Woodland Hills, California Volume 141 - Issue 5
Celebrating Latino Heritage Month
By Tim Lewis Reporter
Upbeat music and feelings of family and community filled the Pierce College Library and Learning Crossroads as students and faculty gathered to celebrate Latino Heritage Month on Monday, Oct. 7.
Financial Aid Outreach
Coordinator Marisol Ramirez summed up the event, saying, “It’s a family thing, when we get together, we are family.”
The 2022 census shows that Los Angeles County has the largest Latino population in the United States, making it more than likely that you’re bound to meet someone of Latino heritage.
Ramirez shared why she
believes events like these and Latino Heritage Month are crucial.
“At some point, anywhere in Los Angeles you’re going to meet someone that comes from a Latino background, so knowing a little bit more about our culture will help them know a little bit more,” Ramirez said.
Participants took part in a few rounds of Loteria, which is a bingo-like game played with cards and pinto beans. The exhilarated shrieks of winners were met with candies as prizes, adding to the feeling of celebration.
Diego Paez, an organizer of the event, explained why having the event was important.
“To build a welcoming community for our Latinx
students on campus, the goal being to improve student retention for the population,” Paez. “We just provided extra support for students who come in, do homework and get connected to other resources on campus.”
Paez also shared why he believes it’s important to recognize Latino Heritage Month.
“There are so many other countries and different people, it’s also cross-cultural,” Paez said. “It’s mostly about identity and culture to make these students feel like they’re seen.”
The Library and Learning Crossroads serves as a place of assistance and community to those who enter. Beyond the Latino Heritage Month celebration, the LLC is home
to the Associated Student Organization and varying clubs and organizations that fit a variety of interests.
Darcy Corwin, the Basic Needs Program Lead at Pierce, explained how the center aims to provide resources to undocumented students, access to financial aid, scholarships and legal assistance to help students get on the path towards citizenship. Corwin said she loves hosting events like this at the center.
“I love when students come in and are shy at first and eventually see themselves in this, where they originally wouldn’t or be affiliated with but then realize, ‘Hey maybe I can contribute to a group that is different from me,’” Corwin said. “And they’re now a part of a community they never managed themselves to be in.”
Eric Sandoval, a Business Administration student at Pierce, shared how he heard of the event and why he decided to take part in the festivities.
“The notification on my phone let me know that this was going down at the school,” Sandoval said. “I’m always at every event no matter what it is, I like to stay
involved and be involved.”
Sandoval said events like these remind him how it’s important it is to share cultures across races and ethnicities.
“I studied Chicano Studies a bit, and what it means to me is that everyone should get together no matter what race you are,” Sandoval said. “I grew up in Los Angeles, so Latino to me means Mexican, Black, Salvadoran, Houndorian, Japanese even, too.”
Hanna Vandergugten / Roundup
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Marzia Rankin / Roundup News
Music major Autumn Clark and biology major Karen Pacheco pick out candy at a display table during the Latino Heritage Celebration at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Pinto beans placed on a loteria board during the Latino Heritage Celebration at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2024.
Kenneth Chan / Roundup News
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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup A reminder that it’s OK to not be OK
The quality of students’ mental health has been declining for several years. Approximately 60 percent of college students across the country have reported at least one mental health challenge, according to the American Psychological Association. World Mental Health Day highlights the importance of discussing the causes for the downturn and possible solutions. In concurrence with World Mental Health Day on Oct.10, it would be beneficial to students for Pierce College to increase awareness of the associated problems affecting students and the available resources.
According to an article from the National Education Association, “Rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation on college campuses have never been higher. Meanwhile, faculty and staff are overwhelmed. Specifically, 44 percent of
students reported symptoms of depression; 37 percent said they experienced anxiety; and 15 percent said they were considering suicide—the highest rate in the 15-year history of the survey. More than 90,000 students across 133 U.S. campuses participated in the survey.”
The American Psychological Association agrees that,” Student mental health is in crisis and campuses are rethinking their approach. Amid massive increases in demand for care, psychologists are helping colleges and universities embrace a broader culture of well-being and better equipping faculty to support students in need.”
The article goes on to define some of the origins of the problems facing students.
“Even before the pandemic, schools were facing a surge in demand for care that far
outpaced capacity, and it has become increasingly clear that the traditional counseling center model is ill-equipped to solve the problem.” Faculty and staff are being encouraged to identify students exhibiting signs of distress and directing those students to the available resources.
Pierce can address students’ issues by adopting some of the strategies currently used by other campuses. Professors should frequently remind students about the help that is available, such as the telehealth and counseling resources at the Student Health Center. In future years, the Student Health Center should hold a World Mental Health Day event to increase awareness. This event could feature booths with resources, interactive games and expert speakers.
Students are now juggling school, jobs, relationships
and caregiving. Those responsibilities can become overwhelming and be a source of stress and emotional distress. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking help is crucial.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.” Many students may feel embarrassed or fear the stigma of admitting that they need help. The awareness surrounding the prevalence of mental health issues should encourage individuals to confront their challenges and seek help.
A look into the archives: 70 years of the Roundup
On this day 49 years ago, the Roundup published Volume 43, Number 3.
Chet Trupp, Treasurer of the Associated Student Organization, stepped down from his position during the Sept. 25 senate meeting. Trupp was elected in the spring of 1975, yet only served one full week in office. He claimed that he was driven to resign over tensions he had with the new dean of student personnel, Peter MacDougall. MacDougall recognized that the transference of dean positions may have affected the work environment. Evan Mass, the former dean, was reportedly wellliked by the ASO. Trupp claimed that this shift in management was sudden and extreme. MacDougall stated that he was not aware of Trupp’s disappointment, believing that they had a decent connection.
Despite the claims of many students, the Pierce Bookstore was revealed to not be price gouging. Certain items, such as lined “3 x 5” inch index cards, were sold by the college for eleven cents cheaper than outside office suppliers. Most stationary was sold for a cheaper or
identical price to competitors. Two hundred sheets of “8 ½ by 11” inch paper sold for $2.90 on campus. The art supply section at Pierce was critiqued for being too small and unvaried. Vari Art Supply, a craft store located in Northridge, was mentioned to have a much larger selection for artists to choose from. Brian Tracey, a student, said he finds the Pierce Bookstore to be convenient, but less luxurious than a specialized store.
A firefly species was discovered by a Pierce student. Nancy Burchett uncovered unidentifiable larvae while on a hike with her biology professor, Barbara Hopper. According to Hopper, fireflies are a rare sight in Southern California. The collected insects were examined by Dr. Martin Lloyd of the L.A. County Museum and Dr. Charles Hong. Both agreed that the species looked unfamiliar, and warranted further investigation. The title Photuris burchetti, named in honor of Burchett, was submitted to an international scientific congress to be approved.
An archived front page of the Roundup Volume 43, Number 3, from Oct. 9, 1975, laid out in the newsroom on Oct. 7, 2024. Photo by Daisy Malone.
Copy by Daisy Malone.
Charting a clear path
Should students choose a major right away? Taking time to explore
By Oscar Silva Reporter
Those pursuing higher education should avoid distractions. Selecting courses can be a tedious process, so knowing exactly what classes are needed to graduate is helpful. By selecting a major initially, students are given a clear path toward success.
One of the primary purposes of community colleges is to offer affordable and flexible educational opportunities. Selecting a major early provides a clear direction, helping students stay focused and align their academic plans with specific goals.
A benefit of deciding a major is “Avoid[ing] the college ‘stress
Choosing a major and focusing only on the required courses can facilitate faster entry into internships or jobs. It would make students understand how their courses are directly tied to their future careers. This early work experience enables students to determine if this career path aligns with their interest.
Self-confidence is crucial to maintaining a healthy college experience. Having students choose their major at the beginning of their careers helps them build a sense of self. It gives them a goal to work towards, which they can reflect upon. Students can then become more engaged and motivated since they are able to see what they hope their future dream is actually like.
By Ryan Kassebaum Reporter
Forcing students to declare a major in their freshman year restricts their freedom and ability to explore other interests or passions that they were not aware of before entering college.
Switching a major in community college can be a handicap to students attempting to progress in their new major field, but it shouldn’t be.
put additional pressure and stress, and limit exploration for an incoming college student as detailed by the Honor Society in the article “Choosing Your College Major Freshman Year: Pros and Cons.”
“Declaring a major early can limit your exposure to a wide range of subject and potential interests.” the Honor Society states.
Why did you choose your major?
advisors to ensure every class aligns with their intended transfer path.
The Century Foundation reported in 2023 that the average student debt in California was $37,400. Avoiding expenditures like unnecessary classes could help alleviate many students’ financial burdens.
“Students with a high level of self-efficacy mastered their objectives, which included challenges and new information; performance quality, which included good grades; and outperforming peers.” explains
Requiring students to choose a major at enrollment isn’t about limiting their options but about providing a sense of purpose and direction. When students have a clear academic plan, they are more likely to succeed, graduate on time, and feel confident in their education choices, at least I would. By making this decision, students set a strong foundation for their future, and community colleges fulfill their role in guiding students towards achieving their goals and helping the world become a much more efficient place.
“Major switching can delay or impede college completion through excess credit accumulation, or it can increase the probability of completion due to a better academic match.” stated the The Community College Research Center (CCRC)
The CCRC explains that while major switching increases certificate completion rates, it also decreases the probability of completing a bachelor’s degree for students who started by declaring a major.
Honors Society continues to lay out that an incoming student can potentially miss out on discovering a passion for a field that they weren’t initially aware of. The stress of declaring a major early can also distract the student from the excitement of being in a new environment.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) explains that numbers are staggeringly high for students changing their major within three years of starting college not only for bachelor’s degrees but for associate’s degrees as well.
“I chose that because I really want to learn more about coding and stuff like that.I think I gained interest when I was a sophomore in high school.”
Rain Cona - Computer Science
“Community college offers a wonderful chance to explore your interests and career goals within the first one or two years of study,” Goodwin University states, “You can take different electives, alongside general education requirements, to explore what you’d like to do with your life ahead.”
Community college offers a great way to explore potential career interests and other majors. Having the ability to explore one’s interests and find what the student truly loves is what community college is all about.
Choosing a major during the freshman year of college can
“About one-third of students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs changed majors, compared with 28 percent of those enrolled in associate’s degree programs.” NCES reported.
While some students come into college prepared to pursue a specific field, the numbers detail that many will switch quickly to a different major. Declaring a major right away can add additional and unnecessary stress to an incoming student.
Community college offers a way for students to explore their interests, and they shouldn’t feel pressured to make a careerdefining choice right away.
“I decided on it because back in high school I had a biotech class, and it really caught my interest in DNA and the proteins and how it worked.”
Tadeo Cortez - Biotechnology
“I picked it mostly because there’s so much versatility in the field and I’ve always been a science person.”
Emma Hashemi - Nursing
“I’m a people person, and I like understanding how they work and why they do the things that they do and why the world works the way that it does.”
Julia Owen - Psychology
Interviews by Daisy Aguinada
Photos by Moses Murga
“I just love kinesiology because you get to interact with people every day and you get to be on your feet.”
Jocelyn Esseveld - Kinesiology
Nursing major Beyui Ray discusses Computer Applications & Office Technologies Program details with Instructional Assistant Delia Lopez at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2024.
Karla Villacorta / Roundup News
Community remembers Oct. 7 attack
Speakers discuss the one-year anniversary of Hamas attack in Israel
By Nathalie Herrera Reporter
Marking a year since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, Rabbi Isser Kluwgant and professor Sheri Lehavi collaborated to host a meeting for Jewish and nonJewish students to come together at Pierce College, reflect on the attacks and hear Nova Festival survivor Tomer Zadik’s story.
Zadik is from Tel Aviv, Israel, and attended the Nova Festival last year. He was dancing at 6:30 a.m. when he saw people fleeing from the festival in a panic. Zadik reflected on the moments of terror as he attempted to escape to safety.
“I start driving right towards the south and after three or four minutes of driving, I go before terrorists on the road and I automatically make a U-turn,” Zadik said. “They started shooting midway through the U-turn and I got hit with three bullets in my arm.”
Zadik continued to recall the details of his escape, during
which he had fled on foot from the vehicle to hide at a festival medical tent. While at the medical tent, Zadik explained that someone from Hamas had come to the tent and he was left to flee again to safety.
He made it to a tree to hide, and he called his father, who had been an Israel Defense Forces soldier. His father told him to keep running.
“I started running in between the woods, and sprinting, and hiding. I reached an abandoned tank that had about 30 or 40 civilians,” Zadik said. “We waited for another hour and the evacuation car came and we went to the hospital.”
The Oct. 7 Hamas attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel, and another 250 were taken hostage, according to the Associated Press.
According to the Associated Press, “Israel’s assault in Gaza since Oct. 7 has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, huge areas have been completely destroyed, most of the population have been driven from their homes and
hunger is widespread.”
Math professor Sheri Lehavi explained that students shouldn’t be afraid to have hard conversations on campus.
“They can have intelligent conversations and understand the difference, that it is okay to oppose the Israeli government or any government, and to be able to differentiate when students are saying they don’t like a government, versus they don’t think you have a right to exist,” Lehavi said.
Student Services Dean Juan Carlos Astorga introduced himself to the students at the Oct. 7 remembrance event. Astorga explained he wanted them to feel comfortable on campus, to be themselves and to let him know if there is ever a moment they do not feel that campus is a safe space.
“It is my hope and my goal that we have spaces that are safe for everybody, that you can feel comfortable and speak your truths and be respected,” Astorga said.
Kluwgant
Academic Senate discusses AI in education
By Alfonso Vargas Reporter
Distance
Education
Coordinator Wendy Bass discussed the drawbacks of artificial intelligence use and how it impacts work on Canvas during the Academic Senate meeting on Oct. 7 in Building 600.
“All it would do would help them cheat and not really help
them learn the material,” Bass said. And you know, our goal is to help students learn how to critically think and learn material so that they can apply it.”
Bass discussed how students use AI on Canvas.
“There are some very expensive tools out there that make it so that students in the middle of taking a quiz can have an AI tool that could cost anywhere from $4 to $8 a week, helping them respond
to questions in a quiz in Canvas,” Bass said.
Philosophy and Sociology Department Chair Cara Gills discussed how AI is an ongoing topic in education and if it is possible to regulate AI.
“That’s something we’re going to be talking about at our next meeting,” Gills said. “Just think of the idea of what AI means, what it would mean to regulate, why one would want to regulate
it, if it’s even possible to regulate it, we consider questions through the lens of the professional code of ethics. And so if there’s ways of integrating AI, that’s in alignment with the professional code of ethics and that’s something to discuss.”
Academic Senate Vice President Travis Orloff said how faculty members decide their own policy to implement and regulate AI, and it’s hard to determine how each professor will want to approach it.
“The academic policy committee is going to provide a range of syllabus language statements from the most restrictive to the least restrictive as far as AI policies could go in a class, and that it’s going to be important for students to know what their particular instructor’s policy is going to be because they’re all going to be significantly different,” Orloff said.
Bass encouraged students to produce their own work, and for professors to be aware of AI use.
“I think we should make it a priority to encourage more authentic assessments,” Bass said.
The next Academic Senate Meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 21 in Building 600.
Brahma
A battery occurred on the Mall on Oct. 4. The incident involved a person who pushed a Pierce staff member after a verbal altercation, according to Sheriff’s Deputy Isaac Jorge. The individual in question was driving on the Mall, and argued with Pierce staff when they were told they couldn’t drive there. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made.
The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office.
Crime Log
Reporting by Delilah Brumer Blotter
Rabbi Isser
speaks to students and faculty about the remembrance of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack in The Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2024.
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News
Academic Senate members meet in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2024. Kal-El Smith / Roundup News
A tale to have the audience scurry like mice
The world’s longest-running play comes to Pierce from London
By Gerardo Escobar Campus Life Editor
The Pierce College Theatre will debut its 2024-2025 season with a murder-mystery that coincides with the Halloween season.
Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” directed by Shaheen Vaaz, will open on Friday, Oct. 18, and run until Sunday, Oct. 27, in the Performing Arts Mainstage. The play is double-
cast with both casts performing on different nights.
Based on a real case that happened during World War II, the production has run continuously in London’s West End since 1952 and follows a “group of strangers trapped during a snowstorm.”
“We start with a murder,” Vaaz said. “It’s a thriller, there’s suspicion abounding and it’s very cozy and at the same time it’s discombobulating. There’s a lot
of clues. It’s fun, and yet there’s a layer of truth underneath it that is quite moving.”
Clyde Sandoval, who plays Major Metcalf, said when the cast started working on the production they noted that murder mysteries are cozy, and the ensemble wants to give “that delightful, cozy ride, especially since it’s around Halloween.”
Melinda Birke, who plays Mollie Ralston, added what effect they wanted to have on the
audience.
“We definitely want to have the audience feel welcomed into this space and feel like they’re a part of it,” Birke said. “I think that’ll really add to the excitement when things start getting a little tense.
The audience will really feel like they’re going through that, too.”
Ryan Snyders, who plays Giles Ralston, said he wants to “hook” the audience and “have them along for the ride.”
For some of the members of the cast, it will be their first time performing on the Performing Arts Mainstage.
“I’ve usually always been in the Black Box (Dow Arena Theatre), and it’s been a very welcoming experience for me,” said Pahola Godinez, who plays Mrs. Boyle.
“I feel like everybody has been very nice and very supportive of everyone’s decisions on stage.”
Godinez added that working with Pierce theatre professor Esdras Toussaint before has helped with her voice now that she is performing in a larger theater, and that the switch from stages has not been frightening.
“I know obviously you always can be louder, but I think the transition to this point was just smooth,” Godinez said.
Dale Van Slyke, who plays Detective Sergeant Trotter, said each cast has a different dynamic and said he felt “this cast was so into breaking down the script.”
“There were questions asked during this production that on a first read of the script you wouldn’t even think about asking and people were intrinsically asking those questions, not only about their characters, but other people’s characters and just how things work,” Van Slyke said.
According to Vaaz, no other productions are allowed in England, but it remains a popular play in the United States.
“This is the world’s longest running play,” Vaaz said. “I keep wondering, ‘There has to be a reason for its success?’ I think it’s because we have this beautiful compact set, and we have this cast of characters who we warm up to very easily, a young couple, an artistic weirdo, a detective sergeant, some older people who come in.”
The entire cast consists of Grant Asner, Melinda Birke, Trevor Bowens, Dylan Coogan, Olivia Espinoza, Amit Farhi, Robin Flores, Pahola Godinez, Essence Haridman, Madeleine McKay, Charley Ramos, Clyde Sandoval, Chloe Saponara, Ryan Snyders, Ali Suliman, Dale Van Slyke and Maya Zelter.
“The Mousetrap” will open at the Performing Arts Mainstage on Friday, Oct. 18, and run until Sunday, Oct. 27. Showtimes for Fridays and Saturdays are at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $20 for general admission.
Parking is located at Parking Lot #6, next to the Performing Arts Building.
LAPC Theatre’s venues are accessible to those with mobile disabilities and hearing impairments.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, call (818) 719-6488, or visit lapctheatre.org to purchase tickets online.
Game on: financial literacy edition
LEFT: Students Larae Jorgoo and Lyana Jackson play a financial literacy game during the Cash Flow Game Day event in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2024.
Chloe Saponara and Dylan Coogan rehearse “The Mousetrap” in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct 1, 2024.
Melanie Jurado / Roundup News
Victor Montiel / Roundup News
It’s time to meet your major
Students gather along the Mall to learn about Pierce departments
By Nathalie Herrera Reporter
As students went from class to class or walked around the campus, Pierce hosted its Meet Your Major Fair on the Mall, where students were encouraged to take a look at the majors and clubs that Pierce has to offer.
Judy Lam is the career center director and the guided pathways co-coordinator. This was Lam’s second year organizing the Meet Your Major Fair but with her own spin on it.
“I did incorporate the Career and Academic Pathways because a lot of students can be really overwhelmed by how many pathways and programs we have,” Lam said.
Although the mall was not packed with students, there were many departments and clubs that did show up, even with the temperature reaching 102 degrees.
“I think last year there the turn out for students was a little high, it’s really hot today so students
don’t want to be out here,” Lam said “I pulled all the faculty and many other departments because I know it can be hard to get a hold of faculty or talk to faculty.”
There were rows of clubs and different departments, with some playing games and some having little gifts to hand out to students.
The psychology department and Addiction Studies Club passed out chilled drinks for students at the booth. Christopher Froehler, the president of the Addiction Studies Club and an addiction studies major, described the club’s mission and some benefits.
“We encourage people to go to the Student Health Service Center to get Narcan training, they also offer free dental exams every Wednesday.” Froehler said. “ We try to raise awareness of programs on campus that are currently running that can help improve someone’s health.”
Students were not just encouraged to look at courses based on their majors or clubs they participate in, but to also take a look at what each department has to offer. Isaiah
Magana is a political science major, but he stopped to ask a couple philosophy questions at the philosophy department table.
“It was cool to actually connect with the philosophy department even though I am a political science major,” Magana said. “ I had a couple questions about a symbolic logic class they had and they were able to refer me.”
Students who may be confused if their major suits them or have any questions about opportunities, are encouraged to attend the fair to gain insight about any of their concerns.
Sandy Dubin, the department assistant for hospitality management and computer applications, explained that in this specific department there are “a range of positions that can be available.”
Her colleague Carolin Crane, who taught business communications classes added “when [students] get their degree they see these extra certifications they got and it really promotes them when they are in a job interview.”
Former Pierce College sociology major Monique Lopez, who is now a UCLA student, talks with the PACE director Joleen Rodriguez about her life after transferring during the Major Fair event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Dean of Social Sciences Susan Rhi-Kleinert talks with students at the philosophy booth during the Major Fair event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Computer Science Major Abdullah Rasheedi talks with Geologist Harry Filkorn at the Physics andPlanetary Sciences Major booth at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2024.
Karla Villacorta / Roundup News
Pumpkins galore this autumn
Some of Pierce College’s land has been rented for a pumpkin patch, allowing families to get in the spooky mood this autumn. The pumpkin patch is nestled along the corner of Victory
It opened in late September and will run through Halloween.
Hanna Van Der Gugten / Roundup News
Marzia Rankin / Roundup News
Marlene Fuentes holds a medium pumpkin for Enrique Fuentes at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 28, 2024.
People explore the pumpkin patch at night near Victory Boulevard and De Soto Avenue at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2024.
Hanna Van Der Gugten / Roundup News
Families play at the pumpkin patch at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 28, 2024.
Boulevard and De Soto Avenue.
Copy by Delilah Brumer.
Football victory over Rams
By Jonathan Wheelock Reporter
The Pierce College Brahmas pulled ahead against the Victor Valley Rams on Oct. 5, with a 4535 win, which increased their overall record to 3-2. This game marked the final game before the football team enters before conference play.
Coach Devon Esteen made notes of some of the key moments that led to this Bbrahma victory.
“Some of the key plays we had today were our defensive backs finally coming down making tackles instead of missing tackles,” Esteen said. “Seon Wilburn had a big interception that was a big momentum turn. After his interception, defense never looked back andv pulled away with the game.”
Less than two minutes before the end of the second quarter, the Brahmas lost possession of the ball. andI IitIt looked like the game would remain a tie into halftime, until Defensive Lineman Seon Wilburn made an interception, regaining
possession for the Brahmas.
With less than a minute on the clock, the Brahmas made their way up the field with a complete pass to Tederrius Strowbridge.
The Brahmas got stopped short of the end zone with one second left before halftime. They decided to set up for a field goal in an attempt to break the tie and go into halftime with a lead. However, the field goal turned out to be a fake field goal and the Brahmas ran the ball into the endzone, securing a touchdown, with an extra point field goal and, breaking the tie at the end of the second quarter with a score of 35-28.
“It was just the team coming together finally, putting all those small things together and just playing and producing,”
Receiver Tenorris Merkel said.
“Everybody had to be locked in together. And that’s what brought us together and got us this win today.”
During the third quarter, the Brahmas are able to make a 20yard field goal pushing the score more in their favor.
The Rams made a touchdown
in the fourth quarter. with the The extra point mademaking the game close with a score of 38-35.
After the Rams touchdown, the Brahmas were kept on their side until a first down allowed them to make a push up to the 48- yard line.
Running Back Randy Peters then pushed deeper into Rams territory, making his way down to the 28- yard line.
With two minutes left until the end of the game, Running Back Ladarius Gatlin was able to score the final touchdown of the game, securing the Brahmas victory over the Rams.
“My guys did their assignment as far as blocking, but I had to try to beat that angle because the guy was coming at an angle and I just had to outrun him using my Florida speed,” Gatlin said. “It felt good man, it felt good”
The Brahmas’ next game will be Oct. 19, 2024 at Shepard Stadium against Glendale Community College with a special start time of 10 a.m. This game will mark their first game of conference play for the season.
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News
Pierce College Libero Adriana Luna (#8) passes the ball in a game against Moorpark College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2024.
Brahmas lose 3-0 against Raiders
The Pierce College women’s volleyball team faced off against Moorpark College at the South Gym on Oct. 2, losing to them 3-0. The Brahmas’ record is now 1-9.
Adriana Luna is the women’s volleyball team captain and reflected on the game, giving credit to her team for putting forth their best efforts while also stating that there is room for improvement.
“To grow from here, we’ve taken the initiative of creating more team bondings and making sure we communicate as much
as possible to each other,” Luna said. “It’s easy to get upset after losing a game, blame yourself for errors, and start to disconnect from the team, and that’s what makes team bondings and group meetings so important.”
Copy
by Matthew Stewart.
Pierce College Running Back Randy Peters (#5) runs with the ball while Victor Valley College players try to hold him back on Oct. 5, 2024, at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.
Hanna Vandergugten / Roundup News