The girls' varsity hockey team fell 4-3 to a talented Rivers squad on Friday, December 13 in Concord, MA. The Red Wings scored four goals in the first period, catching the Zebras off guard with their explosiveness and quick transition game. Middlesex rallied in the second and third periods however, but were unable to come up with a "W."  

The visiting team tallied their first goal of the evening just 27 seconds into play on an odd man rush to take the early lead. Four minutes later, the Red Wings lit up the score board yet again to bring the score to 2-0. The forward line of Cici Frattasio '14, Maddie Winslow '14 and Sarah Tabeek '14 got the ball rolling for Middlesex less than a minute later when Frattasio converted on a beautiful pass from her linemates to bridge the gap. Rivers did not back down however, and responded with their third goal of the period 42 seconds later.  With 5:48 left on the clock, the Frattasio, Winslow and Tabeek trio struck again to give Middlesex the momentum they so desperately needed. Rivers quickly responded with their final goal of the evening with 3:10 on the score board to take the 4-2 lead entering the locker room.

The second period proved to be a back and forth affair with both teams having equal opportunities to put the puck in the net. Neither the Red Wings nor the Zebras were able to capitalize on any of their efforts however, and the scores remained 4-2 .

The Zebras picked up right where they left off to start the third and final period of the game. Middlesex continued to apply the pressure on the Rivers' goaltender and were rewarded for their efforts with 3:24 left in the game when Leah Olson '15 scored her second goal of the season from the point off a feed from Frattasio and Winslow. As the time ticked away, the Zebras called a timeout to regroup and pulled goaltender Christina Cleroux '14 for the 6 v 5 player advantage. And although they made valiant attempts to come up with a tie, the Red Wings defense stood their ground and ultimately walked away with the 4-3 victory.

Middlesex will return to the ice when they travel to Dedham, MA for the annual Southfield holiday tournament. They face reigning Class B New England Champions Gunnery at 6:00pm on Friday, December 20.