Columbia, MD - Behind 14 kills from
Zyon Austin, the Howard Community College Dragons put together a solid performance in their home opener against the Montgomery College Raptors.
Despite falling in four sets 3-1, the Dragons played an excellent game against a foe that won Region 20 last season. The Dragons won set three for their first set win against the Raptors since 2023, and kept three of the four sets within striking distance.
Set one got off to a wild start, with both teams exchanging kills. Howard kept the set close, but errors allowed Montgomery to pull away to win 25-18. Set two saw Montgomery continue to hold the lead, but Howard managed to nearly pull off the comeback late. The Dragons would come up just short 25-21.
Set three was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a run. The Dragons finally pulled ahead late thanks to consistent attacks from Austin and
Toriana Curry, allowing Howard to win 25-21. With a rowdy student section cheering them on, the Dragons had momentum on their side entering the fourth.
Unfortunately, the fourth set would see the Dragons run out of steam. Montgomery dominated the set, capitalizing on hard-hitting attacks from Sofiia Mateshuk and Ladae Clark allowed the Raptors to take a 25-15 victory.
Despite the loss, the Dragons put together a fantastic showing against one of Region 20's best. Austin finished the evening with 14 kills and three digs, while
Amelia Thomas added six kills and two blocks.
Yusra Arenas added five kills, two blocks, and nine digs, while Curry scored four kills, two aces, and four blocks.
Defensively, the Dragons saw 21 digs from
Kira King, along with three aces.
Abigail Nirola added eight digs and 26 assists, while
Vivian Gonzalez scored five digs.
The Dragons return to action on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00 PM against Frederick Community College.
