![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)
First Pitch of the Season for the Phoenix
The Phoenix baseball team played their first game against the Tuscarora Huskies on April 1.
Junior Peytan Sutherland (10) pitches a knuckleball to throw off Tuscarora’s batter.
May 3, 2022
On Apr. 1, the boys varsity baseball team went up against the Huskies in a tough first game of the year. The Huskies maintained their lead over the Phoenix throughout the game, which ended in a 11-3 Phoenix loss.
The game lasted 7 innings, with freshman Mehiki Motilewa (2) starting at bat. Throughout the game, the Phoenix held out against Tuscarora’s competitive offense. The Phoenix played with enthusiasm with coaches and teammates cheering on each batter.
During the fourth inning, senior Ryan Buermeyer (22) hit a double, allowing the Phoenix third base runners to make it home, cutting the Huskies lead down to four runs.
While the first game of the year didn’t end in the result the Phoenix might have wanted, they were still proud of their effort and determination that went into the game. “We prepared pretty well, we practiced everyday,” sophomore Brahmjot Chawla (18) said. “I think the matter of the matter is we came out here and we just weren’t ready for it, but we prepared pretty well.”
The Phoenix plan to train harder than for their next game. “I think we’re gonna come back and do a lot better,” sophomore Britain Fees (13) said. “We’re gonna start fresh Monday, so I think we’re gonna be able to get out there and get the bask on early and that’s it.”
The next game will take place on April 29 against the Riverside Rams.
![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)