Frederick, MD – The new look Dragons took a strong Frederick team to four sets, but ultimately downed in their season opener 3-1.
Frederick came into the match having a 2-3 record and plenty of seasoning against a Howard team playing in their season debut. The Cougars came out firing early on, using a 7-0 run late in the set to take the first set 25-19. Howard jumped out to a 17-1 lead in the second set as the talent and promise of the Dragons squad truly shown through. Frederick fought their way back to get within four, but an ace from
Mikaela Brewer (Gaithersburg, MD/Covenant Life) and a slam by
Jessica Hendricks (Woodbine, MD/Covenant Life) helped to lead the Dragons to a 25-18 set two win.
The Cougars went on a 7-0 run midway through set three to take a 19-7 lead, but Howard responded back with a similar run to fight back into the set.
Brenna Siperko (Ellicott City, MD/Mt.Hebron) was able to spike down a couple of late points, but Frederick closed it out by the score of 25-19.
In the fourth set, the two teams seemed to exchange points back and forth throughout in a tense, exciting atmosphere that had the crowd energized throughout. Frederick was able to work up a 23-19 lead, but three straight points including an
Eryca Sterling (Columbia,MD/Wilde Lake) ace pulled the Dragons back. Up against double match point, the Dragons were able to fight back as Siperko's kill tied it up at 24-24 much to the delight of the strong Howard faithful in attendance. The Dragons won the next point to have a chance to steal away the set, but three straight Frederick points followed to give the home town team the 27-25 set win and the match.
Hendricks led the team with 12 kills with Siperko close behind with 10.
Morgan Conner (Sandy Spring, MD/Sherwood) had a strong all around performance with seven kills, seven aces and four digs while
Micaela Murray (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mill) had 13 digs on the defensive side. Brewer assisted on 32 points while also coming up with nine digs.
The Dragons will next return to Columbia for their first home match in three years as the Allegany College of Maryland Trojans come to town on Wednesday, September 7 at 6 PM.
