![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)
On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Phoenix varsity volleyball team came out with another win against the Woodgrove Wolverines, following their previous victory against the Lightridge Lightning. They won all but the first set and the leading cause of their success is thanks to the communication between teammates. “I think that we played really well as a team today,” senior Ankita Kamath said. “After the first set, we kind of had a hiccup, [but after talking to each other], we were able to play [well] for the rest of the game.”
After a 25-23 loss in the first set, the Phoenix fought to regain their momentum. “We didn’t play our best, but we definitely fought to keep our serves in play so we could get points,” senior Isha Uppalli said.
The second set ended in a huge shift with a 25-14 outcome in favor of the Phoenix. “Even if we have a large point difference in a set, we push and keep that mindset that we can come back to this and not let the other team beat us,” junior Rania Lahbibi said.
The Phoenix followed suit in the third set once again dominating the Wolverines with a tally of 25-10 to push them over, now having an advantage over the opposing team. “I think we work best when we have the most energy,” Kamath said. “After somebody gets a big kill, I feel like we are all energized, so I think that’s when we really play best as a team.”
The fourth and final set ended 25-17 for the Phoenix, leading them to a three-set win. With the pressure resting on this set to secure a back-to-back win for the varsity team, the Phoenix rallied together, both players and on-lookers. The JV and freshman teams, along with managers, went through a series of chants including the classic “She Said No!” and “Oh Mickey You’re So Fine” based on the plays made on the court. Towards the end of the set, the Woodgrove and Phoenix student sections took on the responsibility of making sure their respective teams were “winning from the sidelines” by sending taunts to the opposing team. Through it all, the Phoenix prevailed and won the game.
The next home volleyball game will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 2.
