Columbia, MD – The gym at Howard Community College was electric Wednesday night as the HCC Dragons' volleyball team delivered a powerful performance, sweeping Frederick Community College in three straight sets.

From the opening serve, the Dragons controlled the tempo. Howard dominated set #1 with a commanding 25-15 victory. The second set saw Frederick start to figure out the game plan and hit their stride, as they lost by a closer 25-22 margin.

Frederick regrouped in the third set and looked like they were going to take the advantage away from the Dragons. The Cougars went on to score 12 unanswered points towards the end of set three, going from down 6-14 to suddenly leading at 18-14. This was in huge part to the spectacular play from Brynn Cochran, who finished the game with 13 kills to lead all players. The Dragons however, managed the claw back into the set. Back-to-back aces from Stefamae Barquillia (Samar, The Philippines/Einstein) got the Dragons back on track, and they retook the lead to win set three 25-20. 

Arianna Layne (Bridgetown, Barbados/Combermere School) led her team with 12 kills throughout the match and kept Frederick's blockers guessing. Cheyenne Ellis (Eldersburg, MD/Century), as she has done all season, led the Dragons in assists with 28. Abigail Leis (Ellicott City, MD/Mt. Hebron) had an outstanding game as well. She led the team in blocks with two, sending the ball back ferociously towards Frederick. Barquillia led the team in digs with 29, some of which were diving plays to earn crucial points.

The win improves Howard's record to 6-6 and 5-6 in conference play, and adds to their growing confidence as the postseason approaches. With performances like this, it's clear the Dragons are finding momentum and playing well down the final stretch of games.

Howard Community College will suit up again on Saturday Oct. 4th, at 10:00 am for a Tri-Match vs Cecil College and Allegany College of Maryland.