Essex, MD - A 10-0 run to start the game allowed the CCBC Essex Knights to run away with an 18-5 victory over the Dragons.

Howard was held scoreless for the first 23 minutes before Kristen Ogle (Sykesville, MD/Century) was able to break the streak.

Madison Altenburg () and Noelle Dawson (Catonsville, MD/Kings Academy) scored in the first two minutes of the second half to give Howard some momentum, but Essex responded back with seven unanswered goals.

Maddie Reeser (Sykesville, MD/Century) and Cassandra Padelford scored the last two goals of the game to finish the game on a high note despite the final score.

Brianna Bucksell (Washington, DC/Oxon Hill) made 11 saves, nine of which came in a first half where the Knights got off 27 shots.

These two teams will complete the home-and-home series on Thursday, April 11 at 4 PM as the Dragons will look to avenge this loss against the Knights.