![Junior Diya Arun stares out a window. For Arun, the winter season brings out the holiday blues. “ I think [the winter] has a negative effect on my mental health because I feel like the cold weather and people around me are also sadder [and] that affects me,” Arun said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_8047-1200x800.jpg)
![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the Phoenix girls varsity volleyball team defeated the Tuscarora Huskies in a competitive contest, taking the win 3-0.
The first set began evenly, but the Huskies began to inch higher on the scoreboard as the set continued, making for an intense match — but that didn’t deter the Phoenix; they maintained momentum as the set closed, securing a victory. The following sets were equally as intense, with both teams always one step behind the other. The third set was a nailbiter for the crowd, as the set didn’t end at the usual 25 winning score. However, the Phoenix prevailed and won, sealing their 3-0 match victory.
With the end of their season looming, members of the team have been thinking about the growth they’ve had since their first game. “We’ve gotten a lot closer,” senior Jessica Valdov said. “We’ve done team bondings and we’ve gotten to know each other really well. Our player and team connections [improved] and we trust each other on the court.”
Throughout the match, the Phoenix kept strong at the hands of the Huskies, remaining consistent on the scoreboard. “Even though we had a few dips during the game, the team did a good job fighting [at] the end to close out and win all three sets,” senior Michelle Kim said. Although the first and third sets were close in score (25-23 and 26-24, respectively) the Phoenix blazed through the second set, winning 25-13.
The seniors on the team feel their high school athletic careers coming to a close as the end of the season approaches. “I feel a little bittersweet about it, as it’s my first year at Rock Ridge,” senior Anna Koroma said. “I’m definitely proud of all we accomplished this season. I [know] that all girls are gonna do great things in the future.”
The next and last home volleyball game is on Monday, Oct. 28 against the Heritage Pride.
Edit: The original article incorrectly stated the next home game was Monday, Oct. 27. It has been updated accordingly.
