Los Angeles Loyolan November 29 2017

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New mental health program passed A new ASLMU resolution passed to create peer-driven mental health support.

Kayla Brogan

Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan

ASLMU recently passed a resolution to develop a peer-driven mental health program through Student Psychological Services.

In the resolution, ASLMU recognized the growing problem surrounding mental health in what they called a “national epidemic to which LMU is not excluded.” They propose a program that would allow trained and qualified peer counselors to provide one-onone confidential support to fellow students.

The student counselors would be trained on a variety of topics to better assist those in need.

The resolution was drafted by James Krzyminski, founder of Lions for Recovery and Agape Service Club, and authored ASLMU Senator-at-Large Katie Porter.

Lions for Recovery is a community for students in recovery from drug and substance misuse — working to change the stigma of addiction, and Agape is a new service organization that works to support those living with mental illnesses.

“The goal of the resolution ... is to establish a peer counseling program on LMU’s campus,” ASLMU President Hayden Tanabe said. He expressed his pride in Katie and explained that she has consistently and whole-heartedly advocated for mental health reform, adding that she works hard to break the stigma surrounding mental health on college campuses.

The resolution addressed the problem with existing support programs provided to students at LMU through Student Psychological Services (SPS) by stating that, while helpful, they are “short-term with limited availability.” It also acknowledged that many students are forced to seek outside resources, and as a result now face financial burdens.

“I am extremely proud of ASLMU for

Emily Sullivan | Loyolan

ASLMU Senator Katie Porter, pictured above (left) acknowledging that our students need more support with mental health issues,” Krzyminski said. “I really hope this is the beginning of a new chapter for the administration.” He added that he hopes that proper care and consideration for mental health will someday lead to everyone living happy and healthy lives.

Many students have to wait two or more weeks for an appointment with SPS, all the while forcing them to battle their symptoms alone, according to the resolution. ASLMU proposed that the implementing of this program could provide assistance to students right away.

“I would just like to say that this peer counseling program is very much needed at LMU. I am tired of watching tragedies due to mental illness occur at our school and others,

along with fellow senator Brenda Quintanilla, authored the resolution and pushed for its approval. and it’s time that changes,” Porter said. She program in order to deepen their existing emphasized that LMU has a responsibility to commitment to the well being of all teach us the most effective ways to be there students,” Tanabe said. for each other — she believes it is one of the Porter and Krzyminski will be meeting most valuable skills you can learn. with the Director of SPS Kristen Linden The resolution explained its goal to put and Dean of Students Jeanne Ortiz to LMU on the same playing field as other discuss its necessity on campus and universities that have these programs, if possible implementation strategies it were to be implemented. LMU would moving forward, according to Porter. join top schools around the country that “I would just be worried about the pressure have already incorporated peer mentorship that mentors would get put under, worstprograms, which includes Yale, Columbia, case senaorio they themselves became UCLA and Harvard — to name a few. overwhelmed and overburdened and then “With mental health becoming where does that person who needs support something that is so widely talked about, go?” Lillian Schreiner, a sophomore theatre it has the attention of many people; this arts major, said. “But on the other hand I see resolution capitalizes on that and urges that it could help to end the stigma against the University, specifically Student mental health and create stronger bonds Psychological Services, to implement this among the LMU community.”

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Lauren Holmes | Loyolan

Martyrs Memorial honors former Jesuits Foley Pond was dyed red on Nov. 16 as part of the annual Jesuit Martyrs Memorial. The memorial recognized the 27th Anniversary of the killing of six Jesuits in El Salvador and their housekeeper and daughter. The event was part of Ignatians Heritage Month, which was held throughout the month of November.

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DIANA RAYNES | LOYOLAN

LMU’s Day of Giving encouraged community members to give back and support scholarships. in some capacity. Donations can be made LMU made history this year, to specific programs within the University breaking records by securing depending on individual donor requests.

LMU secred 4,363 donors in a single 4,363 donors in a single day. day this year, breaking last year’s record of 4,254 donors. After achieving this Kayan Tara goal, LMU’s newly formed Alliance of Asst. News Editor Women Philanthropists pledged to donate @LALoyolan an additional $100,000 of scholarship money, according to Lisa Piumetti Farland, For the past five years, the LMU executive director of Alumni Relations, community has been participating in an Annual Giving, Parent Programs & Parent annual Day of Giving Challenge, in which Giving. students, faculty, staff and alumni are See Giving back | page 2 encouraged to financially donate to LMU

NEWS

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Sophomore Colby Groom ‘called to give back’ Groom talks about his journey dealing with heart disease.

Colby Groom, as told to Sami Leung Interim News Editor @LALoyolan

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one in every four deaths caused by some form of heart disease, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Congenital heart diseases affect nearly 40,000 births per year.

Colby Groom, a sophomore undeclared major, was diagnosed with a heart condition when he was born. In the second and third grade, he had two open heart surgeries. As a result of these experiences, in fifth grade, Groom and his winemaker father began Colby Red, a line of wine that has since raised $1 million for heart-related research in partnership with the American Heart Association.

Colby shared his story with Sami Leung, interim news editor at the Loyolan.

When I was born ­ — I’m the youngest of four kids — they heard a murmur in my heart. It turned out to be a hole in the heart, which isn’t unusual for babies. They said that should normally heal over in a few months. They kept listening, but once they began to hear the secondary murmur, and upon closer inspection, they learned that I had a bicuspid aortic valve.

Your aortic valve normally has three cusps that open outwards, but mine had two of them fused together and it didn’t open right, which is called a bicuspid. Not enough blood would get out and it didn’t close right, meaning blood would leak back in.

At the time the doctors said that this doesn’t affect anyone until their 20’s, 30’s and even 40s and that I would be fine to have

Lauren Holmes | Loyolan

Groom was diagnosed with a heart condition at birth, and has created a line of wine that has raised over $1 million for heart-related research. medical intervention then. But was told I would have to go back But I kept trying the rest of the Colby Red switched from two my condition moved a lot faster for another heart surgery. It was summer, and he eventually said barrels of wine to 20,000 cases. than most, and by the time I was extremely challenging, since we could make a wine together My dad talked to me and asked, seven, they knew I would need I’d been through it once — and and when he asked me why I “Well, what do you want to make an operation. They could see it in something like that is not easy wanted to do this, I replied, “Do of this wine? Do you want it to how I was growing and how just for a kid. I was in third grade at you think whatever money we be a really nice fine wine?” My everything about my heart wasn’t the time I went in for my second make from the wine can go back response was that heart disease working right. one, so nine years old, and I got to the community that saved my affects all families, not just the When I was in second grade, I back to school eventually, but life and heart research?” Both my ones that can afford good wine, had my first open heart surgery, a lot of kids go through a funk parents loved the idea. so it should be a wine that is in which they attempted to repair year. I was behind physically The first vintage we made of affordable for everyone. the aortic valve with a graft of with my friends, I was behind Colby Red, we made two barrels Today, most of the time you heart tissue to create a third academically. I had missed a lot of of wine in a friend’s basement in find the wine, it’s for $10-$12 at cusp. But that made the entire time, which means I was behind wine country and we expected Walgreens. I was in seventh grade situation worse. It made a lot socially. It was a really, really to raise maybe $500 selling it to when it premiered. Colby Red is of scar tissue and the third flap tough year to come back. I don’t a friend. As a cute story, when continuing to grow. We hit half dissolved, making a bigger hole like to talk about it now. my dad was at a work dinner one a million dollars a few years ago, meaning more blood leaking back When I was in fifth grade, I night, he was telling his friends but our goal was always a million. into my heart. Immediately they came to my dad, a [well-known] about it. A guy called Dex, who Actually, just [last] week we knew I would need another one, winemaker, and I said, “Hey is the Walgreens wine-buyer, announced that we’ve fully hit it. so 10 months later, as soon as Dad, I want to learn how to make overheard the story and wanted I’m called to give back because they possibly could, I went back wine. What’s your job like, I want something exclusively for of the people who donated 20 in for another surgery where they to learn more about it.” He just Walgreens stores. He talked more years before me that saved my life. replaced my aortic valve with a St. thought that this was another about the idea with my dad and For the full length interview, Jude’s medical one. one of my harebrained ideas that brought it back to corporate, who go to laloyolan.com I still remember the night I would blow over. loved the idea too. That’s how

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LMU aims to create a ‘culture of philanthropy’ Giving back from Page 1

“[We want to] create a culture of philanthropy,” said Farland.

“A culture that extends our love of LMU to giving back to [programs, organizations, etc.] that matter most to us, a gift of any amount counts…Those who participated were proud to be a part of this. We were happy to make a gift and support what we love at LMU and we were excited to share why we give back and to ask others to join us.”

The Alliance of Women Philanthropists at LMU distributes funds yearly through services and scholarships. They are “a community of influencers with unique and powerful voices making an impact and shaping the future of the university,” according to the Day of Giving website. According to Farland, by the end of the spring 2018 semester the organization will decide where they will allocate the money they have donated.

“This day is important because

it is dedicated toward raising funds to allow students to have their LMU experience,” said ASLMU President Hayden Tanabe, a senior business management major. “[This is for students] who may not have the opportunity to do so without financial support. Moreover, we talk about being persons with and for others; this Day of Giving Challenge allows us to come together in support of another.”

The Day of Giving is organized by Annual Giving, with a core team of Annual Leadership Giving, Parent Programs and Parent Giving, Alumni Relations, Development Information Services and Marketing and Communications, according to Farland.

According to LMU alumna Jesse Jovel, the Day of Giving campaign encourages more alumni to stay involved and continue to extend a hand to the LMU community. Jovel was active with that campaign, as well as being active with the LMU

Alumni Association.

“If this campaign sheds light to current students of the ethos of our alumni association, and gets them excited, then the campaign would have been successful,” said Jovel, who earned both a bachelors in history in 2012 and a masters in education in 2014 at LMU. “It’s more than beating the donor record,” Jovel continued. “It’s a reminder for the alumni of the life changing experiences we had, an opportunity for current students to look forward to becoming a part of an alumni that continues to live out what we are to by our Jesuit ideals, to be men and women with and for others.”

Donors can give back to the LMU community throughout the year by choosing to donate to LMU scholarships, programs, departments, sport teams, clubs and organizations by visiting giving.lmu.edu.

Read more in depth on LMU’s Day of Giving at laloyolan.com.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

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Hunger undercuts Thanksgiving gorging Between De Leons Robyn De Leon Asst. SJ Editor @LALoyolan

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break — and back to the college grind. While Thanksgiving was a great moment to gather with families and friends and put work and school on the back burner for a few days, the holiday should not be an excuse to disregard the imminent issues that are very real, regardless of whether they are ignored or acknowledged.

One key issue that might have been overlooked this year is the issue of hunger and how 16 percent of people in Los Angeles County suffer from it, according to Regional Los Angeles Food Bank.

This topic is a complicated one, but considering that Hunger Awareness Week was a week ago, perhaps the LMU community can come together and more fully recognize the issue for what it is.

In the United States, 42 million Americans are at risk of suffering from hunger, as reported by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger.

Unfortunately, hunger is a multifaceted issue that both emerges from and leads to many other related problems. Many who are hungry are also homeless or living below the poverty line.

Hunger can affect anyone — young or old, black or white.

Still, in general, those from minority groups tend to be the most heavily affected.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of people of color who suffer from hunger is disproportional. AfricanAmerican and Hispanic households are three times as likely to face hunger, compared to their white counterparts.

Cameron Woodard | Loyolan

Thanksgiving is largely characterized by its feasting and festivities. Despite this, many across the United States still struggle to access any food at all each day.

Facts like these require for one to realize that hunger and homelessness truly are not solitary issues, but issues that span wider than many have ever considered.

“It’s such a complex issue, it’s not about putting food in a belly...there’s a lot that goes into hunger,” said one of this year’s

Hunger Awareness panelists and Jesuit volunteer in downtown Hollywood center at Blessed Sacrament, Kasha Sanor. She further specifies that hunger is about preserving dignity and the overall wellness of the individual.

LMU is doing its part to soothe the hurt and pain of hunger within its community. On

campus service organizations like Sursum Corda — which hosts Hunger Awareness Week every year — encourage students and faculty alike on the realities of hunger and homelessness.

This involvement, especially by students, is more benefical than many might think because when everyone bands together it quickens and simplifies the process to bettering the community.

In addition, LMU launched a food pantry last year which serves as immediate relief for students who struggle with food access. It was a considerable installment, especially since it is confidential and functions on the honor system.

Sodexo is also doing its part to benefit the cause.

“Since everything is prepared to order there’s little usable waste,” Director of Operations Dana Massimiani said. “We tracked our waste for three years with the program ‘Lean Path’ and we’re bringing it back. The program allowed us to track our waste … which created learning moments, so if we noticed a staff member that was peeling too much of the flesh off an ingredient we could acknowledge that instance.”

Massimiani also recollected the various ways LMU and Sodexo help out in regards to the cause for hunger.

“We donate ourselves and our product to the food pantry as well as partner with campus ministry,” said Massimiani.

Massimiani explained that their operation offers a 50 percent discount to campus ministry on the products they use to feed the homeless down in Venice and Santa Monica. They also kick off an event where volunteers unite to make six foot sub sandwiches in front of the chapel a few times a year which are then taken to areas in need. Massimiani listed many more examples, expressing how involved LMU is in the fight against hunger.

This sort of involvement from the school encourages students to also take it upon themselves to become socially active.

While the issue of hunger can be an overwhelming topic to tackle individually, it should not intimidate students to shy away from it entirely. There are many ways students can easily help out and get involved in LMU’s various opportunities. Just like the dining services, students can donate to the food pantry or volunteer to run it directly.

Another great source of outreach is campus ministry which hosts “Feed the Hungry” every Tuesday in front of Sacred Heart Chapel. From 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. volunteers make lunches to then deliver to The People Concern community right after.

Students can either sign-up in advance or just show up.

This is the opinion of Robyn De Leon, a freshman economics and English major from Thousand Oaks, California.

Tweet comments @LALoyolan, or email kaddoquaye@theloyolan.com.

OPINION

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Kellie Chudzinski Editor-in-Chief

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Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.

Our attitude towards the homeless needs to change Not far from Los Angeles, Malibu and its upper class, predominantly white neighborhoods overlook the beach. The city became the location of local controversy following the Thanksgiving holiday, when city officials pressured a church to discontinue its bi-weekly dinners for the area’s homeless population. The city officials spoke with soup kitchen organizers from Malibu United Methodist Church and the Standing on Stone Christian group, suggesting that “they were attracting more homeless people and making the problem worse,” the Los Angeles Times reported on Nov. 24.

Although Malibu Mayor Skylar Peak apologized at a public hearing for the “miscommunication” and “denied ordering the meals to end,” it’s clear that the city’s priorities are focused on maintaining Malibu’s reputation as a presentable, safe and clean city rather than address with the deeper sources of the state of homelessness.

It’s important to recognize how common the dehumanization of people facing homelessness actually is — and the issue affects LMU directly.

In 2012, LMU alumnus Anthony Pico (‘14) wrote about his experience in foster care and as a homeless student. “What about the other students on this campus in similar circumstances, with nowhere to turn?” Pico wrote in the Loyolan. “What, if anything, are we doing to normalize their lives...” Despite all our good intentions, when we carry a fixed image of homelessness — perhaps one associated with danger, overcrowding or even a burden on

resources — we ignore the humanity of those affected.

Thankfully, both the city of Los Angeles and the LMU community have implemented different programs to reduce food waste and aid individuals facing homelessness through donations. In 2015, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the Clean Streets, Clean Starts program, which gives homeless Angelenos employment opportunities by cleaning the cities’ streets. Here at LMU, we have service organization MAGIS, whose social justice focus is fighting homelessness.

But we must continue to reflect on and challenge our own biases and uninformed patterns of thinking that reinforce stereotypes against homelessness.

When our actions are guided by these stereotypes, we are unable to focus on the root causes of these injustices.

If we want to make our cities safer and cleaner for the public, we need to support local initiatives for more public health resources, job placement and affordable housing programs. If we reframe the way we see homeless and unemployed individuals and understand the necessity of food banks and soup kitchens, we can take the next step to both support these people and make our cities more habitable for all residents. Even examining our biases toward neighborhoods that are different from ours — racially or socioeconomically — can change our perspective. Read more about the complexities of hunger awareness and how the issue is intertwined with other social injustices on Page 3.

“But we must continue to reflect on and challenge our own biases and uninformed patterns...”

Protests should value civility JuJu on that Pete Peter Martin Opinion Intern @LALoyolan

I

t is perhaps indicative of our nation’s current political climate that a peaceful and mannerly demonstration came as such a surprise to me. On Nov. 16, the Los Angeles Catholic Worker (LACW) organization held an on-campus protest of LMU’s Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program and the school’s support of the military. The protest began outside of the Sacred Heart Chapel, before moving into University Hall to demonstrate and pray in front of the ROTC offices and the President’s Office.

Students from LMU’s Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) and the Student’s Veterans Organization (SVO) arranged a counter protest, with LMU students showing support for the ROTC and LMU’s position on the military. And everyone went home safely.

In the wake of so many ugly and violent protests, this demonstration and counterdemonstration was an admirable example of keeping such events safe and respectful.

This civility was by no means because of any common ground. The demonstrators carried signs with combative slogans such as “Who would Jesus bomb?” and “War is terrorism with a bigger budget,” while those from YAF and SVO brought signs of their own with statements such as “This protest: Protected by the U.S. military” and “Land of the free because of the brave.” Strong feelings were clearly at play during the event, but the participants on both sides chose to keep the event civil and even considerate. The counter protesters met with the LACW at the entrance to U-Hall, and quietly accompanied the protesters during their activities in the building. When the demonstrators sang songs at the Veteran’s Memorial, the counter protesters stayed quiet. When the protesters

Christian Boggs | Loyolan

Demonstrations should always depict respect and civility no matter what. gave speeches in front of the ROTC offices, the counter protesters let them speak. When the protesters offered a symbolic cardboard to a spokesperson of President Snyder, the counter protesters did not stop it. They supported the ROTC with their presence, but they never attempted to interfere with the demonstration.

Highminded advocates of democracy often assert that the key to a successful dialogue is actually listening to the opposition. Were these two opposing sides at the ROTC protest truly listening to each other? Doubtful. But perhaps that is too much to ask. Once signs have been made and a line has been drawn, expecting a true dialogue is wishful thinking.

Yet the demonstrators at the ROTC protest managed something just as valuable. It is less important that demonstrators listen to each other, and more important that they allow for the other side to be heard.

This was the true success of the ROTC protest, and it came from both sides. The LMU student counter protesters were respectful and civil to those from LACW, and allowed them to express their message

without attempting to silence them. LACW in turn gave that same respect back to our school. Real conversations and discussions happened at this event. It may not have changed anyone’s mind, but it did recognize the opposing view. Perhaps the most telling detail comes at the end of a report on the demonstration published by the LACW. It read ,“There were no arrests or confrontations with the counter demonstrators, although we did engage in conversations.”

This was a small protest on a relatively niche issue, but it was encouraging regardless.

I am proud to be a part of a community that can handle disagreement and conflicting viewpoints with the maturity that was exhibited earlier this month. The ROTC demonstration was handled with dignity and respect from all sides, it represents the very best an event like this can be. In a time of such aggressive political polarization, it is promising to see that LMU still knows how to protest.

This is the opinion of Peter Martin, a freshman political science major from San Jose, California. Tweet comments @LALoyolan, or email editor@theloyolan.

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OPINION

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New tech comes with privacy concerns Touchdown for Brown Jessie Brown Opinion Intern @LALoyolan

T

he new “Amazon Echo” is a smart speaker with voicecontrolled service named “Alexa,” came out in 2015. Just recently, the group Cancer Research UK came out with a new program titled “My Alcohol Tracker,” which allows users to use Alexa to track their alcohol consumption.

According to Amazon’s website, “My Alcohol Tracker uses voice recognition technology to help people get a better idea of what they are drinking, as well as providing helpful hints and tips on cutting down.” The program allows users to add drinks to their weekly goal, set personal goals to drink no more than a certain amount and get a summary of how they do each week.

In honor of alcohol awareness week, this tracker was created in order to educate people on the link between alcohol and seven types of cancer, including breast, mouth and colon cancer, according to an article

by Munchies writer, Jelisa Castrodale.

Programs such as these could have a significant impact in the world of health in the future, potentially helping young adults to make smarter choices. However, technology such as this leads me to question the amount of privacy I have with voice recognition machines, especially considering the confidentiality of private data.

Could your alcohol consumption summary be used as evidence against you if you are under age?

Who exactly has access to this data, and where is it stored? Can this data be deleted, and if the answer is yes, is it ever truly gone?

There are no crystal-clear answers to these questions. According to Forbes, “Since smart devices like

Many are questioning whether or not allowing Amazon to eavesdrop in their homes is worth the convenience.

Alexa are always listening, the added convenience comes with a tradeoff — one with substantial privacy implications.” Although this device only records information when the designated wake word is spoken, in order to detect the word, it must always be listening for it.

According to an article by Wired, Amazon keeps your recordings on the cloud, where this information stays unless you actively delete it. However, Amazon clarifies that deleting recorded content is not recommended because it will degrade your Alexa experience.

In Dec. 2016, these privacy concerns became a real issue when law enforcement seized an Amazon Echo device while investigating a death at a private residence, according to an article by American Bar Association. The Arkansas homeowner’s lawyer believed this was an invasion of privacy and a

violation of the fourth amendment.

Another incident involved a stuffed-animal toy where parents and children could send voice messages to each other through a phone-based app. Eight hundred thousand user account records were compromised when the voicerecording database became publicly accessable and third parties leveraged the data for ransom demands.

Although it is highly likely that your data will never be stolen, you should be aware of the risks of using these features. “Digital assistants have the potential to gather massive amounts of data about users. Current voice data analytic tools can capture not only the text of human speech, but also the digital fingerprint of a speaker’s tone, intensity and intent,” according to the American Bar Association. As we continue to give these tech companies more

and more information for the sake of convenience and exciting new developments, we slowly give away more and more of our privacy.

For now, as a surveillance skeptic who feels the urge to cover up my laptop camera, I personally will not be using these voice recognition devices until their benefits outweigh my aversion.

Regardless of whether you decide to utilize this technology, make sure

Christian Boggs | Loyolan

to do your research. Look up reviews and briefly read over the privacy policy. It is essential to know what you are purchasing or downloading before you commit to a new piece of technology.

This is the opinion of Jessie Brown, a freshman film production major from Houston, Texas. Tweet comments @LALoyolan, or email editor@theloyolan.com.

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ጠ 䰀䴀唀 䨀攀猀甀椀琀 䌀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀

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SMUG SUNDRIES

THE UNDECLAREDS

UNNECESSARY JAPES

By Cameron Woodard, Staff Cartoonist

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By Kay Reilly, Staff Cartoonist

By Abby Pollak, Staff Cartoonist

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Melting Hot off the Press: Travel delays at LAX from workers flying paper airplanes Airport officials would rather fly paper airplanes than real aircrafts.

Thomas Richmond SkyMall Shopaholic An FAA inquiry into the daily operations at LAX found that the airport’s crowds in the days leading up to Thanksgiving aren’t so much the fault of the holiday rush putting the airport overcapacity as it is festive unprofessionalism.

Instead of efficiently clearing aircraft for takeoff and landing, air traffic control specialists have been spending their work hours throwing paper airplanes out the tower window.

Masses of passengers quickly processed through the security checkpoints, but were immediately stopped by the walls of people waiting at

each terminal. A quick glance at the flight information displays explained away the confusing sight. Across all the monitors, the scheduled arrival and departure times were delayed for at least a half-hour.

On the tarmac itself, planes perpetually taxied around waiting to receive confirmation to approach the runway.

Pilots actually began allowing passengers to order outsideof-the-plane food delivery during the holding period.

One Delta co-pilot woke from a post-three course-steakdinner nap and still did not have clearance to take off.

Even worse than the wait for takeoff was the airspace above LAX where the control tower refused to grant arriving aircraft landing strips, insisting that they either fly in circles or test out the plane’s aquatic landing capabilities in the nearby Pacific Ocean. A steamer chartered by the airport tirelessly ferried passengers and their water-

logged luggage to dry land.

Ellis Wright, senior LAX tower controller, was discovered as the mastermind behind these chaotic shenanigans. When questioned, he said the whole thing started on an especially windy day when a sudden gust picked the flight plan right out of his hands. He remarked, “From then on I knew, seeing paper soar through the skies was why I worked at an airport.”

Although this issue was heightened during the busy holiday season, unnamed employees revealed that every day of the year there have been congested tarmacs and heavy delays at the terminal due to tower controllers knocking off work and tossing around paper. In exchange for testifying against their lazy coworkers, the anonymous sources were provided triple coffee breaks and extended paid vacation.

Abby Pollak | Loyolan

Paper planes fill up the airspace above LAX during the Thanksgiving holiday rush.

The Bluff is a humorous and satirical section published in the Loyolan. All quotes attributed to real figures are completely fabricated; persons otherwise mentioned are completely fictional.

life+arts

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Happy ‘Thankstagram’ from LMU students Bakers Bits

Asia Anderson, sophomore, liberal arts undeclared (@asiamanderson)

Hannah Baker

“I love Thanksgiving because it’s a reminder for me to appreciate everything and everyone around me. My dad makes his classic macn-cheese and my mom makes her sweet potato pie. The food is great and I get to be with all of my family,” Anderson said.

There’s nothing more classic than family recipes, incredible spreads and priceless family values. Anderson’s break sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving holiday with family — definitely not like one of those family gettogether horror stories.

Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan

T

hanksgiving was basically the kick off for the holiday season. It started that odd time of the year when we give thanks for everything that we have, before compiling wish lists for Christmas. There’s a lot to be thankful for this year — one thing being the ability to go to school on one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States.

While some of you may dread this day because it means getting together with extended family or having to interact with that one relative who always talks politics, others revel in the chance to catch up on sleep and spend quality time with friends and family.

Whether you stayed in Los Angeles, like me, traveled outside of the city for a quick getaway or flew to your home state — Thanksgiving break was just what the doctor ordered before the fall semester comes to a close. Not to mention finals are right around the corner and soon we’re all going to be in over our heads with studying, essays and group projects. So here’s to hoping your break was filled with laughter and relaxation.

Check out how some of your fellow LMU students spent their Thanksgiving break through their Instagram photos and learn what they love most about the holiday.

the description of a fun break with family in a place that’s not as crowded and busy as L.A.

Nico Saviotti, junior, communication studies (@nicosaviotti) “There’s nothing better than being on the water with all your friends, wakeboarding on Thanksgiving break,” Saviotti said.

Personally, being from Minnesota and living on a lake, Saviotti has the right idea on how to decompress when it comes to cruising around on a boat with your best friends.

Karya Anya Ozmen, junior, screenwriting and psychology double major (@karyaanyaozmen) “I was in L.A. but my favorite part about Thanksgiving is the cranberry sauce and enjoying a nice meal with friends,” Ozmen said.

Although some didn’t travel for break, others like Ozmen definitely knew how to make the most of Thanksgiving break by getting together with friends to enjoy the best of the holiday moment.

Caroline Kelly, junior, communication studies (@carolineeekelly) “My favorite thing is getting together with my family at my grandparents’ farm and riding four wheelers and dirt bikes,” Kelly said.

Kelly’s trip to Tennessee fits

Rowena Feng, junior, health and human sciences (@rfenggg) “My favorite part about Thanksgiving is the food. I stayed at a hot spring resort in Palm Springs with family. It was a relaxing getaway before finals,” Feng said.

When it comes to cold weather and a break from school, a quick escape to Palm Springs and tanning by the pool seems like the perfect way to refresh before coming back to the chaos of finals prep. Even though the desert was super hot over the weekend, it seemed like the perfect getaway.

Clearly a popular theme among LMU students was getting to spend time with friends and family, eating amazing food.

Another thing about going to LMU — other than the beautiful campus — is majority of the students call California home.

Having only been in California for a year, there’s something about the welcoming environment and warm weather that just makes feel like you’re supposed to be here.

It wasn’t a surprise that many of the students I reached out to already lived here and the homes they grew up were only a drive away. Unforunately, break is over and it’s back to class now.

Library study rooms are filling up, Starbucks is running out of product again and you should absolutely start using Tapingo for your food and drink orders.

Luckily, there are only a few weeks left of the semester, so all that’s left to say is best of luck with finals week.

This is the opinion of Hannah Baker, a sophomore communication studies major from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tgage@theloyolan.com.

LMU students pick their favorite holiday movies

Aurora Occelli | Loyolan

Hutch and Such Cory Hutchinson

Asst. Life+Arts Editor @lajollahutch

N

ow that Thanksgiving is over, it’s finally getting colder outside and there are no more excuses to delay celebrating the inevitable: it’s basically Christmas and New Year’s until the end of January.

Stores are blasting Mariah Carey, the Grove has fake snow falling from the rooftops and WilliamsSonoma has released their amazing seasonal peppermint bark. Aside from peppermint mochas and artificial trees donning college students’ living rooms, holiday movies have begun playing on Freeform’s 25 days of Christmas special and my Netflix account is suggesting

I don’t do homework so that I can watch Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Despite all the excitement, most people are still recovering from Thanksgiving break and can’t even think about food or decorating the tree until December of 2018.

Really, there are only two more days until December begins, so it’s just about time to put on your Santa hats and crack open the peppermint schnapps — I mean hot chocolate. If you’re not quite yet in the holiday spirit, here are some LMU students’ favorite movies to get you ready for the coming season.

5. “The Holiday” Senior marketing major Alex Gassner recommends watching this film that stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett. This humorous switching-places movie is a great feature that shows stunning scenery

from the English countryside, London and Los Angeles during the holidays. I’m sure anyone could just go out to Santa Monica to see some Christmas lights, but the romance and hilarious scenes of Diaz attempting to cry is much better than being stuck in crazy L.A. traffic.

4. “Love, Actually” Sophomore film production major Jamie Kolbrenner suggests “Love, Actually” for a good holiday movie to enjoy. I think most people consider this movie as the ultimate Christmas film to really feel the holiday spirit.

Something about the lives of all the characters being so intertwined and how each story falls into place so perfectly gives viewers that warm fuzzy feeling that usually distracts from stressing over a present shopping list and having company over.

3. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Senior communications studies major Kingsley Karr proposes this movie for a more classic twist on Christmas movies. As kids, everyone got to know this story pretty well and each of our hearts grew ten sizes seeing holiday joy being spread around Whoville.

Also, there’s nothing cuter than a weiner dog with a big red nose and antlers.

2. “Bad Santa” Sophomore theatre arts major Lilly Schreiner recommends this holiday comedy for a good laugh during the winter time. Similar to the story of the Grinch, but with a dark humor tone, two con artists reunite for their favorite time of the year when it comes to scamming people. However, one run-down Willie Stokes — played

by Billy Bob Thornton — meets an innocent spirit who changes his mind about the life decisions he’s been making.

1. “New Year’s Eve” Although it’s not a Christmas movie, this has to be one of my personal favorites that I had to share. Personally, there’s nothing more exciting than New York City around New Year’s Eve. All the Christmas lights are still up, people are putting on their best evening-wear and there’s nothing but hope in the city that you’ll find your random kiss from a beautiful stranger at midnight. This movie has all of that and so much more to love about it.

This is the opinion of Cory Hutchinson, a sophomore sociology major from Palm Desert, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tgage@theloyolan.com.

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DONT MISS THESE HOLIDAY EVENTS NEAR YOU

Fun, festive and free upcoming on campus events Young & Jaided

6. AIDS Quilt Showcase Monday, Nov. 27 - Friday, Dec 1 All Day

Jaida Macklin

Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LALoyolan

W

e have finally arrived at the best and worst time of the year: the end of the semester. It’s the best because, for people like me, this hell of a semester will finally come to an end. But it’s also the worst, considering the next three weeks will have you overworked, stressed and over anything and everything faster than you can say, “Happy Holidays.”

Fortunately for us, we go to a school that cares enough to try and relieve some of that pain with an array of fun (and free) events.

Check out the list below of end of the semester stress relievers.

7. DejaView Film Screenings: Nightmare Before Christmas Thursday, Nov. 30 - Saturday, Dec 2 8-9:45 p.m. & 10-11:30 p.m.

The

Though it isn’t anything new, DejaView movies are always a good way to pass the time.

Grab some friends and go down to DejaView to enjoy the great, holiday essential, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” It’ll be showing twice each night on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. All you have to do is bring your OneCard. Snacks and drinks are both available for less than $2 and you can even bring non-LMU guests. So, what’s stopping you?

Considering that December is National AIDS Awareness Month, our peers have put together a four day event in which they invite students and faculty to show their support for those who have been affected by the AIDS epidemic.

The event page on Orgsync states “In June of 1987, a small group of strangers gathered in a San Francisco storefront to document the lives they feared history would neglect. Their goal was to create a memorial for those who had died of AIDS, and to thereby help people understand the devastating impact of the disease.”

The result was the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt — created by friends, family and lovers of those who had died. There are more than 48,000 individual 3-by-6-foot panels of the quilt, which is still a powerful memorial today.

Three of the historic AIDS Quilts can be viewed at the U-Hall Atrium and on the third floor of the William H. Hannon Library.

5. The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel (Stages of AIDS) directed by Jim Holmes Saturday, Dec. 2 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

This is a play put on by LMU’s wonderful theatre department and will take place in the Barnelle Theatre in the Foley Building. The

play follows Anna, a single schoolteacher who is diagnosed with ATD (Acquired Toilet Disease, a fatal new malady with a high risk factor for elementary school teachers). This leads to her and her brother traveling the world. “Vogel’s whimsical fantasy about siblings dealing with a fatal disease was inspired by her own brother’s death from AIDS in 1988,” the event page states. All proceeds from this play will benefit local AIDS charities. Tickets can be purchased online at: cfa.lmu.edu/tickets 4. Last Open Mic Night of the Semester Monday, Dec. 4 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

All semester, Mane Entertainment has invited LMU students to join them as students show off their many talents, ranging from singing, stand up comedy, spoken word and more. Make sure to come out for their last show of the semester.

Signups start at 7:30 p.m.

3. Kwanzaa and Hanukkah Holiday Festivities Thursday, Dec. 7 & Friday, Dec. 8 7 - 9 p.m. and 6 - 9 p.m.

There will be both a Kwanzaa Celebration and a Hanukkah Party Shabbat in the last week of school. The former event will take place on Thursday at 7 p.m., while the latter will be held on Friday at 8 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy these events demonstrating African and Jewish cultural heritage and traditional values. There will be food at both events, so enjoy and spin a

dreidel while you’re at it.

2. Gala Christmas Concert Thursday, Dec. 7 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Also on Thursday, The Consort Singers, Women’s Chorus and Concert Choir will be decking the halls of the Sacred Heart Chapel with their lovely voices. If you enjoy good holiday music, you won’t want to miss this. Ring in the holidays with sounds of the season.

1. Cram Jam Tuesday, Dec. 12 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.

In preparation for finals week, run down to the Lair on Tuesday in order to get free green books and Scantrons. There’s also a chance to win in a raffle, sponsored by RHA, so you don’t want to miss this.

There you have it, folks. Because #LMUCares, a variety of student services have put together all these great events for you. So if you need something to get you through these next three weeks, you’ll most likely be able to find at one of these many events.

This is the opinion of Jaida Macklin, a sophomore English and theatre arts major from Chicago, Illinois.

Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tgage@theloyolan.com.

Getting out and off the Bluff this winter season Midnight in Paris Paris Shepherd Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan

W

ith the holidays just around the corner, there are lots of preparations that need to be taken care of before the multitudes of celebrations take place. Although shopping is a big part of this season, let’s not forget what it’s really about: spending time with those that we’re close to and being thankful for what we have. I kept this in mind as I put together this list of activities to pass the time and accomplish all that needs to be accomplished before the start of the major holidays.

Rose Bowl Flea Market Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium When: Second Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This flea market is one of my absolute favorites because of its size.

It’s held around the Rose Bowl Stadium and spills over into the parking lot, so as you can imagine, there are a lot of vendors and even more merchandise to look at.

Although

there is an entrance fee of $9, once you’ve made your rounds you’ll see that it was worth it. This market boasts an impressive variety of old and new items that are priced at a bargain. I would be surprised if you left empty handed because in all of my years of going, I certainly have not. Children under age 12 are free, while early admission gets you into the market as early as 5 a.m. and costs $20.

Arts & Fleas Venice Venue: Abbot Kinney When: Every second fourth 4th Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Apparently, this is one of the newest flea markets on the block, and happens to take place right around the corner from campus.

Abbot Kinney is a cool street to visit as is, and adding an open air market just makes it more appealing. The artistry that it tries to capture can be seen as you walk. Most of the vendors sell pieces that are art, design and vintage focused, which means that shoppers should expect to find one of a kind pieces here.

One super helpful feature on their website is a list of all of the vendors that

are going to be there that month.

This not only allows you to preview the event and see what each vendor has to offer, but also to check out the vendors’ websites.

Whether it be shopping for gifts for your loved ones or attending events with those that you’re closest to, keep in mind that whatever you’re doing is only as good as the people that you’re doing it for or with.

Take some time out of your busy schedule to experience something different in the remaining time of the semester. Go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go or find someplace completely new.

It’s all up to you to make this time count.

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade Venue: Burton Chace Park When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6-8 p.m.

Be sure and catch some festively decorated boats sailing down Marina Del Rey’s main channel.

According to the event website, this year’s theme is “Let’s Dance,” complete with both the star and dancing

lady emojis. If the boats are going to be decorated anything like the vibe that those two emojis give off, then this is going to be an event you won’t want to miss. This is a free event, however there is an $8 parking fee if you choose to park in the county lots.

Monday Night Residencies at the Echo Venue: The Echo When: Mondays starting at 8:30 p.m.

This is a great way to spend the evening listening to and showing your support for local, up-andcoming bands. The Echo offers free shows for whoever is willing to come out Monday nights.

The only catch is that the shows only happen when they’re sponsored, so it’s always a good idea to check their website to look at upcoming acts. The next three performances are going to feature Superet, Shannon Lay and Vera Sola, among others. Also, some of these events are only 21 and over.

Checking online beforehand is going to be your best bet. You can also RSVP on the Echo website for VIP entry, to ensure a spot in case

the venue fills up.

Smorgasburg LA Venue: Row DTLA When: Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This free, food-focused market is held weekly in downtown Los Angeles. This market prides itself in having dozens of food vendors, as well as various booths full of items ready to be bought and potentially given as holiday gifts. According to their website, these booths sell everything from design, craft, style, vintage and wellness items and much more.

I myself have never attended this market, but after reading about the various booths that they offer, my interest is peaked. There is also a huge new parking garage nearby that has free two hour parking. Scoring free parking in L.A. is almost unheard of, so take this opportunity to experience this blessing because the struggle to park is real.

This is the opinion of Paris Shepherd, a junior communication studies major from Ventura, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tgage@theloyolan.com.

Via Wikimedia Creative Commons

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Del Toro on UFOs and forbidden fruit at ‘Masters’ Just Jacob

Jacob Cornblatt Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan

S

tudents in LMU’s film school eagerly awaited the finale of “The Hollywood Masters” on Nov. 15 when legendary writer and director Guillermo Del Toro hit the Mayer Theater for a Q&A with Stephen Galloway.

The brain behind films like “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Cronos,” “Hellboy” and “Pacific Rim” spoke to the lucky attendees about everything from his childhood to his newest film “The Shape of Water.” So I’ve narrowed the 90-minute talk into the five biggest takeaways from the final episode of this season’s “Hollywood Masters.”

5. He used to read daily.

As a child, the filmmaker always carried a book with him.

He claims he would read at least one every day, but sometimes managed to read two. Though he can’t keep that rate up anymore, he says he now reads two or three a week.

4. He sometimes loses his famous notebooks.

Del Toro is often known for his

leather-bound notebooks where he sketches ideas for future creatures and writes concepts for possible films; these notebooks are so admired that they were on display in an exhibit at LACMA. Despite this, however, Del Toro shared multiple stories of losing them in cabs or leaving them in dangerous spots. In fact, his most recent notebook has gone missing.

3. His new film is his favorite that he’s made.

He shared an anecdote about showing “The Shape of Water” to his mentor back in Mexico, to which the mentor replied that this was his “exhale.” He said that out of everything he’s made, this is the best, as it meshes together everything that makes his films great.

2. A vital line of dialogue was cut from “Pan’s Labyrinth.”

In one of its most iconic scenes, the protagonist of the Spanish-Mexican film takes a bite from the forbidden food of a creature called The Pale Man. In the film’s current form, it’s slightly confusing why exactly she ate a grape from the table, but apparently the answer lies in a cut line of dialogue, where it is mentioned that the girl hasn’t eaten in days. Del Toro said this is his biggest regret in his career.

1. Del Toro said he has seen a UFO. “It sounds cliche, but it looked like a flying saucer,” he said to the crowd. He told a story about going out with a friend of his, only to see a UFO in the distance. Del Toro said they flashed their lights at it, only for it to rush towards them in the blink of an eye.

“I’m not crazy,” he promised a reluctant Stephen Galloway. “I’m not crazy.”

This season of “The Hollywood Masters” was maybe the best LMU has ever had. Five major stars graced the Mayer Theater with their

appearances, and host Stephen Galloway led them through great, revealing

interviews. Now, all we can do is hope that next semester brings us equally enjoyable masters.

This is the opinion of Jacob Cornblatt, a freshman film production major from Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tgage@theloyolan.com.

Gage Skidmore Via Wikimedia Creative Commons

SPORTS

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Rams hold lead in current NFC standings

First year Head Coach Sean McVay leads Rams to first place.

Miles Thomas

Sports Intern @LALoyolan With five weeks left in the NFL regular season, the NFC playoff picture is far from official but it is getting closer to reality as the season winds down. The Philadelphia Eagles (10-1), Minnesota Vikings (9-2), Los Angeles Rams (8-3) and New Orleans Saints (8-3) hold the top four spots as the division leaders in the NFC playoff hunt.

The Rams continue to hold a one game lead over the Seattle Seahawks (7-4) for the top spot in the NFC West and third place in the NFC overall. The Rams and Seahawks will meet in a week 15 matchup in Seattle that could determine who wins the division. Additionally, this game could impact playoff seeding, where the Seahawks could drop the Rams down to the wildcard and vault the Seahawks to fourth place if they manage to defeat the Rams and claim the division. It will be a difficult task for the Rams, as the Seahawks had defeated the Rams in a prior week five game this season in Los Angeles. The Rams defense, which ranks 15th in the NFL overall in yards allowed per game, will have to find a way to stop Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who ranks second in the league with 26 total touchdowns and first among

quarterbacks in rushing yards with 401 yards.

The Rams are coming off an impressive 26-20 home win over the Saints last Sunday in a matchup of current division leaders. If the Rams are able to win the division, it would be the first division title for the Rams since 2003, and first as the Los Angeles Rams since 1985.

After last week’s win, the Rams have clinched their first non-losing season since 2006, where they now can finish at worst with an 8-8 record. Led by first year Head Coach Sean McVay, the Rams offense has completely turned around from last season, going from last in the NFL in points scored per game last season to second in the NFL this season.

Quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley have benefited most from this new offense. Goff in his second season, is looking like a top draft pick, posting 98.6 passer rating, an impressive 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions during 11 games. Todd Gurley has had a resurgent season, posting 865 rushing yards on 4.2 yards per carry and scoring eight touchdowns through 11 games.

Along with Jared Goff’s impressive season, fellow draft classmate Carson Wentz has also been enjoying a stellar season with the Eagles, looking like the top MVP candidate with a league leading 28 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 104 through 11 games. The Eagles are looking like the top team in the NFL with the best record in

football at 10-1 and the sixth ranked defense in total yards allowed and first in rushing yards allowed per game. The Eagles will have a chance to be the first team in the NFL this season to clinch their division the NFC East, next week against the Seahawks — a game that could help the Rams extend their lead over the Seahawks if the Eagles manage to win.

An early season injury to starting quarterback Sam Bradford has not stopped the Vikings from holding firmly onto first place in the NFC North and the second seed overall in the NFC. Backup quarterback Case Keenum has led the Vikings to an 8-2 record since replacing Bradford as the starter. Additionally, the Vikings have the league’s fifth ranked defense in yards allowed per game. The Vikings currently hold a two game lead over the second place Detroit Lions (6-5) for first place in the division.

Despite a loss to the Rams on Sunday, the Saints continue to hold first place in the crowded NFC South by one game. Quarterback Drew Brees continues to put up impressive numbers in his 17th NFL season, with 16 touchdown passes and a league leading 71.3 percent completion percentage. It will be a close race between the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers (8-3) and Atlanta Falcons (7-4) for the division title, with a possible chance that one of those teams miss the playoffs depending on what happens between the Rams and the Seahawks in their pivotal divisional matchup.

via Wikimedia Commons

Running back Todd Gurley has a bounce back season averaging 4.2 yards per carry, with eight touchdowns through 11 games.

Currently in the wild card spots are the Panthers and defending NFC champion Falcons. The Seahawks and Lions are also in the hunt for a wild card berth, currently sitting in seventh and eighth place in the NFC. Both these teams made the playoffs last season, making for what could be a competitive finish for playoff seeding in the NFC.

With five weeks left in the season, it is possible that this playoff picture could completely change depending on the results in the upcoming divisional matchups.

The Rams will look to maintain their divisional lead as they take on fellow NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals (5-6) next Sunday in Phoenix.

Future looks bright for Lions’ Volleyball Volleyball from Page 12

for the Lions. In college sports, continuity and experience is fleeting. When a team with talent possesses it, it gives them an edge over a similarly talented team that doesn’t. Now, the Lions have a talented core with a year’s experience under their belt, and room to grow — a potentially explosive recipe for next season.

While the team’s fourth-place finish places them well ahead of the curve as far as program development, the team is still a long way from seriously threatening the likes of BYU and University of San Diego, each of whom lost just once in 18 WCC matches.

One of the primary focuses moving forward will be the team’s defense. At the beginning of the season, Mansfield had said that defense would be a focal point for the Lions. This year’s numbers clearly show that this is still a work in progress. Even with a consistently prolific offense, LMU won as many games as they lost in the conference, largely due to their defense.

The Lions finished in the bottom five in the WCC in every major defensive category. In close games — particularly against ranked opponents — these defensive inconsistencies were exploited. This was perhaps best illustrated in LMU’s first meetings against both USD and BYU Against both Top-15 opponents, the Lions led for the majority of the match.

They held serve, and utilized it to build a lead.

Once the Toreros and Cougars — two teams with high powered

offenses of their own — had the ball, the Lions defense found themselves scrambling, ultimately imploding against BYU by relinquishing a 2-0 lead in the match.

A combination of both defensive woes and lack of experience made close, latematch losses to ranked teams a common theme in 2017 for LMU. If the Lions hope to move into the top-tier of the conference in the coming seasons and be considered for postseason play, they’ll need to develop a killer instinct, find a way to stop the momentum of talented teams and control both the offensive and defensive phases of the game.

Looking back on his first season as a collegiate head coach, Mansfield should be pleased with what him and his team have accomplished thus far. With every measurable factor indicating that LMU would step backward in 2017, the team did the opposite, exceeding every reasonable expectation. Along the way, they gained valuable — if not always pleasing — experience through harsh losses and close wins against a schedule that tested the team’s caliber on a national level.

In just a few months, the team went from rebuilding project to a WCC dark horse. With a successful year under their belt, the Lions can now set their goals higher than most might have thought, sooner than expected.

This is the opinion of Tim De Vries, a junior mechanical engineering major from Lake Oswego, OR. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email tdevries@theloyolan.com.

SPORTS

SCORES UPDATE W. BASKETBALL 73-64 W

LION

vs. Eastern Michiganw

SPORTS

M. BASKETBALL

68-48 L

vs. Boise State Follow us on Twitter @laloyolan for up-to-date scores.

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LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | November 29, 2017 | laloyolan.com

Women’s basketball earns best start in 14 seasons The Lions remain the sole unbeaten team in the West Coast Conference.

Matt Rodriguez Asst. Sports Editor @LALoyolan

I

n a preseason poll, the women’s basketball team were predicted to place fifth in the West Coast Conference.

After defeating California State Dominguez Hills at home 84-52, the team stands alone as the only undefeated team in the WCC. The Lions’ 7-0 start is the best start since the 20032004 season, where they won eight straight to begin the season.

The Lions have managed this start through the stellar play from junior guard/forward Cheyanne Wallace. After averaging 26 points and 8.3 rebounds, from Nov. 2027, Wallace was named as the WCC Player of the Week. In the Thanksgiving Classic, Wallace was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, scoring her a career high 30 points.

Wallace is also a leader in nearly every category in the WCC. She ranks second in scoring with 20.8 points per game, three behind the top spot. She is ninth in both rebounding and free throw percentage, with 7.2 rebounds per game and with a .800 free throw percentage. She ranks 10th

in offensive rebounds and 11th in defensive rebounds, with 2.7 and 4.5 respectively. But the Lions also have a lot more weapons aside from Wallace.

In her first season with the Lions, redshirt junior guard Gabby Green is the second highest scorer on the team and seventh in the WCC, with 15.3 points per game. She has also displayed her capability to share the ball ranking 10th in the WCC in assists with four per game. She also knows how to take care of the ball, averaging 2.7 turnovers per game and is 11th in the WCC in Assist/Turnover ratio with 1.5. Standing as a 6-foot2 guard, she assists her team by grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game, 4.5 of which are on the defensive end. She stands at 14th in rebounds and 11th in defensive rebounds.

With her all-around play, Green shines as one of the best defenders in the WCC. In her sophomore year with UC Berkeley, she led the Pac-12 in steals. She continues her hard defense leading the WCC in steals with 3.2 per game. Green also protects the post ranking fourth in the WCC with 1.7 blocks per game.

After landing in the top 10 in the WCC for rebounds, redshirt junior forward Bree Alford continued her dominance in the post boasting a near doubledouble with 9.3 points per game and leads the Lions in rebounds with 10.5 rebounds per game.

Alford’s innate ability to grab boards ranks her fourth in overall rebounds and defensive rebounds (7.2), and fifth in offensive rebounds (3.3). She also shows that she can shoot the ball averaging a .429 three point field goal percentage– fifth in the league.

Continuing as the floor general, junior guard Andee Velasco leads the Lions in assists per game. With 4.8 assists per game, she is also tied for third place in the WCC. Her excellence in ball handling shines as she ranks eighth in the WCC in assist/turnover ratio with 1.8.

Velasco also ranks third in three point field goal percentage with an even .500 and is tied for 15th place for three pointers made with 1.2 per game.

As the only senior on the team, guard Makenzie Cast provides much needed sharpshooting, leading the team making 13-31 this season. Cast’s shooting earned her the rank of sixth in three point field goal percentage and fifth in three pointers made.

The stellar individual performances have propelled the Lions to the top spot in WCC. The Lions land in the top five of nearly every category except eight of them.

The Lions will look to further their winning streak against University of Southern California on Friday, Dec. 1.

Volleyball exceeds expectations after rebuilding Big Time Timmy Jim

differ by just one game, and in nearly every offensive category this year’s Lions ranked at least as highly as they did in 2016. LMU finished fourth in hitting percentage, kills

but three first-choice scorers. With the trio of junior opposite Sara Kovac, sophomore outside hitter Megan Rice and sophomore outside hitter Savannah

Tim De Vries Sports Editor @LALoyolan

T

hree months ago, LMU women’s volleyball entered the season with a new head coach, a roster composed mainly of underclassmen — many of whom faced collegiate competition for the first time — and an eighth-place selection in the preseason West Coast Conference Coaches Poll. Considering the sweeping changes facing the program and the challenges facing first-time head coach Aaron Mansfield, the ranking seemed reasonable at the time.

Nobody would have been surprised to see Mansfield and the LMU program take a year or two to rebuild and adjust.

Fast forward to today, and those same expectations seem a bit absurd, given the outcome of the 2017 season. Wrapping up their campaign last Tuesday, the Lions finished the season with a WCC record of 9-9, good enough for fourth-place in the conference. In addition, the Lions finished 16-13 with a schedule that included nine matches against ranked teams — including four in the WCC — earning them a top-100 ranking in this season’s Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) at No. 94. LMU was one of four teams from the conference to manage this feat.

By the numbers, the 2017 Lions were virtually every bit as good as the team a year before. Their conference records

Megan Karbowski | Loyolan

Sophomore outside hitter Megan Rice (10) was named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team, starting all 29 matches and recording 318 kills for the Lions.

and assists, while easily serving up the most aces in the conference with 202 are the most by an LMU team since 1993.

From an individual standpoint, the team filled every seemingly vacant role.

To replace All-American outside hitter Sarah Sponcil, the Lions found not one

Slattery all recording career-best seasons in offensive production, LMU’s offense was often among the most prolific in the country. The Lions’ big three combined for 934 kills, nearly 65 percent of the team’s offensive output.

Rice was named a WCC First Team

All-American, with Slattery garnering an Honorable Mention selection. Despite leading the team with 322 kills, Kovac was — confusingly — not named to an AllWCC team.

Despite their output, Rice, Slattery and Kovac were not the Lions’ only source of offense in 2017. Freshman outside hitter Meredith Teague served up 40 aces to lead the Lions, while her and fellow freshman opposite Sierra Bartley earned increased playing time and made a larger impact on the team’s production as the season progressed. Teague was selected to the WCC All-Freshman Team.

The strength of schedule, the win totals, the numbers and the emergence of new leaders for LMU all is a testament to what they were able to accomplish in 2017, and is useful for measuring where the team stands now against where they were three months ago. However, the true excitement for the program comes not from what they have accomplished, but rather what these accomplishments mean in the next couple of years.

This season tells us that LMU volleyball under Mansfield is way ahead of schedule.

Barring any transfers out, the fourth-place Lions will return all but one player from this year’s roster — senior Kristen Castellanos.

Kovac, Rice and Slattery all return, as do sophomore setters Tess Reid and Jessie Prichard. Bartley and Teague enter 2018 with a foothold in the rotation, as does redshirt freshman Alexis Morrow, who provided a spark in both phases of the game See Volleyball | Page 11