Middlesex traveled to Milton Academy on Wednesday October 19 for a mid-week ISL quad match, facing first Governor's Academy, and then BB&N, and winning both matches in straight sets.

The first set of the Governor's match began with an early run for Middlesex off of an aggressive topspin serve by co-captain and outside hitter Lily Renneker '17. When Governor's was able to receive Lily's serve effectively, the Zebra defense was ready: outside hitter Hadley Jevon '19 and middle and co-captain Lydia Paddock '17 were waiting with a big double block. Hadley also scored the first three kills of the game, assisted by setter Defne Colak '18. More aces by middle hitter Mimi Larrieux '18, Defne, and libero Nina Huttemann '18 helped to extend the Middlesex lead, and the set ended with a well-placed tip by Defne, 25-11, Middlesex.

The second set opened with a perfect serve receive by Nina to Defne, who set up a crushing kill by Lydia. Middlesex continued to add points both on their aggressive and consistent serves and on their powerful offense. Opposite hitter Natalie Burden '18, finally making her season debut after being sidelined since preseason due to injury, was energized and excited to be back in action, and racked up several kills in this set, which ended 25-15, Middlesex.

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Following a short break after the first match again Governor's, Middlesex returned to the court to take on the BB&N Knights. Both teams came out strong, and the score stayed fairly even through the beginning of the first set, until defensive specialist Stephanie Li '17 had a great service run and put Middlesex on top 11-6. The lead proved insurmountable for the Knights, and it was extended on another run off of Nina's tricky jump float serve. Her run put the score at 21-12, and Stephanie's aggressive serve finished the set with a passing error by BB&N, 25-13.

The second set began with an immediate side out by the Zebras: Nina made a textbook perfect pass to Defne who set up the kill by Lydia. Defne rotated back to serve, and dished up a series of five aces. Lydia was on her toes in the front row, and managed to stuff an overpass of Defne's serve. The early lead established by this service run proved to be too much for the Knights, who seemed to be tiring playing in their fifth match of the day. One particularly dramatic rally late in the set was ended with a passing error by the Knights after a quality hit by opposite hitter Maggie Chamberlain '19. The set ended on a long service run by Lily, and the final point was scored on a great cross-court kill by Hadley assisted by Defne, 25-11, Middlesex.

Middlesex (13-1; 10-0 ISL) looks forward to hosting Winchendon School on Saturday, October 22 at 4:00PM in the Atkins Cage during Parents' Weekend.