The girls' varsity field hockey team traveled to Exeter, NH to take on a strong and talented Class A Phillips Exeter Academy. Although the fast paced nature of the game initially caught the Zebras off guard, they were able to make some nice adjustments as the first half progressed.

Exeter jumped out to an early lead off of a scramble in front of the net. Middlesex quickly regrouped however and responded by making several runs up the field deep into the Big Red's defensive end. The Zebras had several opportunities to put the ball away but could not seem to find the back of the net. As the half came to a close, the score would cap at 1-0 Exeter.

Middlesex started the second half with a new found fire and determination. They chased down every 50-50 ball and had some nice passing sequences up the field. The defensive unit of, Juliana Fiore '14, Sarah Tabeek '14, Jenna Doherty '15 and Clare Lyne '13 were solid on corners and helped shut down numerous potential scoring opportunities for the opponent. Halfway through the period, a corner was called in favor of Middlesex. As the ball made its way into the circle, Maddie Winslow '14 showed her athletic prowess by tipping it behind the Exeter keeper. Unfortunately the goal was called back however; as the ball had grazed the foot of a Middlesex forward.

For the next fifteen minutes the Zebras continued to put pressure on the Big Red's defense but came up just short of a goal. With 5:01 remaining in the game, Exeter executed a perfectly timed pass to the left post where their wing skillfully touched it into the corner to close the scoring at 2-0.

Middlesex will look to rebound when they travel to Concord, NH to take on their second ISL opponent of the season, St. Paul's on Thursday, September 27 at 3:15pm.