![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 13, the Phoenix girls lacrosse team went up against the Park View Patriots in the second match-up of the spring season. The girls entered the field excited and prepared, ready to face their opponents. They fought hard throughout the game, but lost to the Patriots 13-4.
The game started with the Patriots pulling a quick six-point lead against the Phoenix. However, the Phoenix stayed strong and kept their energy up even as issues with the game officials arose. Keeping their heads in the game, the Phoenix scored two goals in the second quarter, boosting their spirits for the second half of the game.
Both the Phoenix and the Patriots fought relentlessly during the game while coaches and teammates yelled and cheered from the sidelines. Each time fellow teammates ran the ball to the goal, their teammates yelled words of encouragement. The team, however, started to lose spirit in the beginning of the fourth quarter as they were down 12-4. Nonetheless, they fought hard against the Patriots even when luck wasn’t on their side.
The Phoenix’s defense was a strong suit of the contest despite pressure from the Patriots. Sophomore defender Leyu Yonas noticed how tough the game was on her skills. “I think I played okay,” Yonas said. “Even though it wasn’t our best game, all I know is that we tried and are still working hard.”
The team continued to fight to the end but the Patriots took the win with the final score of 13-4.
