![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)
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.
![On Monday, Dec. 16, the Rock Ridge Phoenix boys varsity basketball team faced the Unity Reed Lions in a close-knit battle, where the Phoenix prevailed 59-56.
The first quarter started slow, with both teams focusing on strong defense. Even with sophomore Filippo Gomes leading the first with two three-pointers, the Phoenix were still down three at the end of the quarter, leaving a 15-12 lead for the Lions.
The Phoenix amped up their offense considerably for the rest of the game. During the second quarter, the Phoenix scored 20 points, allowing them to grow the point gap between them and the Lions’ score, finishing the quarter 32-23 Phoenix. The third quarter was neck-and-neck as the Lions found footing again, but the Phoenix persisted and gained 14 points, ending the third quarter with a nerve-wracking 46-45 Phoenix lead. “I was a little nervous, I’m not gonna lie,” senior Akash Kulkarni said. “But just staying confident, making good passes, and listening to [Coach] Geyer [got us through].” Both teams fought tooth-and-nail for the fourth quarter, utilizing fouls, free throws, and timeouts to their advantage, but in the end, it was up to Phoenix defense to ensure their win. Ultimately, the Phoenix triumphed, with a winning score of 59-56.
After the game, the Phoenix basketball team awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) belt to the player who worked diligently behind the scenes senior William Beck. They awarded him MVP for his team leadership and playmaking throughout the game. “It feels good, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” Beck said.
✏️ and 📷 by Nidhi Manchala and Lucian Tiller](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)