Volume 139 Fall 2023 Roundup News Issue 10

A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION Woodland Hills, California

Volume 139 - Issue 10

Wednesday, November 15 2023

One Copy Free

Women’s soccer headed to playoffs

Does voting matter?

3

Photo essay: Day of Politics returns

4

Voice recital

9

2 Opinions 6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 Room: Pierce College Village 8211 Phone: (818) 710-4115 Phone: (818) 710-4117 Website: www.theroundupnews.com E-mail: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief.....Benjamin Hanson

Managing Editor.........Rachael Rosenberg Design Editor.................Fabiola Carrizosa Photo Editor...................Ashley Shellmire Photo Editor............................Owen Meza Copy Editor......................Olivia Espinoza Opinions Editor........Christian Castellanos News Editor...........................Sophia Cano Campus Life Editor............Clemente Pasillas Sports Editor............Nusaybah Al Mansur Sports Editor......................Reuben Santos Social Media...............Daniela Raymundo

Reporters:

Raquel Frohlich Maxine Chaykovskiy Dialaysia Whittaker Gerardo Escobar John Ormeno Jacob Macofsky Tyler Hale Brian Khoury Alexis Brown Isabella Marino Alexis Martinez

Advisers:

Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage

Photographers:

Hunter Hammerot Myraneli Fabian Linda Zimmerling Felipe Gamino Sonya Miller Luis Quintana Devon Thompson Jr. Kareem Andrades Aidan Nary Madison Cheramie Icy Smith Emil Rizkalla Daniel Decamp Ellie James Dannie Carreon Diego Cardenas

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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup

E

Pierce should provide school supply kits

ven though community college is known to be a more accessible option to receiving higher education, it can still be costly for students.

BestColleges is a database to inform the public on college resources and statistics.

They discovered that in 2022 to 2023 the average college student spent $285 on course materials including textbooks.

Pierce College could help cut that price for students by partnering with a charitable program that provides school supply kits to students at the beginning of every semester.

According to educator and research analyst Melanie Hanson from the Education Data Initiative, there is a link between debt and the necessity for social programs.

“Consumer spending is directly linked to personal finance,” Hanson said.

“Economists agree that when consumers have less expendable income due to debt obligations, they decrease spending. As

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“I think voting makes a difference because everyone’s opinion is important and valued, and when everyone votes, we get a clear sense of our majority in the United States.”

- Zev Malmeth, Music major

“I don’t think it matters.”

- Andres Ley, STEM Chemistry major

“I think voting does make a difference because your votes go towards something, and they let our political officials know what you think, and that can make an effect in the policies they’re making.”

- Justyce Moreno, Architecture major

“I think it does because I think it gives you a purpose in the community and within your community.”

- Azelly Bicente, Computer Science major

Back:

Women’s volleyball team huddles before the game against Moorpark College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.

Elgin Community College in Illinois created Project Backpack, which is a program that provides school supplies, backpacks and other resources to students from kindergarten to college within their school districts.

According to their website, President and Manager of Elgin Community College Programming Board Taylor Lantz said these programs strongly affected their academic career.

“As a child, I was that student who

Do you think voting makes a difference?

Front:

Victoria Castro attempts to cross the ball as Cuesta’s Keira Tresku looks on at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 10, 2023. Pierce won 6-0. Photo

by Felipe Gamino.

Some of our future educators, engineers, leaders, artists and more need help getting the school supplies.

had to wait in line at similar backpack distribution events, and my parents would rely on others’ generosity to make my school year a good year,” Lantz said.

“This time, I got to be on the other side of the event.”

Some of our future educators, engineers, leaders, artists and more need help getting the school supplies that will lead them to their degrees. All they need is a bit more accessibility.

Pierce could host an event at the bodega on campus with their school supply charity of choice to give out backpacks filled with the basic supply necessities.

Students could show up with proof of enrollment to receive a standard backpack that comes with pens, pencils, highlighters and notebooks. If they bring their school schedule as well Pierce could offer additional materials that could be needed for the course.

Students and faculty could also donate their supplies for the cause.

STREET BEAT

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Correction:

more Americans take on greater amounts of student loan debt, they rely on social programs to make ends meet.”

“I think voting makes a difference because it lets every individual have a voice, and it enables them to represent who they are and what they believe.”

- Daniel Scaramuzzi, Math major

Quotes gathered by Isabella Marino Photos by Emil Rizkalla

Opinions 3

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

File Photo/Roundup News/KEVIN LENDIO

Does voting make a difference?

NO IT DOESN’T:

YES IT DOES:

By Brian Khoury Reporter

V

oting is a right as well as a privilege.

Those who don’t vote should not complain about the outcome of an election and the consequences.

According to The National Constitution Center, “[T]he right to vote has long been considered one of the cherished freedoms key to American democracy.”

Beginning in the 1700s, the Founding Fathers crafted the process of voting to give people a voice in the government.

However, those rights were limited to white Christian men.

In the ensuing years, many people fought to expand those rights to include all men, including Black people.

In the 19th century, activists became determined to extend those rights to women. According to the National Archives, suffragists “practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change in the Constitution – guaranteeing women the right to vote.”

Theoretically, all American citizens over the age of 21 had earned the right to vote.

Many states suppressed the rights of minority groups and silenced their voices.

In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by former President Lyndon B. Johnson in an attempt to guarantee voting rights to all eligible citizens.

In 1971, the 26th Amendment was passed, lowering the voting age to 18.

Due to countless efforts over many years, the voting process has been drastically changed to increase access for anyone who wanted to vote.

The system seems to have nearly achieved its desired goal.

According to the Los Angeles Times, “final election results in 2020 show almost

17.8 million Californians cast ballots in the election that ended on Nov. 3, the highest percentage of eligible voters to participate in a statewide election since 1952 and the third-highest percentage since 1910.”

That translates to approximately 70% of all eligible voters.

Based on recent events (the 2020 election deniers), not everyone is satisfied with the voting process.

Admittedly, it is not perfect but life is seldom perfect.

Voters who want to enact change are encouraged to exercise their right and privilege.

Voters have the opportunity to elect their representatives and decide on important issues such as abortion, crime and the economy.

Last week, voters in several states sent clear messages through the ballot boxes and were rewarded accordingly.

According to ABC news, Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito (W.VA) expressed her views on the election results by stating, “When people vote their voice is heard and I think that’s what happened.”

There will be many important wideranging decisions for voters next year that will have a dramatic impact on their daily lives. There are ballot propositions that would change how the California government enacts laws, the increase of minimum wage and rent control regulations.

There is also the issue of choosing the next president of the United States.

American citizens are eligible to vote thanks to the laborious actions of countless people who made sacrifices to enact voting rights.

Voting has become simplified. The voting window has been opened from one day to two weeks. Voters can also cast their ballots by mail weeks in advance.

There is no valid reason for voters to not have their voices heard and to affect change through the hard-earned right to vote.

By Maxine Chaykovskiy Reporter

T

here is a noticeable lack of faith in the democratic process in today’s political environment. The reality is that the sheer quantity of voters often reduces the average voter’s power, even in the face of promises to the contrary.

Many feel that their efforts are in vain when they consider themselves to be a solitary drop in a sea of voices. It is questionable if voting actually has the weight that is attributed to it, or if voting is just a front used to keep people believing they have a choice.

The overwhelming power of special interests and the existence of established political systems are two major problems that undermine the validity of the vote.

Within the boundaries of partisan politics and corporate power, the system of governance continues to operate regardless of the elected representative.

“Your vote matters only if you break a tie. The most optimistic theory in political science estimates that voters in swing states have a 1-in-10 million chance of deciding the presidential election.

Everyone else’s chances are far lower,” opinion contributor Jason Brennan said.

The problems with the winner-takeall system in many democratic systems intensify the situation. The electoral system, which usually only offers one choice, is unable to account for the wide variety of values and ideas held by the electorate.

Voting becomes less effective as a result of this simplifying of complicated societal concerns, which makes people feel excluded and underrepresented. A growing percentage of people avoid going to the polls as a result of their increased sense of alienation from the political process.

“In the American Political Science Review, Adam Dynes and John Holbein

carefully and rigorously measure how parties affect economic, education, crime, family, social, environmental and health outcomes. They find zero difference between Republican and Democratic state governments,” Brennan said.

Many people feel like their vote doesn’t matter and the issues that are in their community are not getting fixed.

“We don’t care who wins the election, because no elected politicians have helped during “‘these hard, dark times,’” said a 36-year-old Georgian voter who says she doesn’t follow party lines; she spoke with CNBC Make It under the condition of anonymity because she is worried about criticism.

People feel that the issues that are going on in the community are not being fixed even with them voting for someone to make a change.

“I feel like my voice doesn’t matter.

People who suck still are in office, so it doesn’t make a difference,” said Megan Davis, a 31-year-old Rhode Island massage therapist who has never voted.

The electoral system, which usually only offers one choice, is unable to account for the wide variety of values and ideas held by the electorate.

4 News

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Star-spangled panels Candidates for the March 5, 2024, election introduce themselves to Pierce

Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN Moderator Rita Zwern asks questions to the canidates for Los Angeles Unified School District Board 3 during the debate at Day of Politics in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

By Fabiola Carrizosa Copy/Design Editor

T

here are many issues that Angelenos face, such as bad access to public transportation and housing insecurity.

Even air conditioning is unobtainable to some.

The Day of Politics brought Los Angeles City Council & Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) candidates to Building 600 on Nov. 8, where they discussed what they would do if elected in a Q&A for Pierce College students.

The event was split into two sessions, with District 2 LA City Council Candidates debating in the first session and LAUSD

School Board District 3 Candidates debating in the second.

Among the partners and participants were PTA District 3, Pierce College ASO, the League of Women Voters of Greater Los Angeles (LWV) and Political Science professor Denise Munro Robb.

“It’s good having all the students. They are learning about politics, which is my jam,” Robb said.

The debates were moderated by Rita Zwern from the LWV. The questions ranged from topics involving public transportation, affordable rent and housing, climate and poverty.

In addition to the opening questions regarding issues

of this election, students submitted flashcards with their own questions to the candidates.

One of the candidates for CD2 was Jillian Burgos, a self-described grass-roots

State Commissioner Sam Kbushyan is a product of community college, once attending Los Angeles Valley College.

“I share a lot of values that help people like you,”

“I represent change, and I am an environmentalist,” Gonez said.

Marriage and family therapist Jon-Paul Bird is running on a platform that states that City Council needs a mental health professional. When asked what they would do to “Notably, there were some candidates mitigate climate change for front line communities, Bird that weren’t here. The candidates that said that air conditioning did show up demonstrated courage.” should be a right.

Student coordinator for -Logan Fisher, Student coordinator for FACCC the Faculty Association of California’s Community Colleges Logan Fisher said he was grateful that progressive. If elected, she Kbushyan said. the candidates were brave wants to build housing near Housing and enough to show up and Metro stations. environmental advocate speak about what they are “Housing is my passion,” Manny Gonez said that the running on.

Burgos said.

L.A. government is broken “Notably, there were CD2 candidate and and that unions matter. some candidates that

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

News 5

weren’t here. The candidates that did show up demonstrated courage,” Fisher said. “If you are not willing to face the public, then why should we elect you?”

Fisher also hopes that they have more public forums at Pierce.

Pierce clubs were present at the event, including the Pierce Democrats, LAPC Psychology Club, the LAPC Climate Change Awareness Club and LA Pierce College Pre-Law Society.

Founder of the pre-law Club Isaiah Magaña said that the one thing he held onto was when the candidates talked about homelessness.

One thing that was touched on briefly, very touch-and-go, was re-infrastructure in the community to break the cycle of poverty,” said Magaña while wearing a white wig. “I feel like we should try and uplift the people at the bottom to make them just as strong as they are at the top.

Those who were not able to attend the debates in person had the option to watch over Zoom.

Students were encouraged to register to vote before leaving the event.

Election day is March 5, 2024.

Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN Members of the Pierce College Democrats tend to their booth at the Day of Politics event in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

Roundup News/ICY SMITH Los Angeles City Council District 2 canditates Manny Gonez, Jon-Paul Bird, Sam Kbushyan and Jillian Burgos talk about issues affecting Angelenos in building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN Roundup News/ICY SMITH United States Senate candidate Raji Rab speaks to Day of Politics Day of Politics attendees listen to candidates answer questions in building 600 at Pierce College in attendees outside of Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

6 News

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L ives ho n o re d a t b o a r d m e e t i ng

By Raquel Frohlich Reporter

A

fter roll call and a flag salute, Board of Trustees President David Vela requested a moment of silence for the casualties lost in the Middle East and adjourned the meeting in memory of Cindy Montañez—a friend of LACCD—and Trustee Gabriel Buelna’s daughter Gabriela Buelna, and read attributes to both.

After going through a few items on the agenda, representative reports were made.

Professor at Pierce College and AFT 1521 Faculty Guild President, James McKeever,

spoke out about class cuts on campuses.

“AFT 1521 will never stand by and watch our students lose opportunities and our faculty lose jobs without a fight,” McKeever said. “Efficiency models may be best for the short-term bottom line, but are not good for growth, our students, faculty and community, or the district’s future.”

McKeever, citing class cuts at Santa Monica College, noted it was not fair to the local community which depends on the college for opportunity, and said it would not be fair to LACCD’s campuses either.

“As we approach holdharmless, many of you are

worried. We share in your concerns,” McKeever said.

“Let’s work together to ensure the long-term success of our students and campuses. And last, I do want to thank President [Alfred] McQuarters for listening to the students, the faculty and the community in agreeing to cease the cuts.”

General counsel at LACCD Maribel Medina presented information about the Ralph M. Brown Act and later took time for questions.

Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development James Lancaster had a presentation on workforce education.

“Just jobs, jobs, jobs,” Vela said, after leaving time for

questions. “We shouldn’t have workforce gaps with nine colleges in LA County. I know it’s tough. I actually am very impressed with all the colleges and what they are doing, filling those gaps.”

After adjourning the Committee of the Whole and before a report by the Chancellor, Vela asked that “Requests to Address the BOT Regarding Matters Not on the Agenda” be moved up so waiting students could present their comments sooner.

Brianna Vargas, a political science major at East Los Angeles College and an intern for AFT 1521, spoke about the lack of affordable housing for

community college students and its impact on one’s academic journey.

“Since 2016, I have had over 11 different addresses,” Vargas said.

“I’ve dealt with being kicked out, sleeping in my car, and like most students, having to live paycheck to paycheck. Today, I thank my stable living conditions to my friend’s mother, who luckily had an extra room to rent me and is willing to help me so long as I stay in school. It is unbearable to know that many students—even many in this room today—don’t have the same fortune of having things work out for them that way.”

Read the rest of the story at theroundupnews.com

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Photo Essay 7 Top right: Infielder Steven Murray bunts the ball during the fall game against Ventura College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023.

Middle left: Pitcher Raul Reyes prepares to pitch during the game against Ventura College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023.

Middle right: Infielders Steven Murray and Isaac Samano run off the field after sprinklers were turned on at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023.

Bottom right: Head coach Bill Picketts speaks to the team after the fall game against Ventura at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023.

Hey batta batta I

t may not be baseball season, but preparations are underway for 2024.

The Brahmas had games this fall playing against teams they could potentially face in a few months.

Even though these games did not go on the win-loss column, it showed where the team is and what needs to improve before the first pitch in January.

Pierce looks to improve on the 13-27 finish in the 2022 season, which saw them miss the playoffs.

Copy and photos by Felipe Gamino

8 Campus Life

Engineering a trip P

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ierce College engineering students toured the engineering department at UCLA on Nov. 9.

Mechanical Engineering student Alejandro Perez said he learned more than just the curriculum at the school.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Perez said. “But to also stand up for what you believe in.”

Quotes gathered and photo by Hunter Hammerot.

Judy Lam, the Career Center Director at Pierce College, gives an overview of what to expect while speaking with the Northrop Grumman representatives at UCLA campus in Westwood, Calif., on November 9, 2023

Veteran Student Panel Oedrice Webber asks a question at the Veterans Student Panel in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023

By Linda Zimmerling

Charles Johnson, M.A. Veterans Resource Center Lead (right), speaks at the Veteran Student Panel in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

Cheyanne Gibbs (left) with Charles Johnson, M.A. Veterans Resource Center Lead asks a question at the Veterans Student Panel in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

Campus Life 9

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Voice recital features Pierce professors

Roundup News/AIDAN NARY Garineh Avakain (singer) and Joseph Lee (piano) preforms a song in the Performance Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2023.

By Nusaybah Al-Mansur Reporter

P

ercussion Instructor Kevin Good presented a Voice Recital on Thursday starring vocalist Garineh Avakian and pianist Joseph Lee in the Performing Arts Building.

The duo synchronized sublime rhythm with the emotion of their first recital, “Twelve

Poems of Emily Dickinson,” by Aaron Copland.

The recital captured the feelings of Dickinson at every tone elevation and piano strike.

Pierce Music alumni Lexi Cantu, who now works as a professional vocalist, expressed what she felt from the performance.

“I felt happiness, joy and appreciation just to be here to hear them sing and. Joseph Lee on

the piano,” Cantu said. “They really know how to bring us with them on their journey and where this song is taking them.

It is a gift to be able to bring an emotion to an audience.”

Cantu said that this is what music is meant to do.

“It’s supposed to help us all connect and try to understand what the character is feeling in their song,” Cantu said.

Good said their goal for the

entire series is that they can showcase different types of music week-to-week.

“We did world music the first week, some music from Indonesia, we also had a singer/songwriter come in, we had someone do classical composition, which was more of a talk than a performance,” Good said. “We really wanted it to be a variety show of different genres of music.”

Audience member Joyce Sindel expressed how wonderful the performance was.

“I studied with Dr. Avakian and I sang in the choir, but I never really heard her sing solo,” Sindel said. “This was really an amazing putting together of the things she tells us she does. She has a wonderful presentation, a fabulous range and I felt really good listening to her.”

Drawing Pierce

By Linda Zimmerling Alejandro Alcala, 18 (Left), Justyce Moreno, 20, and Myrka Peruch, 20 sitting in the mall sketching a 2 point perspective drawing of the library for their freehand drawing Architecture class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

10 Sports

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Season ends in heartbreak Team loses final game and finishes with a 4-19 record

By Nusaybah Al-Mansur Reporter

P

ierce Women’s Volleyball played their last game of the season on Wednesday, rematching the Moorpark College Raiders in the Pierce gym and winning 3-0.

Only one-and-a-half minutes into the game, the Brahmas were off to a good start and were up 7-5.

The Raiders moved swiftly, surpassing the Brahmas. At the end of the first set, the Brahmas were down 25-14.

Libero Sophie Larimer saved the ball on several occasions.

“That’s kind of what’s going through my head the entire game,” Larimer said.

“Don’t let the ball drop.

Ever.”

The Brahmas and Raiders battled it out, maintaining an almost stagnant tie throughout the entire second set.

The Brahmas called timeout and the scoreboard displayed a close 22-19 with the Brahma’s down, but with a few missed balls, Pierce had just a few fewer points than the Raider’s, ending the 2nd set with a close 25-19.

In the second set, outside hitter Lilly Gulley changed the game for her team. She said she just wanted to play hard for the sophomores on her last in-season home game.

“My mindset was just to play my absolute hardest no matter the outcome,” Gulley said.

Gulley also added that

Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN Lilly Gulley #21 spikes the ball during a game against Moorpark College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023.

the presence of her family motivated her to maintain her dominance on the court.

“My family is visiting from Nebraska and I wanted to play hard for them as well,” Gulley said.

As the Brahma’s went into the third set with passion and effort, the score remained close.

When the timeout was called in the third set, the Brahma’s were down 2-7.

As the Brahma’s came from a timeout, the Raiders scored an instant point.

The game ended 3-0, but the team’s work ethic and positive attitude were imminent throughout the entire game.

Assistant Head Coach Farzad Ramin expressed that he is proud of the player’s performance, especially

after acknowledging the adversities they faced with the roster.

“We didn’t have our main center because she tested positive for COVID, so we had to just use our first Libero Gabbs as a center, and this was her first experience, and she played really well,” Ramin said.

Ramin also said they had a few changes in the system, but their passing was “really good and the defense was better.”

“We had a few mistakes, like missing the serves and the setting, but we played really well, especially in the 2nd set when it was tied,” Ramin said.

The women’s volleyball Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN team finished the season Brooke Romano cries after a game against Moorpark College with four wins and 19 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2023. losses.

Sports 11

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Women’s soccer headed to playoffs

BRIEF: Men’s soccer finishes first season in 43 years

File photo/Roundup News/BENJAMIN HANSON The men’s soccer team huddles before a game against the Bakersfield Renegades at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 13, 2023.

By Felipe Gamino Photographer

M Roundup News/FELIPE GAMINO Victoria Castro (10) gets past Cuesta’s Georgia Jensen (4) at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 10, 2023.

By Gerardo Escobar Reporter

I

t was a sentimental evening for the Lady Brahmas on Friday at Shepard Stadium.

They had an overwhelming victory of 6-0 for their final game of the regular season against Cuesta College, and potentially the last time sophomore Lady Brahmas will play with their Pierce jersey.

Pierce started strong with the first goal being scored within the first three minutes of the game by forward Heidi Ricketts and assisted by midfielder Victoria Castro.

The Lady Brahmas would go on to score three goals in the first half, with the third being scored

by Ricketts, with another assist from Castro. Pierce would finish the first half with six shots, and a yellow card for Castro. Cuesta would finish with four saves and one shot.

Ricketts expressed what pushed her throughout the game.

“I thrive off my teammates, they are the best,” Ricketts said. “We just have the best connection. As a team, I think we played amazing. We went on the road losing a few games so this is exactly what we needed, hopefully getting into the playoffs.”

Ricketts added that the team does need to work harder on regaining the ball when they lose

it, if they move onto the playoffs.

The Cuesta College Cougars struggled to get the Lady Brahmas out of their side of the field for most of the game and sparingly breaking through the Lady Brahmas’ defense. By the end of the game, the Cougars only had one shot.

Head Coach Adolfo Perez shared his favorite moment of Friday’s game.

“Everybody played, and everyone contributed,” Perez said. “It does not always happen.

Especially on Sophomore Night, the fact that everyone played and contributed was tremendous.”

Perez also provided a retrospect on Friday’s game and the season.

“It was exciting,” Perez said.

“We got together in the game and the girls played their hearts out. We battled a lot of injuries through the year and they stuck together, and it was one of our best games of the year.”

The Lady Brahmas scored an additional three goals in the second half, and finished the game with 10 shots. They also broke their three-game losing streak.

The fourth goal of the game was scored by forward Natalie Villafana with the goalkeeper from Cuesta narrowly missing the ball. The fifth was scored by Ricketts, making it her third goal of the game while being assisted by midfielder Brenda Medina after Medina hit the crossbar

only several seconds before.

The final goal of the game was made by Midfielder May Htet Lu. She revealed what scoring the goal meant to her.

“I wanted a goal because this is my last game as a sophomore, playing with the Pierce shirt for the regular season,” Lu said.

Lu believes the team had a good connection during the game and in order to succeed if they move onto the playoffs they need to continue playing the way they did and learn from this game’s mistakes.

“Considering that this is the last game of our regular season, I think we did a good job,” Lu said. “We had a good finish, and we scored as many goals as we could. I am proud of my teammates too because a lot of them got their first goals.”

The Lady Brahmas concluded their game with the sophomores taking photos with parents, coaches and other teammates, and being presented with posters and gifts, acknowledging their effort.

I wanted a goal because this is my last game as a sophomore.

-May Htet Lu-

en’s soccer wrapped up their first season after 43 years with a 3-1 win at Citrus College.

The Owls took the lead through Takechika Ito, but midfielder Gilberto Chavez tied the game for Pierce with a penalty kick.

The second half saw things improve for Pierce.

Isaac Gonzalez poked in the rebound after Citrus’ defense failed to clear the ball.

Towards the end of the game, the Owls grew frustrated as Isaac Ochoa was given a red card.

Santana Sakai scored a late penalty to give the Brahmas a 3-1 win.

The Brahmas won four of their last five games. They got wins over Antelope Valley, Glendale, College of the Canyons and Citrus. Against Bakersfield, the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Pierce finishes the season 8-83 overall, 6-3-1 in conference play.

Football loses final game

By Tyler Hale Reporter

T

he football team’s season ended against the Santa Monica Corsairs with a 38-14 loss.

The Brahmas had a dismal first half against the visiting Santa Monica College Corsairs, which ended 24-0 at halftime. For the first quarter, the defense was able to hold off much ground gain until Elijah Saperstein-Johnson of Santa Monica (#0) scored a 17 yard touchdown.

Brahma Football Coach James Sims attributed troubles in the first half to laziness.

“They weren’t doing what they were supposed to do and following the assignments. Our whole offense is freshmen so they’re immature and we got to grow,” Sims said.

More events caused problems for the team with Santa Monica making two interceptions in the second quarter including one at the end zone. The Brahmas were flagged with a pass interference and a personal foul. A 60 yard pass touchdown play was made by wide receiver Joey Acciardo (#11) of Santa Monica.

It was during halftime when

Sims gave a pep talk to his players.

“I told them I needed them to have fun. Don’t worry about the scoreboard,” Sims said.

The halftime show had the North Hollywood High School marching band perform for the spectators.

Percussionist Jacqueline Vazquez said that the band performed “Death Macabre” for their main theme with set pieces including grave headstones.

The third quarter saw both teams score touchdowns and more personal fouls but there was one incredible highlight on the part of the Brahmas. Defensive back Laron White (#0) picked up a fumble and nearly made a full field rush to the touchdown before being stopped at the 22 yard line.

He beamed over the accidental play by his safety Nate Jackson which caused it.

“I was just alert on the play, I stayed active and picked up the ball and took it to the crib,” Jackson said.

Pierce failed to catch up to the Corsairs and the game ended 3814.

The team finished the season with a 3-7 record.