Rockville, MD - Howard Community College's women's volleyball team faced their toughest opponent of the 2025 season on Tuesday night, falling 3-0 to the Montgomery College Raptors.

Facing an opponent expected to win Region 20 outright this season, the Dragons played better than expected. Howard managed to force extra points in the second set, and kept all three sets competitive.

Montgomery dominated the first set, holding the Dragons to single digit points until the final few serves. Howard's frustrations from the first set were taken out on the Raptors in the second, as the Dragons took a 7-2 lead over Montgomery. Howard held the Raptors to single digits deep into the half, with their defense playing beautifully to keep volleys alive and force Montgomery mistakes.

Eventually, the Raptors were able to fight back into the contest and force extra volleys, taking the second set 26-24. Set three saw Howard jump out to a quick lead, only for the Raptors to make adjustments and fight back to win 25-15.

The Dragons defense made great strides against one of the most aggressive teams in their Region. Cheyenne Ellis (Eldersburg, MD/Century) led the team with 12 assists, while Stefamae Barquillia (Samar, The Philippines/Einstein) added 13 digs. Offensively, the Dragons recorded 13 kills, with Toriana Curry (Baltimore, MD/Carver Center) and Abigail Leis (Ellicott City, MD/Mt. Hebron) leading the team with four and three kills respectively.

The Dragons next face Patrick Henry College's club team on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 PM at home.