On October 16th, the Middlesex varsity field hockey team competed against a talented Andover squad in their annual "Playing for Pink" game.  While the 1-1 tie proved a bit anticlimactic for both teams, the battle on the field was indicative of the strength and power that was felt on the turf that day. The Middlesex field hockey team raised $1,300 for Runway for Recovery, the foundation started by former faculty member and field hockey coach Olivia Achtmeyer to help families affected by breast cancer.

Middlesex came out of the gates firing on all cylinders and were quickly rewarded for their hard work with a goal just 4:26 into the contest. Cici '14, Maddie '14, CMills '15 and Pennie '15 made several threatening runs down the field, generating a beautiful passing game that ignited the offense. Despite the ball spending much time in the Big Blue's defensive end, the Zebras were unable to capitalize on any more of their efforts and entered the half time up by one.

Both teams took to the field to start the second half ready to battle. The Zebras knew that, in order to take home a win, they would need to play a smart and consistent 30:00 of field hockey. Juliana '14, Beeko '14, Emma '15, Jenna '15, and Sage '17 fought tirelessly in the Middlesex defensive end to keep the Andover scoring opportunities at bay. With just  5:00 remaining in the game, however, the Big Blue exploded down the field off a free hit and were able to tuck the ball into the net for the equalizer.  As time ran out on the clock, Middlesex and Andover began to mentally prepare for the 10:00 of 7v7 overtime play.

The overtime saw equal scoring opportunities for both Middlesex and Andover, but neither team was able to put the game away. Leah '15 was outstanding in net and made several heroic saves, including a potentially game- ending penalty stroke by the Big Blue with 3:03 left on the clock. Although the Zebras would have liked to take home the win, the girls were able to appreciate the meaning of the game and, most importantly, spread awareness and work together to help fight against breast cancer.