On Wednesday Sept. 28, the Phoenix girls volleyball team clashed against the Broad Run Spartans at home. Looking for a rebound from a loss the night before at Riverside, the Phoenix girls were ready to give it their all. The student section, however, fresh off a home win from a week back, was buzzing with excitement. The team delivered, beating the Spartans with a final score of 3-1. 

The game started off great for the Phoenix. The girls showcased their teamwork and training by winning the first set with a score of 25-20, an effort led by senior Annika Engen.

Since junior starter Grace Tucker was absent due to illness, the Phoenix had to improvise their offensive and defensive strategies in order to be effective as a team. “Everybody really pulled it together and communicated well, and filled the gap,” senior Engen said. 

The crowd continued to cheer for the Phoenix girls as the second set commenced. The lead continuously switched between both teams, leaving the student section on their toes. With the score tied 25-25, both teams needed to win two consecutive points to claim the set. The Spartans were able to clinch the set with a score of 27-25. 

“We could have done way better with serving [in the second set], as we lost 8 serves, and that kinda cost  us a whole set,” junior Sidney Powell said. “Once we realized we actually had to start playing to the [best] of our abilities, then we started playing well, and we realized we could beat them by a lot.” 

After a close third set (25-19), Phoenix fans could finally exhale, after realizing that all the girls needed to do was keep their mental game up. The team took a more comfortable set lead of 2-1.  

Entering the fourth set with the same momentum and solidifying their defense and teamwork, the Phoenix were able to finish the fourth and final set with a score of 25-17, causing the student section to erupt in cheers.

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Iyush Hoysal

The Phoenix huddle during a timeout in the third set, discussing plays that could win the tight game. The score remained tied at 25-25 as they headed into overtime. “We had a couple players injured, and I think our team chemistry really helped us this game,” junior Kamath said.