![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)
![Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSC_0013-1-1200x929.jpg)
On April 29, the Phoenix varsity baseball team took on the Dominion Titans at home. Ultimately, the Phoenix boys fell short as the Titans secured a decisive victory.
Despite the outcome not matching the team’s expectations, junior Taylor Woody found that the team improved in aspects they struggled with before. “[One of the] positives is that the outfield did really well,” Woody said. “They did better than usual, so I’m very happy about that.”
While the Titans maintained the lead, Phoenix continued to fight hard as the match continued, maintaining the same score of 12-0 through the second and third innings. The team showed determination despite being in a tough position. As well as, having a strong defense, making it difficult for the Titans to score any runs during those innings.
The fourth inning was tough for the Phoenix, as the Titans had doubled their lead to 24-0, putting immense pressure on the Phoenix boys. But even in such a difficult position, they never gave up. Whether they were off or on the field, they were all supporting one another from the dugout.
During the fifth inning, Dominion put up a strong fight. But the Phoenix continued to give it their all. The close attention to detail, as balls were continuing to be thrown their way, they continued to stay focused. “We’ve got to train harder, practice more, and start working out and doing cardio,” junior Alex Alkhal said.
Though this game was not in the Phoenix’s favor, the team is focused on making progress and learning from past mistakes, instead of focusing on the losses. Junior Alex Alkhal noted the importance of the right team mood and spirit. “We were not in the right mindset,” Alkhal said. Looking ahead, the team is focused on putting effort into building skills for future games.
There are still a few more weeks in the spring season, and the Phoenix boys still have enough time to reset and practice. “I try to forget about it whenever I have a bad game,” Woody said. “I just go to practice and act like it’s a new day. The team [tries] to improve and strive to get better from the experience.”
The Phoenix baseball team will play their next home game on May 8 against the Tuscarora Huskies.
