Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
Beau Waskom leads a team chant before Ram Rugby’s championship game.
Ram
Page
Angelo State University’s student-run newspaper since 1936
Friday, March 10, 2017
www.asurampage.com
Volume 83, Issue 21
Rugby rucks in win for back-to- Let’s get down to business fraternities back state championships Delta Sigma Pi emphasizes growth
Zelenia Vasquez Volunteer
Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
Ram Rugby is awarded their state championship trophy for the second year in a row. The team is now preparing for nationals, which will be in Dallas.
Rams prepare for nationals on March 25 Kaitlin Trujillo Photo Editor Ram Rugby continued their undefeated streak March 4-5 by winning the Lone Star Rugby Championship tournament in Stephenville for the state title for the second consecutive year. “It’s amazing to win it back-to-back, especially coming off of our best season ever,” Brain Signorelli, junior, said. This team is the first in the program’s history to win the state title two consecutive
times. “It’s my last year so I wanted it to be special,” Beau Waskom, senior captain, said. “Angelo State’s never gone back to back so it’s a cool experience.” The Rams took an automatic win in their first game when the Southern Methodist University Mustangs failed to show up. Their next game against the Sam Houston State University Bearkats was another win for the Rams. The team completed five tries in the first half and held off the Bearkats in the second, making the score 32-5.
The championship game against the also undefeated University of Dallas proved to be more of a challenge for the Rams. UD held off the Rams in the first half of game, forcing the score 8-5 in their favor. This left Rams fans on the edge of their seats. “We’ve been down before but we always come up,” Kevin Reid, junior, said. “We know what we’re capable of and we encourage each other.” The Rams came alive in the second half, scoring five tries. The final score of the
Drag show to appear again for Pride Week Appearance by Shangela from RuPaul’s Drag Race Patrick Fleming Staff Writer The second annual Drag Rave is set to return on March 23 in celebration of Pride Week, with help from RamsPlus, Kappa Delta Rho and the University Center Program Council. “Pride Week is important to me because there is a lack of representation of the LGBT community here at Angelo State and Pride Week shows that Angelo State does have an LGBT community here, we are active and we are accepted,” RamsPlus President Ashley Douglass said. A major part of Pride Week last year was the Drag Rave, a night set aside for drag queens out of the Austin/San Antonio areas to strut their stuff for the community in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center. The Drag Rave is meant to be a fun experience for students as they get to participate in something different that they may not have had the chance to see.
Delta Sigma Pi is a professional and international business fraternity. “Delta Sigma Pi is a national business fraternity for both men and women alike who are pursuing careers in business,” Emily Franchuk junior said. “In short, Delta Sigma Pi is this huge professional development network.” This year, Delta Sigma Pi is preparing to celebrate 50 years being on campus. “We are celebrating our 50th year this semester with a huge shindig in April,” Gayle Randall adviser said. “It’s really exciting because many of my Deltasig
However, it is also meant to teach and inform students about a way of life they may have been completely unaware of before. In this case, it would be the transgender community of the United States. “The LGBT community has come so far to have acceptance and tolerance,” Douglass said. This week is to show that and improve it by educating those who are unaware of the LGBT community and their issues. This will also be KDR’s first year participating in this event. “I believe that one of the best aspects of doing this event is, for the strict fact that it allows me to branch out and expand my knowledge on something
See RUGBY page 3
brothers will be attending the event as alumni.” Some of those alumni include an entrepreneur who was honored with “Business of the Year” in Dallas, along with a vice president at CarMax. Delta Sigma Pi is not like any other fraternity on campus. “We are unlike other frats because we are a professional fraternity,” Franchuk said. “It is not Greek life. We are a part of the Professional Fraternity Association (PFA).” Delta Sigma Pi is the first coed professional business fraternity and one of the largest. “We really do a lot in all areas of life whether it is education, service, commerce, or even social activity,” Franchuk said. Each year Delta Sigma Pi
See DSP page 4
Photos contributed by Delta Sigma Pi
Softball sweeps defeat for Lubbock Christian Belles best Chaps, continue 19-1 streak Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer Rambelle softball swept a doubleheader against Lubbock Christian University on March 2 to put them at a 19-1 overall record. The LCU Lady Chaps were shut out 10-0 by the Rambelles with junior pitcher Brandy Marlett pitching the first portion of
the game. “I think we played extremely well today,” Head Coach Travis Scott said. Senior pitcher Kenedy Urbany pitched the last half of the second game. The Rambelles won 7-1. “We had a lot of confidence and momentum going into the second game,” Urbany said. Urbany said her mindset for pitching the last of the game was to “hit my spots
and let my defense do the work.” “There are always things to work on,” Urbany said. “We can work on the little things, but I think we did a really good job of hitting and playing defense and we just have to keep doing that throughout the season.” The Rambelles had a total of three home runs throughout the two games; one from sophomore catch-
See SOFTBALL page 6
See RAVE page 2
Photo contributed by Chloe Villarreal
Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
The Rambelles greet Taegan Kirk, sophmore, after she hit her homerun.
NEWS
Page 2
3.10.2017
Lake Nasworthy facility opens for 2017 Staff tells amenities, events for the coming year Robyn Simkins Volunteer
The Lake House facility is now open. As of March 1, the Lake House reopened and will remain accessible for the year until the Monday after December commencement. It is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 a.m. until sundown. The Lake House provides outdoor services such as the kayak rentals, stand up paddle boards and mountain bikes. It also has a volleyball court, picnic areas, charcoal grills and plenty of open space for fishing, relaxing and studying. Basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, Frisbees and table tennis are also available. Rentals are limited to the day in most cases. However, there is a three day and a six day rental package available. Lake House staff is available to assist anyone interested in this.
The area includes two boat launches, shaded pavilions and a playground for children or the big kid hiding inside the adults. While there is no lifeguard on duty, swimming in Lake Nasworthy is permitted. Kayaking and stand up paddle boards seem to be the most popular activities. “The Lake House means a lot to me because I made some of my first college friends there,” Sara Gonzales, senior said. “I feel lucky to have a facility that brings people together and offers a wonderful, spacious, relaxing environment for us to take a break after a long school week. We don’t have anything like this where I am from.” Admission to the Lake House only requires a One Card or appropriate identification. ASU students are allowed to bring up to four guests to enjoy the many amenities provided by the Lake House facility. “This is such a great facility and opportunity,” Ian Brown, assistant director of Outdoor
Ram Page Archives by Summer Almaguer Adventures, said. “The general sitions they’re interested in. use of the lake house provides Employment at the Lake a local resource for students House does qualify as a work to unwind, connect, relax and study program. de-stress. We even had reThe facility was donated to search students call me to use ASU and the recreation deit for some of their projects.” partment took over in OctoThis facility is entirely stu- ber 2010. dent employed and is always University Recreation also hiring. There is an online ap- partners with Special Events plication with a ratings system to host a number of affairs at of one to six in which appli- the Lake House facility. cants can prioritize which poIt has hosted weddings, re-
Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
Dalton Ketcherside, freshman, dances for the UCPC talent show auditions. RAVE page 1 that I have no past experience on,” Jordan Hamrick, a member of KDR said. [One] of our sayings in KDR is do the service of mankind not to be noticed but because it is the right thing to do, and I think I speak for all of our members when participating, that we intend on doing what
we believe can make a change or impact someone’s life.” Students who went last year showered it with praise as an incredibly fun experience. They also said it is completely different from any of the other available entertainment venues in San Angelo. The Drag Rave will be
on March 23, starting at 7 p.m. It will be at the University Center in the C. J. Davidson Conference Center. Admission is free and all students of ASU are welcome to come and watch, as long as they have their One Card. The event is not open to the general public.
Ram Page accepting applicants for Editor in chief for 2017-2018 year Applicants must: • Be a junior or higher in the 2017-2018 year • Be a journalism/mass media major or minor, or have the equivalent undergraduate courses in Mass Media • Have been enrolled full time at ASU for at least two consecutive semesters prior to application • Have served on the Ram Page staff in some major capacity for at least a year
If no applications are recieved, exceptions may be considered. A letter of application and supporting information must be submitted to Dr. Herman Howard, head of the Department of Communication & Mass Media, 3rd Floor Library, B309 Application deadline: March 24, 5 p.m.
ceptions and graduations. Even the Home Owner’s Association uses this location to host a fireworks show on July 4. ASU also hosts a Fourth of July celebration at the facility. Reservations can be made online or by contacting the school’s special events department.
Demarcus Parker sings for the 34th Annual Student Talent Show audition in the UC. The Talent Show is April 26.
Events Calendar WEDNESDAY 3/15 Track & Field vs ASU Spring Break Multi-Event Noon – 3 p.m. through 3/16 LeGrand Stadium
THURSDAY 3/16 Softball vs Oklahoma Christian 3- 5 p.m. Mayer Field Softball vs Oklahoma Christian 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Mayer Field Sign Language for Beginners 6 p.m. Weekly (to Apr 27) Houston Harte University Center
FRIDAY 3/17 Baseball vs West Texas A&M 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Foster Field Softball vs West Texas A&M 7-9 p.m. Mayer Field
SATURDAY 3/18 Baseball vs West Texas A&M 4 p.m. Foster Field
SUNDAY 3/19
Baseball vs West Texas A&M 1-4 p.m. Foster Field
WEDNESDAY 3/22 RAMS ROUNDTABLE V 6 – 7 p.m. Academic building A004 Phi Alpha presents speaker Crystal Garcia Ward. She has a story of continuous fight and survival from a sexual assault, as well as her awareness work on eating disorders and body positive recovery.
THURSDAY 3/23 Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton All Day Daily (to Mar 24) ASU Auditorium, Mayer Administration Building ASU will present the 21st annual Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton March 23-24 in the ASU Auditorium, which is located in the Mayer Administration Building, 2601 W. Ave N Sign Language for Beginners 6 p.m. Weekly (to Apr 27) Houston Harte University Center Free Community Workshop & Awareness Program UCPC, KDR, & RamsPlus: Drag Rave 7 p.m. University Center
NEWS Journey to back-to-back state championship titles Page 3
3.10.2017
RUGBY page 1 game was 43-22. “We hate losing in anything,” Signorelli said. “We’re the most competitive people ever and we drive each other.” After they built up a comfortable lead, the Rams began to relax and have a little more fun on the field. “Honestly, once we got up by 30, I was trying to think of an Instagram caption so I could get a bunch of likes,” Waskom
said. When the 80 minutes were over, the Rams, their coaches and fans flooded the field in celebration. “I feel really good,” Reid said. “One thing we pride ourselves on as a team is our chemistry. We value that on and off the field. To win another championship with my brothers is a feeling you can’t explain.” Emmett Spooner, junior,
said the team was motivated by the brotherhood they have and wanted to win it for the seniors. There are five starting seniors on the team. Ram Rugby is currently preparing for the Cowboy Cup March 25 - 26 in Dallas where they will play Denver University and hope to continue their season sweep.
Ram Rugby does a team cheer before the championship game in the Lone Star Rugby Championship.
Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo
Emmett Spooner, junior wing, looks for a teammate to toss the ball to.
The forwards participate in a scrum to gain possession of the ball. A scrum occurs after the ball is thrown forward or dropped.
Brian Signorelli, junior flanker, passes the ball to his teammate.
Tadeo Canon Masjoan, junior eight man, runs the ball.
Landon Bishop and Brian Signorelli celebrate their win by dumping the water cooler on their coach, Preston Granzin.
Derrick Clifton, senior wing, runs the ball up the field.
Kevin Reid, junior wing, moves the ball closer to the try zone.
Troy Knudsen, senior outside centre, kicks the extra points after the Rams scored a try.
Seniors Troy Knudsen, president, and Beau Waskom, captain, were excited to win state their last year on the team.
The Rams lift their captain, Beau Waskom, in the air after being awarded the Lone Star Rugby Championship trophy.
Tyshir Newsome, junior lock, catches the ball in the line out.
FEATURES
3.10.2017 DSP page 1 is involved in community services, professional events, recruiting events, fundraisers and socials. In Delta Sigma Pi, members are not only building on business skills. They are building leadership while creating a brotherhood. “Delta Sigma Pi allows you to become lifelong friends with folks that have similar interests and helps you understand what it is like to work as a team… and get to know each other as students of commerce - which comes in handy in class,” Randall said. The requirements to join involve academic and financial commitment, as well as attendance and being a business major. “I think business majors
should be interested in Delta Sigma Pi because it is a great community with so many opportunities,” Franchuk said. “You really have the chance to build yourself, but more importantly to build the brotherhood and Delta Sigma Pi as a whole.” To stay informed with Delta Sigma Pi, like them on Facebook at Delta Sigma Pi: Eta Theta Chapter, follow them on Instagram @dspetatheta along with Twitter at @etatheta67 and SnapChat at etheta8. “I highly encourage everyone in the school of business to check us out next fall,” Emily said. “You are going to get out of this fraternity what you invest and honestly a bit more.”
Photo contributed by Delta Sigma Pi
Rosanna Aguliera Staff Writer Only a fourth of students attending ASU live on campus. This number comes from the two thousand avalible dorm rooms vs the eight thousand students enrolled. Junior Thomas Hayes said he lives in an apartment. “First thing is space, apartments actually have it,” Hayes said. Hayes also said the laundry routines were better than those in dorms. “Having a washer and dryer a few feet away is better than a community room,” Hayes said. Hayes said he also has more things than what one would get in a dorm room. “I get my own bathroom and we have a real kitchen and not just a microwave and a mini fridge,” Hayes said. He liked the time he gets away from campus as well. “Dorms promote convenience, but I’m at school all
the time, so to be able to go home away from the university is nice,” Hayes said. Personality was a key point for him. “You are limited to what you can do with a dorm room,” Hayes said. “These restrictions are not present in apartment life.” Hayes said it was also the fact of becoming more of an adult by having an apartment. “I feel dorm life is the middle ground from your parents’ house to having your own,” Hayes said. Hayes said having an apartment is taking that extra step out and getting students into the real world. He included that having guests over was also a big difference in an apartment lifestyle. “It’s also hard to accommodate guests in a dorm room,” Hayes said. “Where an apartment acts like a home and not just a temporary residence.” Sophomore Emily Norman
Page 4
said she lived in one of the Massie dorm on campus. “I like having a built-in community, the Massies tend to stick together for the most part,” Norman said. Norman said she liked having close access to things and places on campus. “Having the ability to get up 10 minutes before a class across campus starts and still not be late is great too,” Norman said. Norman said this would be different if she were to live in an apartment. “In an apartment, I’d have to worry about getting up on time to get to school and find parking every morning,” Norman said. However, Norman said the one thing she wished she had in her dorm room was a kitchen. “Dorm snacks are a chance to get creative though,” Norman said. “I even make mug cakes all the time.”
Turn back an hour of time on Sunday, March 12 for Daylight Savings
Handball slams in to its eighth year Club president talks of her favorite memories as her year ends Patrick Fleming Staff Writer Since it began eight years ago, the Handball Club continues to have major accomplishments. “My favorite thing about being a member of the Handball Club is being able to compete with friends in a sport that not many people know about and represent the university at tournaments all over the nation,” Angela Snow, the current president of the Handball Club, said. Handball stands as one of the sports that many students do not know about. The game consists of two different teams trying to get a
ball into the other team’s goal, much like soccer and like soccer, each goal has a goalie guarding it. The goal of the Handball Club is to advance the game and help students participate and compete in it. “All in all, it has been another great year competing,
Photos contributed by Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures took several students to the Guadalupe Mountains for a weekend getaway
Photos contributed by Handball Club and we hope to close out the year with one more trip to Austin to compete and hope for a successful tournament of our own right here in San Angelo at the end of April,” Snow said. Because Snow is graduating this year, it will be her last year as president of the club. The
new president will be Corinna Mendez. As far as competitions go, those in charge of handball manage to keep it both competitive but fair, which helps keep it inclusive. Each team is gauged by skill and record before being put into different brackets of 16. These teams compete against other teams with similar records and skills. By beating these other teams, one team can go up in rank and play against even more highly skilled groups. This way, a team that may be last or incredibly low in the district will not be forced to go against the highest-ranked team in the state. However, through practice and success, they could still get the chance at some point. The team has competed in
other states like Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota and Missouri. One of the few problems with this is that these events are mainly self-funded and students have to pay for their own travel-expenses. However, the club raises money to help pay for fees like this. The students do not really seem to mind this too much. “The cool thing is, it doesn’t matter what your skill level is, you can get good at it,” Dr. Warren Simpson, Director of Graduate Studies in Coaching and advisor of the Handball Club, said. “The ones who get into it, 95 percent of them and I might be low-balling there, had never heard of handball until they started tinkering, taking a class and going to one of the clubs or a tournament.”
Page 5
OPINION
Let go of the past, be happy with what you have
Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer My family seems pretty complete, I would say; but I feel something is missing. I talk to everyone in my family, including my father, who is incarcerated. He’s what I feel is missing. He hasn’t been with my brothers, mom or myself for a while for reasons I wish not to talk about. However, my brothers and I write to him and visit him from time to time, which isn’t necessarily what I want, but it’ll have to do for now. I wish he was here to watch me go through college and see my experience with my
job at the Ram Page, etc. I know this may sound bad, but him being incarcerated was one of the best things that happened; not for the reasons you all may think. He has shown so much improvement that I can’t even begin to explain. He has found Christ and is moving forward in his spiritual life, he is sober, he is working on his GED and he’s just a better person all around. So, for any of you that have family members or friends that you don’t talk to anymore because of something they did in the past, get over it. We don’t live forever, people. And I’m here to tell you that people do change for the better, because I have witnessed it in my father. I couldn’t be more proud of him. I continue to miss him every day and I can’t wait for him to get out and start his new life with my family.
Alana Edgin Editor- in-Chief While this is the first spring break that I’m not traveling, I’m still excited. I plan on going home, relaxing in the family hot tub and spending time with family, including the animals. We have three dogs, two cats and two monkeys my parents claim are my brothers. Still not too sure on that one, but I love the animals. Tony, our big black Labrador, is a complete goofball. A few years ago, he would chase birds, and I’m pretty sure the birds were entertained. Supposedly, he looks big and scary. I always laugh at this. I’ve dealt with ladybugs that were more dangerous than Tony. We got Tony from one of
3.10.2017
Mom’s students. They had puppies, and Tony was the last one. They couldn’t find him a home, and he was set to go to the pound a week later if no one picked him up. I love Tony. He is an overgrown puppy that can catch popcorn in the air. Sasha is the other outside dog, and belongs to my brother, Kee. Sasha is a boxer with allergies. I forgot how we got her. Munchkin is mine and my dad’s Chihuahua. He loves blankets, food and naps. Any time one of the family pulls out a blanket, he shadows them. Once they sit, he jumps up and finds the weirdest position to sleep in. First is one of the two cats.
His name is First. He’s Ben’s cat, but he doesn’t really care which human is his person. The reason his name is First is because, when Ben picked him, the woman said he was always the first to escape. The final animal is Gold. He was a present to my mom from Kee. Blackie, our first cat, passed away, and my mom was sad. So, Kee talked to Dad after he found out his teacher had kittens. Kee was excited and wanted to get Mom one so she wouldn’t be as sad. That completes the furry members of the family, and I can’t wait to see them later today.
First stares off into the distance at some unseen sight.
Coherent Insanity: Adulting tips
Patrick Fleming Staff Writer I realized that when some people come to college, they may not be able to make the transition from being a high-schooler to a full-fledged adult. Of course, as a completely mature adult, I felt it was my
duty to give some helpful tips. 1. Do Your Taxes: Now the average adult does their taxes about twice maybe three different times a week. Not only does it build character, but it helps you become good at math and lying, which are very important traits for anyone to have. 2. Obtain Children: If we have heard anything from parents, it is that someone’s life is not complete until they have had children. I, for example, have three different kids of my own and I whole-heartedly agree with that. Now you may be wondering how someone as young as me might have gotten three
Ram Page Member of The Texas Tech University System Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editor-in-Chief: Alana Edgin
Advertising Manager: Josh Horton
Managing Editor: Mikera Walker
Circulation Manager: Hilario Armendariz
Staff Writers: Rosanna Aguilera Patrick Fleming
Contributors: Delta Sigma Pi Handball Outdoor Aventues Robyn Simkins Deundra Smyth Zelenia Vasquez
Photography Photo Editor: Kaitlin Trujillo Photographer: Rebekah Wortham Cartoonist: Patrick Fleming Online Manager: Rosanna Aguilera Faculty Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson
Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909-0895 Newsroom:(325) 942-2323 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu Fax: (325) 942-2551
kids legally. Well, the answer is, I didn’t. 3. Talk About Politics: Now, this one can be alarming, because you might start to think you will have to study weeks on end for this, but the truth is, you do not have to research anything to talk about politics. All you have to do is believe and yell. If by some, chance you find yourself arguing with someone who actually is educated, do not panic. If you just bring up false facts and scream them out like a viking, you will still win the argument and, in turn, life. Of course, if you lose an argument, you are then required to live in exile until the end of
your days. This is why everyone who I have ever argued with has never been seen again. 4. Get A Job: Yes, one of the downsides to being an adult is that you are required to have a job of some kind. Some people are lucky enough to end up with a career that they always wanted as children or one that they genuinely enjoy. The rest of us have to make do because the world can be a cruel (funny) place sometimes. Now some people never really get jobs. Instead, they just live with their parents for most of their lives, playing video games in the basement,
Short on Everything Beach body do’s and don’ts Patrick Fleming Cartoonist
Student Spotlight
WHERE WOULD YOU GO
Hunter Hersom Freshman “Italy to get some Italian food.”
PUBLISHING POLICY
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 contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/ position and a phone number and/or e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and 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 newspaper’s office, Room 324 on the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
and being general pains to everyone around them. Those people are called heroes, but unfortunately, not all of us can be like them. 5. Make Friends: Because no life is complete without at least one person you can call a friend. Someone who truly understands you and is constantly a part of your life. If you are lucky enough, the bond will last until the end of time. 6. Make Enemies: This is necessary for pretty much the exact same reasons as making a friend. This relationship will not end until one of you is dead.
Savanah Perez Sophomore “Portland Oregon, because it’s really pretty there and it’s just a really cute town.”
Lacy Morrow Junior
Cole Larsson Sophomore
“Anywhere in Europe, but specifically Germany to see all the castles.”
“Hawaii because it’s Hawaii.””
SPORTS
Page 6 SOFTBALL page 1 er Taegan Kirk and the other two from freshman outfielder Courtney Barnhill. “Taegan and Courtney both had great days and these are two good wins,” Scott said. Scott said Urbany and her defense were “phenomenal” during the second game. “Kenedy kept the ball on the ground, and if we do that, we’re going to play pretty good defense,” Scott said. Scott said Marlett and Kenedy pitched well and Karina Rocha had a good day at third base. “[The team] stayed focused and to get a run early there in the first inning was huge,” Scott said. Scott said being able to go out and beat the two LCU pitchers was “quite the accomplishment”
3.10.2017
Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo
Courtney Barnhill, freshman, watches the ball as it makes its way to home plate. Barnhill went 2-2 against LCU. because they were both good. “They are a 16-2 team and we came in here and played extremely well,” Scott said. After these two games, the Lady Chaps are now 16-4 on the season. Scott said the team proved a lot in these two games. “Our schedule so far hasn’t been overly tough
Taegan Kirk, sophomore, runs for second base. Kirk hit two doubles and a home run against LCU.
and this is a great team that we just went out and played really well, so I think it proves that we can beat anyone in the country,” Scott said. Urbany also said these were two huge wins. “I think these were two really good team wins, especially against Lubbock Christian because they are a very good program,” Ur- Taegan Kirk, sophomore, catches a pitch from Brandy Marlett, junior. bany said.
Karina Rocha, freshman, throws to second base.
Baseball breaks win streak in final Rams keep the series win, drop game four Deundra Smyth Contributor The Rams baseball team broke their 12-game win streak, but earned a 3-1 series win over the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds March 3-5. Rams showed their resilience early on, opening the series against ENMU with a 4-2 March 3 comeback victory, and were well on their way to another season series win. Junior pitcher Matt Shannon earned his second win of the season as he dominated on the mound, striking out a career-high 11 batters in his eight innings of play. The first game of the Saturday doubleheader saw pitcher Ryan Smith record his first start of the season and ended with a score of 7-3, earning the senior his third win of the year. After an early inning RBI by Steven Pinales, senior outfielder, the Greyhounds battled back to take a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth. The Rams, however, remained composed and responded, scoring three fourth inning runs of their own to
retake the lead 4-2, going into the fifth. ENMU next inning was set to fight back, spurring a pitching change in the Ram bullpen. “I have so much confidence in our bullpen,” Aguirre said. “No matter who’s warming up down there, they come in and you know they’re going to throw strikes and put up zeros for us.” Rams’ offense added three more runs in the sixth to give the team some breathing room and seal the game one victory. “I think mentally we’re tougher than most teams,” Aguirre continued. “Most teams, when they have a couple errors, they fall apart. But we stayed together and picked each other up and I thought that was really good for us.” That mental toughness would be immediately put to the test in the second game of the doubleheader. Runs seemed to come in bursts for the Rams as they combined for four runs over a three inning span, opening a lead that Eastern New Mexico attempted to overcome. However, junior second baseman, Jonathan Soberanes and teammate Tyler Coolbaugh, senior shortstop, had timely hits to keep any thoughts of a Greyhound
Photos by Rebekah Wortham
The Rams gather for a team moment before the first game of the series against ENMU. comeback at bay. Senior catcher Matt Waller contributed with additional run support, bringing in three runners on the day. After the 5-3 victory in the second game of the doubleheader, Soberanes, who leads the team with 20 hits on the season, explained that the team’s keys to winning games is simple and straight-forward. “Just look to not change the game too much and find any way to get on,” Soberanes said. “Look to play our game and not hang around with them or let them hang around with us, but rather just keep competing, whether that’s on defense or offense.” Head Coach Kevin Brooks expressed just how important it is for his team to be able to
Matt Shannon, junior, throws a pitch to ENMU. Shannon had 11 strikeouts during the game. battle adversity and remain focused throughout games of this nature. “I think that’s just the maturity of this team,” Brooks said. “We want to be perfect; everybody does. I wish that was reality, but when things don’t go your way you have to go on to the next thing and I think we did a good job of that.”
While the team only had one loss on the season, that was to change on the series closer. Their 12-game win streak came to an end against the Greyhounds, despite putting up nine runs in the Sunday afternoon thriller which saw the Rams fall 12-9.
Stat leaders: Basketball
Ram Basketball
Belle Basketball
Season finish: The Rams finished the season with a 93-85 loss in the conference final against UT Permian Basin.
Next game: NCAA South Central Division 2 tournament Friday, March 10 against St. Edward’s in Pueblo, Colorado.
Stat leaders as of March 8:
Record as of March 8: 15-5 conference, 24-5 overall Stat leaders as of March 8:
Field goals: 164 – Quay King, senior guard Free throws: 103 – King Three pointers: 101 – King Lead scorer: 532 – King
Field goals: 204 – Taylor Dorsey, senior guard Free throws: 89 – Dorsey Three pointers: 36 – Dorsey Lead scorer: 533 – Dorsey
Offensive rebounds: 59 – Thomas Tshikaya, senior forward Defensive rebounds: 172 – Tshikaya
Offensive rebounds: 63 – Prophet Defensive rebounds: 146 – Lexi Murphy, senior guard
Record as of March 8: 7-11 conference, 17-12 overall
Assists: 84 – Prince Foster, senior guard Steals: 32 – Foster and Devonte’ Pratt, senior guard Blocks: 33 – Justin Hollins, senior forward
Overall points for team: 2,312 for the season Overall turnovers: 521 for the season
Assists: 120 – Dorsey Steals: 57 – Dorsey Blocks: 50 – Jasmine Prophet, senior post
Overall points for team: 2,345 for the season Overall turnovers: 404 for the season