![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.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 Baseball Takes a Hit After Playing Heritage
On April 4, the Phoenix varsity baseball team played the Heritage Pride, fighting throughout the game even as the Pride took the lead. The game ended with the Phoenix losing 6-1.
Freshman Dhruv Vemuri (8) bats for the Phoenix, hitting the ball before running to first base. “One thing that I’d like to improve on is being able to hit off of the better pitchers,” Vemuri said. “We’re going to keep facing good pitchers and I want to be able to hit off of them.”
April 25, 2022
On April 4, Phoenix baseball went up against the Heritage Pride. The game ended after seven innings with the Pride taking the 6-1 victory.
The Phoenix scored one run with a run batted in (RBI) by freshman Mekhi Motilewa. Following sophomore Jai Kashyp’s single to left field with junior Ari Susser pinch running for Kashyp, Motilewa hit a triple to deep left field, bringing Susser home.
The upperclassmen cheered on their underclassmen teammates with supportive words from the dugout. “Future games will go really well,” freshman Dhruv Vemuri said. “We have a great group of upperclassmen leaders who are helping the rest of the team develop and understand the game at a higher level.”
As the team prepares for future games in their spring season, some of the players have goals of improving their skills. “I would like to improve my pitching,” freshman Donte’ Allen said.
Allen is not the only player who hopes to improve in a certain skill area. Vemuri wants to work on batting against more skilled pitchers, and having the support of upperclassmen teammates can make goals like this possible. Vemuri also said, “As soon as we find our groove on offense, we will be a well-balanced team that has potential to win a lot of games in the future.”
The team’s only senior, Ryan Buermeyer, pitches for his team and plays third base. Buermeyer has hopes for his team’s future victory. “My goal is to lead my team to win a few games,” Buermeyer said. “We’re continuing to improve with every game.”
While the baseball team lost this game, the players have hope to win in the future. Through their determination, this goal of theirs is likely to be complete as they look out for one another, and help each other improve.
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-600x400.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_0057-600x331.jpg)