Middlesex traveled to Brooks mentally prepared to take on our friendly rivals in a historically terrific match-up.  Both teams came to the contest with matching one loss league records and a slate of athletes ready to compete. 

"Batie" '12 set the tone by scoring the first goal of the game off a strong one-on-one move to goal.  "Pags" '13 picked up key ground balls and rebounds in the next stanza to keep possession and settle the attacking unit.  The defensive unit, anchored by "Beeko" '14, opened with several caused turnovers and saves, giving the attacking unit more scoring opportunities.  After 8 minutes, Brooks notched two quick goals, but that would be their only lead of the game.  "Hads" '12, "Burns" '12, "Tink" '13, and "Sandy" '13 combined for the next six goals of the half, while Brooks scored two. 

The Zebras were up 7-4 in the second half, and scored a quick goal to take the four goal lead and set the tone in the second half.  On a "dangerous propelling" call, Brooks earned a card and Middlesex capitalized as "Katnip" '13 scored two goals off a beautifully executed Man-up motion.  The 10-4 lead seemed to spark the Zebras as they continued on a scoring streak.  The seniors combined for two more goals following the card.  "Freight" '14 and "Browena" '14 combined for a powerful and crucial double team, frustrating the Brooks attacking unit, and adding more energy to their fellow Zebras.  With a score of 15-6, the Zebras gained possession and attempted to move the ball, but in one quick terrible moment, a Middlesex senior attacker fell to the ground with a major knee injury. The Zebras were heartbroken for their fallen teammate and had a hard time mentally focusing in the next minutes, but they managed to score three goals to Brooks' two in the final minutes to take a solid lead for the game. 

While the team played terrific today, at the end of the game,  they were more focused on their much-respected senior teammate.