CONCORD, Mass. - Host Middlesex came out on fire offensively and the Zebras picked up a key ISL victory, topping Brooks, 12-11 in girls lacrosse action on Wednesday afternoon.

Marin Gustafson (Wellesley, Mass.), Ryan Pinney (Harvard, Mass.), and Cate Glass (Brookline, Mass.) combined for four first-quarter goals, while the tenacious Middlesex defense held Brooks scoreless to set the tone early.

Brooks found momentum in the second quarter, breaking through for five goals. The Zebras, however, stayed composed and scored six of their own. Glass, Pinney, Addie Curry (Carlisle, Mass.), and Annika McNulty (Houston, Texas) powered the scoring surge to keep Middlesex in front at halftime.

A stretch of turnovers in the third quarter allowed Brooks to capitalize on a 3–0 run, tightening the game and shifting the pressure, but the fourth quarter belonged to Middlesex. 

Goalie Erin Larson (North Andover, Mass.) anchored the defense with 13 saves on the day, while standout defensive efforts from Thea Salem (Cambridge, Mass.), Avery Swenson (Concord, Mass.), Sarah Voute (Harvard, Mass.), and Lucy McGaraghan (Lexington, Mass.) helped the Zebras regain control.

Gustafson finished two beautiful feeds from Glass and Bella Santucci (Leominster, Mass.) to spark the offense when it mattered most. Despite a Brooks goal with just 28 seconds left to bring the score within one, the Zebras held their ground to secure a thrilling 12–11 victory.

Santucci, Salem, Glass, Gustafson, and Swenson were relentless on the draw throughout the game, and Swenson led the team in caused turnovers, highlighting a full-field effort that sealed the win.