The Varsity Volleyball team played their most intense match of the season so far against a strong Tabor Academy squad on Wednesday, September 28. Despite a high quality performance from the Zebras, the Seawolves emerged victorious, 3-0.

The first set against the Seawolves made it evident right off the bat that both teams were of the highest caliber in the ISL. The loud and boisterous Tabor fans provided a significant home court advantage. The Zebras had their mental toughness tested on the court, and proved that they can still make strong plays away from home without their home fans. The set featured aces from Caroline Cervini '23, Parker Boyden '23, and Charlotte Heafey '25. Annabelle Lerner '23 and Charlotte maintained strong offensive consistency, and Julie Chen '23, Romy Ahn '23, Parker and Charlotte played strong defense, digging up numerous hits. Caroline also varied the offense with her clever attacks. With both teams playing at a high level, it came down to decisive unforced errors. Although the Zebras overcame the early Tabor lead and edged ahead 17-16 late in the set, the Seawolves surged back and took the set with a score of 25-21.

The second set began with a strong 6-0 lead by Middlesex, who came back on the court with a greater determination and motivation to turn things around. The pressure got to Tabor, who called a time out to regroup and close the gap. The scoreboard was tight throughout the set, and featured longer, tougher rallys. Julie, Romy, Annabelle, Charlotte, and Parker all made strong kills that kept the pressure on Tabor. Charlotte, Julie, Rome, Caroline, and Devon Coyle '24 maintained a strong defense, holding back the swings by the tall Tabor frontline. Caroline, Julie, and Romy all scored aces during the set. It was a really tight set, with both teams feeling the pressure. In the end, the Seawolves ended up on top with a score of 25-22.

The third set was perhaps the most intense, with the Zebras bringing out all of their intent in hopes to turn things around. The team remained focused and made very strong plays throughout the set. Offensively, Parker, Annabelle, Julie, Charlotte, and Romy kept the pressure on the Seawolves. The defense was kept consistent by Romy, Tem Taepaisitphongse '23, Charlotte, Caroline, and Julie. The set also featured the season debut of Dela McCaghren '24, who enriched the defense with her strong net presence and blocking. Despite the hustle and focus of the Zebras, the Seawolves closed the set with a score of 25-19. 

This tough first loss of the season showed that, despite the challenges, the Zebras were able to play at a high level, adapt, and maintain focus throughout a difficult match against a strong opponent. Middlesex (2-1; 0-1 ISL) continues their ISL season on Saturday, October 1, when they head to Milton, Mass. to face Milton Academy.