Howard Community College’s women’s volleyball team concluded its 2026 season with a 3-2 loss to Frederick Community College in the NJCAA Region 20 Division II Regional Tournament quarterfinals Oct. 31 in North East, Maryland. Frederick secured the deciding fifth set, 21-19, despite multiple match-point attempts by Howard.
This defeat marked Howard Community College’s third loss to Frederick Community College this season, following two regular-season setbacks. Frederick advanced to the regional semifinals, while Howard finished with a 15-6 overall record after entering the tournament as the No. 5 seed.
Howard Community College Takes Early Lead
The Dragons took the opening set 27-25, but Frederick responded with a 25-19 win in the second. Frederick then recaptured the lead by winning the third set 25-17.
Frederick forced a deciding fifth set by taking the fourth set 25-21. The final set featured a back-and-forth struggle that extended beyond the standard 15-point threshold before Frederick clinched the match with consecutive service aces for a 21-19 victory.
Zyon Austin Leads Howard Community College
Zyon Austin led Howard with 17 kills, 21 digs and two service aces, totaling 20 points. Amelia Thomas contributed eight kills and four blocks, while Emma Nguyen added four kills and 20 digs.
Abigail Nirola recorded 31 assists, five service aces and nine digs. Defensive efforts included Kira King’s team-leading 30 digs and four service aces, along with 13 digs from Diana Feria. Toriana Curry added six total blocks, including three solo blocks. As a team, Howard amassed 38 kills, 100 digs, 11 service aces and 12 total blocks.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Howard Community College held a 2-1 lead before Frederick rallied to win the final two sets. Austin’s leadership and the team’s defensive resilience were key factors in a thrilling five-set regional quarterfinal.
Source: Original report
