Hagerstown, MD - In their final regular season contests of the season, the Howard Community College Dragons softball team set a new program record for wins as they split the series with the Hagerstown Community College Hawks.

In a pair of defensive showdowns, the Dragons narrowly won game one 5-1, then lost game two 2-1 in a pitchers duel. Despite the split, the Dragons earned their 21st win of the regular season, eclipsing the record set last season of 20 total wins. Howard also officially clinched a top-four seed in the Region 20 playoffs, the first time they will ever host a postseason game in program history. Further details about the postseason will be released this week.

Game One: Dragons 5, Hawks 1
With looming thunderstoms, the Dragons and Hawks got to work in a pitchers duel. Hagerstown struck first, but Howard quickly responded in the top of the second. A Madison Falby line drive with the bases loaded scored Madison Hamolia to tie the contest at 1-1.

After a 45-minute weather delay for lightning, the game resumed. Marissa Webb was lights out on the mound, striking out five batters and only allowing three total hits. In the top of the sixth, the Dragons bats came alive as they broke the tie. Big hits from Jensyn Koonce and Gianna Peluso scored three runs, giving Howard a 4-1 lead. One last run in the seventh clinched the record-breaking win for the Dragons.

Along with her excellent performance on the mound, Marissa Webb led the Dragons with two hits, the only Dragon to get multiple hits off a solid Hagerstown pitching performance. Peluso and Koonce each scored two RBIs, while Sophia Steele and Madison Hamolia each scored a pair of runs.

Game Two: Hawks 2, Dragons 1
Howard took the early lead in the regular season finale, as Layla Walker scored off a line drive from Madison Hamolia. It would be the only score all day for the Dragons, as Hagerstown pitching shut down Howard's bats. Despite Sophia Steele striking out five batters, the Hawks managed to score twice in the third to take a 2-1 lead that they never relinquished.

Hamolia was the only Dragon to record multiple hits with two, while Kaylee Brogan, Madison Falby, Gianna Peluso, and Walker each had one. Walker also added a stolen base to finish her season as the team leader in steals.

Up Next: The Dragons will head to the postseason to host a playoff series next weekend. Details about the time and opponent will be announced later this week.