Columbia, MD – The Dragons came in confident fresh off a win at Chesapeake on Monday, but were unable to maintain that momentum as they fell to Northern Virginia in straight sets 25-5, 25-17, 25-14.

The Northern Virginia Nighthawks came into the match having won five of the last seven matches with the only two losses coming against the powerhouse Montgomery squad.

Howard looked good out of the gates, matching NOVA 4-4 early in the match before the Nighthawks went on an astounding 20 point run.

A better showing by the Dragons in the second and third sets kept the score close, but NOVA was able to pull away for a straight set victory

Mumbi Murugi-Kamau (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) led the way with 11 kills while the new setter Sydney Tucker () picked up 11 assists and four aces along the way while new libero Jasmyn Bumbray (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) led with eight digs.

The Dragons will now prepare to play in the Raptor Invitational at Montgomery College where they will take on Potomac State, Community College of Rhode Island and Southern Maryland on September 29 and 30.