The Zebras were slow getting off the bus and out of the gates on Wednesday in Byfield against a well-coached Governor's team. The first half started with the Zebras back on their heels struggling to find their rhythm and win the small 50/50 battles. As a result, Middlesex conceded an early goal due to an overall team defensive breakdown. But as the half wore on, Middlesex picked up its game and started to implement their patient possession style, particularly with a well-played game by Lucy Reece '17 in the midfield. Ellery Winkler '19 led the offense with some hard running up top and was able to find the back of the net with a deftly played ball beyond the Gov's keeper to even the score. From there it was a back and forth physical battle as both teams worked to regain control of the game. The score remained even into halftime. Middlesex regrouped and channeled its focus and energy on managing the smaller, technical details of the game and to get back to their style of play. But Governor's proved to be relentless and was able to capitalize on another quick counter-attack to the weak side where they played the ball beyond the Zebra keeper. Middlesex hunkered down and found its rhythm finally with excellent second half play by Lucy Reece '17, Ellery Winkler '19, Kiara Wahnschafft '17, and Caroline Hughes '18. Isabelle Fuchs '17 evened the score from a direct kick outside the 18. And again, it was a battle until the end. Middlesex nearly scored late in the half with a breakaway shot that was knocked away by the Gov's keeper on an excellent save. Middlesex executed a better second half, but they will need to re-focus and re-energize to take on another I.S.L rival at home on Friday, October 16th at 2pm.