![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
Rock Ridge Volleyball Wins in Dominant Fashion on Senior Night
Rock Ridge finishes off their game by winning the 5th set, beating Light Ridge 15-13 in a close match.
On Oct. 19, the Phoenix celebrated after scoring a hardfought point during a close game against Light Ridge.
November 16, 2021
On Oct. 19, the Phoenix volleyball team defeated the Lightridge Lightning in five sets. After being down two sets to none, the Phoenix came back and won the next three sets in a row to seal the win against the Lightning.
There was a visible spark from the Phoenix players during the latter half of the game, with an especially dominant third set that the Phoenix won 25-10. “We changed up our rotation a little bit to something we were more comfortable with and we just built up energy,” senior Kate Semenikhina said.
The Phoenix displayed grit and hustle in their comeback win. “It was our hustle, our strategy, and our adapting to the game,” head coach Steve Chronister said. “We would come out and would not play the same way all the time, we would test different spots on the court, different types of attacks and that really keeps the other team on their toes.” The switching up of plays and positions kept Phoenix fans on the edge of their seats.
The crowd was supportive during the game. Assistant Coach Meredith said, “[the] crowd is fantastic, everybody from 8 years old all the way up to 80 years old cheering.” The Phoenix have won four out of their last five games and are looking to end their season with a win against the Spartans on the 20th.
![In a historic presidential election, voters nationwide turned out to make their voices heard. Virginia’s 10th congressional district had three key national positions up for election: president, senator, and representative.
In the race for the House of Representatives seat previously held by Democrat Jennifer Wexton, the Republican Party nominated Mike Clancy, while the Democratic Party put forward Suhas Subramanyam, a former Virginia General Assembly Senator. Subramanyam won the seat with a 52% majority.
For one of Virginia’s Senate positions, Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao faced off. Kaine took the position with a 54% majority.
For the White House, current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump fought to obtain the 270 electoral votes needed to get the bid. News outlets worldwide tracked the results live, with close attention to seven key battleground states: Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina. Trump ultimately crossed the 270-vote threshold early on Nov. 6, with the swing states playing a pivotal role in his campaign’s success.
This election was the first presidential race for many Gen-Z voters, who entered a sharply polarized environment. Adela Booth, mother-in-law of Representative-Elect Subramanyam, traveled from Connecticut to support his campaign, encouraging young voters to engage in the political process. “Vote,” Booth said. “Get involved in politics. Even [if] you don’t think it applies to you, it applies to you. You will carry this debt. It will affect your grandchildren and you have to do something about it. You can’t sit back and watch anymore.”
✏️ and 📷 by Shivu Sathe](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)