Ellicott City, MD - Howard Community College's softball team kicked off their first home stand of the season in thrilling fashion, as they swept Monroe-Bronx on Friday.

The Dragons racked up 21 total runs across the double-header, 15 total hits, and two home runs. The wins pushed the Dragons to 3-5 on the season with two more games against Monroe-Bronx left.

Game One: Dragons 9, Express 0
Howard opened their four-game slate against the Express with a pitchers duel. Sophia Steele (Eldersburg, MD/Liberty) went the distance for the Dragons, striking out three batters and allowing just three hits. Steele got necessary run support in the bottom of the third, as Marissa Webb (Hanover, MD/Mount de Sales) doubled to bring home Cassie Litchfield (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg) and Taylor Pence (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg). A bases-loaded situation resulted in the third run of the game for the Dragons when Holly Ryan (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach) was walked, allowing Webb to score the unearned run.

Howard opened the game up in the bottom of the fourth, scoring six quick runs to end the game via run-rule. Courtney Johnson (Fulton, MD/Reservoir) hit a quick RBI single that turned into an inside-the-park home run courtesy of a Monroe-Bronx error. The Dragons then loaded the bases for Giana Sablan (Hagatna, Guam/Academy of Our Lady of Guam), who smacked a monster single to center field, adding two more runs. Yet another bases loaded situation resulted in more runs when the Dragons scored off a walk, giving them a 9-0 lead and run-rule victory.

Marissa Webb (Hanover, MD/Mount de Sales) ended the day with two hits, two runs, two RBIs, and a double. Raegan Perkes (Laurel, MD/Laurel) recorded two hits and a stolen base, while Giana Sablan (Hagatna, Guam/Academy of Our Lady of Guam) brought home two RBIs off one hit. Morgan Ryan (Laurel, MD/Atholton) recorded a stolen base as well. Steele finished the day with her second win of the season and her first career shutout.

Game Two: Dragons 12, Express 4
Raegan Perkes (Laurel, MD/Laurel) got her first start of the season in game two, immediately setting the tone with two strikeouts in the top of the first. Unlike game one, the Dragons wouldn't have to wait long for the first runs as Marissa Webb (Hanover, MD/Mount de Sales) hit a sac-fly and Sophia Steele (Eldersburg, MD/Liberty) brought home Courtney Johnson (Fulton, MD/Reservoir) on an RBI double. Monroe-Bronx wasn't going down without a fight, quickly tying the contest in the top of the second. This was as close as they would get all game, as Howard dropped four quick runs off a Perkes RBI single, a Johnson ground out that Micah Howell (Columbia, MD/Atholton) turned into a fielder's choice, and a two-run home run from Taylor Pence (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg).

Howard had no trouble from there, holding the Express to just two more runs. Courtney Johnson's (Fulton, MD/Reservoir) solo home run in the bottom of the fourth kicked off a five-run onslaught that ended the game via run-rule. Giana Sablan (Hagatna, Guam/Academy of Our Lady of Guam) stole home to kick off the fifth inning, followed by a bases-loaded walk. Perkes and Johnson ended the contest by scoring on consecutive passed balls, giving Howard a 12-4 victory.

Perkes had a career day, recording three runs, one hit, one RBI, and pitching a complete game with five strikeouts. Johnson recorded three runs, two hits, two RBIs, and her first home run as a Dragon. Giana Sablan (Hagatna, Guam/Academy of Our Lady of Guam) scored two runs, one hit, a double, and a stolen base, while Micah Howell (Columbia, MD/Atholton) added two runs and a stolen base. Sophia Steele (Eldersburg, MD/Liberty) led the team with two hits, a double, and a stolen base. Taylor Pence (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg) recorded two RBIs and a home run.

The Dragons next face Monroe-Bronx on Saturday in a rematch.