Middlesex Varsity Volleyball hosted crosstown rivals Concord Academy on Wednesday, November 1st. The Zebras proved the victors of this year's "Battle of Concord" relying upon strong play by the seniors. Highlights include co-captain Nina Huttemann '18 recording her 100th dig of the season as well as Defne Colak '18 assisting her 300th kill.

The first set was a close affair as both teams grew accustomed to each other and shook off some early nerves. Concord appeared to take control as they built a 21-18 lead forcing a Middlesex timeout, however the Zebras regrouped to immediately earn the sideout and then closed the set with a strong serving run from co-captain Avery Light '18 to win 25-21. The second set was similar to the first as it remained close with neither team able to generate any big serving runs to gain a significant lead although the Zebras were playing catchup and struggled to close Concord's slight lead for most of the set. However, Nina and Avery once again served well in the clutch as Middlesex finally caught up at 19-19 and then clinched the second set 25-22.

In the third set, the Zebras found their groove led by a strong front line of co-captain Mimi Larrieux '18, Avery, Natalie Burden '18, Hadley Jevon, '19, and Kiley Briand '20, which overpowered the Chameleons with their hitting and blocking. Natalie Burden had a great serving run of seven straight serves to build a 15-4 Middlesex lead, while Nina took control of the back row, and Defne continued to vary the offense keeping all hitters involved. Serve specialist Sophia Poplyk '21 entered the game to increase the Zebras lead before Nina brought the game to the verge of match point with another strong serving run. The third set ended 25-11.

Middlesex (13-1, 7-0 ISL) now regroups with one day to prepare for a big ISL showdown with Lawrence Academy (12-2, 6-0 ISL) on Friday November 3rd, which is a home match scheduled for 2:30pm. We're looking forward to having a boisterous home crowd in Cage!