Columbia, MD - A strong recruiting class combined with a couple of key returners has volleyball head coach Jake Achten increasing the expectations of his team.

The Dragons, who get their season going at Frederick on August 31 at 6 PM, has put together their strongest squad in years ready to rise up. Led be sophomore setter Mikaela Brewer (Gaithersburg, MD/Covenant Life) and All-American defensive specialist Eryca Sterling (Columbia,MD/Wilde Lake), it will be the new comers that all eyes will turn to including middle hitter Brenna Siperko (Ellicott City, MD/Mt.Hebron) and outside hitter Morgan Conner (Sandy Spring, MD/Sherwood).

Howard will enjoy their first home volleyball match in three years on Wednesday, September 7 at 6 PM in what will be a triumphant return. This will be the last season played in the Athletics and Fitness Center as the building that was constructed in 1970 will be torn down and replaced with the new Mathematics and Athletics Center. 

The Dragons will face their first divisional match at home on Friday, September 9 as Penn Highlands comes to the Dragons Lair for a 6 PM match before hitting the road for three straight matches. Howard will play host games on back-to-back days with Potomac State on September 29 and Cecil on September 30.

After a trip to North Carolina to face a couple of unfamiliar foes in USC Lancaster and Lenoir, Howard will host Harford and Chesapeake in the regular season finale on October 12 and 14 respectively before preparing for the regional tournament at Butler County CC on October 22.