Columbia, MD - Howard Community College's women's soccer team snatched their first victory of the season on Saturday, defeating Allegany College of Maryland 3-0.

The Dragons took an early lead, then erupted for two more goals in the second to pull away. Howard managed 21 shots, three times more than their past two games combined. Three different players scored, while the defense kept the Trojans scoreless all day long.

Both teams struggled to shoot early thanks to rainy conditions. The Dragons showed strength, breaking through Allegany's defense several times. The dam broke when Kaily Ok (Hanover, MD/Marriotts Ridge) scored in the 21st minute, giving Howard a 1-0 lead at the half.

The second half saw the Dragons offense take control. Ok, Evelyn Montoya (Hyattsville, MD/Parkdale), and Jennifer Reyes (Columbia, MD/Capital City) kept the pressure on Allegany's defense, with Reyes scoring in the 58th minute to make it 2-0. The final goal came from captain Yoselin Ortiz Cruz (Alexandria, VA/Alexandria City) in the 67th minute. Cruz's goal came off a corner kick that snaked into the corner of the net. With temporary goalkeeper Kehinde Akinsehinwa (Baltimore, MD/Prince & Princess International Academy) pitching a shutout and defender Aquetzali Hernandez-Tapia (Bladensburg, MD/Bladensburg) doing her part by breaking up Allegany plays, the Dragons secured their first win of the season.

Ok finished with one goal, five shots on goal, and six shots. Cruz had three shots, two shots on goal, and a goal. Reyes added five shots, two shots on goal, and a goal. Montoya added two shots and an assist, while Akinsehinwa had 13 saves.

Next up for the Dragons is an away game against WVU Potomac State on Tuesday, September 17.