The varsity volleyball squad hosted Marianapolis Prep for a late-afternoon match on Friday, 11/2 and won in straight sets with contributions from all players.

Marianapolis got on the board first with a quick sideout of the Zebras' first server, putting up a strong block in the front row to stuff Middlesex's first attacker. But Middlesex came right back, scoring the first kill of the game off of a perfect pass by libero Sevilla Jin '21 to setter Sofia Dickinson '22 who assisted a cross-court shot by right side Maggie Chamberlain '19. Middlesex took control of the scoreline during a seven-point service run by captain and outside hitter Hadley Jevon '19, during which outside hitter Mayu Lee '20 adjusted her swing to get around the Marianapolis block, and also scored a block on an overpass. Marianapolis narrowed the gap toward the end of the set off of some inconsistent passing by the Middlesex receivers, but the Zebras maintained composure and closed out the set on a serving run by Sophia Poplyk '21, ending it 25-19.

In the second set, Middlesex quickly built an 8-0 lead. Marianapolis sided out on their first serve, and Mayu's first serve for the Zebras was an ace. Right side hitter Morgan Clapp '22, assisted by middle Natalie McCall '21, was on her toes to block an attack by Marianapolis, and, a couple plays later, Natalie scored a solo block. Later, during Sevilla's serve, middle Kiley Briand '20 was alert at the net and scored a block of her own, extending the Zebras' lead. A few plays later, a great pass by defensive specialist Angela Bi '21 to Sofia set up a kill by right side Grace Chamberlain '19. The final server of the set was defensive specialist Emily Pyne '21, who immediately dished up consecutive aces, and the second set ended 25-6, Middlesex.

The final set was a little more competitive, as Marianapolis was able to earn more sideouts to prevent long service runs by the Zebras. Early in the set, the Zebras demonstrated their continued alertness at the net as right side Katy Qin '21 blocked an overpass to continue Poplyk's service run. In the middle of the set, a great receive by Mayu to Sofia set up a kill by right side Derin Colak '20 for a first-serve sideout-- this was the point at which the Zebras firmly took control of the scoreline and did not relinquish control for the remainder of the set. The set ended when outside hitter Sydney Feeney '22 subbed in, and was immediately set by Poplyk for a cross-court kill to put the score at match point. The third set then closed at 25-15, Middlesex.

Middlesex now looks forward to their final home match and their final ISL competition of the season against BB&N at 3:00pm on Wednesday, November 7 before closing the season at St. Paul's on Saturday, November 10.