![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)
![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)
After winning two scrimmages and their first game of the season, the Phoenix varsity volleyball team faced their first loss of the season in their latest game against the Battlefield Bobcats on Aug. 29.
The Phoenix took to the home court for the first time this season, and the crowd was filled with energy. The junior varsity and freshman teams enthusiastically cheered on their varsity teammates throughout the game. “Energy is what picks us up and keeps us going,” senior Grace Tucker said. “When we get into a slump, that’s when we need it the most.”
The first set kicked off with a strong start from the Phoenix and led to a tied score of 24-24. In order to claim the set, either team needed to score two consecutive points. After a close rally, the Bobcats won the set with a score of 26-24. “The first set was pretty hard for us,” freshman Asiyah Bakr said. “I think that we did [well in] this game, but we still have some things to work on.”
The second set slipped away from the Phoenix quickly, pushing the Bobcats forward with a final set score of 25-10.
Energy levels ramped up in the third set when the Phoenix made their comeback. The team established a quick lead and kept it going until they scored 25 points to win the third set with the Bobcats trailing behind. With renewed spirits, the Phoenix went into the fourth set ready to claim the game.
The lead went back and forth in the fourth set, eventually ending with the Bobcats winning their third and final set by three points to close off the game. “I feel like we gave it our all on the court, but a few things could be cleaned up, like communication and changing up our tactics depending on the team,” junior Lauren Madison said.
Despite the tough loss, the Phoenix maintained high spirits throughout the game. The younger teams cheered on the varsity girls, coordinating creative chants as the game went on.
Many of the seniors played together throughout middle school as well as high school and have built a bond that benefits them greatly on the court. “[The players] mesh well and read each other super well,” assistant coach Whitney Leach said.
