RAM RAM PAGE PAGE
EST. 1936
ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY
asurampage.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019
VOL . 85 ISSUE 19
UREC plans workouts for competitors to determine winners
Photo by Ian Saint: Left: On your mark, get set, go.
Rams compete in the 40 yard dash.
Right: The 45-pound plate pull, a test of one’s core and arm strength, challenges competitors’ endurance. This event was part of a larger timed circuit, which included a belly crawl and vaulting over an obstacle.
Kierstyn Wiley, staff writer Students competed for prizes at the second annual UREC Ram Rumble on Feb. 18 in the Ben Kelly Center for Human Performance. “We have two different workouts, mostly body weight workouts,” said Jodi Jackson, assistant director for fitness. “There’s a 40-yard dash, a vertical, broad jump, obstacle course, bench press and more.” Workout one included squats, sit-ups, hand release push-ups and burpees that had to be completed in 12 minutes with as many rounds as possible. Workout two had to be completed within 16 minutes and included kettlebell swings, kettlebell toe touches, high pulls and goblet squats. Each competitor had the opportunity to choose their own level of fit-
ness of either beginner, intermediate or advanced to receive a better score. Every participant had the chance of 2 attempts in each event and had to complete each work out within 4-minute increments in order to continue to the next round. “It is split up on a point system,” Jackson said. “They complete an event, and if they have the highest points at the end of the event, then that is the top male and top female of each division.” The top three males in the advanced division included Samuel Urteaga in first place with 2,251 points, Hunter Clark in second place with 2,132 points and Malik Jones in third place with 1,990 points. The intermediate male division included Darian Glenn in first place
with 2,000 points and senior Joseph Gaitan in second place with 1,242 points. “It was definitely fun,” Gaitan said. “I feel like my time was put to use. I burned a lot of calories, got closer with my coworkers and liked competing with my friends.” The top three females in the advanced division included Julie Smith in first place with 2,222 points, Shannon Thompson in second place with 1,877 points and Anastacia Luna in third place with 1,682 points. The intermediate female division included Jackie Klose in first place with 1,538 points, Gunna Dark in second place with 1,535 points and Sojung Ka in third place with 1,377 points. There were no males in the begin-
ner division, but Yunni Choi took first place for females with 1,592 points. The participants who won each division won shaker cups, Lenny and Larry’s protein cookies, foam rollers and more. UREC also gave out free t-shirts to each participant who attended the event, even if they did not win. “My favorite part was the triathlon at the end,” Gaitan said. “There was a closed circuit of events where you worked on footwork coordination, but you also avoided spikes as you crawled through the ground. That was fun.” UREC encourages students and faculty to join them in their future events and to visit angelo.edu/urec for more event details.
Guest speakers informs SGA about sexual virus prevention SGA is now accepting applications for senators Kierstyn Wiley, staff writer The Student Government Association on Feb. 25 welcomed Dr. Kristin Goen, doctor of family medicine, to discuss the importance of human papillomavirus prevention. “It is a group of viruses,” Goen said. “Greater than 120 strains. It’s a very common cause of genital warts and several different cancers.” She mainly addressed young adults who are and are not sexually active. The virus does not have to be transmitted sexually, she said. The virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact. “All sexually active people are at risk for contracting HPV,” Goen said. “The highest prevalence group is most common to people in their young 20s.” Symptoms may not be noticeable until a couple of weeks or a couple of months after their sexual contact, she said. “HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in women,” Goen said. “Guys are not off the hook, it’s just we don’t have screening.” A blood or urine test would be a beneficial way for men to find out if they have the virus, she said.
“Up to 79 percent of sexually active females will contract a genital HPV infection sometime in their life,” Goen said. “This is based on population studies, but in reality, there are a lot of women that never even know they have an HPV infection.” One percent of sexually active Americans will have visual symptoms of genital warts, which is mainly the only sign of HPV, she said. “Type 16 and 18 are the most notorious for causing cancer of many different kinds,” Goen said. “They’re responsible for vaginal, vulvar, anal and penile cancer, too.” It is recommended to tell peers and loved ones about the virus so they can be careful and safe, she said. “Education is key because HPV is out there and almost 80 percent of people are going to get it,” Goen said. “Gardasil 9 is a fairly new vaccine, but it covers more of the common causes of the cancer. It is almost 100 percent effective in preventing the contraction of transmission of the nine forms of HPV. It’s going to be free for students and it is very well tolerated.” There have not been any reported deaths due to the vaccine. However, very few allergic reactions such as
Photo by Ian Saint: The gavel comes down with an authoritative thump, and the
motion carries. SGA also had a speaker who presented over human papillomavirus. redness, pain or soreness have occurred. “The best time to get the vaccine is before sexual activity, but if you are already sexually active, it is not too late,” Goen said. “Just sometime in your lifetime.” Goen said she is passionate about prevention and wanted an opportunity to share her information with many young adults. “I think it is very important to see a primary care physician on a regular basis because screening and treatment is important,” Goen said. After her presentation, the SGA discussed different things they can do on campus to benefit the school and its students. “Right now, one of our commit-
tees, the transportation committee, is working with the company Bird to see the feasibility of getting them on campus,” said Brayden Woods, vice president of the student body. Woods said individuals who want to join the SGA should visit the SGA section of the ASU website. Students can send their applications to the Center for Student Involvement in the Houston Harte University Center to get on the ballot. “We just want someone who is committed to serving the student body and we have a three-day attendance policy,” Woods said. “We want someone who is wanting to serve and willing to.”
2 NEWS
03.01.2019
Student Life brings volunteer opportunities to students
Cassie’s Place, Fort Concho and others seek volunteer help
Sydney Faison, staff writer ASU’s Student Life on Feb. 20 hosted a volunteer fair in the Houston Harte University Center to help students get involved throughout the community. Multiple organizations attended the fair to recruit potential volunteers. The San Angelo State Supported Living Center provides enrichment opportunities for residents. Opportunities for volunteers include reading to the elderly, sorting donations and helping with the Special Olympics or family day picnic. “It is great to see the change that we can make in the lives of people who have been marginalized most of their life who come to our facility and get the attention and care they need to be successful,” said Andrea Souflée, community relations director. Souflée manages the volunteer services council, recruits board members and guides fundraisers. Cassie’s Place is a nonprofit organization that provides care and rehabilitation services to animals in need, educates the public about responsible pet ownership and promotes humane treatment of all animals. “Coming in every day and knowing that the dogs and cats are happy to see you is so rewarding especially when they open up to you,” Brenna Kendziora, volunteer coordinator, said.
Photo by Axel Marcenaro: A Cassie’s Place representative lets a student pet -week-old Ryder. Ryder, just having recovered
from jaw surgery, is a success of the organization’s rehabilitation program. Fort Concho also recruited volunteers to help with collections, living history and special events. “Being able to preserve the history and teach people about the places that helped build San Angelo is really cool,” said Rocio Moncibais, volunteer and visitor services coordinator.
Representatives at the fair discussed the most rewarding part about helping within their organization. “Everything we do is to help others and make their life better by providing clothing or shelter and many other resources,” said Janet Sheen, Salvation Army community relations and
development coordinator. Sheen encouraged students to go to the Salvation Army website to sign up. For more information, email student.life@angelo.edu or call 325-9422062.
American Chemical Society shows off scientific magic Chemistry, biochemistry instructor demonstrates different acts at magic show
Sydney Faison, staff writer The American Chemical Society hosted a magic show on Saturday, Feb. 23 in the Houston Harte University Center. Kevin A. Boudreaux, department of chemistry and biochemistry senior instructor, performed the magic tricks. Dr. Edith Osborne, department of chemistry and biochemistry associate professor, assisted with the show. Boudreaux performed a trick called “traffic light,” which involved indigo carmine and caused the colors red, green and yellow to appear. The next trick involved acetone partially dissolving plastic foam and turning it into a gooey substance. For this reason, plastic foam is a good insulator because heat does not transmit across the air pockets in the foam. Boudreaux performed a trick in-
volving a dollar being burned. The dollar bill was placed in a 50-50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. The rubbing alcohol was actually burning, and the water put out the fire, so the dollar bill was protected. Diluted hydrogen peroxide and luminol were mixed in a funnel and displayed a glowing appearance which is called chemiluminescence. Certain animals, such as fireflies, can do the same thing, which is called bioluminescence. Boudreaux said if you want to make a balloon float, you need to put a gas in it that is less dense than air. The choices are hydrogen and helium. The American Chemical Society is a national organization for chemists. The ASU group has received a commendable distinction from the ACS every year since 2005. “The organization gives great com-
munity service and networking opportunities,” Sydney Decker, senior, said. “We do not have to keep introducing ourselves since we know the professors from the organization.”
Photo by Ian Saint:
The American Chemical Society put on an explosive show, demonstrating various experiments that gave the audience a thrill. The reaction of combusting alcohol vapors create a colorful jet of hot gasses that almost lick the ceiling.
3 NEWS
Chitra Divakaruni appears at 23rd Annual Writers Conference
03.01.2019
Author speaks about life experience, holds book signing Sophia Gravatt, staff writer Award-winning and bestselling author Chitra Divakaruni began the two-day 23rd Annual Writers Conference with a Q&A session on Feb. 21 in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center. Dr. Allison Dushane hosted the session. Divakaruni said she came to the U.S. from India when she was 19 to continue her college education. “That was a very big change in my life because I had grown up and always lived in a very close-knit family environment,” she said. “For the first time, I was all alone without my family or my community and it was just a whole new world. I was very nervous and scared, but it was very adventurous.” Divakaruni said she began to write after she immigrated. She used her real-life experiences as material for her stories. “One thing I was fascinated by when I moved here was Pringles potato chips,” she said. “I had never seen potato chips that came in a can, so I put that in my story, ‘Clothes.’ In
Photo by Axel Marcenaro: A packed crowd follows Dr. Allison Dushane’s interview with Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
that story, her husband worked at a 7-Eleven, which I also found quite fascinating because at that time, in India, we didn’t have 24-hour stores.” Dushane asked Divakaruni what the differences were between education in India and the U.S. Divakaruni said the students didn’t ask questions or offer their opinions in classes in India. The students were there to listen, she said. “When I moved to the United States, I was very quiet,” she said. “I had to learn to speak up in my classes. The professors would ask me ‘What do you think?’ and I would think ‘Why does she want to know what I think?’ I didn’t understand that.” She said she liked the give-andtake way of the classes and how learning occurred through discussion and that now, as a professor at the Univer-
sity of Houston, all of her classes are discussion based. During the Q&A session with the audience members, one person asked Divakaruni what it means to write for herself versus writing for other people. “That is so important,” she said. “I think when we first write, we must write for ourselves. We can’t really write for others, it comes out of us, it must satisfy us. My first draft is always for myself and my second draft begins to be for my audience. When I’m writing something, I can’t think ‘If I write this, so-and-so will get upset.’ I have to think ‘Well, maybe soand-so will never see it.’” Senior Anisa Galvan asked how Divakaruni felt about her novel, “The Mistress of Spices,” becoming a movie.
“It’s a wonderful experience overall and I’m very thankful,” Divakaruni said. “My hope is people will go to see the movie and either they will love it, and they will go read the book, or they will say ‘the book was better.’ I see it as a win-win situation.” She said she thinks it is great that books get made into movies but encouraged people to also read the books first. That way, the reader can already have a movie in their head and have their own understandings of the characters, she said. Junior Nixie Cobler worked at the event. “I thought it was really interesting because she was very culturally diverse,” Cobler said. Following the Q&A session, Divakaruni held a book signing in the ASU bookstore.
Belles remain tied for first in LSC with win over UTPB
Women’s basketball plays final home game
Photo by Ian Saint: Essence Johnson,
forward, goes for the layup. The Belles took an easy win over UTPB 95-52.
Rosanna Aguilera, editor-in-chief
The Belles basketball team closed out Senior Day on Feb. 23 with a high-scoring victory 95-52 over UT Permian Basin. The top three scorers in the game were seniors Marquita Daniels, Maria Delgado and Dezirae Hampton. The trio alone, with a combined total of 65 points, outscored the UTPB Falcons, earning the Lone Star Conference victory. Daniels led all scorers with 25 points on 10-16 shooting, going 3-7 from long range, adding seven assists, two steals and three rebounds. Delgado scored her most points in an ASU uniform with 21 points on 7-15 shooting, 5-11 from the threepoint range, along with eight re-
bounds, a steal and two assists. Hampton finished in double figures with 19 points on 7-14 shooting with a pair of 3-pointers, making it a double-double with 10 rebounds. Junior Mikayla Blount had three points with six rebounds, being the other senior on the floor. Junior Sidney Smith was also honored before the game, being the fifth Belles senior. ASU went 13-33 from the threepoint range and went 34-71 overall from the field while also adding a 1416 effort at the foul line. The Belles defense forced 17 turnovers and held UTPB to a 31 percent clip from the field and 5-24 from long range. The Falcons took the lead three minutes in at 5-4 when Daniels started a 9-0 run that put them at the top
for the rest of the game. During the run, the seniors accounted for seven of the points with Hampton hitting a three and after a jump shot by Delgado, sophomore De’Anira Moore closed the run with a layup. Junior Asia Davis and Hampton closed the opening quarter with a pair of baskets to give the Belles a 17-8 lead. In the second quarter, ASU outscored Permian Basin 35-12. The Belles went on another 12-2 run followed with Daniels ending the run at 46-15. Daniels then closed the half hitting back-to-back jumpers to go into halftime with the Belles up 52-20. The Belles continued to increase their lead going into the final 10 minutes holding a 73-37 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the seniors took over with Delgado sinking a pair of 3-pointers and then Blount hit a shot to move the lead 85-39. Delgado hit two free throws with three minutes left to play. ASU had their largest lead of the night at 90-42 before finishing up the game with a 95-52 victory. ASU is still tied for first place in the LSC with West Texas A&M winning at Texas A&M Commerce to keep the teams tied at 15-3. Eastern New Mexico University entered the weekend at a three-way tie but lost two games to put them at third. The Belles have two more regular-season games against Midwestern State University and Cameron University.
4 OPINION
03.01.2019
Take me back to simpler times I have lived in San Angelo for almost four years and I’ve moved five times since I’ve been here. I moved into my new house about a month ago, and while I love having my own space, I really miss my first home with my family. Adulting is hard, which most of you already know, but it’s kind of ridiculous. I have so many bills to pay. I have classes Monday through Friday and I work. When I was in high school, I couldn’t wait to be on my own. I realize now that I was very, very wrong about what life outside of my mom’s house would be like. Some days I feel so lonely and just want my mom to come over and cook me some of her homemade food with her music blasting in the background like the good old days. To be honest, I can barely remember what it was like to be in one home with my entire family. I have two older brothers who toughened me up daily and took care of me. Now, I just miss having them in my corner every day. They were my rocks. My brothers and I are very close. We used to fight a lot when we were younger, but now, I can’t recall any of those fights because we get along so well.
One of my brothers, Angel, just got married and started his family. I love my nieces with all my heart and I’m so glad they are part of the Aguilera family. I can’t picture Angel without a family because he’s such a godly, family man. I believe God had him being a father in his plan the whole time because he’s definitely the kind of dad I would have wanted. Everyone in my family has gone their separate ways, and I love that we are all happy doing what we’re doing, but I do miss them. We still see each other regularly and make the best of our time, but it’s been a good five years or so since we have done anything with just the four of us. We always have our significant others with us, and I love them so much, but I also miss it just being us. I miss the simpler times when all I had to worry about was my brothers playing pranks on me and my mom cooking something I didn’t like for dinner. I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them. I should have cherished those days more.
Rosanna Aguilera, editor-in-chief
Ice cream: bowl or cone? I see so many posts on social media with people who have ice cream piled high in a cone with as many scoops as gravity will allow. Personally, I prefer my ice cream in a bowl rather than in a cone. It is always a hassle to take pictures as melting ice cream dribbles down your hand and it can barely hang on. In a cup, the toppings are evenly distributed. With a cone, you may get through all the toppings within the first couple of licks. Unfortunately, I have been personally victimized by ice cream cones. Any ice cream cone I have ever had has always ended up on my clothes. I always end up having
Sydney Faison, staff writer
to eat the ice cream cone super fast like I’m in a competition. Whenever I have a bowl, I never have to worry if my clothes will be ruined. I can use a spoon and be free of a mess. According to PR Newswire, people who prefer eating ice cream in a cone are optimists who lead with their heart, while people who prefer eating ice cream in a bowl are realists who are responsible and rational thinkers. Regardless of whether you prefer ice cream in a bowl or a cone, the fact of the matter is that each of us enjoys ice cream, even if it’s in other forms such as a cookie sandwich or a milkshake.
RAM PAGE
Sidewalk Survey What are your Spring Break plans?
Member of The Texas Tech University System Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editor-in-Chief Rosanna Aguilera
Staff Writers
Sophia Gravatt Sydney Faison Kierstyn Wiley
“My Spring Break plans are going back home and celebrating my dad’s and brother’s birthdays.”
“For Spring Break I’ll go to the beach just to chill with some friends and eat a lot.”
Dominique Henry
Angel Wells
senior
sophomore
Online Manager
Zach Vigil-Minyard Copy Editor Travis Hunter
Photo Editor
Circulation Manager Douglas Kurtz
Photographer
Faculty Adviser Dr. Jeffrey Boone
Axel Marcenaro Ian Saint
Designer
Zach Vigil-Minyard
Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909 Newsroom: (325) 942-2323 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Fax: (325) 942-2551
Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu
PUBLISHING POLICY
“For Spring Break, I am going to Keystone Colorado. We’ll be skiing, zip lining, going to the local breweries, hiking and hopefully ice skating. “
Daniel Rodriguez senior
“For Spring Break, I’m going to Colorado. I’m going to go skiing, zip lining, and…well I’m going with him.”
Hedie Chavez sophomore
Published every Friday and available to students, one copy per student, the student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its content. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. The Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position, phone number and/or e-mail address for verification. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity. All letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m., Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the Ram Page office, Room 324 in Porter Henderson Library third floor. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff. Opinion expressed in a public forum should not be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
5 FEATURE
03.01.2019
Medical program brings Health Fair to educate students on important issues
Students are encouraged to make health decisions for Spring Break and every day after Sophia Gravatt, staff writer Health Fair coordinator Melinda Springer previewed ASU’s upcoming Health Fair, which will be held March 4 in the Houston Harte University Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair will be provided for all students and staff by the ASU Joint Admission Medical Program, a premed student group. It will address many health and safety issues. Springer said the event will be free and there will be giveaways from presenters representing different agencies. Students can expect interactive opportunities as they engage with different health and safety presenters, she said. There will be games, samples given, visual explanations and more. “New presenters are added each year so contemporary issues are presented at our Health Fair,” Springer said. “The premed students suggest topics and businesses to contact. They contact all presenters and help throughout the day, so the Health Fair runs smoothly.” Springer said some of the presenters will include: the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, ASU Behavioral Intervention Team, the American Cancer Society, ASU Police, Pregnancy Help Center and the San Angelo Police Department. There will be 31 presenters total. “They are not doing speeches,” Springer said. “It is a relaxed atmo-
Photo contributed by Melinda Springer: The ASU JAMP is the only group in the state to host a Health Fair for their fellow
students. Every private and public Texas university has JAMP on their campus. sphere, and if students are interested in talking with one of the presenters, they just walk up to their table to visit or ask questions.” Springer said that this event is always held one week before Spring Break. “We set this date on purpose because we want the students to be mindful of what they learn at the Health Fair and make safe and healthy choices during Spring Break and beyond,” she said. Springer also encourages students
Student Snaps @_jakob_porter Been a long time coming
@Life.of.keeley We got it like that
@tone_2.0 park boys
to attend because there will be three agencies working together to provide free HPV vaccinations to the students. “Fourteen million new HPV infections occur yearly in the United States, so this is a serious health issue being addressed,” she said. Springer said that there will also be several Texas Tech medical school campuses present to answer any student admission questions, as well. There will be representatives from the Texas Tech Health Science Center in
El Paso, Texas Tech UHSC School of Pharmacy in Abilene and Texas Tech UHSC Medical School in Lubbock. She said JAMP has hosted a health fair every year since 2010. “Every public and private Texas university receives grant money from the state legislators to have JAMP on their campus, but the Angelo State JAMP is the only group who hosts a health fair,” Springer said.
Events Calendar
Friday 3/1
*Weekend Rock Climbing and Camping Trip All Day until March 3
Saturday 3/2
*Lake House opens for the season
Monday 3/4
*Grief: It’s About Life 3 - 4 p.m. *Women’s Tennis vs UC Room 201 Oklahoma Baptist University Wednesday 11 - 2 p.m. *True Blue Friday 3/6 ASU Tennis 9:15 a.m. *UCPC: The 36th Courts Annual Student Tal*Holland Syment Show Audition posium Student *Softball vs Texas 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Contest Exhibit (to Woman’s University UC March 1) 1 - 3 p.m. 9 a.m. Mayer Field *Global Marathon Carr Building Watch Party *Baseball vs Tar11 a.m. - 12 p.m. *Women’s Tennis vs leton State UniverVincent Building, University of Censity Room 249 tral Oklahoma 1 - 4 p.m. 2 - 5 p.m. Foster Field *MAC Roundtable: ASU Tennis Women’s History Courts *Softball vs Texas Month Woman’s University 12 p.m. *Softball vs Texas 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. UC Room 202 Woman’s University Mayer Field 6 - 8 p.m. *Leadership DevelMayer Field *Baseball vs Taropment Program leton State UniverSpeaker Series: Tim *Baseball vs Tarsity Elmore leton State Univer4 - 7 p.m. 7 p.m. sity Foster Field CJ Davidson 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Foster Field
@Shealynn_hale The trophy might say 2nd place, but my heart says it’s 1st!
Wanted, someone with Editorial experience, or with a major in English or Literature to edit a book of about 56 pages in length. I will negotiate a fair price. Call me at 325-226-0097. My name is Wayne.
6 SPORTS
03.01.2019
Rams basketball secures win for senior day over Falcons ASU holds third place in Lone Star Conference
Photo by Axel Marcenaro: Collin Turner, junior, runs past his defender for a lay up. Turner scored 19 point against UT Permian Basin.
Rosanna Aguilera, editor-in-chief
The Rams basketball team earned another Lone Star Conference win to close out Senior Day with a victory over the UT Permian Basin Falcons 93-80. This win moved ASU to an 18-7 overall record on the season and 11-5 in the LSC. The win also held ASU’s third place standing in the conference. Junior Collin Turner led the Rams with 19 points on 6-10 shooting from the field, 3-4 from behind the threepoint line and 4-4 from the free-
throw line. Turner also added three rebounds and three assists. He was one of the five players in double figures in points. Senior Kiair Crouch had 18 points on 6-12 shooting from the field and made all six shots from three-point range. Juniors Antonio Singleton and Daron Mims finished with 14 points each. Singleton recorded five rebounds and two steals in the game. Senior Josh Boutte finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. Senior Valentine Sangoyomi led the team on the backboards with 10 rebounds, five which were offensive.
ASU started the game fast, leading 13-4 in under four minutes into the game, including one bucket from Mims. The Rams got their first double-digit lead with under nine minutes in the first half when Crouch made his third 3-pointer of the game. Singleton made a final 3-pointer before the buzzer went off, going into halftime with the Rams in the lead. In the second half, the Rams pushed their lead to 16 points on two free throws by sophomore Paul Williams. The Falcons began to close the gap to six points when the Rams continued to pull away as Turner made sev-
eral baskets. He made a pullup jumper from inside the arc, a layup and two 3-pointers. From this point of the game, the Rams didn’t let the lead drop below 13 points to end the game with a victory. ASU shot 45 percent from the field and 40 percent from the three-point line. The team also outrebounded the Falcons 39-30. The Rams have two more games until the Lone Star Conference Tournament from March 7 through March 10 in Frisco, Texas.
Rambelles give up series against West Texas A&M University Belles add first three Lone Star Conference losses of season Rosanna Aguilera, editor-in-chief
The Belles softball team suffered three losses on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 from West Texas A&M University. In Friday’s game, ASU lost 10-6. The Belles were leading 5-2 into the seventh inning until West Texas A&M locked in eight runs in the seventh to take the Lone Star Conference win. This was ASU’s first LSC loss. The Lady Buffs opened the scoring
in the first inning with a homerun. When the Belles came to the plate, junior Courtney Barnhill hit a single and was brought in for a run when junior Karina Rocha hit on a two-run homer to lead 2-1. The Lady Buffs tied the game in the second. In the fifth inning, junior Jade Strother slammed a solo homer to center to get the lead back. In the sixth inning, sophomore Mykayla Stroud was hit by a pitch
Photo by Ian Saint: Karina Rocha, infielder, smacks the ball over the fence for home run resulting in two runs. The Belles held the lead until the final inning when West Texas A&M took the lead.
and then scored when freshman Avery Zeigler hit a two-run shot over left field fence to give the Belles a 5-2 lead. In the seventh, the Lady Buffs went on a scoring streak and took the lead 10-5. In the last at-bat, the Belles tried to make a comeback when Barnhill doubled to left-center and then scoring on an RBI single to center by senior Taylor Fogle to move the score to 10-6. WTAMU would take the first game of the series. ASU posted a 9-8 edge on hits in the opener and neither team had errors. In Saturday’s doubleheader, the Belles lost 1-7 and 6-9. After these games, the Belles gave up three LSC game total putting them 3-3 in the LSC and 14-5 overall. In the first game of the doubleheader, the game was scoreless into the fourth inning. The Belles had an opportunity to get the lead in the second inning when Zeigler singled with one out and then stole second. Strother walked and then sophomore Hatty Shope was hit by a pitch to load the bases. The Lady Buffs ended the inning without any damage.
WTAMU got the lead with two runs on a hit in the fourth inning to move the score 2-0. In the fifth, senior Taegan Kirk singled up the middle, Fogle was hit by a pitch and Rocha singled to right to load the bases. Once again, the Lady Buffs avoided damage, ending the inning. The Lady Buffs scored five runs in the sixth inning on four hits to move 7-0. ASU got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when freshman Ashlyn Lerma walked and after a single by Barnhill, Kirk brought in the run with a single through left field to end the game 7-1. Kirk went 4-4 at the plate pitching, Strother had two hits. In the circle, sophomore Meagan Hill started and went the first five innings and allowed six earned runs to take the loss. In the final game, the Belles gave up the series 9-6. The Lady Buffs took the lead 6-0 when they scored four runs in the second inning and two more in the fourth. The Belles were only able to get 6 runs while WTAMU finished with 9. ASU will return to Mayer Field on March 1 at 6 p.m. for Military Appreciation Day.