On Wednesday November 16, #2 seed Middlesex (19-3) hosted ISL foe and #7 seed Lawrence Academy (12-10) in the NEPSAC Class B Quarterfinals. This was the first ever home playoff contest for Middlesex, and it did not disappoint the large crowd. The atmosphere was electric in the Atkins Cage, which was bursting with energy as fans from both schools filled the stands to cheer on their teams. Feeding off their fans' positive energy, the Zebras won decisively 3-0 to advance to the semifinals for the second straight year.

In the first set, both teams exhibited some early hesitancy and nervousness as they adjusted to the boisterous crowd and the high stakes of the contest. Lawrence took an early 3-6 lead before Middlesex took control thanks to strong serving by Stephanie Li '17 to build a 9-6 lead of their own, which Lawrence then immediately closed back to 9-9. After a Middlesex sideout, Grace Chamberlain '19 stepped up to serve and helped build the lead back up to 13-9. Both teams traded sideouts up to 15-12 when Nina Huttemann '18 stepped back to the service line and troubled the Spartans with her tough float serve. When the ball was returned, Middlesex pounced on the opportunities to put the ball away led in the front line by Lydia Paddock '17, Hadley Jevon '19, and Defne Colak '18. Suddenly, the Middlesex lead was 20-12, and Lawrence were unable to close the gap as Middlesex closed out the set on a strong service run by Lily Renneker '17 to win 25-16.

Energized by the first set win and their cheering fans, the Zebras jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead in the second set. However, Lawrence were able to sideout and get their strongest server to the line to make a run resulting in a 5-9 Lawrence lead. Middlesex was able to sideout after a timeout and then traded sideouts with Lawrence still leading 8-12 when Mimi Larrieux '18 was able to string together a serving run building the lead to 15-12 through her aces, as well as quality kills by Lily. The momentum shifted in the Zebras' favor as they continued to extend the lead for the remainder of the set as Natalie Burden '18 and Avery Light '18 also imposed their presence at the net. The second set ended 25-17 Middlesex after another strong service run by Stephanie.

In the third set, the Zebras continued to grow in confidence while the Spartans were on the defensive back foot with the Middlesex hitters firing on all cylinders. The Middlesex crowd erupted after a crushing quick kill in the middle by Mimi making it an 8-4 Middlesex lead, and there was no turning back. An injury to the talented Lawrence setter in the middle of the set forced the Spartans to temporarily change their formation, which the Middlesex hitters further capitalized upon. The passing, setting, hitting, and serving was consistent as the Zebras cruised to a comfortable 25-14 win in the third set.

Middlesex will now face #3 seed Newton Country Day School (15-1) at home on Saturday November 19 at 1:30PM in the Atkins Cage for the semifinal round. The winner of that match will face the winner of the other semifinal between #1 Suffield Academy and #4 Pomfret. The NEPSAC Class B finals are held at Wilbraham & Monson Academy at 12:00PM on Sunday November 20.