After two intense practices, a rejuvenated Middlesex team took the field with heart, determination and a sense of purpose to take on the perennial rival, Nobles. On an overcast and cool Saturday afternoon, amidst the clouds and threat of rain, Middlesex was prepared to go to battle.

 Nobles notched the first goal nearly 4:00 minutes into the half, but the Zebras rallied to even the score 2:00 minutes later. The play went back and forth with each team answering each other’s goals to even the playing field. With the help of strong defensive play by Rowena ’14, the Zebras gained possession and found our rhythm in the offense to notch three unanswered goals in the final 10:00 minutes of the first half to go up 6 to 3.

After halftime, a revitalized Nobles team came roaring back to score three of their own unanswered goals to even the score 6 to 6 and eventually to take back the lead 7-6. However, the resilient Zebras fought back and notched the tying goal about 10:00 minutes into the second half. The Bulldogs refused to back down and continued their attack and finally gained momentum to go up 12-9 with less than 5:00 minutes left to go in the game. Middlesex continued to fight for every ground ball and possession. They played tough defense and composed offense and as a result, the Zebras scored three goals in the final minute and a half to send the game into overtime. These goals were team efforts with Clare ‘13 scoring off of a well fed ball from Isabel ’13 who also notched a goal to put us within one. Ten seconds later, Dakota ’14 tied the game with a powerful shot beyond the Nobles goaltender.

The battle continued into overtime with Emma ‘16 scoring first and Nobles quickly answering with two goals of their own to go back on top. With physical play, determination, and hustle, the Zebras took charge and Irene ’14 netted the tying goal off of a remarkable effort by Maggie ’13 with the assist. The overtime fight continued with both teams playing with intensity and physicality. But it was Clare ’13 assisted by Jeanie ’13 that put Middlesex back in the lead with less than 2:00 minutes left in overtime. As Middlesex worked to maintain possession, Nobles stepped up their pressure and pushed the ball back into the Middlesex defensive end. Maddie ’14, Cici ’14, Giules ’13, and Sarah ’14 showed tremendous poise, but with three seconds remaining, the Bulldogs took possession in the corner from an overthrown pass and netted a goal just after the whistle had been blown.

It was a fight to the bitter end, but the mighty Zebras came out on top in an exhilarating 15-14 team victory.