COLUMBIA, MD - The #1 nationally ranked Harford Fighting Owls continued where they left off, defeating the #5 ranked Howard Dragons 18-5. The Dragons fall to 0-3 on the season while the Fighting Owls go to 1-0.

Harford jumped out to a 5-0 lead before the Dragons got on the board thanks to a fast break on a man-up. Cyrus Frid-Denikos (Elkridge, MD/Howard) had his initial shot saved, but JT Harich (Point of Rocks, MD/Brunswick) was there to get the rebound and stuff it in from close range. Joe Hathaway (New Market, MD/Oakdale) added a second Howard goal in the first quarter as he was able to dodge his man and bounce a shot past the Harford goalkeeper. 

The Fighting Owls went on another 5-0 run before the Dragons answered back late in the second quarter. Frid-Denikos picked up a rebounded Harich shot and was able to slam it home while absorbing a huge hit to break the Harford streak. With that hit drawing another Harford penalty, the Dragons took advantage with a Joe Patti (Orlando, FL/Dr. Phillips) fadeaway jump shot that was bounced in the net. 

Howard made it three in a row a couple minutes later as a great Harich feed from the top of the zone found a wide open Patti in front of the net as the Dragons found some momentum to make it a 12-5 Harford lead at halftime.

Sadly for Howard, that would be the last time they scored in the game as they were shut out in the second half with Harford able to add to their lead and put the game away.

Rory Blanchard (New Market, MD/Oakdale) had a solid game in the face-off circle, going 12-26. Braden Chaney (Sykesville, MD/South Carroll) relieved Charlie Wendel (Glenwood, MD/Glenelg) to start the second quarter and made 17 saves on 27 shots.

The Dragons will have a good opportunity to rebound favorably as they next travel to Delaware Tech on Friday, March 8 at 6 PM. Delaware Tech is currently 0-2 on the year after a 26-6 loss at Anne Arundel.