Arnold, MD – The Dragons scored two second half goals to win a second consecutive regional/district championship and earned their place in the NJCAA Division III National Tournament.

Head coach Kate Seagroves was thrilled to see her team earn their way back to nationals for a second straight year, "This win was well deserved. These girls fought all season long. As a coach, I have never gone to nationals back-to-back, so this is something very special. Now we have a chance to compete for a national championship and this is the team to do it. I am extremely proud for the opportunity to coach this team."

The Dragons nearly took the early lead just five minutes into the game as Madalyn Nichols (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg) had a powerful shot rock the crossbar followed by a Rebecca Herriotts (Glenwood, MD/Mt. Airy Christian) shot that was saved by Eagles goalkeeper Brianna Chun. After that, it was a largely subdued first half that saw a battle of attrition in the middle of the field with few chances on goal for either team.

Once again it was Nichols with a great chance right after kick-off as she drove through the middle of the Eagles defense which opened her up to hit a hard and low shot that was saved by Chun. Two minutes later, Lillian Scott (Catonsville, MD/Catonsville) put through a beautiful pass to Nichols who hit a hard shot right at the Eagles keeper.

Nichols was ready to check the dimensions of the goal in the 64^th minute as another great shot struck the crossbar and bounced harmlessly away to the dismay of the Howard faithful.

Oxford was content to allow the Dragons possession as their counterattack appeared to be their best chance at the Howard goal. A tough battle in the middle of the field gave the Eagles a chance at a fast break as Emma Alonso was set free behind the Howard defensive line, but goalkeeper Hailey Murray (Catonsville, MD/Catonsville) was quick off the line and was able to snag the ball off Alonso's foot.

The breakthrough finally came in the 77^th minute as a great run down the right side by Nichols got her past the Eagles defense with their only option being a foul in the box. Nichols put the ball on the penalty spot and sent the keeper the wrong way with a shot to the right side of the net for her 29^th goal of the year.

Nichols was delighted to come through for her team once again, "Once I head the whistle and knew I got the call for the penalty kick, I stayed focused and kept my mindset just like I have always practiced. As soon as it left my foot, I knew it was going right where I wanted it to and then the feeling I felt after with my team was just indescribable."

Howard nearly doubled their lead a minute later as a cross by Allison Sturm (Mt. Airy, MD/South Carroll) just missed the wide open Nichols for a tap in. However the Dragons did not have to wait long for the all-important insurance goal as a cross into the box by Emily Delaney (Catonsville, MD/Catonsville) was helped on by Mya McConnell (Columbia, MD/Howard) to Scott who scored from close range for her seventh goal of the season.

With time running low, the Dragons pulled back into their own territory and were able to stalwartly see out the rest of the game and celebrate the clock hitting zeros.

The Dragons had five players named to the All-Tournament team including Murray, Delaney, Scott, Nichols and Kylie Toler (Fulton, MD/Reservoir). Toler, who was an All-American as a freshman last year for the Dragons, understands what this win meant for the team, "It feels great to make history for the best coaches ever. We have worked so hard this season to get where we are and accomplish our goal of winning another regional championship.

Howard will head to the campus of Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, NY for the eight-team national tournament that will take place from November 14-17.