Columbia, MD - A new-look Howard Community College Dragons women's basketball team debuted on Saturday night with a big win, as HCC defeated Tidewater Community College Storm 66-40.

Three Dragons scored in double digits and two had double-digit rebounds as the Dragons won their sixth-consecutive season opener. Freshmen Emmanuella Oga (Randallstown, MD/Randallstown) and Savannah Price (Woodbridge, VA/Freedom) led the Dragons with 11 points each as Howard's offseason additions powered them to victory.

The pressure was on for the Dragons on opening night, as their opponent, Tidewater, was playing in their first collegiate contest. Out of the gate, the Dragons found themselves in a little bit of trouble. Howard struggled to find the basket early, while Tidewater's Mackenzie Whitehead sank a big pair of threes to keep the contest close. Howard led 15-12 after the first quarter and needed a kick-start to the second period. They found one in freshman Jolie Hamilton (Baltimore, MD/Forest Park), who scooped up seven rebounds to shut down Tidewater's shooting. With the Storm's offensive threat contained, the Dragons focused on spreading the ball and limiting mistakes. They were aided by a miserable day at the line by the Storm, as Tidewater shot 0-10 from the free throw line in the first half.

Up 30-22 at the half, the Dragons offense woke up in the third quarter. Returning sophomore Hannah Chambers (Columbia, MD/Hammond) got hot, dropping seven points in the period, and Oga hit a huge three to snuff out a Tidewater rally. Howard extended their lead to 50-33 entering the fourth, then put the game away for good. The Dragons scooped up 15 rebounds in the final ten minutes, and freshman Savannah Price (Woodbridge, VA/Freedom) hit two threes to finish off the Storm once and for all. Howard emptied their bench in the closing minutes, holding on to win by 26 points.

Oga finished the night with 11 points, three rebounds, and three steals in her Dragons debut. Price was excellent, scoring 11 points and three rebounds herself. Baltimore City transfer London Galbraith (Washington, D.C./Friendship Collegiate Academy) dropped ten points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Chambers added nine points and five rebounds. Jolie Hamilton's (Baltimore, MD/Forest Park) big second quarter helped to turn the tide of the game, and the freshman finished with eight points and 11 boards. Jasmine Dailey (Odenton, MD/Meade) had a solid debut, dropping six points and seven rebounds. While she only scored two points all night, sophomore McKenzi Walters (Falls Church, VA/George C. Marshall) led the team with 11 rebounds and four assist in an excellent defensive night.

Howard next faces Richard Bland College to close out the Hoop Here Get There Classic on Sunday, November 2 at 4:00PM.