![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)
Phoenix’s Girls Lacrosse Faces the Panthers with Determination
The Phoenix girls lacrosse team went up against the Panthers on March 29, putting up a fight but eventually losing 18-2.
Junior Taylor Cheek (14) attempts to steal the ball away from the Panthers.
April 25, 2022
On March 29, the girls lacrosse team played against the Potomac Falls Panthers in freezing temperatures. The Panthers came out on top, winning 18-2.
While playing a tough game, the Phoenix managed to score two goals against the Panthers defense. Both goals, quick breakaways from center field, were scored by junior Nora Beck (24). The first goal was scored in the first half, and the second in the second half. Beck’s breakaways required a variety of lacrosse elimination and offensive moves.
Although winning was a main focus, the players were also focused on supporting each other and working hard in preparation. “I was thinking about what I can do and improve on from my last game, [and] I was thinking about how I can hype up my teammates, and just to make sure everyone has a good time, I wanted to improve my communication,” junior Taylor Cheek said. “I feel like we need to talk a lot more.”
The entire lacrosse team is passionate about the sport. “Many of the players consider lacrosse to be very important in their lives,” Cheek said. “Lacrosse has impacted me in a lot of ways; I’ve met so many new people, I’ve gotten active, I have something to do after school, it’s just been a lot of fun to meet new people and go to other schools to compete.”
![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)