WASHINGTON, D.C. – Howard Volleyball dropped its season opener against crosstown foe Georgetown in four sets, 3-1 (25-18, 13-25, 20-25, 19-25), at the D.C. Challenge, on the campus of American University.

Senior Khaila Donaldson, league's Preseason Player of the Year, led the way with a match-best 20 kills. Tamia Dockery flirted with a double-double, registering 35 assists and eight digs in a losing effort.

After being deadlocked at three in the first set, HU outscored the Hoyas 16-7 and forced Georgetown to call a timeout, 19-10. After the short intermission, consecutive kills from Donaldson and Kira Porter gave the Bison a 10-point lead and put the first set out-of-reach, 25-18.

In the second set, both squads were tied at six until the Hoyas went on a 10-3 run; thus, making the Bison burn both timeouts, 9-16. After the timeout, Georgetown continued its run and closed the set on a 9-4 spurt, 13-25.

Georgetown attacked early in the third set, taking a 7-2 advantage. Midway through the set, HU fought back and pulled within two after a kill from Dalton, 14-16. GU regained the momentum and took the third set with a 9-4 run, 20-25.

A kill from Dalton tied the contest at 10 in the fourth set, but the Hoyas would not relinquish the lead. HU tied the set on three separate occasions, but were unable to get over the hump; thus, Georgetown would take the set and match, 19-25.

Defensively, Carlise Cardoza registered a team-best 14 digs in the loss.

For Georgetown (1-0), Symore Speech led the Hoyas with 14 kills while Paige McKnight produced 38 helpers. Kenzie Higareda had a match-high 21 digs in the victory.

Howard (0-1) wraps up the tournament with two matches inside Burr Gymnasium. Saturday's (Aug. 26) action begins at 10 a.m. when American comes to town. In the nightcap, HU takes on Santa Clara at 7 p.m.