Essex, MD - The Dragons traveled to CCBC Essex with just six healthy players and were unable to break through as the Knights won in straight sets 25-13, 25-20, 25-12.

Howard struggled to get the offense going in the first set despite a couple kills from Rachel Dotson (Columbia, MD/Long Reach) and two blocks from Sacha Radelet (Chaumont, Belgium/Lycu Marin V).

The hard hitting Sydney Tucker () led the Dragons to a competitive second set with a trio of kills and a block, but the Knights held on thanks to outside hitter Ann Benzinger and her 12 kills in the match.

Tucker and Dotson added two more kills each in the third set, but the Dragons struggled with their service reception allowing Essex to rack up 17 aces in the match.

Setter Jasmyn Bumbray (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) earned a double-double with 13 assists and 10 digs whole Elizabeth Quintin (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) added six digs and three blocks to the effort.

The Dragons will prepare for another Maryland based foe on September 18 as Hagerstown comes to the Dragons Lair for a 7 PM match.