The Middlesex Varsity Volleyball team traveled to Cambridge, Mass. for a midweek match against an undefeated BB&N team. The Zebras played high-caliber volleyball, especially in the first and third sets, but ultimately came up short, falling 0-3.

The first set opened with an immediate sideout by the Knights, but Middlesex then earned the immediate sideout, rotating defensive specialist Julie Chen '23 back to serve. During her run, a great dig by libero Romy Ahn '23 allowed setter and co-captain Sofia Dickinson to assist a kill by outside hitter Sydney Feeney '22. The Zebras earned another immediate sideout, and middle and co-captain Morgan Clapp '22 stepped back to serve. Sydney was there to pick up the dig of the Knights' attack, and Sofia set up a kill from the back row by Morgan. Setter Caroline Cervini '23 was the next server for the Zebras, and she extended the lead and forced BB&N to take a timeout to adjust. The Knights earned the sideout after the timeout, and put together a run of their own to even the scoreline. Sydney earned that key sideout to end the Knights' run. The Middlesex blockers stepped up to disrupt the Knights' offense, and middle Parker Boyden '23 scored a block of their powerful outside hitter. During the second half of the first set, the Knights slowly added to their lead, maintaining a 2-3 point advantage. Near the end of the set, Morgan and right side Annabelle Lerner '23 put up a big double block, followed by a great dig by defensive specialist Antonia Baylor '22 that allowed Sofia to set up a kill by Annabelle. An error by the Zebras put the score at set point for the Knights, and the Knights earned their final kill off the Zebras' block, ending the first set 21-25, BB&N.

BB&N pulled ahead early in the second set, as the Zebras made some unforced errors and did not put the Knights under pressure, and were unable to capitalize on service opportunities to put together many scoring runs. The second set ended 13-25, BB&N.

The Zebras began the third set determined to disrupt the Knights' offense and to make them fight for their undefeated season. Morgan scored the first kill of the set. Outside Anna Buell '22 came in to bolster the Middlesex block, and scored a big double block with Morgan for an early sideout. In the middle of the set, a great serve by Caroline got returned as a free ball. Romy was there for the pass, which Caroline set up for a kill down the line by Sydney. Parker then had a long service run, which included a great kill by Anna on a scramble play, an ace, and another big double block by Morgan and Anna. Parker's run put Middlesex up by 6 points, but BB&N came right back with a run of their own to even out the scoreline at 15-15. The Knights then pulled ahead in the final third of the set off of their consistent play, capitalizing on scoring opportunities and gaps in the Zebras' defense. The third set ended 20-25, BB&N.

We wish to congratulate BB&N on clinching the ISL title with this win, which is an impressive feat given the strength of the league this year. It is also well deserved given their high level of play and consistency all season.

Middlesex now looks forward to hosting St. George's School for their final home match of the season, during which they will honor their senior players and manager, on Saturday, November 13 starting at 1:15pm.