WELLESLEY, Mass. - On a rainy afternoon at Dana Hall School, the Middlesex School Zebras battled the elements and a slow start to earn a gritty 10–9 comeback victory.

Sloppy conditions early contributed to a challenging first quarter, as Middlesex fell behind by three goals. Dana Hall kept the pressure on in the second, adding two more to extend the lead to 5–1. But the Zebras regrouped and with renewed energy, Middlesex stormed back before halftime, netting three goals to narrow the gap to 5–4.

Adjustments on both ends of the field paid off in the third. Middlesex's offense found its rhythm while the defense tightened up, allowing the Zebras to notch four goals and take control of the momentum. Late in the game, Middlesex claimed the lead, only to see Dana Hall even the score at nine with three minutes remaining.

With 1:03 left on the clock, Cate Glass (Brookline, Mass.) calmly converted a free-position opportunity to put the Zebras ahead for good. Avery Swenson (Concord, Mass.) won the ensuing draw, but Dana Hall quickly regained possession and charged toward goal. The Middlesex defense stood firm, denying two dangerous attempts in the final minute to seal the win. Freshman Emma Voute (Harvard, Mass.) joined a veteran defender on the final defensive set, stopping the scoring opportunity and notching perhaps the game's most important caused turnover.  

Six Zebras contributed to the scoring effort: Glass, Addie Curry (Carlisle, Mass.), Marin Gustafson (Wellesley, Mass.), Taylor Thompson (Wellesley, Mass.), Ryan Pinney (Harvard, Mass.), and Bella Santucci (Leominster, Mass.), who made an impressive debut with a goal and an assist in her first game for Middlesex. Annika McNulty (Houston, Texas) and Molly Kearny (Lexington, Mass.) also stood out on the attack, creating key opportunities throughout the contest.

Swenson dominated ground balls, while Thea Salem (Cambridge, Mass.) led the team in caused turnovers. Lucy McGaraghan (Lexington, Mass.), Sarah Voute (Harvard, Mass.), and Sarah Smith (Acton, Mass.) also added to the defensive end with strong performances, and goalkeeper Erin Larson (North Andover, Mass.) delivered a 50% save percentage in the cage. Freshmen Rory Gurtler (Wellesley, Mass.), who earned her first Middlesex ground ball and distribution, leading to a fast break goal, and Maise Martinez (Concord, Mass.) made their debuts in the defensive and offensive ends, respectively. 

In tough weather and against a determined opponent, the Zebras showed resilience, teamwork, and composure to come away with a hard-earned road victory. The team will take a day to reboot for their third away game against Winsor on Friday, April 3rd.