Sophomore Siri Patil sets the ball during the second set. “I’m a sophomore, and last year I wasn’t even on the JV [team],” Patil said. “I was on freshman, so it’s been kind of hard for me to adjust to playing at such a high level. I think the past few games I’ve been able to give my hitters what they need to make them shine, which is my job as a setter.”

Freshman Sreeja Inumella hits the ball over the net to secure another point for the Phoenix during the third set.

Junior Katelyn Weicker and freshman Eva Varela-Escobar jump to block a hit from the Wolverines.

Freshman Sreeja Inumella sets the ball to start off the second set.

Phoenix celebrates after tying up with the Wolverines during the third set. “I think my players have been working very hard this season,” coach Maddy Anderson said. “We’re in a growing year after graduating eight seniors, and I’m really proud of the improvement they’ve been making.”

Sophomore Zuniarah Hasan gets ready to set the ball during warmups. “I think I kept the energy up during my game, and I was able to be an anchor for the rest of my team and act as someone to rely on,” Hasan said.

Sophomore Kiara Bueno prepares to serve the ball.

The Phoenix girls volleyball team huddles together before the first set starts. “Everyones [is] here because they love playing,” sophomore Siri Patel said. “Yes, we lose, [and] it can be a bad loss or a close game, but even then you have to remember why you’re on the team and why you chose to play the game, and it’s because you have fun playing it.”

Sophomore Sudhi Gudimettla jumps to hit the ball over the net.