COLUMBIA, MD - Howard Community College used a dominant second quarter and a balanced offensive attack to pull away for a 12–9 victory over #4 ranked Nassau Community College on Saturday afternoon. The #2 nationally ranked Howard Dragons (5-1) saw six different players find the back of the net, led by a standout performance from Bobby Pupich (Huntley, IL/Huntley), who scored four goals on 13 shots. John Stubbs (Catonsville, MD/Boys Latin) added three goals and an assist, while Lukas Rozon (Ottawa, ON/Citadelle) contributed two goals and two assists in a well-rounded effort.

The contest opened with a back-and-forth first quarter, as Nassau jumped out to an early lead before Howard responded. After Nassau's Tim Navin scored the game's first goal, Stubbs answered for Howard, sparking a stretch that saw the teams trade goals throughout the period. A late man-up goal from Rozon tied the game at 3-3 heading into the second quarter.

Howard took control in the second quarter, outscoring Nassau 4-2 to build a 7-5 halftime advantage. Pupich scored twice in the period, including a man-up goal in the closing seconds, while Brandon Klopp (Glenelg, MD/Glenelg) added a key late tally to give the Dragons momentum heading into the break.

Nassau attempted to rally in the third quarter, but Howard continued to answer every push. Goals from Stubbs, Pesce, and Logan Foust (Ellicott City, MD/Mt. Hebron) helped maintain the lead, and Pupich's fourth goal early in the fourth quarter extended the margin to three.

The Dragons' efficiency on extra-man opportunities proved decisive, converting 4-of-6 chances compared to Nassau's 2-of-12. Howard also controlled possession throughout, winning the ground ball battle 48-29 and holding a 49-39 edge in shots. 

Logan Foust (Ellicott City, MD/Mt. Hebron) played a key role as a facilitator, finishing with a goal and three assists, while William Pesce (Derwood, MD/Col. Zadok Magruder) added a goal and two assists. In net, Lewis Collora (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) made 13 saves to secure the win.

With the win, head coach Erik Foust secured his 100th career victory as the leader of the Howard CC men's lacrosse program.

Howard will have little time to celebrate as they host DuPage on Sunday, March 29 at 4 PM. DuPage is is currently 4-1 on the season with their lone loss coming against #1 ranked Harford.