CONCORD, Mass. - Host Middlesex put up a valiant effort but dropped a hard-fought, 10-6 decision to ISL rival Milton Academy in the Zebras home opener on Wednesday afternoon on Landry Turf.

Middlesex came out firing on all cylinders, setting the tone early with disciplined, defensive sets that stymied Milton's attack from the opening whistle. The game remained scoreless for much of the first quarter as both teams could not finish against the relentless defense.

With 5:21 remaining in the first, the Zebras broke through, capitalizing on a free position opportunity to notch the game's first goal. Milton, however, responded with a surge in the final four minutes of the quarter, converting on three straight free positions to take a 3–1 lead into the second.

The second quarter turned into a defensive battle, with both teams shutting down offensive chances and forcing turnovers. Bella Santucci (Leominster, Mass.) cut into the deficit to make it 4–2, but Milton answered in the final 43 seconds of the half to extend their lead to 5–2 at the break.

The third quarter proved challenging for the Zebras, as Milton found momentum late and added three goals while Middlesex managed just one. Despite the setback, the Zebras showed resilience and refused to back down.

Early in the fourth quarter, both teams once again locked in defensively. With five minutes remaining, Milton stretched the lead to 9–3. Still, Middlesex continued to fight, turning crucial caused turnovers in the defensive end into three excellent goals in the final three minutes to close the gap and showcase their determination.

Santucci, Taylor Thompson (Wellelsey, Mass.), Cate Glass (Brookline, Mass.), and Ryan Pinney (Harvard, Mass.) combined for the Zebras' goals on the day. On the defensive end, Lucy McGaraghan (Lexington, Mass.), Thea Salem (Cambridge, Mass.), Avery Swenson (Concord, Mass.), Sarah Voute (Harvard, Mass.), Marin Gustafson (Wellesley, Mass.), and goalie Erin Larson (North Andover, Mass.) delivered standout performances marked by communication, grit, and timely stops that kept Middlesex in the fight until the final whistle.

Middlesex is back in action on Saturday when they play host to ISL for Noble and Greenough at 2:30 PM.