Columbia, MD - In their first home game in over six years, the Howard Community College Dragons fell 3-2 to the Carrol Community College Lynx.

The Dragons came out on top in the first two sets, but a Carroll rally saw the Lynx force extra sets. Ultimately, the Lynx would prevail in five.

Howard won both opening sets in close matches, taking the first set 25-22 and the second 25-18. Howard's offense put on a show, with returning sophomore Arianna Layne (Bridgetown, Barbados/Combermere School) recording ten kills. Freshman Gracie Close (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach) added nine kills as Howard looked to close out the game in set three.

Carroll got their rally started in the third set, winning 25-18. The Dragons nearly came back from a ten-point deficit to win the third, thanks in large part to 22 digs from sophomore Stefamae Barquillia (Samar, The Philippines/Einstein). Carroll continued to fight back, taking set four 25-18 and forcing a winner-take-all fifth set.

The fifth set came down to the wire, with both teams trading the lead. Carroll's attack was relentless, and tough defensive play by the Lynx proved to be the killing blow for the Dragons. Carroll took the final set 15-8, completing the reverse sweep and spoiling the Dragon's homecoming.

Howard next faces Southern Maryland and Beaver County on Saturday, September 6 in the HCC Tri-Match!