The Varsity volleyball team's second official match of the season and first home game brought the Zebras a 3-0 victory over Marianapolis Preparatory School on Saturday, September 24.
Middlesex displayed a higher level of facility right away in the first set, with the Knights being pressured into calling a timeout as the scoreboard quickly reflected a 9-3 advantage for the Zebras. The offensive pressure was strong, with kills from Julie Chen '23, Charlotte Heafey '25, Parker Boyden '23, Devon Coyle '24, Annabelle Lerner '23, and Romy Ahn '23. The Zebras also had consistent serves, with Julie, Romy, and Parker all scoring aces. Defensively, Romy, Charlotte and Caroline Cervini '23 outperformed Marianapolis' offensive plays. Tem Taepaisitphongse '23 made her season debut with a strong service and defensive game. Middlesex cruised through the first set with a final score of 25-10.
The second set was a chance for Middlesex to display a continuity of dominance and consistency. Despite a stronger display from the Knights, the Zebras were able to find their pace and work through the set play by play. Caroline, Romy, and Parker all had strong runs of aces, while Annabelle, Charlotte, and Julie performed at a high level offensively. On defense, Romy, Charlotte, Caroline, Tem, and Parker held back the Marianapolis offense. Talia De Leon '24 made her season debut in the second set, with one kill and one block alongside Parker. The Zebras took the set with a final score of 25-19.
Middlesex closed out the game decisively in the third set. The Knights made their best effort to get a set out of the Zebras, and despite their increased defensive efforts as well as excellent work at the net by their middle hitter, kills by Parker, Charlotte, Julie, and Caroline, as well as aces from Caroline and Julie maintained the pressure on them. Tem, Caroline, Charlotte, Julie, Romy, and Parker ensured that the Zebras' defense remained solid, which was complemented by blocks by Annabelle and Parker. Middlesex ended the match, winning the set 25-17. Caroline earned the helmet for the match for her stellar overall play, which included 7 aces, 1 kill, and 18 assists.
The Zebras will look to build upon the strong performances in their wins in their first two matches as they now transition to league play in the ISL. This week they will be on the road for both matches, first playing at Tabor Academy on Wednesday, September 28 before heading to Milton Academy on Saturday, October 1.
