The Varsity Volleyball team played an away game across town against local rivals Concord Academy on Wednesday, October 19. The Zebras came home victorious after a 3-1, high intensity match.

Middlesex was committed to winning yet another iconic rivalry match against Concord Academy. The Zebras walked into the first set confidently, with Caroline Cervini '23 dictating the offense and setting up Julie Chen '23, Parker Boyden '23, Annabelle Lerner '23, and Charlotte Heafey '25 for multiple kills. Romy Ahn '23, Tem Taepaisitphongse '23  and Charlotte held the defense together and displayed strong chemistry on the court. Middlesex had opened up a 12-7 lead when Devon Coyle '24 stepped back to serve. Impressively, she remained at the line for the remainder of the set winning thirteen straight points, which included eight aces during that streak. Middlesex won the first set 25-7.

The Chameleons pushed back in the second set, working hard to even the match. Although the Zebras started out down 5-0, they fought their way up to a 11-10 lead, which made the set a consistent tight race up the scoreboard.  Alyssa Aslam '25 stepped into the court to help the offensive line of the Zebras. Despite the Zebras' being able to maintain the pressure on the Chameleons and holding a tight scoreboard throughout the set, Concord Academy closed the set at 25-23.

The 2nd set upset served as motivation for the Zebras, who stepped back on the court for the third set focused and committed to winning. Middlesex opened the set 5-0, buoyed by Caroline's strong serving.  Parker, Annabelle, Devon, Julie, and Charlotte consistently put the pressure on the Chameleons offensively as the lead was extended to 15-8 lead. Romy's digs and serves, alongside Charlotte's and Tem's efforts in the defense, kept the Zebras ahead. However, with Middlesex leading 22-14, the Chameleons proved they would not give up easily as they mounted a comeback winning seven straight points to close the Middlesex lead to 22-21. The Zebras finally earned a sideout on a missed serve, and Charlotte then stepped back to dish up an ace and earn Middlesex three set points at 25-21 forcing a Concord timeout. Charlotte remained cool as she scored another ace after the break to close the set at 25-22, Middlesex.

With a 2-1 lead, the Zebras were focused on closing the match in the fourth set. The set started with a 10-5 lead by the Zebras, who did not allow themselves to become overconfident with the lead. The lead was gradually extended to  20-11. A serving streak by Tem brought the Zebras to match point at 24-14. The final point was scored on a back row attack by Julie to win the set 25-15 for Middlesex.

The win was the sixth in a row for Middlesex (8-1; 5-1 ISL). Next up, the Zebras will host Nobles and Greenough on Saturday, October 22nd for Family Weekend.