The Middlesex Varsity Volleyball squad squared off with their cross-town rivals on September 24, coming short in three close sets. The Zebras came out swinging in the first, scoring first off of a service ace by setter Leyla Hotamisligil '18. Captain Alyssa McNally '16 notched the first kill, bringing the score to 3-3. The teams traded sideouts through the middle of the set, and began to fall behind after a few tough calls and some missed passes. Mimi Larrieux '18 (MB) came up with a big block followed by an off-speed kill to bring the score to 15-18. An ace by Stephanie Li '17 (DS) and a kill by middle hitter Lydia Paddock '17 assisted by by Lily Renneker '17 with a spectacular dig by libero Nine Hutteman '18 brought the score to 17-22. A series of kills by Avery Light '18 (OH) put the Zebras on top 23-22, however they were unable to complete the comeback as a couple of hitting errors resulted in a final score of 23-25.

In the second set, the Zebras were receiving, and quickly gained the sideout on a kill by Avery from Lily. Middlesex momentarily lost their momentum after a net violation, but came back swinging on the next point, scoring a kill by Lily off of Stephanie's assist. Avery then served a series of aces to bring the score to 5-2. The Zebras put together more great plays, featuring excellent defense by libero Nina and defensive specialist Stephanie Li and kills by Alyssa, Avery, Lily, Mimi, and Lydia, with more big blocks by both of the Zebra middles, Lydia and Mimi. Despite this, Concord Academy pulled ahead toward the end of the set, ending it 18-25.
The Zebras managed to put up more strong plays in the third set, despite the shift in momentum in CA's favor. Highlights included aced serves dished up by Avery and Leyla, good blocks by Lydia, strong defensive work by Stephanie and Nina, and a series of crushing kills by Avery and Mimi assisted by both Leyla and Lily. In the end, the Zebras fell short 16-25.

The team looks forward to facing two ISL opponents -- Lawrence Academy and St Paul's School-- on Saturday, September 26 for the first quad match of the season hosted at Milton Academy.