![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)
Head to Head: Lacrosse Double Header Showcases Phoenix Seniors
Through hard work on both ends of the field, the girls and boys’ lacrosse step up to their sticks in a night of hugs, sweat, and tears.
Seniors Atri Bathula and Advik Pasuparthi hustle their way through the field.
June 6, 2022
On Wed., May 11, the Phoenix girls and boys lacrosse teams played against the Lightridge Lightning. At the home game, the Phoenix varsity teams celebrated the seniors as they played their final matches as high schoolers.
The double header started off with the girls varsity team. The Lightridge girls took an early lead in the first half of the game, scoring three goals in the first eight minutes. The Phoenix girls were back in the game once senior Alexa Veneros (12) scored Rock Ridge’s only goal during her senior night. At the end of halftime, the score was 1-9 with Lightridge in the lead. While the Phoenix fought hard to hold the Lightning, the game ended with the Lightning winning 18-1.
“I think I played pretty well, considering the team we went up against. I was the only one that scored, [but] I wish I scored more,” Veneros said.
After the Phoenix girls game ended, there was a short ceremony celebrating the seniors of the boys and girls lacrosse teams. The seniors walked across the lacrosse field on the arms of their loved ones as their coach announced their accomplishments, and where they plan on continuing their education.
Once the ceremony was over, the Phoenix boys lacrosse game began. The game started off with the Lightning in the lead with an early goal, but the Phoenix boys quickly caught up with a goal right after. In this half, there were two goals scored by senior Sneh Shah (22). The score at the end of the first quarter was 2-6 with the Lightning in the lead. After halftime, Lightridge came back strong, scoring right away, which was matched by two goals by the Phoenix. Unfortunately, the Phoenix boys lost momentum, and the game ended with the Lightning winning 14-4.
Despite the loss, senior Humza Uddin (30) said, “I think I played my best [this game]; I didn’t beat [it], but I met the record for most Loudoun County saves by a lacrosse goalie.” The current Loudoun County record for most saves by a lacrosse goalie is 22 saves.
![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)