Washington D.C - Howard Community College wrapped up their first week at their temporary home at Catholic University with a dominant performance in a sweep of Monroe-Bronx!

Game One: Dragons 19, Express 1

The Howard Community College Dragons softball team delivered a commanding performance in a 19–1 victory over the Monroe-Bronx Express, showcasing explosive offense and strong pitching throughout the game.

Howard set the tone early, jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead in the opening inning and never looking back. Madison Hamolia (Odenton, MD/Arundel) started off the scoring with a single to right field, allowing Layla Walker (Laurel, MD/Hammond), who led the team in hits, to come home. The Dragons' lineup stayed hot at the plate, stringing together timely hits, aggressive base running, and consistent pressure on Monroe's defense. By the middle innings, Howard had built a comfortable lead thanks to multiple extra-base hits and several big scoring rallies. 

Defensively, the Dragons remained sharp behind starting pitcher Sophia Steele (Eldersburg, MD/Liberty), limiting Monroe to just one run and preventing any sustained offensive momentum. Key defensive plays and efficient pitching kept the Express off the bases and helped maintain control of the game. Gianna Peluso (Ellicott City, MD/Marriotts Ridge) earned the second home run of the season for the Dragons in the third inning, a three-RBI bomb shot to right center-field. The Howard squad rejoiced at home plate, ecstatic for Peluso as the lead jumped up to 18-1. Peluso and Kaylee Brogan (Woodbine, MD/Glenelg) also led the team in runs with three a piece. Peluso aided her teammates as well with a game high five RBI's. It was an all around effort, as Katherine Wright (Dayton, MD/Mount de Sales Academy) and Jensyn Koonce (Chesapeake, VA/Greatbridge) totaled three RBIs a piece.

There were eight Dragons with two or more runs, and nine total ran home. Howard's offense continued to pile on runs late, pushing the total to 19 and putting the game firmly out of reach, and forcing a run rule. With the decisive victory in game one, the Dragons demonstrated both offensive firepower and defensive consistency. Their victory was the third largest margin of victory in school history.

Game Two: Dragons 16, Express 0

Howard wasted no time getting the offense started in game two, jumping on Monroe pitching in the opening innings. The Dragons strung together multiple hits and aggressive base running to quickly build a comfortable lead. Madison Hamolia (Odenton, MD/Arundel), who led the team in RBIs, singled up the middle to bring Layla Walker (Laurel, MD/Hammond) and Gianna Peluso (Ellicott City, MD/Marriotts Ridge) home to take a 2-0 lead.

 It was an onslaught offensively as Madison Hamolia (Odenton, MD/Arundel) and Taylor Pence (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg) each earned three runs. Timely extra-base hits and disciplined at-bats allowed Howard to keep the pressure on, with runs coming across in nearly every inning.

The Dragons' pitching staff was equally impressive. Marissa Webb (Hanover, MD/Mount de Sales Academy) had eight strikeouts, keeping Monroe off the scoreboard and limiting scoring opportunities throughout the game. Strong command in the circle paired with solid defensive play behind the pitcher helped Howard maintain control from start to finish.

As the offense continued to add to the lead, the Dragons pushed the score to 16–0, triggering the run rule and securing the shortened victory. Contributions came from throughout the lineup, highlighting Howard's depth and ability to produce runs in bunches.

The Dragons cruised to two wins on Sunday and will take action again on Wednesday, March 11, versus Fredrick Community College, starting at 3:00 and 5:00 PM.