An electrode assembly for a high cycling battery is disclosed. The electrode assembly includes a separator envelope comprising a backweb of material. The backweb has opposing sides, a contact area including a plurality of vertical, continuous major ribs of substantially the same height spaced across the contact area and projecting from one of the opposing sides forming acid conduits therebetween. A rim area is provided on each respective end of the contact area and has a plurality of vertical shoulder ribs. The backweb of material is folded and each rim area, aligned by the folding of the backweb, at least partially secured to itself to form the separator envelope. A negative electrode is received in the separator envelope and a positive electrode is positioned adjacent to the negative electrode, separated from the negative electrode by the separator envelope. A separator and plate assembly and a lead-acid battery are also disclosed.