finished with 4 goals and 2 assists while the normal dishmaster Coughlin added a hat trick of her own. Another freshman attacker Gannon Costello (Ellicott City, MD, Seton Keough High School) utilzed her size and ability to score a couple of goals herself while Heather Veli (Burtonsville, MD, Blake High School) added a goal and 2 assists in the start of her second season. 

On the defensive side, captain Nicole Cote (Elkridge, MD, Long Reach High School) made no mistake as to who was in charge on this field as she led a shut down defensive crew that allowed only 9 shots in the entire contest. Cote gobbled 3 groundballs on the day while also scoring a goal in transition with fellow defensive standout Danielle Spencer (Rockville, MD, Richard Montgomery High School) adding 2 ground balls and 4 caused turnovers while also proving dangerous in the transition game. The 2015 All-Region and All-Conference goalkeeper Ellie Garvey (Elkridge, MD, Francis Scott Key) began her quest to an even better season with 6 saves on 9 shots and was as ever a dominating presence in the crease.

For the FCC Cougars playing in their first season of the newly formed program, a win in their first game against Potomac State surely gave the talented squad confidence in their ability to hang with the more established programs. However, it was the Dragons suffocating defense that forced the Cougars into 12 turnovers on clear attempts on their way to being successful just 50% of attempts. The Cougars did have a bright spot on the day as Sydny Dudley scored all 3 goals and Morgan Landerman assisted on a couple of them along with goalkeeper Mary Reich finishing with 13 saves on the day. Ultimately, the score could have been a lot more lopsided as the Dragons hit the post on 8 different occurances outshooting FCC 42-9 in the game. 

The Dragons will go on the road for their next contest as they face the College of Southern Maryland on Saturday March 12th as part of a lacrosse doubleheader. The women's game is scheduled to begin at noon while the men's game will start immediately following the conclusion of the first game.