The Middlesex Varsity Volleyball team traveled to Groton on a drizzly Friday before their long weekend to face their rivals, Groton, in an annual Zebra versus Zebra showdown, and came home with the win, 3-2.

The first set opened slowly, as both teams put together runs of points-- an early sideout was scored off of a good pass by defensive specialist Angela Bi '21 to setter Sophia Poplyk '21 who set up a kill by middle Morgan Clapp '22. A few plays later, libero Sevilla Jin '21 stepped back to serve, and started a service run that included two aces. A great dig after her serve allowed Poplyk to assist a kill by outside hitter Sydney Feeney '22, and, also during Sevilla's service turn, a solid pass by defensive specialist Emily Pyne '21 let Poplyk mix up the offense and set up a crushing kill by opposite Natalie McCall '21. Strong serving by defensive specialist Sofia Dickinson '22 and captain and middle hitter Kiley Briand '20 extended the Middlesex lead. During Kiley's run, another excellent dig by Angela let Poplyk set up a big kill down the line by outside hitter Katy Qin '21. The first set ended 25-21, Middlesex.

In the second set, a series of unforced errors allowed Groton to take an early lead, though a big kill by Natalie on Poplyk's assist earned Middlesex the sideout and put them on the board. Middlesex lost their composure in the middle of the set, and gave up a points to unforced errors and miscommunication to face an eight point deficit, and, despite a heroic service run by Sofia to tie up the score at 21-21, Groton earned the sideout and eventually won the second set 24-26.

The third set was fairly even throughout, with neither team able to pull too far ahead. Kiley and Natalie put up a couple big blocks that made the Groton offense think twice about their attacks, and both middles were alert at the net to kill several overpasses. The third set eventually ended 25-23, Middlesex.

In the fourth set, Middlesex again struggled to maintain composure, and, despite an even scoreline through the middle of the set, allowed a long run of points so that Groton was able to pull ahead and win the fourth set 16-25, forcing a deciding fifth set.

Fortunately for Middlesex, the team came together in the fifth set to play cohesive volleyball. Emily came out particularly strong with her consistent serve and alert defense, allowing Poplyk to mix up the offense, scoring kills by Natalie, Sydney, Kiley, Morgan, and Sofia during the final set. Another big block by Natalie and Kiley put the score at match point, and the match ended on a Groton error as they struggled to handle a good serve by Sevilla, ending the fifth set 15-11, Middlesex.

The Middlesex players will use the long weekend to regroup and recharge from a hectic and exhausting first half of the season, however they can also be proud of their strong teamwork and resilience that has resulted in a 7-1 overall record and 5-1 ISL record through this point. Next week, the Zebras face Class A opponents Dana Hall (home on Wednesday October 16th at 3:30pm) and Noble and Greenough (away in Dedham, Mass. on Saturday October 19th at 2:00pm).