Columbia, MD - The Howard Community College Dragons had one goal in mind this season; make the playoffs. They accomplished that and so much more on Wednesday night, as they stunned defending Region 20 champions Harford with a 3-2 victory heard around the Region 20 volleyball world!

Behind a career-defining performance from Abigail Leis (Ellicott City, MD/Mt. Hebron), the Dragons forged a 2-0 lead, held off a comeback from the Fighting Owls, and took the final set by five points to clinch a berth in the Region 20 tournament!

The Dragons opened Wednesday's contest by honoring their sophomores, then opened the contest with a bang, Howard narrowly won the first two sets,bolstered by aggresive defensive play from Stefamae Barquillia (Samar, The Philippines/Einstein) and Cheyenne Ellis (Eldersburg, MD/Century). Howard took the first set 25-23, then set two 25-21. They were aided by an injury to one of Harford's starters, preventing the Fighting Owls from making substitutions.

Harford woke up in the third set, taking an early lead and dominating the set to a 25-19 win. They continued to control the fourth set, but late in the period, the tide began to turn once more. A stellar kill from Leis woke the Dragons out of their lull, and although Harford took the win 25-22, the Dragons had come alive.

Set five belonged to Leis. The sophomore smashed in six kills alone in the period to secure the win, including the final two. Her last kill broke through a Harford block to win the set 15-10, and Leis was left mobbed by her teammates as the Dragons celebrated their victory.

Leis scored a career-high 17 kills on the night for the Dragons. Arianna Layne (Bridgetown, Barbados/Combermere School) added ten kills and 12 digs, while Zyon Austin (Odenton, MD/Meade) added nine kills and 18 digs. Ellis led the Dragons with 42 assists, while Barquillia had 42 digs.

The Dragons next head to the Region 20 tournament, where they will face either Garrett College or Allegany College of Maryland once final seeding is finished!