![Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_0042-1200x800.jpg)
![Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSC_0013-1-1200x929.jpg)
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Phoenix girls volleyball team took on the Potomac Falls Panthers for Senior Night, ultimately losing 0-3.
Before the game, Captain senior Kaitlyn Harley was excited to play this match. “I think we’re gonna do really good, especially being high on energy at the beginning of the night,” Harley said. “I definitely think it’s gonna be a competitive game with a lot of intensity back and forth.”
Shortly after the game started, the Phoenix scored the first point of the night, but then the Panthers started to build a lead in the first set. The Phoenix started to gain some momentum by scoring a couple points. “We knew they were going to be a tough team, but everyone worked together and fought hard the entire match,” senior Abby Knick said. With some kills by the Panthers and multiple digs by the Phoenix, the Panthers won the set 12-25.
Going into the second set, spirits were high, with the JV and freshman teams cheering on their seniors. The Panthers scored a kill first, but the Phoenix continued with their strong effort. However, the Panthers took the lead. “When things got tense, we just kept communicating,” Knick said. “Volleyball is all about talking and staying loud, even when you’re down by a few points. Resilience was definitely the key to this game.”
To start the third set, Knick had a diving save to keep the ball live with the Phoenix scoring a point. Despite the efforts of the Phoenix, they lost the final set 19-25.
Despite the loss, the players credited their positive energy and strong communication for keeping them in rhythm throughout the game. “We did a great job staying positive the whole time,” Knick said. “The crowd was full, and we were having fun.” For her, the highlight of the match was the moment she scored her first point. “That first kill really built my confidence and helped spark excitement for the rest of the game,” Knick said.
Surrounded by friends, teammates, and supporters, Knick described the night as unforgettable. “I draw my energy from everyone around me,” Knick said. “Senior night was special because my friends were there cheering us on, [and] it pushed me to play one of my best games.”
