The Varsity Volleyball team traveled to North Andover, Mass. on Saturday, October 8 after a long and exhausting week for another ISL contest against the Brooks School. In a scrappy match, in which both teams made numerous unforced errors, Middlesex eventually prevailed victorious with a score of 3-1.
The first set was close as both teams struggled to find their groove. After taking an early lead, the Zebras fell behind in the second half of the set, but finally caught up to take a 20-18 lead. However, it was then Brooks' turn to respond as they won three straight points to take the lead and shortly thereafter held two set points with a 24-22 lead. In this moment, the Zebras demonstrated their resilience and teamwork as they fought for every point and kept their composure in multiple long rallies. With the score tied at 25-25, Romy Ahn '23 stepped back to serve and kept her cool as she pushed the Brooks receivers. The set ended 27-25, Middlesex on an ace by Romy. Throughout the set, Caroline Cervini '23 (29 assists in the match) spread the offense with Romy, Parker Boyden '23, Devon Coyle '24, Julie Chen '23, and Charlotte Heaffey '25 all contributing with kills. The defense was held together by Tem Taepaisitphongse '23, Parker, Charlotte, Julie, and Devon.
The second was as intense as the first set, where both teams exhibited greater consistency but were still not firing on all cylinders. Brooks was determined to even the set score and held the lead for most of the set. Kills by Charlotte, Julie, Parker, and Annabelle Lerner '23 allowed the Zebras to close the gap, while Parker and Caroline also contributed with aces. The set also featured blocks by Annabelle, Caroline, and Dela McCaghren '24. Despite the Zebras' improved consistency on offense, Brooks maintained their lead and closed the set at 25-20.
Hardened through similar situations earlier in the season, Middlesex were able to refocus their attention and play with composure in the third set. After falling behind 7-4 early in the set, the Zebras earned a sideout with Romy at the service line. The following point was a long, intense rally, with both teams digging strong hits and converting them into their own attacks, and ultimately ended when Caroline expertly placed the ball into an open location on the court. After a couple of traded sideouts, Middlesex went on a six point run with Charlotte serving, opening up a 15-9 lead. Middlesex maintained that lead through commitment and strong communication, ultimately winning the third set 25-19.
Having built confidence over the last set, the Zebras were ready to close the match and bring home the victory. Middlesex looked confident as they reduced unforced errors and better anticipated the attacks from the Brooks hitters. Brooks, however, did not throw in the towel as they continued to battle, resulting in several long rallies featuring tremendous saves on both sides of the court. The Zebras' offense featured kills by Julie, Annabelle, Charlotte, and Parker, while the entire team worked together to play excellent defense. Appropriately, the match ended on a big block by Parker to earn Middlesex the set with a score of 25-21.
Middlesex (5-1; 3-1 ISL) can be proud of a successful week earning two more league victories, but now regroups for another big week featuring home contests against The Governor's Academy on Wednesday, October 12 and the Groton School on Friday, October 14.
