In their annual "Dig Pink" game to raise awareness and funds in support of breast cancer research through the Side-Out Foundation, the Varsity Volleyball squad hosted Concord Academy for a midweek match, and the two schools collaborated with a mid-match serving challenge that raised well over $1,500 for the Foundation. The match was well-attended with spectators from both schools supporting their athletes and the cause, and the Zebras won the day in straight sets with contributions from every member of the team.

The first set opened with a service run by setter and co-captain Sofia Dickinson '22, whose strong float serve put the Concord Chameleons off balance. In the first rally of the match, defensive specialist Antonia Baylor '22 was there with the dig, allowing Sofia to set up the kill by middle hitter and co-captain Morgan Clapp '22. A few plays later, Middlesex earned a first-serve sideout off of a big double block by right side Annabelle Lerner '23 and Morgan. Outside Julie Chen '23 then rotated back to serve, and immediately dished up an ace. Another first-serve sideout came when libero Romy Ahn '23 sent a perfect serve receive to Sofia, who set up a big kill down the line by outside Sydney Feeney '22. Another kill, this time by middle Parker Boyden '23, earned another first-serve sideout for the Zebras. Later, a strong serve by defensive specialist Caroline Cervini '23 put the score at set point, and a kill by Romy ended the first set 25-12, Middlesex.

The second set began with an immediate sideout for the Zebras. The two teams then traded sideouts on unforced errors before Antonia stepped back to the service line and started a nine-point service run that would put Middlesex firmly in control of the scoreline for the remainder of the set. A few plays later, a great dig by right side Sadie Goodwin '23  allowed Romy to set up a kill by outside hitter Anna Buell '22 for a quick sideout. The second set then ended 25-11, Middlesex.

The third set featured longer rallies as the Chameleons came out determined to extend the match. Outside hitter Charlotte Heafey '25 notched four kills in the set while also showing off her strong defense. One highlight of the third came at the end of a longer rally in which right side Marissa Fadley '22 made a strong attack which the Chameleons returned as a freeball, allowing Sofia to set up the kill by Charlotte. Later in the set, an aced serve by middle Devon Coyle '24 extended the Middlesex lead, and the third set ended with Julie again at the service line, 25-19, Middlesex.

Both the Middlesex and Concord Academy volleyball teams would like to thank all of the supporters for helping to make their Dig Pink game and fundraiser a success!

Middlesex, now 7-2 on the season (4-2 ISL), looks forward to traveling to Dedham, Mass to face ISL opponent Noble and Greenough on Saturday, October 23 for a 3:00pm match.