In a highly competitive match against a strong ISL opponent, Varsity Volleyball recorded their first loss of the season against Tabor Academy in four sets, 1-3.

Defensive specialist Julie Chen '23 was the first server for Middlesex in set 1, and she notched two aces in her run, catching the Seawolves off guard with her tricky float serve. They rallied quickly and responded with an attack of their own, but libero Romy Ahn '23 was there with the dig, allowing setter and co-captain Sofia Dickinson '22 to set up a kill by outside Sydney Feeney '22. Another highlight of the first set was during defensive specialist Caroline Cervini '23's serve-- Romy dug up a block, and Sydney was on her toes and able to score a quick kill. Later in the set, a key sideout came with a perfect serve receive by Romy to Sofia, who set up a kill from middle and co-captain Morgan Clapp '22. The first set remained close throughout, but ultimately some small errors by the Zebras added up, and it ended 24-26, Tabor.

The Zebras were on the board first in the second set off of Romy's strong serve, and Middlesex maintained a modest lead through the first half of the second set. A great dig by Julie allowed Sofia to set up a quick kill from the middle by Parker Boyden '23. A few plays later, Sofia mixed up the offense and set up a kill down the line by outside hitter Anna Buell '22. In the middle of the set, the Seawolves' offense came alive, and the powerful right side scored several consecutive kills before the Zebras were able to adjust. Finally, despite some good adjustments by the Middlesex squad and some late-set aced serves by Caroline to narrow the gap, the second set ended 21-25, Tabor.

Middlesex came out determined to extend the match in the third set and avoid the sweep, and they took control right away, earning a sideout on a powerful hit by right side Annabelle Lerner '23. Julie then stepped back to serve, and dished up three consecutive aces. Another kill by Sydney forced Tabor to take their first timeout of the set. A few plays later, a stuff block by Sydney earned another first-serve sideout for the Zebras. The third set concluded with a final kill by Sydney, 25-18, Middlesex.

Unfortunately for the Zebras, the fourth set looked more like the second: Middlesex took a modest early lead, but Tabor chipped away at their deficit and crept ahead. A service run by Morgan, which included a stuff block by Parker and an aced serve, evened the score, but a few unforced errors and some solid kills by the Tabor right side gave the Seawolves control of the scoreline in the middle of the set. A late set highlight included a clutch serving substitution by Marissa Fadely '22, who stepped to the line and immediately served up an ace. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to overtake the Seawolves, and the fourth set ended 18-25, Tabor.

The Zebras enjoyed the high level of competition and the many exciting rallies in this match, and are now looking forward to hosting Milton Academy on Saturday, October 2 at 3:30pm.