On Tuesday, March 18, Phoenix varsity softball played against the Loudoun County Captains in a battle that ended with a Captain victory 16-0. Early on, the Captains took the lead and held it for the duration of the game, making it tough for the Phoenix to catch up. 

This marked the first home game of the season for the Phoenix, meaning they are still working on coming together and building a winning identity. “I was a lot more confident getting back into the swing of the whole softball thing,” sophomore Lily Omo said. “As a team, we really just started to get to know each other better, and [we] start[ed] to work  [on communication] more.”

Other players on the team also understand that there is still plenty of time for improvement.. “The season just started, so I felt a bit rusty, but with more games and practice, I think my performance will improve,” junior Riya Cherukuri said. 

The Captains, who finished second last year in the Dulles Region,  are “county recognized” as a good team, according to sophomore Cheka Hess, meaning it would be a formidable challenge for the Phoenix. “We put up a good fight for sure,” Hess said. “Our defense was pretty good, but they are a really, really good team.” That never deterred the Phoenix, though, and they continued to give it their all when at bat and on the field.

Because the season just kicked off, the Phoenix are working together, and individually, to improve their skills on and off the field through words of encouragement and extra practice. “We’re constantly encouraging each other, whether it’s during practice or games,” Cherukuri said. “We make sure to lift each other up [and] make sure to communicate and learn from our mistakes so we can grow together.”

Gallery • 6 Photos

Shivu Sathe

Junior Riya Cherukuri winds up in hopes of forcing a strike from the Loudoun County batter.