![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)
On March 11, The Phoenix girls soccer team geared up for a competitive match against the Lightridge Lightning bolts. During some back and forth gameplay in the first half, both teams were evenly matched; countering each other’s advances. Despite the 1-0 lead the Lightning took in the first half, the Phoenix still fought with all their strength till the end. However, the Bolts prevailed, winning with a final score of 5-0.
As the first half was underway, the kickoff allowed the Phoenix to gain an early lead with the ball in possession. Both teams clashed, but the Lightning were able to keep the ball from progressing towards their goal. Sophomore Mackenzie Cooper was able to capitalize off of the Lightning’s mistakes. After each pass the Bolts tried to make, Cooper was able to intercept and dribble the ball away. “One of my close friends plays on the other team,” Cooper said. “It was a very good competition because everyone was really fired [up] and wanted to win.”
Around ten minutes into the game, the Lightning were able to push through the Phoenix’s defense and make their way to the goal. After a few saves by both players and the goalie, the Lightning made the first goal of the night. This brought the score to 1-0, with the Lightning in the lead. The score stayed consistent until the end of the first half.
The second half began after a ten minute half-time, and both teams clashed with rejuvenated energy. The Phoenix came back strong, and started taking advantage of the Lightning’s fouls and mistakes. Senior Kim Trieu noted that her team had to work extra-hard to make sure their coordination was the best it could be. “There’s a lot of younger freshmen and sophomores [this year],” Trieu said. “So we had to make sure they knew our style of play and what position to be in.”
Despite the defense and pressure from the Phoenix, the Lightning scored multiple goals throughout the second half of the game. In the end, the Phoenix lost 5-0 after a long struggle. Although they didn’t get the outcome they wanted, the Phoenix remained strong as a team. “It’s a fun environment to be in,” Cooper said. “It’s [not just] a sport, [but also] like hanging out with friends.”
