Pepperdine Graphic 3-21-19

Volume xLVIII | Issue 18 PEPPERDINE-GRAPHIC.COM | march 21, 2019

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#NotAnotherSoul | Students pose with a sign bearing the slogan, "#NotAnotherSoul." The Reformers performed a three-day sit in in the Cafe to speak out against gun violence

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GROUP HOlds sit-in against gun violence

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MORE SEXUAL

CRIMES REPORTED TOTALLING sophomore Karina Valenzuela

7 in this semester

Susannah Gallup | Staff Photographer

Students speak out against gun violence

SEE A2 FOR MORE

R owan Toke ass i s ta n t n e ws e d itor The Reformers, a Pepperdine student-led group, held a peaceful demonstration in the Malibu Campus Waves Cafe from 8 a.m. Monday, March 18 to noon Wednesday, Senior Sharra Hardy March 20 to discuss why they support stricter gun laws in America.

Flynn said.

Students, faculty and staff can see their After reaching out to the Department posters up around campus with their slo- of Public Safety, President Andrew K. Bengan, "Not Another Soul," printed in red. ton and the Chaplain's Office, junior and Junior group member Olivia Robinson liaison Heavin Hunter said she solidified said this phrase was chosen because they the time and dates with Pepperdine adwanted something that everyone could ministration. acknowledge and relate to. For 36 hours, Flynn said these exact dates were choThe Reformers had at least two group sen because finals are coming up and The members in the Waves Café to talk with Reformers wanted to hold their demonstudents, faculty and staff about gun vio- stration before students began studying. lence and lead interactive and educationWhen asked about their mission, Huntal actives. er said, “My hope is for the gun violence "The 'soul' speaks to the spiritual side epidemic to be eradicated.” of it," Robinson said. "It's not just another As a group, however, Flynn said The life, it's a spiritual thing. We believe that Reformers have many objectives: univergun violence isn’t just a political issue, it's sal background checks; a federal dataan issue of heart." base where those who are banned from Freshman group member Regan purchasing guns are made known; comFlynn said the group formed Nov. 8, a day pletely banning assault rifles, semi autoafter Pepperdine tragically lost freshman matics and bump stocks; raising the age Alaina Housley in the Borderline Shoot- federally to purchase a gun; and mandaing, in response to the pain and sorrow tory body camera use, background checks felt throughout campus. and training for police officers.

"There was this initiative that we all The group planned to accomplish had, where we were fed up and wanted to these things by having at least two group figure out a way to make sure this didn’t members stationed at the demonstrahappen again," Flynn said. tion in the Waves Cafe, 24-hours a day for The newly formed group decided to the three-day period, Flynn said. While plan a demonstration two days after the on-duty, group members talked with stushooting, Nov. 9, in order to start a con- dents, staff and faculty and did activities versation at Pepperdine, Flynn said. On with them.

Nov. 9, however, Pepperdine was forced to These interactive activities included evacuate due to the Woolsey Fire, and the signing a poster and petition, writing letdemonstration was postponed. ters to the families of shooting victims, Eventually, the group realized that watching educational movies and lookthe demonstration would be much more ing at the infographics and maps, Hunteffective if they had more time to plan, SEE Ref ormers, A3

this week in SGA

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the waves report

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SGA passed a movement to allocate funds to the Student Wellness Advisory Board from students' campus life fee.

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HRL reacts to angry Freedom Wall display A s h l e y M o w r e a de r N e ws Assi stant Disgruntled Housing and Residence Life (HRL) student leaders voiced concerns over HRL hiring decisions for the 2019-2020 school year. From Monday, March 11 to Saturday, March 17, papers hung on the Freedom Wall quoting the RA/ SLA standard contract, including an anonymous letter written to HRL about their decision to rehire student leaders who “knowingly participated in deceit and unsavory actions.”

HRL released hiring decisions for the upcoming academic year Feb. 15, angering several students who created the display on the Freedom Wall to highlight “hypocrisy” and “double standards” in the ethical behavior of RAs and SLAs. The individual(s) in question are not named, and it is unclear if they have either been offered or accepted student leadership positions for the

coming year.

According to the flyers, "Although we [anonymous authors] would like to believe that HRL made airtight decisions through the entire process, unfortunately, there has been an obvious case of negligence upon rehiring individuals who knowingly participated in deceit and unsavory interactions.”

Maura Page, director of HRL, did not speak about the Freedom Wall or the individual(s) being called into question but said the general rehiring process is different than the process for new applicants. Returning student leaders submit an application, a cover letter and a resume. They are also evaluated mid-year by their resident director and go through an interview with professional staff members. New applicants are required to complete an application, provide two letters of recommendation and go through two rounds of interviews.

SGA approved various constitutional amendments, strengthing the power of the SGA executive board, among other things.

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Freshman Tirzah Girardan, future Crocker SLA, said she also had to create and share a short devotional as part of her interview process.

Returning student leaders are not given priority over new applicants, Page said.

"If anything, it's a higher standard for returning RAs and SLAs," Page said. "To return to a leadership position, they become more of a role model."

Page said, in the hiring process, HRL is looking for students with good judgment and ethical behavior.

"RAs and SLAs should be role models," Page said. "We also look for student leaders that are going to exemplify servant leadership attributes such as loving others, empowering others, caring for others, [and] altruistic [behavior], those sorts of things."

The main issue raised by the Freedom Wall seemed to be the rehiring of HRL student lead-

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SGA discussed surveys about the library, Sodexo, and shuttle hours, which have been passed onto Vice President of Student Affairs, Connie Horton.

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3/21/19 12:48 AM

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P E P P E R DIN E GR A P H IC M E DIA | N E W S | MA RCH 21 , 20 1 9

THE DPS REPORTS

An ode to airplanes rowan toke a s s i s ta n t n e ws e dit or When I think about airplanes, I fondly think about the hours I spent with my dad traveling to New York to visit my grandparents.

I think about the one glorious time that my dad and I met the Black Eyed Peas on an airplane.

I think about the little bag of perfectly salted pretzels the stewardess offers each passenger and the often-unexpected connections I have formed with strangers in neighboring seats. I think about my family coming together to spend time together in a different location. I think about the wonder that fills a child’s eyes when his or her parent bestows a bag of pristine toys as entertainment during the flight.

Even though I am heartbroken by the tragic airplane crashes that have happened, I choose to see the many benefits of air travel and the innumerable doors that it has opened for the world. Airplanes allow people to visit friends and relatives who live far away, and even to surprise their loved ones. People like me, who happen to be obsessed by videos of military members’ surprise reunions with their families, greatly appreciate airplanes.

I do acknowledge that there are less-than-ideal aspects of air travel. There can be screaming newborns, toddlers kicking your seat and loud conversations. The food can be not especially tasty, and the lavatories are quite uncomfortable, but that is not the point.

Airplanes have literally opened the world for our population. Never before could friends and family be reunited in such a relatively short amount of time. That is what it is all about.

The ear-to-ear grins that cover loved ones’ faces as their travelers arrive at their destination are second only to the comforting feeling of your loved ones wrapping their arms around you after you run toward them from the gate.

At Pepperdine, air travel is especially beloved because of the presence of international students, students from other states and International Programs. All of these things that make Pepperdine so special would not be possible without airplanes.

Although being stuck in an airplane for hours on end can be the opposite of fun, I see it as an opportunity to be productive, or just to catch up on some Netflix, because there really isn’t anything else to do. Besides, a few hours on an airplane are most definitely canceled out by the sheer joy felt when reuniting with loved ones or arriving at a new destination.

Check out pepperdine.edu/publicsafety for the DPS Reports every week

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2/7/19 5:01 p.m.

2 NEW CASES OF SEXUAL CRIME REPORTED Crimes: Assault/Battery m a de le i n e c a r r Sex Crimes - Sexual Battery ne ws e d i t o r Location: Lausanne CamThese are the sixth and seventh sexual crimes 14 edition of the Graphic, was reported Feb. 7 but pus reported this semester (see incidents 1 and 4). The first report, published in the Jan. 24 edition of the 3/9/19 1:55 a.m.

Crimes: Alcohol-Related/ Graphic, was one of “forcible rape, including date rape and sexual battery.” According to the report, Non-Criminal - Individual(s) Drinking or Intoxicat- the event took place Jan. 15 and was reported to DPS on Jan. 16. The second report, published in the ed on Campus Jan. 31 edition of the Graphic, was one of “sexual Location: Seaver Drive battery.” According to the report, the event took Booth place Jan. 14 and was reported to DPS on Jan. 25.

The third report, published in the Feb. 7 edition of 3/14/19 2:23 p.m.

Crimes: Alcohol-Related/ the Graphic, was reported Jan. 28 but took place Non-Criminal - Possession Oct. 10, 2018 and was a case of “sexual battery.”

The fourth report, published in the Feb. 14 edition of Alcohol on Campus of the Graphic, was reported and took place on Feb. Location: Towers Resi2, 2018 and was a case of “sexual battery,” among dence Hall other crimes. The fifth report, published in the Feb.

3/14/19 7:27 p.m.

Crimes: Assault/Battery Sex Crimes - Sexual Battery Location: Drescher Apartments

took place between Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, 2019 and was a case of “sexual battery.” The university states, “The incident in Lausanne is a matter in process of being addressed by the University. The Drescher incident is related to the Timely Warning issued on Thursday, March 14, 2019. The University is monitoring the matter however, the investigation has been turned over to local law enforcement.”

While sexual assault is “any type of sexual contact (North) or behavior that occurs withoutDrescher the explicit consent of the recipient,” sexual battery is “an unwanted form of contact with an intimate part of the body that is made for the purposes of sexual arousal, gratification or abuse,” and can include intimidation or threats, according to Her Campus at VCU.

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3/15/19 10:22 p.m.

Crimes: Assault/Battery Simple Battery or Fighting Location: Peppers House

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UPCOMING EVENTS THIS SEMESTER What: S TAND UP TO CANCER A N D PE PPER DINE BASEBALL GA M E when: 3/ 2 4 Wher e: BASEBALL field

Wh at: BOOK LAUNCH AND R EADING: R ADICAL BEAUTY, AN ANTHOLOGY ABOUT THE WOOLSEY FIR E Wh e N: 4/1 Wh e re : PAYSON LIBR ARY SUR FBOAR D R OOM

What: STATE OF G RAC E: LGBTQ + AND C HRI S T I ANI T Y Whe N : 4/2 Whe re : elkins au di t ori u m

W hat: T HE TAMI NG OF T HE S HREW W he N: 4 / 3 W he r e : S MOT HERS T HEAT re

W hat: MEN’S VOL L EY B AL L VS. USC W he N: 4 / 4 W he r e : F I RES T ONE F I EL DHOU S E

c onvo c re dit and othe r e ve n ts this w e e k FRI.

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TUES.

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What: c elebr ation chapel When: 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Wher e: amphitheater

Wh at: spanish chapel Wh e n: 10:10 a.m.

Wh e re : stauffer chapel

What: ger ma n c hap el Whe n: 10 a.m.

Whe re : stau f f er c hap el

What: gu itar r ecital #6 When: 3 p.m.

Wher e: malibu public libra ry

Wh at: teaching humanities in the digital age Wh e n: noon

What: italia n c hap el Whe n: 3 p.m.

Whe re : stau f f er c hap el

Wh e re : sur fboar d r oom Wh at: chr istian mingle Wh e N: 7 p.m.

Wh e re : fir eside r oom

What: CR EAT I NG HEALT HI ER COMMUNITIES Whe n: 6 p.m.

Whe re : elkin s au di t ori u m

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W hat: wednes day c hap el W he n: 1 0 a. m.

W he r e : f i res t one f i el dhou s e W hat: c hi nes e c hap el W he n: 1 1 : 05 a. m.

W he r e : c c b 3 4 0

THURS. 28

W hat: arab i c c hap el W he n: 2 : 3 0 p. m.

W he r e : P L C 1 04 W hat: MI C ROF I NANC E AND FAI T H W he N: 6 p. m.

W he r e : el k i ns au di t ori u m

W hat: ”ARE C HRI S T I ANS C L OS ED-MI NDED? ” W he n: 6 p. m.

W he r e : el k i ns au di t ori u m

ROWAN.TOKE@PEPPERDINE.EDU

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3/21/19 12:49 AM

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M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 | N E W S | P E P P E R DIN E G RA P H I C ME D I A

HRL: Student leaders speak out FR OM A 1

seemed to be the rehiring of HRL student leadership who participated in what the author(s) consider immoral behavior.

“Cheating, lying and throwing team members under the bus are not ethical behaviors and should not be tolerated by Pepperdine,” according to the flyers. “There have been many previous HRL staff members who were fired or put on probation for breaching this section of the contract, yet it is not being upheld through this recent hiring decision.”

Girardan said, in general, she thought it fair that RAs and SLAs are held to higher standards but that students should not expect HRL student leaders never to make mistakes.

“Even as Christians, people mess up and make mistakes and do stuff that they might now regret,” Girardan said.

“I think being a role model is more showing not only how to handle situations like that but also how to move forward in a really healthy way that focuses on Christ, especially at Pepperdine.”

One of the organizers of the display, who remained anonymous, said they were motivated to create the display after failed attempts to raise their concerns with resident directors about the behaviors of a specific individual.

“

"Our goal is to care well for students and it's difficult to care well for whoever is posting this because we don't know who they are or what their concern is.

Clearly someone has experience a negative interaction and we would like to support that student as well."

Maura Page, Director of Housing and residence Life

“We decided that we were going to post something because we weren’t being heard, despite the multiple conversations we had with several different RDs about the topic,” the anonymous source said. “The topic was pushed under the rug and … we were completely ignored, or we were talked to like children, which was a big deal to us because we were told at the beginning of the year that we could come to our RDs with anything. And the one problem we bring to our RDs, it is completely ignored.”

Page said the typical disciplinary process for RAs and SLAs can go one of two routes.

If the offense is a breach of policy (like alcohol possession or theft), HRL refers to Community Standards for review.

However, if the offense is “sent back” to HRL or not on the level of Community Standards, it is reviewed by the professional Residence Life team.

“Within Residence Life, [consequences are] typically probation or loss of leadership position,” Page said. “There may be other [consequences].

A lower threshold is something that is not as clear-cut as policy violation but maybe a questionable judgement that someone has made or a piece of development where we would then have them work with a mentor or work with a staff member more closely. We would give them some support in responding to whatever the questionable decision was.”

Page said all cases handled

by HRL are kept private from other students.

“Students who go through a process of any kind, whether it’s Community Standards or with their supervisor, that information is not public,” Page said. “And so when students perceive that there is hypocrisy or double standards, they may or may not know what outcomes have occurred with other student leaders or students.”

Senior Josie Utz, RA of DeBell Hall, said in her experience, HRL has been flexible and reasonable with how they’ve handled Community Standards concerns with residents.

“Individual cases are solved somehow,” Utz said. “It’s not as public typically, because we try to keep everything confidential for a resident. So a lot of people don’t hear about what actually happens with things; they’ll only hear the bad things that happen afterwards.”

Page said she would invite the students who put the display up on the Freedom Wall to speak with their resident director or one of the associate directors of Residence Life.

“Our goal is to care well for students and it’s difficult to

Kaelin Mendez | Photo Editor Freedom Fight| The Freedom Wall, featuring a message to Housing and Residence Life was displayed from March 11 to March 17. The organizers of the display said their motivated was to send a message to HRL and the professional staff and to speak out against the recent hiring decisions made in favor of “unethical” HRL student leadership.

care well for whoever is posting this because we don’t know who they are or what their concern is,” Page said. “Clearly somebody has experienced a negative interaction of some kind and we would like to support that student as well.”

As an incoming member of HRL, Girardan, who is unfamiliar with the particular case and SLA in question, said the display on the Freedom Wall did

not change her opinion of HRL. “I’m not really that bothered by it,” Griradan said. “I think it’s just someone who’s hiding behind not having to put a name on something and they can say whatever they want because it’s anonymous.”

The organizers of the Freedom Wall said students should ask questions of their RDs and continue the conversation.

“I would definitely say that

the Wall is a call to the community to not just take things lying down,” the anonymous source said. “We’re allowed to ask questions. Whether or not that dialogue is well received, I think that’s important that it’s attempted.”

ASHL EY.M OW R EADER @PEPPER DINE.EDU

REFORMERS: Group calls for change FR OM A 1 the demonstration, however, was to encourage students to call or text members of Senate.

At the demonstration, there was a list of every senator and his or her phone number, so students could contact their own senator in hopes of receiving a response and making their beliefs known, Flynn said.

“We want to collect as many signatures [as possible],” Hunter said. “We want the Senate to hear from Pepperdine students and faculty.”

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The group is interested in contacting Senate because of H.R.8, a bill that was recently introduced to Congress that would establish new background check requirements for firearm transfers, Flynn said.

“We are trying to bring change for gun violence in regard to who has access,” Robinson said.

Freshman group member Kennedy Royster said she is extremely passionate about gun violence because her father had a run in with the police when he was younger.

“Him and his friends were pulled over and

told to get out of the car,” Royster said. “I don’t want anything like that to happen to me or anybody else.”

Sadly, Royster said she contacted the senators from Texas, Maryland and California – all places where she has lived – and did not hear back from any of them.

Similarly, Flynn said she contacted the Thousand Oaks Acorn, the Malibu Times and KTLA regarding the demonstration. The Thousand Oaks Acorn did not respond, but the Malibu Times said they would like to see pictures and KTLA asked the

location and times.

All of the group members agreed that the response to their demonstration has been largely positive, but they are aware that there are going to be people who have different beliefs.

“We’re voicing our opinions and there are going to be people who don’t agree,” Flynn said.

Royster said she has not received any backlash from Pepperdine students.

“A lot of people came up and posted the hearts on the map and sat with us and talked with us about their experiences,”

Royster said.

Her friends from her hometown in Texas, however, contacted her and were surprised that she believes in this cause, Royster said.

Freshman Jayda Gainer, who runs the social media accounts for The Reformers, said most students have been very supportive. Though, she said one student messaged the Instagram account and said “Unfollow me or I am going to block you,” and then ended up blocking The Reformers.

Gainer said, like most internet trolls, these people have to remain anon-

ymous and that is why they are not getting very much hate, other than the direct message from a Pepperdine student.

After the demonstration, The Reformers said they plan to continue to educate Pepperdine students.

“After it’s over, we are going to still try to continue our efforts and raise awareness about gun violence,” Royster said.

R OWAN.TOK E@PEPPER DINE.EDU

3/21/19 12:49 AM

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M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 | N E W S | P E P P E R DIN E G RA P H I C ME D I A

Caf posts new signage on nut allergies R o wan Toke as si stant news e d itor

Midway through the spring 2019 semester, Waves Cafe posted a new sign at its entrance that informed students that all food prepared in its kitchen could have touched nuts, among other common allergens.

Students said they were concerned for students with allergies, as the Waves Cafe is the only cafeteria on the Seaver Campus.

Freshman Alexa Borstad said she has a severe peanut allergy.

Borstad wrote in an email that before the signs went up, she trusted that the food she was eating did not have any traces of peanuts.

“I simply thought that the food company, and the university, would be as careful as possible with nut allergies, considering this is our only true dining option on campus,” Borstad wrote.

The Dining Services team started discussing the possibility of a sign about a month and a half ago, Director of Operations Elizabeth Nepute said.

“We are just trying to evolve,” Nepute said. “We are just trying to create a platform so people can get information.”

Before the signs were posted, Nepute said students would read the description of a dish and then ask the chef about its ingredients. Although

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this was effective, Nepute said by putting up the signs, the Dining Team is making it known that food could have allergens in it.

“Everything is produced in one kitchen,” Nepute said. “Things can be exposed. We can’t be 100 percent certain.”

Resident District Manager Rodney Reed said Dining Services wants to give “as much information as we can provide so [students] can make the best decision for themselves.”

Reed admitted that “allergies are pretty serious,” a sentiment that Nepute echoed.

Reed also said the sign is a precaution that is beneficial to the students and staff.

Having a sign in place allows the Waves Café to be held accountable for its cleanliness, because the Dining Team is “striving to make sure that we have sanitation practices in place,” Reed said.

The sign also removes the language barrier and benefits students who are shy because they are no longer dependent on asking the chefs about the ingredients, Reed said.

Sous Chef Felix Fuentes said his approach to preparing meals for students with nut allergies has not changed that drastically since the signs went up.” Years ago,” Fuentes said there were “special meals” made away from the food that contained nuts, but now there are

not options made only for people with nut allergies.

In the past two years, Fuentes said he started removing some of the meals and separating it before the nuts were added and has continued doing this after the signs were posted.

Reed said this tactic “allows our team to develop personal relationships with the people with allerg[ies].”

Fuentes said he has gotten to know all of the students with nut allergies. He said there were about 10 people in the last two years with major allergies.

Some people will double check with the chef on duty, and others will notify the Dining Team of their allergy and talk with them about their options, Nepute said. She said they have not gotten any complaints about the signs and people have appreciated them.

“It’s not meant to scare anybody,” Nepute said.

“It’s just meant to inform people. We’re trying to avoid people being misinformed and give the most information.”

These signs directly affected all students with nut allergies, but their responses were varied.

Freshman Haley Brouwer, who has a peanut allergy, wrote in an email that before the signs, she would use common sense when eating at the Waves Café.

“I know the kinds of

Susannah Gallup | Staff Photographer Allergen Advisory | A sign notifies Caf-goers of any possible allergens in meals at the Waves Cafe. This new signage informs customers that all food in the kitchen could contain common allergens, such as peanuts or milk. foods that have nuts in them, and so I could usually tell, and I would also avoid any foods that I thought might have them,” Brouwer wrote.

Brouwer wrote that “not much has changed” since the signs went up, but that is only because eating at the Waves Café was not that big of an issue for her before.

“I think the signs are helpful, even if it’s just for clarification or reassurance,” Brouwer wrote.

Borstad wrote that because her allergy is very severe, it has increased over the past last two years due to exposure to traces of peanuts.

Now that the signs are up, Borstad wrote that “[she is] hesitant to eat in the cafeteria,” and has been forced to buy groceries or eat off-campus.

Nepute said there are other options for people with severe allergies, but Borstad said that she finds herself eating Starbucks when she needs to eat on-campus because it is a brand she can trust.

“I’m scared that I could have come in contact with trace amounts [of] peanuts in the past, which can worsen my body’s reaction to it in the future,” Borstad wrote.

Nepute said that the Dining Team has not re-

ceived any complaints, but Borstad wrote that her response is mixed.

“I feel like the signs are helpful, but it is disheartening to see them now,” Borstad wrote. “I could only imagine the risk that certain students with severe allergies could have faced.”

R OWAN.TOK E@PEPPER DINE.EDU

3/21/19 12:53 AM

P E P P E R DIN E GR A P H IC M E DIA | N E W S | MA RCH 21 , 20 1 9

Times publisher reflects on 31 years

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Jo sie Lionetti G u es t con t rib ut or Arnold J. York, publisher and editor of the Malibu Times, talks about his life in Malibu as an outspoken member of the community.

In a small office building tucked along Los Flores Canyon Road, you can find the Malibu Times. Behind its doors, following a greeting from a friendly little Yorkie named Studly, you can also find Arnold J. York, the man behind the paper and a well-known figure in Malibu for over 40 years.

York has served as the publisher for the Malibu Times since 1987. He and his wife Karen bought the paper from its founder, Reeves Templeman. York, who had been working as a trial lawyer for 20 years, said he was burnt out and looking for a change of pace. When his wife approached him with the knowledge that the paper was up for sale, they took the plunge.

“My wife said, ‘If we don’t like it, we can sell it in a year,’ and that was 31 years ago,” York said.

Born in Brooklyn in 1937, York said he got his first taste of the newspaper business as a paperboy for the Brooklyn Eagle. York said he has always been a news junkie, and as a high school student, he had an Honors English teacher who would have students collect the New York dailies and compare the same story as covered in all of them.

“Down deep somewhere, I guess the message sunk in,” York said.

As a law student at the University of California Los Angeles, York said he was heavily involved, serving as the chairman of the student body government, chairman of the publications board and as graduate student president.

When he met his wife Karen at UCLA, she was finishing up her undergraduate degree there. The two met through her boyfriend at the time, who according to York, made a big mistake by leaving Karen behind to go to graduate school.

His loss was York’s gain. The

“

If you want to be loved, you certainly don't want to be the publisher of a newspaper.

Arnold York, owner of malibu times two have been married for over 60 years and have three children and three grandchildren.

Having grown up in New York, he said he had his first encounter with California when he served as a navy officer and passed through on the way to Pearl Harbor. Following his marriage to Karen, they decided to leave the city for the small coastal comfort of Malibu.

“When we first visited here, it just felt like home,” York said.

York has lived in Malibu since 1976, and therefore has seen the ways the city has changed. When he first came to Malibu 43 years ago, it had a small town feeling with a lot

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Photos by Josie Lionetti Publisher’s Palace | Arnold York stands in front of boxes of past editions of the Malibu Times (above). York and his wife have owned the Malibu Times, located on Los Flores Canyon Road, for 31 years, after they bought it from its owner (below).

of middle-class people – today York finds that is no longer the case.

“You had teachers, fireman, cops, construction workers … today, same population, much more upscale,” York said.

He noted that the most obvious change is the transition of Malibu into what he calls “a high-end make-believe.”

What was once a small town for people in the film industry and everyday folk has become something entirely different, as a result of much of the fame Malibu has garnered.

With that allure of the seaside escape came more and more money and less of that small town feel he said he remembers so fondly.

While Malibu may have lost some of its quaintness, York said he continues to work hard to ensure the paper maintains its devotion to the community and keeping people connected.

Few people are as connected in the Malibu community as York.

“We live in a metropolitan area, but it’s still a small town and you get to know the people after some 30 years,” York said. “When you run a small community paper, you have to understand the nuances of the town, you have to feel the limits, and Karen and I probably know that best.”

Knowing the community is made easier by both York and Karen’s high level of involvement. If there is an event going on in Malibu, it’s likely you’ll find both Yorks in attendance.

“Like any publisher of a

small town paper, we’re involved in everything,” York said.

Karen is on the board of the film society and the Jewish center, and York has run the business round table for over 10 years.

He touted the importance of locals running a community paper and said he believes publishers who are engrained in the community are essential for running a paper like the Malibu Times. He added that often, outside chains can’t accomplish the same work.

“Part of what we do is to be part of that and pick up what is going on,” York said. “Around town, people talk to you. They tell you things and that’s important.”

Running a paper in Malibu, York said, is made easier by his background as a lawyer. He explained how there are often legal disputes in Malibu which the paper will cover, and his time spent as a lawyer can add a more experienced touch to the reporting.

“This is a very litigious town,” York said. “Everybody has a lawyer — your gardener has a lawyer.”

The pace of his life as a lawyer versus now looks very different. While York describes himself as someone who can’t sit still, he has a more relaxed approach to his work in recent years.

He said he works about five days a week with the paper. He always reads at lunch to stay up to date – but avoids social media. York is both the editor

and publisher, and he writes a column each week. He tries to read all the stories that go into the paper and runs every editorial meeting. One of the most important things for York is making sure every voice in the community is reflected in each issue.

“I like to get at least 100 people in every issue,” York said.

“Every kid who is in the paper has parents and grandparents and if somebody is in the paper, or pictures them in the paper, somebody will say ‘I saw you in the Times.’ It’s a way of constantly reminding the community of who we are.”

His continued commitment to interacting with the community and being witness to the ways in which Malibu has evolved means York has a greater insight into the effects each story will have on the city.

“I’ve been here the longest and I know the town and the sensibilities,” York said.

When it comes to those sensibilities, he said he has had to make difficult decisions for some stories involving people in Malibu. York is mindful of the community and how a story may possibly impact a family living here.

However, when he feels as though a story may not be for the Times, but has bigger potential elsewhere, he said he works with those he has gotten to know through years of being the newspaper business.

“I have called other papers, like The New York Times, when certain things seem to be larger stories and I want to

see them get a national platform,” York said.

While York said he is careful to ensure the paper maintains its fairness and objectivity, when it comes to matters like politics, York isn’t afraid to voice his opinion and has no problem being contentious.

“If you want to be loved, you certainly don’t want to be the publisher of a newspaper,” York said.

And of course, not everyone will always support stories that the paper puts out. However, York said he welcomes any criticism.

“If you send us a critical letter, we’d be happy to run it,” York said.

While York and the Times seem to be mutually exclusive, his time as the publisher will soon come to an end. York said he and his wife Karen are is in the process of looking for a buyer for the paper. York hopes to find a local buyer who will continue on with local journalism.

Looking back on his time as publisher, he said he is proud of the work the paper has done and of that decision he and his wife made 31 years ago.

“It’s probably the most interesting thing I have ever done in my life,” York said.

JOSIE.L IONETTI@PEPPER DINE.EDU

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PERSPECTIVES WHAT

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STAFF

⇧ THINKS about Appreciating Time

Ally Armstrong | Assistant Art Editor

STAFF EDITORIAL

Turn Lost Time into a Year of Appreciation

This school year has been challenging for Pepperdine and the Malibu community, to say the least. The traumatic nature of the shooting, fires, evacuations, protests and unpredictable weather has left students feeling as if they must make up for lost time. With multiple days of classes canceled in November and now rainy weather ruining typical Malibu outings this semester, many feel an unmistakable sense of deprivation.

Trauma has a longterm impact on all aspects of one’s life, and for many students, the stress from the past semester has carried over to this semester, affecting them long after the smoke cleared.

Rather than feeling the need to compensate for lost time, appreciate the inherent value of the past, present and future. Learn to appreciate everyday life more and be grateful for the little things; every moment matters.

The Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) invited members of the Graphic to deliver a keynote

presentation, “In the Midst of Tragedy,” at the Midwinter National College Journalism Convention in La Jolla, California on March 2.

Panelists shared their experiences of covering breaking news for over 72 consecutive hours — starting with the Borderline shooting and ending with the Woolsey Fire — and discussed the resulting Special Edition.

The panelists agreed that during the shooting, the time to grieve and process what was happening seemed nonexistent. Journalism requires complete objectivity, and the news cycle did not and could not stop. When students began evacuating and sheltering-in-place less than one day after the shooting, our staff felt called to deliver accurate and consistent content amidst all of the misinformation and panic, further contributing to a sense of lost time.

The shooting and the fire forced members of the Graphic to learn the importance of coping with immense loss and

accepting extreme unpredictability, and four months later, the events of last November are still deeply impacting people inside and outside of the Pepperdine community.

The Special Edition served to unite the staff and give them the time they were previously unable to have to reflect upon the trauma. It sought to do the same for each and every student as well as the entire Malibu community. This gave them a chance to reflect and process while recovering from the events that had happened.

Fall semester has shown us that life is unpredictable, and the past few months have shown us that the weather is, too. From rain to thunderstorms to even snow in Malibu, the Pepperdine community hasn’t seen the sun consistently since December. Worrying about mudslides and road closures is just another factor that has added to the stress that students have been dealing with.

Inclement weather

conditions have significantly restricted students’ weekend plans, further preventing stress relief. Many of them are now left feeling as if they have to condense all of the activities they hoped to do with their friends into the limited number of days left in the school year.

Understandably, freshmen — who are only now experiencing their first full semester — may feel disappointed in their first year of college, while seniors — who are quickly realizing that the spring semester is several weeks shorter than the fall — may feel cheated of their last.

Because most of us are trying to cram more responsibilities into less time, we are also facing more academic challenges. Although teachers have been flexible and understanding throughout the year, imminent deadlines and the pressure of grades still remain.

Students often feel as though they are catching up, and as soon as they finish all of their

THE 'BU YORKER

assignments, they have twice as many more to complete.

Pepperdine has continuously offered resources to students who are struggling to cope with challenging experiences. The Counseling Center, Student Care Team and Office of the Chaplain are always available to guide individuals through trauma and loss, whether it is faith- or health-related.

Mental health is always important, but it is especially important when dealing with traumatic events. It takes time to process loss, so in order to cope with everything that is happening around them, students should give themselves permission to take as much time as they need.

The devastation of this school year has irrevocably changed the entire Pepperdine community, but this change does not have to only be negative. With the weeks remaining in the semester, take the opportunity to shift your mindset and turn lost time into a year of appreciation.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor must bear the writer’s name, signature, class standing, major, address and phone number (except in some circumstances determined appropriate by the Graphic). Letters must be fewer than 300 words and will be edited for syntax, grammar and brevity. Letters can be mailed to student publications or emailed to peppgraphicmedia@ gmail.com

CONTACT US

1.

SGA passed a resolution to fund a portion of Late Night Breakfast put on by Student Affairs scheduled for Sunday, April 23 from 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Waves Cafe.

2.

Caitlin Roark | Art Editor

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Graphic Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90263 310-506-4311

3.

peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com peppgraphicadvertising@gmail.com

STAFF LIST M anag i ng Ed i to r m a ry c ate l o n g So c i al M ed i a M anag er m a d i so n n i ch o l s P i x el Ed i to r ella gonzalez o nl i ne p r o d u c er o m a r m u r ph y G New s p r o d u c er a r ace l i c r e sce n c i o c o py c hi ef rya n h a r d i n g s p ec i al ed i ti o n ed i to r ch a n n a ste i n m e tz as si g nm ent ed i to r k ayi u w o n g New s Ed i to r Madeleine Carr Ass i stant New s Ed i to r r o wa n to k e New s As si s tant a sh l e y m o w r e a d e r S p o r ts Ed i to r sa m fi n n e ga n Ass i stant Sp o r ts Ed i to r s K yl e m c ca b e k a r l w i n te r P er s p ec ti v es Ed i to r ga r e n ko soya n P er sp ec ti v es ass i stant a r e e ya ku n awa r a d i sa i L i fe & Ar ts Ed i to r k at n a n ce as si s tant L i fe & ar ts ed i to r julia donlon l i fe & ar ts seni o r r ep o r ter c a r o l i n e e d wa r d s L i fe & Ar ts As si s tant pi pe r w r i g h t P ho to Ed i to r Kaelin mendez as si s tant p ho to ed i to r m i l a n l o i ac o n o Ar t Ed i to r c a i tl i n r oa r k ass i stant ar t ed i to r a l ly a r m str o n g C o py ed i to r s k i l e y d i ste l r ath makena huey ga b r i e l l e m ath ys adv er ti s i ng d i r ec to r b e n h u ya r d Adv er ti s i ng m anag er ca r o l i n e h e r r o n D i r ec to r o f P ep p er d i ne G r ap hi c M ed i a E l i z a b e th Sm i th As si s tant D i r ec to r O f P ep p er d i ne G r ap hi c M ed i a Co u r te n ay Sta l l i n g s MISSION STATEMENT “Pepperdine Graphic Media (PGM) is an editorially independent student news organization that focuses on Pepperdine University and the surrounding communities. PGM consists of the digital and print Graphic, a variety of special publications, GNews, Currents Magazine, social media platforms and an Advertising Department. These platforms serve the community with news, opinion, contemporary information and a public forum for discussion.

PGM strengthens students for purpose, service and leadership by developing their skills in writing, editing and publication production, by providing a vehicle to integrate and implement their liberal arts education, and by developing students’ critical thinking through independent editorial judgment. PGM participates in Pepperdine’s Christian mission and affirmations, especially the pursuit of truth, excellence and freedom in a context of public service. Although PGM reports about Pepperdine University and coordinates with curricula in journalism and other disciplines, it is a student (not a University) news organization. Views expressed are diverse and, of course, do not correspond to all views of any University board, administration, faculty, staff, student or other constituency.”

3/21/19 12:07 AM

M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 | PE RS PE C TIVE S | P E P P ERD I N E G RA P H I C ME D I A

Vote for a hopeful future Ca m ry n G ord on S ta f f Writ e r

Caitlin Roark | Art Editor and voting. It is critical to invest in the minds of young people everywhere there is great importance in fulfilling one’s civic duty.

Throughout the United States there are millions of students, including Pepperdine students, who want to vote and are searching for ways to actively participate in upholding American democratic institutions.

Politics are complicated but that should not be a determining factor in one’s intellectual investment. Politics affect everyone and to stress the importance of acquiring political knowledge is not elitist.

When people are not educated about politics, they remain ignorant, further propelling the United States

into an ideological divide. The future of America lies in the hands of those who vote, and if voters are not paying attention or do not feel the need to participate in elections, then decisions will continue to be made for them.

The division between the American political parties is immense and without civic literacy, it will continue to worsen.At Pepperdine, the opportunity to form and strengthen civic literacy is available through on-campus clubs. Many of these Pepperdine organizations allow students the chance to explore different ideologies by hosting open dialogues and providing comfortable environments where students can express political views. However, Pepperdine can do more.

As an institution driven to shape students into trailblazers, there should be campaigns for on-campus voter registration, open and safe places for curious students to explore political ideas and increased opportunities to hear from legitimate leaders.

Students on campus need to take initiative and participate in political issues on a regular basis with the Pepperdine College Republicans or Pepperdine College Democrats, reach out to elected officials for information and seek differing viewpoints where one can truly listen to what others have to say.

C AM RYN.GOR DON@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Propose change at Pepperdine A r e e ya Ku n awa ra d isa i p e rs p e c t i v e s Assistant

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Seniors, end on a high note

Gar en Ko soyan pe r spe c ti v e s E d i to r

The fracture between the long-standing political parties in the United States can be drilled down to one thing: civic literacy. Civic literacy is knowing how to actively participate and initiate change within communities; it is to vote and vote consciously. Obtaining the basic facts can solve the issue of lack of educated voters, opening up a respectful dialogue between different peoples and understanding the fundamentals of the political system.

As a university dedicated to shaping students into global leaders and impactful thinkers, it is at Pepperdine where students need to take these significant steps to ensure the healing and preservation of American democracy.

As America continues through a tumultuous political era, there needs to be an investment in effective voter education and civic literacy within lower and higher education systems.

When it comes to civic literacy, CNN and the Teachers College Record found that students in America who learn about “moral reasoning,” “building arguments” and “evaluating historical events” have a significantly higher rate of civic literacy

A first-class education at a school ranked as Top 50 in the nation, a close proximity to the beautiful beaches of Malibu, incredible study abroad programs, a tight-knit community and a strong Christian mission — these are just a few things that Pepperdine University boasts.

For the most part, students say they are content with their college experiences here.

However, students do take issue with things such as the scarcity of parking spots, length of cafeteria hours, convocation requirements and more.

Understandably, there are some things that students do not have the power to change. They, however, certainly have the ability to alter some situations. What can they do about those?

Pepperdine invites students to get involved and to play a part in creating an impact on the campus. By contributing, students can

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then see the changes happen and the school improve in tangible ways.

The first and foremost problem seems to be that many students have no idea how or where to get started on proposing change.

One of the most important groups on campus that can help students push for change is none other than the Student Government Association. In the past, SGA has passed resolutions concerning various matters, such as extending library hours, adding water bottle-filling stations across campus, advocating for the creation and recognition of the Crossroads LGBTQ+ Organization. Whether it

be through running for an elected position at the beginning of each school year, attending a Senate Meeting, speaking with their class senators, joining one of the SGA committees or contacting the members directly, students are more than welcome to reach out to SGA with any concerns or proposals for resolutions.

In terms of issues regarding policies related to the Student Code of Conduct, students can contact the responsible departments, which are listed under “Policy Contact” at the end of each policy, to give feedback or suggestions directly as well.

“Engaging students in policy review and

proposals is critically important because it helps the administration develop policies that are clear to students and promotes shared ownership of the policies,” Mark Davis, dean of Students, wrote in an email. “As an educational institution, it’s good to approach our policies from the standpoint of learning from each other and being open to changes that are based on research and best practices.”

Examples of policies that Pepperdine created or modified in collaboration with various groups of students include the formals policy, discrimination and harassment policy, hazing policy and

Good Samaritan policy.

“I’ve seen students come and take big risks that were so good that we couldn’t not enact them — Waves of Flags is an example of that. It was so good and so right for us following 9/11, and we’ve always done it ever since,” President Andrew K. Benton said. “At the end of the day, there’s no reason for Pepperdine not to support good student ideas.”

With available resources, the University encourages students to be a part of policymaking, bring improvements to the campus and take ownership in them along with the administration as well.

The keys are to “start early, have good ideas, frame them up well, have as many implications as you possibly can and then find out who you can share that with productively,” Benton said.

With whatever it is that students want to change or improve, now is the time to stop standing by and start taking action.

AR EEYA.KUNAWAR ADISAI@PEPPER DINE.EDU

For graduating seniors, summer will mark the end of their undergraduate careers, and that realization brings about a certain level of both excitement and anxiety.

With this end in sight, a lack of motivation attributed to “senioritis” is affecting seniors The lack of remaining time mixed with the desire to enjoy every day left as an undergraduate can tempt seniors to give in to senioritis. Unfortunately, allowing senioritis to fully take over can significantly reduce the quality and performance seen in the classroom.

However, these moments shouldn’t be completely written off, as they can provide valuable lessons about the monumental transition from undergraduate life.

From boredom to genuine fear of the transition from an accustomed environment to that of independence and adulthood, seniors have a lot to contemplate in a very short period of time. For some, the end of their undergraduate experience may have arrived quicker than anticipated, creating a sense of urgency to fit in a new experience every day.

Whether in high school or college, the consequences of senioritis are evident. Evident signs of a senioritis include late or incomplete assignments, skipping class and an overall lack of motivation to commit to school obligations. Hence, it this behavior can possibly lead to decreased overall academic performance.

Nonetheless, senioritis shouldn’t only be referenced negatively. “Senioritis is the last growing pain of childhood,” wrote Stanford University graduate Gwynn Lyons in a piece published by StudyBreaks. It is natural to temporarily inherit the behaviors characterized as senioritis in this time of transition.

Following the tough and stressful year Pepperdine students have experienced, a relaxed mentality should be embraced.

College is a time students have been preparing for majority of their careers. Once the time comes for them to attend an institution, the years fly by. Students should still dedicate their best efforts to their education, but stepping back and enjoying the undergraduate experience at Pepperdine should not be neglected.

Drive along the scenic PCH, plan a beach day and cherish the time you have with your friends. Whatever you do, look back at your time at Pepperdine with joy rather than regret.

GAR EN.KOSOYAN@PEPPER DINE.EDU

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Carlie Ott | Guest Contributor

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LIFE & ARTS

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Photos by Milan Loiacono Ready for Battle| Sorority and fraternity groups gather in firestone fieldhouse to participate in ATO’s main gladiator event to spread awareness for cystic fibrosis. ATO has been hosting various events throughout last week to promote their philanthropy.

One breath at a time: living with cystic fibrosis c hanna steinmetz s eni or re porte r Curled up on a couch in the Pepperdine Sandbar, senior Alyssa Rabiola smiled as she said goodbye to her mother on the phone.

“My mom is definitely my biggest supporter, both in my everyday life and when it comes my cystic fibrosis,” Rabiola said.

“I don’t know what I would do without her.”

At a glance, no one would be able to tell that Rabiola has a genetic disease. Her appearance shows a cheerful young lady who loves exercise and her psychology studies. But cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects deep inside the lungs.

Those with CF have a defective gene that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. This mucus clogs the airways in the lungs and traps bacteria, which leads to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually respiratory failure, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“I was diagnosed when I was 3-months old,” Rabiola said.

“Since I was a baby, I’ve had to do breathing treatments twice a day — in the morning and at night for 20 minutes.”

A breathing treatment re-

quires Rabiola to put on a vest connected to a backpack-sized machine. The equipment then vibrates the chest at a high frequency to loosen and thin out mucus that may build up in the lungs, Rabiola explained.

Rabiola credits her dedication to doing her breathing treatments twice a day as the reason why she has stayed healthy and out of the hospital. On the other end, the treatments have also caused her to feel ostracized.

“Growing up, I sometimes felt I was the only person who had issues,” Rabiola said. “I couldn’t stay at birthday parties or sleepovers too late because I had to leave early to go do my breathing treatments … Then I was so nervous to come to Pepperdine and get a roommate. I was afraid I would disturb her with my breathing treatments, but I got really lucky.”

Senior Korbyn Sellers transferred to Pepperdine her sophomore year along with Rabiola, and the two were assigned as random roommates. Now close friends, Sellers said she is thankful she got to know Rabiola and her condition so intimately.

“Knowing Alyssa has been such a blessing in my life,” Sellers said. “Before I lived with her, I didn’t know anything about

CF. She’s given me a lot of insight and awareness into CF as a whole. Although the circumstances, Alyssa always has a great outlook and attitude about everything.”

A major aspect of CF is the shortened lifespan. In the 1950s, it was rare for a child with CF to live long enough to attend elementary school, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Now, the survival age is averaged at 40 years old.

Rabiola said this statistic gives her both courage and fear.

“If I want to do something, I do it,” Rabiola said. “I am not going to let anything hold me back, and I’m not going to take anything for granted. But, there are times I do think about the future and think, ‘Will I even see my grandkids one day?’ For the most part, I take it day by day. I do my treatments; I take care of myself.”

Rabiola’s ambition has led her to be in the midst of applying for graduate school where she plans to continue her psychology studies. Rabiola also joined the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) as a way to push herself out of her comfort zone.

“Being part of an all-women organization has brought me the support I didn’t even know I could have,” Rabiola said. “Kap-

pa has taught me leadership as well as given me friends I am so thankful for.”

Junior Alex Case is an active member of KKG and a close friend of Rabiola. Case said her friendship with Rabiola inspires her daily.

“I get to see how strong Alyssa is every day,” Case said. “Despite it all — the treatments and sickness — she has always been there for me.”

Rabiola pulls support from nonhumans, too. Her dogs Buddy and Jax have comforted Rabiola through every difficult day.

“Before he passed away, Buddy would sit next to me every morning and night when I did my breathing treatment,” Rabiola said. “Jax knows when I’m sick or stressed, and he’ll sit and stay with me. Growing up, it was comforting to know my dogs would love me no matter what.”

Having her dogs was an important part of Rabiola’s childhood, as CF can be a lonely

disease. Those with CF are not allowed to be in close proximity — approximately six feet — of others with CF because they can transfer germs and viruses to one another, Rabiola said. Those with CF have thick, sticky mucus in their lungs that allows germs to thrive, multiply and spread, whereas those without CF do not.

“I was on a Facebook page for people with CF, but I could never face-to-face relate with someone,” Rabiola said. “My other friends were there for me, but some things are just hard to explain and have other people fully relate to.”

Through it all, Rabiola said she thanks God. “God has given me so many other gifts and abilities that I know He wants me to use,” Rabiola said. “I think cystic fibrosis is just another little checkmark to my story that He wants me to add.”

C HANNA.STEINM ETZ@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Photos courtesy of Alyssa Rabiola Always Smiling| Rabiola poses for the camera with her dog and friend, Alex Case, as she pledges to make the most of her life with cystic fibrosis.

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Art by Caitlin Roark

Say goodbye to the freshmen 15 ya s min k a ze m in y s taff w rit e r “Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it,” says nutritionist Heather Morgan. As easy as it is to fall into the double-fried, super-sized, sugar-coated comfort of the American diet, the inconvenient reality is that the choices you make today will have a lasting impact on your physical and mental health as well as your eventual longevity. What you put in your mouth every day is arguably the most influential determinant of your health down the line.

When it comes to diet, finding simple options that are compatible with your lifestyle and sustainable in the long run is the best way to ensure your health now and later.

As a general rule, I try to stay away from gluten, dairy and refined sugar, as they cause inflammation; this leads to aging and disease, and contribute to acne, bloat, brain fog and weight gain, according to Dr. Robynne Chutkan’s mindbodygreen

article.

While this may seem like an overwhelming change, if you take it meal by meal, it’s quite simple and really will change your life for the better.

To get you started, I’ve pulled together some easy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’re working out later, breakfast can be as simple as ½ cup of gluten free oats with almond milk, a dash of Himalayan pink salt and cinnamon. If you aren’t going to be super active and prefer a lighter start, try the simple smoothie below.

Yasi’s Basic Smoothie: - ½ cup blueberries -a big handful of spinach (you won’t taste it, don’t worry) -8oz unsweetened almond milk (my favorite is Califia Farms Unsweetened Coconut Almond Milk) -1-2 TBSP almond butter or ½ small avocado -bone broth protein or collagen peptides -ice -a tiny bit of liquid stevia if necessary Oftentimes, people struggle with protein powders, as they can cause gas and bloating, but the root of these issues tends to be an overarching ingredient found in many pro-

tein supplements: pea protein. Pea protein is a popular choice amongst brands, as it is cheap and easy to source; however, most people cannot properly digest it and end up uncomfortable.

I’m partial to Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein, as its ingredients are super clean and taste great (try Chocolate or French Vanilla), but Vital Proteins Collagen is a great option if you want something unflavored.

Besides skipping the unpleasant side effects of pea protein, bone broth protein supports bone health, relieves joint pain, increases elasticity and muscle tone, decreases soreness and hydrates the skin, according to a May 2017 HuffPost article.

Do not fear the calories of almond butter or avocados; these are good fats that will keep you full for longer and make your nails stronger and your hair shinier, according to a March 4 Washington Post article.

For lunch, salad is a no-brainer.

Leafy greens with a protein is just so easy. I tend to do organic butter lettuce with an organic spring mix.

I chop that up and dress it and top it with salmon, chicken or shrimp. To bulk it up, you can add pistachios or almonds to the mix.

For a simple and healthy dressing, I just throw the ingredients below in an empty salad dressing bottle and shake it up — I never measure; you get the swing of it quickly and can adjust it to your taste.

Yasi’s Easy Salad Dressing: -4 TBSP organic white balsamic vinegar -1 TSP organic dijon mustard -Himalayan pink salt or sea salt -pepper -¾ cup organic ex-

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tra-virgin olive oil You could also do a turkey burger patty in a lettuce wrap. This is a good time to incorporate a grain-free carb source like sweet potatoes. I like to make sweet potato fries in an oven or air fryer, or you can do spaghetti squash or butternut squash. If you want a grain, go for quinoa or brown rice, but mind your portions. This will prevent brain fog and the dreaded food coma effect.

Contrary to our culture’s norm, dinner should be the lightest meal of the day. This is where you should try to channel your inner Greek and embrace the Mediterranean Diet, which utilizes olive oil rather than butter, focuses on fish rather than meat as a source of protein, and consumes lighter fare in the evening, according to Marissa Laliberte’s Reader’s Digest article.

A white fish like tilapia, cod, bass or whatever is cheap is a great choice in the evenings. You likely won’t be burning off what you eat before bed and don’t want your body to have to digest a heavy meal at that time, as it impacts the quality of sleep and can lead to weight gain. I like to do fish with olive oil and lemon on a bed of garlic spinach or another green veggie of choice. If you’re craving a carb, go for the grain-free ones mentioned above, but as a general rule, try to keep your dinners lean and green.

If you have a sweet tooth after dinner, try to wait an hour or two, do the dishes, the laundry, that annoying assignment — just give your body time to digest. Then have a cup of blueberries or raspberries.

Berries have a relatively low glycemic index, so they won’t spike your insulin and cause you to store fat before bed like a banana or melon would. Berries are high in anti-aging, skin-brightening antioxidants — aka glow food — which will have an extra regenerating effect as you sleep since your body goes into repair mode, according to Marianne Wren’s HuffPost article.

I also like to have roasted veggies prepped over the weekend so when I come home starving after class I can snack while I cook or do homework.

My favorites are butternut squash, sweet potato fries, carrots, broccolini and asparagus.

Craving more? Send me your comments and beauty, health and wellness questions at yasmin. kazeminy@pepperdine.edu, and I’ll get back to you right here.

YASMIN.KAZEMINY@PEPPERDINE.EDU

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Going bananas for Pepperdine Bananas ju lia donlon life & Arts assistant Have you ever felt eyes on you while eating a banana around Pepperdine’s campus? Well, you might be getting caught on camera and submitted to the well-known @pepperdine_bananas Instagram account. With almost 1,000 followers, this account has taken off since its humble beginnings in 2015.

Senior Jeffrey Haas created @pepperdine_bananas after hearing of a similar account already in existence. When he searched for the said account, he couldn’t find it, so he decided to start his own in 2015. The account receives content from Pepperdine students who snap pictures of their unsuspecting friends (and sometimes strangers) eating bananas and send them to the account through direct messaging.

“I think it’s just about being fun and goofy, and that’s why bananas make the most sense,” Haas said. “Bananas are the funniest fruit; they’re ripe for comedy.” Haas said he originally did not expect the account to become popular, but soon it gained some traction.

“It didn’t start out with the intent for mass ‘ap-peel’, it was just kind of a ‘If you think this is funny, then this is for you.’ If not, that’s cool, too,” Haas said. “But it just kind of took off, and now it’s bigger than ever.”

Haas, who stopped managing the account in December 2017, said he wants it to continue after he graduates in April.

“I’m very proud of what my successor has done,” Haas said. “[The successor is] taking things in a great new direction, and Pepperdine Bananas has never had more followers, and it’s averaging over 100 likes per post. There’s also some merchandise on the way.

Things are good.”

Haas said only three people know the identity of the new account holder of @ pepperdine_bananas, and they hope to keep it under wraps.

Follow @pepperdine_bananas on Instagram and send in your fun pictures of people eating bananas around campus!

JULIA.DONLON@PEPPERDINE.EDU

Photos courtesy of @pepperdine_bananas

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APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Qualifying checking accounts will earn 1.00% APY in dividends on balances up to $5,000. Balances above $5,000 will be paid at the regular checking rate on an active, qualifying University Checking account. Active is defined as making at least 25 transactions per month and enrolled in eStatements. If the requirements are not met, then no dividend is earned. Dividends are calculated on the daily balance and accrued daily. Dividends are disbursed monthly into the active University Checking account. 2Up to $25 in ATM fees incurred at other financial institutions will be automatically credited to your active University Checking account at close of month end. 3Based on a combined rate of 4.88% and an active University Checking account. APY may change after the account is opened. Dividend declaration date is 10/9/2018. Limited to balances up to $5,000. Multiple loans in the same category count for only 1.00% APY dividends. Credit card must be active, have at least one monthly transaction (excludes balance transfers and cash advances), and be enrolled in credit card eStatements to qualify for the extra 1.00% APY dividend. Account does not earn dividends if there is a $0 balance in a HELOC at the end of the month.

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3/21/19 12:44 AM

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Beach Volleyball dominates Waves Invite at Zuma

Karl Winter a s s i s ta n t s p o r t s e d i t o r

A major lineup change energized Pepperdine Beach Volleyball to win three matches at their own Waves Invite on Wednesday, March 13 at Zuma Beach.

The No. 5 Waves swept No. 20 Texas Christian (TCU) 5-0, edged No. 7 Cal Poly 3-2 and then swept PCH Cup rival No. 13 Loyola Marymount (LMU) 5-0 to push their all-time record at Zuma to 48-3.

“It’s always great to be at Zuma,” first-year Head Coach Marcio Sicoli said. “We love how the wind affects the game ... We train here every day — we have a big advantage.”

Even though consistent rain, an injury to key senior Maddy Roh and three-straight losses dampened the early season outlook, the return to Zuma featured blue skies and three Pepperdine pairs going undefeated on the day.

Top-ranked UCLA swept the Waves at Zuma a week earlier, the first time Pepperdine had suffered a 5-0 loss at home in program history. The Waves then lost twice March 9 at the East Meets West Invitational at Manhattan Beach to No. 4 Florida State and No. 6 Louisiana State (LSU). The team bounced back to defeat TCU and No. 9 Florida International on March 10.

“We definitely had a tough weekend,” Sicoli said. “We’re getting to know this team better, so we’re learning.”

Between the two tournament days at Manhattan Beach, Sicoli engineered an upheaval to the lineup that mixed up the pairs on each court, and the new partnerships were successful at the Waves Invite.

“What we have been doing is knowing where each piece would fit better for us as a team,” Sicoli said. “We did a big lineup switch. Let’s see how that’s going to go.”

Thus far, it has proven to be just what the Waves needed. Courts two, three and five went undefeated throughout the day, while courts one and four each dropped a game against Cal Poly.

After playing on court two throughout the early season, junior Deahna Kraft moved to court one with sophomore Brook Bauer.

“We’re definitely a new partnership,” Kraft said.

“Brook [Bauer] is such a stud, so she makes my life really easy. We both have really open communication, which helps.”

Kraft and the Waves began the day by making short work of TCU, with the top three courts winning both sets and the bottom two courts winning in three sets to complete the 5-0 sweep.

Pepperdine started well against Cal Poly, with senior Heidi Dyer and junior Gigi Hernandez on court two and senior Skylar Caputo and sophomore Alexis Filippone on three winning in straight sets. However, Kraft and Bauer then fell in straight sets on court one, at the hands of Cal Poly’s Crissy Jones and Tia Miric, and Pepperdine’s Nikki Lyons and Maddie Dilfer were defeated on four in three sets.

The match would be decided on court five.

“On five, we have a freshman and sophomore — dealing with that pressure, to define the best teams in the west, and they delivered,” Sicoli said.

They delivered indeed, as freshman Simone Priebe and

sophomore Katie Gavin closed out a 3-2 Waves victory, with a 21-15, 19-21, 15-12 victory over Cal Poly’s Heather Pembroke and Sjea Anderson.

“We all trust each other, it could come down to any one of our courts,” Hernandez said. “I’m super proud of [Priebe and Gavin]. They’re working so hard, they’re showing up and they’re clinching matches for us.”

Hernandez and her partner, Dyer, were on fire throughout the day, dropping only a single set to LMU by two points.

“Heidi and I played all season together last year,” Hernandez said. “We have a natural chemistry; we mix things up.”

Caputo and Filippone also dropped a set against the Lions but were otherwise unscathed in all three matches.

The two clinched the victory against LMU just as the wind was picking up at Zuma.

“LMU is a great team and a great program, and they’re getting better every year,” Sicoli said. “But they are our rivals. It’s the PCH Cup, [and] we put up one on the board. It’s always awesome dominating that PCH Cup.” With important matches coming up against some of Southern California’s best, the Waves, at 11-5 on the season, continue their quest for the program’s third national title.

“We’re hitting the middle of [the] season right now, so these wins are really important,” Hernandez said. “We’re really working hard as a team to come together.”

Three of Pepperdine’s five losses came against the best team in the country: UCLA. The Bruins swept the Waves again March 16 in Westwood.

Pepperdine bounced back from the UCLA loss by defeat-

Photos by Karl Winter Home Sand | (Top) Deahna Kraft takes a big swing on court one after a set by teammate Brook Bauer. (Bottom) Gigi Hernandez (No. 5) celebrates a point with Heidi Dyer (No. 22) on court two. (Below) Maddie Dilfer reaches back to serve on court four against LMU. ing No. 9 Long Beach State on the road on Wednesday, sweeping the 49ers 5-0.

The Waves still have remaining matches against Southern California (USC), Cal Poly and Hawaii, all teams ranked in the top 10 in the nation.

“We’re just going to keep fine-tuning our relationships and just playing and competing,” Kraft said. “If we just keep doing what we do best, we’ll have a good chance.”

The Waves will travel to Tempe, Arizona, this weekend for three matches at the ASU Tournament.

K AR L .W INTER @PEPPER DINE.EDU

Photos by Sam Finnegan German Stars | (Left) Adrian Oetzbach prepares for a forehand. (Right) Tim Zeitvogel follows through Wednesday against Wisconsin.

Men’s Tennis gets first sweep of season austin hall staf f writ e r

The Waves came out strong versus the Midshipmen and dominated the entire evening against the Navy team, who was 15-6. It was a bounce-back loss after being swept by the University of California, Santa Barbara Gauchos on March 7. It is their first 7-0 sweep since the match versus Loyola Marymount in January 2017.

Pepperdine started the day poised during doubles play.

Redshirt senior Matias Sborowitz and freshman Enrique Luque Rico of the Waves defeated sophomore Peter Lohrbach and freshman Derrick Thompson of the Midshipmen 6-3.

Freshman Corrado Summaria and junior Pawel Jankowiak of the Waves beat freshman Sam Vagner and senior Cameron Kirkpatrick of the Navy 6-3.

Junior Adrian Oetzbach and freshman Tim Zeitvogel beat freshman Jack Dabek and sophomore Andrew Ton of the Midshipmen 4-3 before ending early to shift to singles play.

In singles play, Summaria, from Italy, wrapped up his two

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sets quickly against Dabek. It was his first singles victory of the season and he said he attributes it to the adjustments by Coach Adam Schaechterle.

“With Coach, it’s all about energy,” Summaria said. “We all had much more today. It worked really well as we all played to our full ability.”

Summaria said his first victory is one he was looking forward to all year.

“I’ve been just waiting for this moment for so long,” Summaria said. “I’ve worked hard for it, and now I’m looking forward to taking more victories.”

Zeitvogel played Thompson in singles and he won comfortably in two sets with scores of 6-1 and 6-2. It was his fourth singles win of the regular season and he brought his record to 4-4.

Jankowiak handled his singles match versus Vagner well with scores of 6-2 and 6-3. It was also his first regular season singles victory in the eight that he has competed in.

Luque Rico continued his promising freshman campaign with his fifth singles victory of the year and only two losses.

Luque Rico said he was happy to

get a victory after the tough loss to UC Santa Barbara.

“I’m feeling really good after this because last week was pretty tough,” Luque Rico said.

“Today we wanted that good victory at home and I’m glad a lot of people came to support us. It was a beautiful win for us and the whole match went awesome.”

Sborowitz had a close first match that he won 6-4 and pulled ahead in the second to win 6-2. His regular season singles record is now an even 4-4.

He attributed his success to what is demanded from him in practice.

“What’s been so important is our practices,” Sborowitz said “We’re practicing a lot, and I love what Coach has done. That’s being reflected in every match.

Winning is obviously important as well but not as much as the work that we do every day.”

The closest match of the entire evening was between Oetzbach and Ton. It was the only match that required a third set to be played. Oetzbach won the first with a score of 6-2 but Ton battled back with a 6-5 victory in the second.

Oetzbach said he feels he has

made a jump from the past season.

“I’ve been making a lot of changes with Coach Adam [Schaechterle],” Oetzbach said.

“He wants me to play more offense and run toward the net more too. I think it’s working well too, especially because I’m coming back from a torn ligament.”

Schaechterle said he is happy with Oetzbach’s progress.

“Adrien [Oetzbach] came to Pepperdine because he wanted the challenge of playing No. 1,” Schaechterle said. “The guy he played tonight has been nationally ranked most of the year.

Tonight Adrien [Oetzbach] really embraced that. We’ve had times in the season where if he gets down he might go off for 15 minutes but tonight I saw him respond and compete.”

This was the third victory by Schaechterle in his first season as the Pepperdine head coach. Schaechterle said he was pleased with his team’s performance.

“Tonight felt really good,” Schaechterle said. “This is a time in the season where the boys could really use a win. Having each individual guy do that was

great and we’ve been working extremely hard to get there.”

Schaechterle also said that he knows the biggest thing his team improved on.

“I think on Friday there was a lot of frustration when we got unlucky or made errors, which happens in tennis,” Schaechterle said. “We went away from our identity. Where I saw a big step tonight was when we had some of those same situations but we collected ourselves and came back. That’s the identity we want to have.”

Pepperdine played No. 13 TCU on Saturday. The Horned Frogs were 9-3 on the season and had not lost in nearly a month. The Waves fell to the Horned Frogs 6-1, followed by another 6-1 loss to the University of Tulane Green Waves.

The Waves bounced back with wins over the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks on Wednesday.

They continue their regular season on Saturday and will host the Loyola Marymount Lions. It will be a very different match than that.”

AUSTIN.HAL L @PEPPER DINE.EDU

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Swim and Dive thrives under new leadership Judit h-Daly Brister-Knabe s taf f writ e r Pepperdine Women’s Swim and Dive team took second at this year’s conference after a season of increased intensity and improved swim times.

The team underwent a staff overhaul this year when longterm head coach Nick Rodionoff left the program after nearly 20 seasons. The new head coach, Joe Spahn said he increased practice times and upped the rigor of workouts, leading to renewed hope and a second place trophy at this year’s conference.

“We’re definitely building up to be a better team than I think this school’s ever seen,” Spahn said.

Conference stands for Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference.

At the conference, Pepperdine competed with 11 other West

Coast schools including Loyola Marymount and University of California, Santa Cruz. It was a four-day event that took place in La Mirada.

The results continued post-conference at the National Invitational Championships in Cleveland last week. Senior swimmer Julianna Chan broke Pepperdine’s 100 IM record in the last meet of her career.

Chan set the previous record at conference a few months earlier.

Junior Anna Riekhof also competed. Riekhof and Chan swam three events each over the course of the meet. This year was the first time that any Pepperdine swimmer competed in a postseason meet.

Spahn, who prefers to be called simply “Joe,” brought diving coach Lauren Larson with him. Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Jessica Mosbaugh is finishing up her third sea-

Photo courtesy of Jeff Golden/Pepperdine Athletics

son.

“The biggest thing is we’ve practically doubled the amount of time that we train compared to last year,” Spahn said. “And we’ve probably tripled the amount of work that they’re used to, just because we don’t waste a whole lot of time.”

The athletes certainly feel this change.

“We’ve been killed during practice,” freshman Olivia Kayye said. “We’ve done some of the hardest training of my life.”

Practices have also become more regimented and intentional, Kayye said.

“Everything has a purpose behind it,” junior Kayla Smith said. “It’s not like ‘Just go swim,’ which is something that’s different from before.”

One of Spahn’s goals, he said, was to give the team a more group-oriented rather than individual focus. He said that he wants his swimmers to be proud not only of themselves but of their collective effort.

“It’s not just to go out and do a race,” Spahn said. “It’s to go out and race for your teammates and for Pepperdine and in this family that we have.”

The additional practice time and better results have created a closer environment for the team, Spahn said.

The swimmers share in their coach’s ambitions. “[Spahn]’s been great,” junior Ryane Skinner said. “ ...

We have a little bit more of a purpose to compete.”

Every year, the senior swimmers develop a hashtag to define the season. This season the hashtag is #statementseason.

“With everything that’s

Photo by Judith-Daly Brister-Knabe Rapid Laps | Head Coach Joe Spahn poses in front of Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool. (Left) Senior Julianna Chan takes a breath between strokes. happened with the new program and new coaching, we’re ready to make a statement to other teams,” junior Catherine Gibbs said.

The new diving coach Lauren Larson parallels Spahn’s intensity. She characterizes her team as energetic and dynamic. The primary changes to the program were the level of effort put in by each diver and the length of practices, Larson said.

“I want them each to feel good about their performance,” Larson said.

Despite swimming generally being considered an indi-

vidual sport, this team is very close, Mosbaugh said.

“It’s been a complete 180-degree switch from the old program and the girls have swam a lot more. We’ve lifted a lot more,” Mosbaugh said.

“They’ve bonded as a team outside of the water, which has been a fun family experience for them.”

JUDITH.BR ISTER -K NABE@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Eric Cooper overcomes obstacles

of his high school basketball career, Cooper weathered foot surgeries, a split left knee and Only a few people a stress fracture in his learn the lesson of nevfemur. er giving up. Redshirt After decommitting senior Eric Cooper has to the University of Arlearned it quite well. izona, Cooper decided Born in Hamburg, to attend a preparatory Germany, Cooper unboarding school in Florknowingly began his ida called IMG Academy. basketball career when After IMG Academy, he his dad, Eric Cooper Sr. transferred to the Uniput a basketball in his versity of Nevada and crib. His father played then to Pepperdine. Evbasketball overseas in ery year, he had a difthe early part of Cooper’s ferent head basketball life. coach.

Now Cooper’s been “You gotta learn new playing for 15 years. plays all the time,” Coo“As I got older, the per said. “There’s no sport of basketball stability … [You have grew,” Cooper said. to] play a different way. “[My dad] got me shoes, These aren’t the coachtaught me how to do all es that recruited you … the little things [like] so you’ve got to re-acclimate yourself to the coaches.”

Then came more obstacles.

After sitting out a year at Pepperdine due to NCAA basketball transfer rules, Cooper was eager to play and nothing was stopping him — until a player hit him square in the shoulder.

Cooper injured the muscle in his left shoulder in a scrimmage against California State Northridge in late October of the 2017-2018 season. The doctors diagnosed it as Bony Bankart Lesion, which is an injury of the labrum and associated ligaments.

Photo courtesy of Morgan Davenport/Pepperdine Athletics He missed the first

R ac hel ripp g u es t contrib ut or

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dribbling.”

Little did Cooper know that by the time he was a freshman in high school, he would become one of the best basketball players in the country in his age group.

In eighth grade, Cooper was playing with high school seniors on his club team and was offered his first college scholarship that year to the University of Arizona, where his father played.

He later received offers from UCLA, USC, the University of Washington, San Diego State and the University of Las Vegas.

At age 17, Cooper learned his first few lessons about resilience.

During the latter part

nine games of the season, but he wasn’t about to lose another year of playing basketball, so he “just had to put a brace on [his] shoulder and … play through it,” Cooper said.

He had surgery in February and that’s when the injury really challenged him.

“I had to sit and not do anything for a month and a half or two … I was in a lot of pain,” Cooper said. “I had pain pills and whoo, it didn’t help.”

All he could do at the beginning of the recovery was sleep because the pain medicine made him dizzy. He was cleared in August by Matt Young, the assistant director of Athletics at Pepperdine.

But Cooper said transitioning back to practice was tough.

“I felt kind of off a little bit, with my timing,” Cooper said. “When you haven’t done anything for five, six months really — no shooting, no basketball — [it can be hard].”

His parents helped him get through these tough transitions and he knows that they are always there for him to this day. It helps that his dad played in college as well.

“He knows what I’m going through,” Cooper said.

Beyond his parents, Cooper looks up to Kobe Bryant, a retired Los Angeles Laker, and Steph

Photo courtesy of Martin Folb/Pepperdine Athletics

Double Dribble | Eric Cooper (right) rolls off of a Kessler Edwards screen (left). (Left) Cooper works past a Gonzaga defender.

Curry, a 30-year-old point guard for the Golden State Warriors.

“I also like Steph [Curry] right now since Kobe [Bryant] is retired … He believes in the things I do,” Cooper said. “He’s a Christian. He’s a real humble guy, really cool, down to earth type of guy, so I look up to that and then I love the way he plays, shoots the ball.”

It would have been so easy for Cooper to quit after all the obstacles he hurdled — injuries, new coaches, new team-

mates, NCAA transfer rules — but he never did.

“I definitely [prayed] at night, right before I’d go to sleep,” Cooper said.

“I pray every night ...

But [when I was recovering from surgery I] just prayed that I could get back to health.”

He knew he couldn’t quit.

“I love basketball. It’s all I’ve known,” Cooper said.

R AC HEL .R IPP@PEPPER DINE.EDU

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SPORTS

Photos by Kyle McCabe Forehands of Fury | (Above) Junior Ashley Lahey delivers a forehand return to her UCLA opponent Jada Hart. (Bottom left) Freshman Daria Kuczer serves the ball in her doubles match. (Bottom right) Adrijana Lekaj prepares to deliver a forehand return.

Women’s Tennis sweeps No. 6 UCLA k yle mccabe ASS I S TAN T SPORTS E D ITOR

Twentieth-ranked Pepperdine Women’s Tennis swept sixth-ranked University of California, Los Angeles Wednesday to record their third straight win.

The Waves clinched the victory on court two with junior Adrijana Lekaj’s 6-4,7-5 win over UCLA’s Elysia Bolton, who is ranked No. 10 in the nation.

“We have a lot of respect for their player at No. 2,” Head Coach Per Nilsson said. “We thought that was going to be one of the toughest matchups for us today, but [Lekaj]’s been playing probably the best of anyone on the team, and she really deserves to win that match. I’m really happy for her; it’s been coming.”

To start the doubles matches, No. 17 redshirt junior Jessica Failla and freshman Anastasia Iamachkine lost to the Bruins’ Ayan Broomfield and Jada Hart 6-2. The Waves evened the score when Lekaj and senior Dzina Milovanovic beat Bolton and Abi Altick 6-4 on court three. Junior Ashley Lahey and freshman Daria Kuczer secured the doubles point for Pepperdine on court two by defeating UCLA’s Gabby Andrews and Alaina Miller 6-4.

Lahey said she knew she and Kuczer would be the deciding game for the doubles point, but did not feel any added pressure.

“Today I was really well prepared for this match,” Lahey said. “It was actually more exciting to know that it was up to me and I kind of used that as energy and confidence rather than to make me nervous.”

No. 56 Lahey said she took the momentum from her doubles match into her singles match against No. 64 Hart.

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Lahey won the first set 6-3 and built a 5-1 lead in the second set before Hart started to mount a comeback, winning three games in a row. In the 10th set, Lahey clinched the match to win 6-4.

“I think I had a couple points where I had a small mental lapse, but [Hart] also really stepped up and improved her level,” Lahey said. “She didn’t play as well as I’ve seen her play today. She’s a really high quality player and she can play like that, so I tried to not let that rattle me.”

Iamachkine recorded the second singles win for the Waves by defeating Andrews 6-4, 6-4. Pepperdine led UCLA 3-0.

With courts four and five going into third sets, Lekaj became the Waves’ best chance for a sweep.

“Of course I felt a little bit of pressure, but I just tried to stay focused on the game,” Lekaj said. “I kept thinking about the things that we worked in practice and just tried to put in hard work and stick with my plan.”

Lekaj won a back and forth first set over Bolton 6-4. The second set was especially close, with Bolton breaking Lekaj’s serve in the 10th set to tie the game 5-5. Lekaj won the next two sets, though, and ended the dual with a 7-5 win.

Her match against Bolton was only Lekaj’s fourth match and second win on court two.

“I felt really good playing the last couple of matches against good players,” Lekaj said. “I think the confidence I got in those couple of matches gave me a great opportunity to stay in this match.”

The Waves lost three straight duals to No. 3 Duke, No. 14 California and No. 23 Michigan before Wednesday.

“I think we needed to win this match,” Lekaj said. “From the begin-

ning, we came really strong in doubles, which [is] what we struggled [with] a little bit in the last couple of weeks against good teams. I think this win is going to give us more confidence, especially in doubles.”

Nilsson said the team went through some adversity in February that may have affected them against California and Michigan.

“I think we’re kind of getting back on track and feeling good about ourselves again,” Nilsson said. “We just got to get healthy and get everybody ready to rock and we’ll be good to go.”

Lahey said the string of losses had taken away her momentum.

“I feel like I’ve been really nervous and not on top of my game,” Lahey said.

“Then recently we’ve gotten two weeks of good training in and I think we’re now all playing a lot better and ready to take on some tougher teams.”

Nilsson also said that momentum is important for the team, especially the momentum gained from defeating a team ranked No. 6 in the nation.

“It feels good to win those matches obviously,” Nilsson said. “We know we can play with the best. We only have two players in the lineup from last year, so we have four new players. It’s great — it’s good experience for them, and it’s good to see that new people can come in and beat good teams.”

The Waves rode that momentum to two road wins at No. 41 Rice and No. 8 Texas. They beat Rice 4-2 and Texas 5-2.

With those two wins, the Waves now sit at 8-3 on the season. Pepperdine starts conference play in their next dual match, Mar. 23 at Loyola Marymount University.

K YL E.J.M C C ABE@PEPPER DINE.EDU

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GETS FIRST EVER POSTSEASON WIN K a r l w i n te r ASSI STANT SP O R T S E D I T O R

Pepperdine Women’s Basketball made program history Wednesday by defeating California Baptist 91-79 in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).

The WNIT committee selected the Waves for the tournament for the first time since 2011, as the team reached the 20-win mark this season for the first time since 2010. The Waves, sent to Riverside to take on the Lancers, responded by getting the program’s first postseason win since the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women era in the 1970s.

Senior Yasmine Robinson-Bacote led the team with 31 points and 15 rebounds, while junior Barbara Sitanggan added 14 points. Sitanggan broke the Pepperdine season record for “made free throws” in the process, going 10 of 11 from the line.

In a back-and-forth game, the Waves trailed 41-37 going into halftime before taking a fourpoint lead entering the fourth quarter and holding off the Lancers the rest of the way.

Second-year Head Coach Delisha Milton-Jones’ team awaits their second-round opponent, which will be the winner of Friday’s first-round game between Saint Mary’s and Hawaii. The Waves have the chance to host the second-round game at Firestone Fieldhouse. A time and date for the second-round game is also yet to be announced, but it will take place between Saturday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 26.

3/21/19 1:01 AM