![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)
The Phoenix Boys Soccer Team Faces the Bulldogs in a Dogfight
The Phoenix beat the Bulldogs 2-1 during the varsity soccer game on March 14.
![Running towards the ball to get it to the other side of the field, sophomore captain Rishit Choudhari makes several advances to try to get the ball to the goal. “We did a great job keeping our head up [during the game],” Choudhari said. “Even though the result wasn’t what we wanted, we all played really well.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC_0948-427x475.jpg)
![Freshman Brian Ayewouadan keeps the ball in his possession as he tries to move it away from the Pioneer defender. “We could have definitely had more goals, and our strikers were a little bit off. This was my first varsity [game] as a freshman, and I was kind of nervous, but I actually did pretty good,” Ayewouadan said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC_0452-e1678394890698-475x464.jpg)
With their gaze fixed on the ball, freshman Rishit Choudhari (23) and senior Mo Hammadi (24) run towards the action.
On March 14, the Phoenix boys varsity soccer team faced the Bulldogs with the Phoenix emerging victorious, winning 2-1. The Phoenix and the Bulldogs were locked in a stalemate at the end of first half, but senior Prince Amarante (13) managed to score a second goal in the second half to win.
Freshman Rishit Choudhari (23) said that the team had a few places to improve their game. “I feel like we could’ve protected the ball a bit more and been more energetic,” Choudhari said. Choudhari said teammate junior Shane Hagler stood out on the field because “he made crucial saves and did really well that game.”
Senior Bella Gerardi has been a member of the Blaze for four years and this year she has the role of the Photo Editor. Bella has had a history with writing since a young age. Her grandmothers were both...
Nidhi Manchala is a senior and the Design Editor for The Blaze. Originally joining on whim, this is her fourth year on staff and she now recognizes journalism as her favorite part of school. Being a part...