The Varsity Volleyball team faced the BB&N Knights for their last home match of the regular season, which was also Senior Day,on Wednesday, November 9. The highly anticipated match between the top two ranked teams in the ISL gave the crowd an incredible performance, with the home team playing its best volleyball all season. The seniors, six players as well as managers Jasmine Li and Linting Ma, were honored before the match began. Despite a formidable effort by the Zebras, the Knights took the match with a 3-0 final score.

The Zebras opened up the first set with a 4-1 lead. Parker Boyden '23 and Caroline Cervini '23 led the offensive efforts, while Charlotte Heafey '25 and Romy Ahn '23 provided impressive digs in the defense. Charlotte and Caroline provided aces, while Annabelle Lerner '23 and Parker had a double-block. BB&N closed the gap, but the Zebras were able to maintain the lead until BB&N called a timeout down 11-9 and then proceeded to win eight straight points off a tough serve to take control of the set. Although Middlesex batted back, the Knights were able to consolidate themselves in the court and eventually won the set 25-18.

The Knights remained consistent in the second set. The Zebras continued to put pressure on them, featuring strong offensive plays by Julie Chen '23, and Charlotte. Parker and Devon Coyle '24 also assisted in the offense. Romy and Charlotte continued to impress with their digs. Tem Taepaisitphongse '23 also assisted on the defense, as well as with serves. The Knights ended up taking the set with a score of 25-17.

The Zebras walked into the third set determined to leave it all on the court. Battling through multiple injuries, the Zebras fought hard to stay in the game. A 5-1 lead by the Zebras led to a timeout call. Moran Liu '26 made a strong appearance stepping in to serve for an injured player, winning multiple points on her run. Alyssa Aslam '25 also stepped in to provide a big net presence on defense. Middlesex was able to maintain a lead, reaching a score of 15-10 and forcing another timeout call. Caroline scored two aces in the set. The score remained tight, and featured numerous long and intense rallies where both teams scrambled on defense to retrieve balls off the floor. Despite the Zebras' best efforts, the Knights were able to close the set at 25-23, winning the match.

The Zebras can be proud of their resilience, relentless defense, and high level of volleyball in this defeat. Congratulations to BB&N (10-0 ISL), who claimed the ISL title for a second straight year with this victory. Next up, Middlesex (12-2; 8-2 ISL) will look to solidify their rank as second in the ISL as well as the #2 seed in the NEPSAC Class B Tournament, when they travel to the St. George's School for the final match of the regular season on Saturday, November 12.