Coming into this season, Howard volleyball coach Grant Scott hoped to achieve a 3-1 record four games in.
And with heavy hitters St. John's (D.C.), Centennial, Glenelg and River Hill on the schedule, that was a lofty goal.
But after Thursday's win at River Hill, 25-22, 15-25, 25-18, 25-14, Howard accomplished its mission.
The win came three days after the Lions fell to Glenelg in a five-set marathon.
"That kind of shook off our ego a little bit and made us really crack down," said junior setter Hanna Webster. "We had four really good teams right in the beginning, so we had to push it and we met (Scott's) goal of 3-1."
River Hill's top blockers — Keana Richards, Kalala Pines and Emily Luo — did an admirable job of limiting Howard senior Sydney Biniak, one of the most feared hitters in the league. But Courtney Merson (10 kills, 4 blocks) and Maya Hairston (6 kills, 4 blocks) stepped up to fill the void.
"Their blocking was outstanding, they took Sydney out which made the rest of my team have to adjust," Scott said. "My middles stepped up."
The Hawks were led offensively by Richards, with 10 kills, and sophomore setter Brianna Davis with 16 assists and four aces.
"We battled hard," coach Lynn Paynter said. "We served tough and we blocked well."