CONCORD, Mass. - In a hard-fought match up, Middlesex squared off against ISL rival St. Mark's in a game defined by grit, hustle, and a resilient second-half push from the Zebras.

Middlesex's defense set the tone, with Marin Gustafson (Wellesley, Mass.), Cate Glass (Brookline, Mass.), Thea Salem (Cambridge, Mass.) and Avery Swenson (Concord, Mass.) combining for a flurry of caused turnovers on the defensive end. Their pressure disrupted St. Mark's rhythm and kept Middlesex within striking distance throughout the contest. 

Salem stood out as a true ground ball monster, battling through traffic to come away with six contested pickups that repeatedly sparked transition opportunities for the Zebras.

On the offensive end, Middlesex showcased impressive balance. Eight different players found the back of the net, highlighting the team's unselfish play and depth. Bella Santucci (Leominster, Mass.), Annika McNulty (Houston, Texas), Gustafson, Glass, Salem, Ryan Pinney (Harvard, Mass.), Addie Curry (Carlisle, Mass.) and Taylor Thompson (Wellesley, Mass.) all contributed to the scoring effort, making it difficult for the Lions to key in on any one threat.

After a challenging second quarter, the Zebras regrouped and returned to the field with renewed energy. Middlesex edged St. Mark's in the second half by a goal, demonstrating resilience and composure. Much of that momentum began at the draw circle, where Glass delivered a standout performance, helping Middlesex gain valuable possessions and control the pace of play.

Despite the determined comeback and strong second-half effort, the early deficit proved just too much to overcome. Still, the Zebras' defensive tenacity, balanced scoring, and relentless hustle were on full display in a game that showcased their fight from start to finish.