![Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ananya-1200x800.jpg)
![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 Fall Short to the Titans in a Close Dulles District Matchup
On Sept. 13, the Phoenix girls volleyball team played a home game against the Dominion Titans. The game concluded in a Phoenix loss of 3 sets to 0.
Eyes fixed on the ball, left side hitter junior Grace Tucker gets ready to spike the ball to the opposing team.
October 17, 2022
On Tuesday, Sept. 13, the Varsity girls volleyball team played a home game against the Dominion Titans, who had a 5-2 overall record. The Phoenix had a tough loss of 3-0.
The first set was extremely close for both teams, as the score was consistently tied up. However, the Phoenix fell to the Titans with a score of 25-27. Despite a fight, the second set didn’t go as well for the Phoenix, ending with a Phoenix loss of 20-25. The last set of the match tested both teams’ defense and morale with great offensive hits and emotional fans in the stands. The set ended in a 25-16 loss for the Phoenix.
The new line-up and shift of positions may have contributed to the Phoenix’s loss against the Titans. “We weren’t next to people who we were used to being next to, and that messed with our team comradery,” junior Ava Tucker said. “I think we could have communicated better, because communication is when we do really well. We have the skill, we just need to talk [to each other].”
The loss was tough for the Phoenix, as it was only their second of the season. The girls have won seven out of nine games, making their record 7-2. “Overall, I think we could have done worse,” defensive specialist sophomore Lola Aguilar said. “Yes, it was a loss, but I think a loss is what we needed to get us to want to play better.”
Outside hitter junior Sidney Powell felt like the energy was down, and that during the last set, it felt like they’d given up. “Some improvements for that game would be to adjust to their offense faster,” Powell said. “They were killing us with their serves, so we were not passing the best,” Powell said. “Most of our team has played together since the seventh grade [in the] Stone Hill Middle School volleyball team. We know each other so well, and we have built such a powerful bond on and off the court.”
The Titans and the Phoenix are two of the most prominent teams in the division, with a solid overall record. The Phoenix currently hold a 10-2 overall record. Although the unfortunate loss from the Stone Bridge Bulldogs and the current loss from the Titans seems to put them at a disadvantage, the Phoenix’s overall record places them second in Dulles District.
![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)