Hagerstown, MD - A strong season opener by sophomore Sydnei Harmon (Largo, MD/Flowers) highlighted a close match that saw the Dragons fall in straight sets 25-11, 25-23, 25-23 to the Hagerstown Hawks.

Howard had to shake off some early season rust as they were unable to get into a groove in the first set. Things started to click for the ladies in maroon in the second and third sets, but they were unable to break through in the end.

Harmon swatted down a career high 15 kills along with a couple of blocks as the veteran middle hitter looks to have an increased role in her second season. Freshman Vanessa Miller (Germantown, MD/Gaithersburg) scored 10 kills in her Dragon debut along with 11 digs for her first double-double. Libero Stefamae Barquillia (Philippines/Einstein) had 22 digs to lead the defensive efforts while also adding an ace to her name. Makayla Holland (Gaithersburg, MD/Gaithersburg) got her collegiate setting career off to a good start with 28 assists and 12 digs with no ball handling errors.

The Dragons will play their first home game of the season on Tuesday, August 29 at 7 PM against the Frederick Cougars. The match will be played at nearby Atholton High School in Columbia, MD as the new athletic complex continues to be under construction.