Washington D.C. -  In the first round of the prestigious Title IX Holiday Classic, the Howard Dragons fell to local rivals Frederick 69-37.

Howard got out to a slow start in a low scoring first half. A strong third quarter gave them some momentum back, but the Cougars were able to hold on in the end.

Tyteana Seymore (Washington, D.C./Columbia Heights) led the way for Howard with 13 points and seven rebounds. Mia McCormick (Philadelphia, PA/River Hill) scored seven points with Ashlyn McInerney (Hyattsville, MD/Hammond) adding five.

The Dragons will take on Cecil College in their second game of the tournament at 4:30 PM on Saturday, December 28.