The Spectator 04-30-2015

Page 1

Volume 88 Issue 14

April 30, 2015

This Day In History Ellen comes out! On this day in 1997, famous talk show host Ellen DeGeneres came out both with her character on “Ellen” and in her personal life. The character became the first openly gay character on prime-time television. Source: History.com

Weather Today Partly Cloudy

John Preer/THE SPECTATOR

Eric Sheppard at the rally that took place on Monday, April 20. Sheppard is still wanted.

Still wanted

Support group for wanted protestor plans to raise thousands of dollars raised nearly $1,300 as of MULTIMEDIA EDITOR press time, and csedwards@valdosta.edu refers to the Valdosta police Valdosta Police as “pigs.” Chief Brian Childress The group is also expressed his annoytrying to raise several ance Monday over thousand dollars to a group of supportprovide food and ers claiming that his shelter for Sheppard police department is once he is bailed out. treating Eric ShepA Facebook page pard wrongly, just as titled “Eric Sheppard Sheppard’s family Support Initiative” has hired a lawyer also had nearly 2,000 who is calling on the likes as of press community to support time. The Facebook what they are referpage reads, “The ring to as a “protesEric Sheppard Suptor’s activism.” port Initiative is a Sheppard created a community-organized national media fireawareness group storm while walking bringing attention to on an American flag the unjust targeting of during a self-initiated Eric Sheppard.” protest on the pedes“Mr. Sheppard trian mall on April is wrong here, not 17. Sheppard is now law enforcement,” wanted by police who Childress said on consider him to be Monday, according to “armed and dangerWALB-TV. “I’m sick ous” after a gun was of people saying that allegedly found on we’re treating him campus on April 21 wrong, or we’ve done in a backpack belong something wrong to to him. him or he’s in fear The “Eric Sheppard for his life. Fear of Support Initiative” what? He’s the one group set up on the who brought a gun to fundraiser site Indicampus.” egogo Life has a total Childress warned goal of $20,000 to about the use of bail Sheppard out of money to help Shepjail if and when he is pard avoid being located and arrested. arrested. The website has

Cole Edwards

Friday Sunny

Saturday Sunny

Source: Weather.com

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“If we find out you’re harboring him, and I can prove it, you’re going in handcuffs,” Childress said. The group is planning to come to Valdosta and hand deliver the bail money to Sheppard’s parents if he is arrested. Meanwhile, the law firm that Sheppard’s family hired released a statement earlier in the week supporting Sheppard’s actions. “We have a history of representing activists who have lifted their voices in order to shine a bright light on social justice issues in America,” said attorney Mawuli Davis of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm in metro Atlanta, according to the Valdosta Daily Times. “EJ is a new young voice that we cannot allow to be silenced and criminalized. He is worthy of our support and the support of the community.” “The bag was not found in Mr. Sheppard’s possession,” continued the statement. “He has been active in the fight for justice in the Kendrick Johnson case and

has demanded an end to systemic racism.” Community activists are expected to join the law firm at a press conference at 2 p.m. today in Decatur to urge for what they are calling “the safe surrender of Eric ‘EJ’ Sheppard.” The effects of the protests were still being felt across campus on Wednesday evening. “I feel like he should have gone about getting his point across in a better manner,” Deja Merritt, sophomore, mass media major, said. “He should accept his consequences because he didn’t have to go about doing it in that way.” “I just don’t think the whole thing should even be on campus,” Copeland Felts, senior computer information science major, said “If there going to do whatever, then it should just be dealt with off campus. As far as raising money, I don’t see what there would be a cause to raise money for besides maybe his bond.”

Photo Courtsey of Facebook

Check out Elan Waite’s post finals survival guide.

Inside This Issue

- OPINIONS: You are VSU; be proud to be a Blazer - FEATURES: Emerging artists grand finale

- SPORTS: Blazer bond that will last a lifetime

Photo Illustration by Jordan Barela/THE SPECTATOR

“Dead Day” the day where there are no classes or finals, is a thing of the past. President McKinney approved the new schedule without Dead Day last year.

Dead Day gone

Day long break for students taken out of calendar Cole Edwards

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR csedwards@valdosta.edu Enjoy yourself Tuesday on “dead day” because there’s not another one coming along at least through 2020. Last year at this time, President William J. McKinney approved a schedule devised by the faculty-senate that will take effect this fall. The final schedule VSU has been accustomed to will be changed. The new calendar will now include a four-day finals week for both fall and spring semesters, a three-day Thanksgiving break and a two-day fall break. There will be no dead day during finals week either semester.

At the time, Dr. McKinney said he believed the decision “serves the best interest of most Valdosta State students, faculty and staff.” Across campus, students are expressing that they will likely miss the extra day to study. “I kind of like that there’s an extra day to spread the exam out on, but I do still wish we had that extra day to study,” Britleigh Rogers, sophomore special educations major, said. To some students, “dead day” is already non-existent. “I already have a test this year on dead day, so I already feel like my dead day is gone,” Sam Sewell, junior speech communications major, said. “I do think dead day is a good thing, and they shouldn’t take it away.”

Campus crime decreases, students don’t see the results Jyrell Wynn

STAFF WRITER jdwynn@valdosta.edu Ann Farmer, assistant director of VSUPD, states crime has not surged on campus. According to the crime statistics report, rape, robbery and aggravated assault are just some of the crime that decreased dramatically. From 2011 to 2013, documented robberies declined from 111 to 70, according to VSU police Clery report. “We have officers doing more foot patrol and safety for housing,” Farmer said. “We have a safer campus than others.” Farmer says there are improvements with the addition of more foot patrol, filling in open positions and working with other departments on campus to address the feelings of students to ensure

crime stats decline. “If you compare other universities in cities, we have a safe campus,” Farmer said. “I think school is safe.” Michaela Leung, sophomore mass media major, believes crime is not decreasing, but will eventually stabilize. “There are a lot of robbers, crime decreases, happens again, and it becomes normal,” Leung said. Andrew Scott, sophomore business management major, believes the security is working even though the results are not clearly shown. Burglaries decreased from 855 to 709 in those same three years. Scott hasn’t heard much about the new tactics being enforced, but he still is concerned about the safety on campus. “Doesn’t affect day to day life, but is disappointing,” Scott said.

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Upcoming Events Blazin’ Finale

April 30 Doors open at 6 p.m. P.E. Complex SGA, along with Greek and student organizations will host the Hall vs. Hall Stepshow Throwdown, followed by a basketball game between faculty/staff and students. South Georgia String Project Performance May 4 6 p.m. Whitehead Auditorium The public is invited to attend VSU’s Department of Music and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra’s end of the season concert, followed by a reception in the Fine Arts Building lobby. Free Tutoring on Dead Day May 5 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Student Union Come to the Union to get free tutoring in English, Spanish, biology, math and chemistry! Free coffee and donuts will be provided, as well as aromatherapy and yoga. Tutors will be available from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Police Briefs

APRIL 30, 2015

Model United Nations places high at national competition Jamel Shorter

Staff Writer jhshorter@valdosta.edu VSU has many hid­ den talents and hard­ working students who aren’t in the everyday spotlight, and some of these students are in the VSU chapter of the Model United Nations. The Model United Nations is an aca­ demic competition in which students engage in diplomacy, matters about inter­ national relations and the United Nations. It ideally is a simula­ tor where students portray ambassadors from various coun­ tries and get experi­ ence in the fields in which they aspire to join. Paige Dumas, ju­ nior political science major and public rela­ tions representative for the Model UN here at VSU, spoke about what has been going on within the organization. Dumas spoke about

how last month they hosted a high school conference, where 300 students from all across the state of Georgia came and simulated United Na­ tions procedures. The students also received the opportunity to interact with other students and see the campus as well. Model United Na­ tions recently finished nationals, which were held in New York, and placed in the top 15 percent. “We are very ex­ cited about placing in the top 15 percent be­ cause this (is) a new group of members, all of our past members have graduated, and we were very nervous but also very proud of ourselves,” Dumas said. Dumas also ex­ plained why this team is so great to work with. “We’re all friends…We ended up working well together as a team

The sudoku grid consists of eighty-one squares in a nine by nine grid. To solve the sudoku, each square in the grid must contain a number between one and nine, with the following conditions: Each row of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. Each column of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. Each of the nine 3 by 3 boxes of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 ANSWER ON PAGE 5

· · ·

Dr. Carol Glen

The Model United Nations team proudly holds the awards it received in front of the United Nations building.

and listening to the thoughts of other stu­ dents around us and being a really good delegation,” Dumas said. Also while in New York, at the confer­ ence, students met people from Lebanon, France, Tokyo and even Taiwan with similar goals and aspirations. What’s next for the Model UN? The team is hoping to be grant­ ed the opportunity of going to the Czech Republic, for another Model UN conference, and if they don’t attend

that specific event then the team will head up to Atlanta for regionals. The team is hop­ ing to achieve its goal of going to the Czech Republic and is currently starting fundraising projects and continuing with community work, as well. To support their team, anyone can contact chapter president, Jennifer Dandron, or Dr. Carol Glenn, their faculty advisor.

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A female reported that she was in front of Odum Library when two or three black males walked by her, and one of them pulled her hair. She reported that they took off running east toward the Lowndes/Brown/Patterson area. She reported that the black male who pulled her hair was wearing a white shirt with paint-like splotches on it, had facial hair, and was about 5’9” with a slender/average build.

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April 27

acnapier@valdosta.edu or

A female in Centennial Hall reported that she believed there was sugar put into her gas tank while she was parked outside of Centennial.

Elan Waite, Editor in Chief ewaite@valdosta.edu

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APRIL 30, 2015

VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 3

U.S needs higher minimum wage

Our point of view...

Minimum wage growth

Kailee Kivett

STAFF WRITER klkivett@valdosta.edu

Actual vs. hypothetical growth rate of average production worker wages and productivity (1986-2014) $20 Minimum wage at growth rate of productivity

MCT Campus

You are VSU

Be proud to be a Blazer Fellow Blazers, it is safe to say that 2015 started off with a bang. We here at The Spectator did our very best to keep you in the know about any and everything happening on your campus. While we tried to make sure every photo was crisp and every article was detailed, we know there is still so much more going on at this school than this dedicated staff of highly qualified reporters and editors can cover. This year has seen resignations and elections, crime and awards, peaceful protests and radical demonstrations. We’ve been recognized for academic triumphs and for nationwide news coverage. Blazers, we have shared a lot of memories this spring semester of 2015. Many have, in the last few weeks, made comments about the state of VSU. Public posts on social media gave way to campuswide criticism of where our college is heading. Enrollment decreases and tuition increases have taken front and center in the eyes of students here and those eager to put on that black and red in the fall. To the unsettled hearts and minds, we say this: This is Valdosta State University, the home of the Blazers and the West Hall

Dome. We are what we make our school. We are a community, dedicated to a level of higher learning that many have not dared attempt. We are our football team as well as our Anime and Magna Club. We are the debate team and Greek Life. We are students, faculty and staff. We are a body, with people of all different shapes, sizes, colors and creeds. We need to come together, celebrate both our differences and similarities. Next year, those who are still here, go out and join a club you’ve never heard of, take a class you wouldn’t normally try, walk around without your phone and make new friends. Those who are sadly leaving, take that with you wherever you may go. Talk to the person next to you on a bus, apply for that job you really want but don’t think you will get, tell someone about your years here with us. Let us remember, as you tuck yourself away in the last available study room, as you pack up that minifridge and well-used microwave to be stored away for the summer, as you search Pinterest for that perfect design for your graduation cap, you are— now and forever—VSU.

This editorial was written by a member of the editorial staff and expresses the general opinion of The Spectator.

It’s time to end sexual assault

According to CNN, the U.S. economy has produced an average of 261,000 jobs every month for the past year. However, minimum wage has only been increased by 52 cents in the same amount of time. Although new jobs are being created every month, the recovery process is actually considered by experts to be too slow. It took six and a half years for the economy to reinstate the jobs that were lost at the beginning of the recession. This pace is costly for numerous unemployed households, and needs to be quickened. Plus, all of the jobs being created are centered in retail, food services and housekeeping, which are all low-wage occupations. The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development shows that the U.S. has one of the highest percentages of low wage jobs, beating out Japan, Korea and Germany. These statistics are making

ASST. OPINIONS EDITOR klkesselring@valdosta.edu “No means no” sounds simple, right? However, when it comes to sexual assault within the millennial generation, it appears not to mean “no.” Sexual assault is a problem that has become more prevalent on college campuses across the United States, but our society’s solution to this problem is not working. Millennial women are taught to not put themselves in positions where they could possibly be raped, but millennial men are not educated on the topic of rape nearly as much. This is a way our society has unintentionally promoted a culture that insists on restraining women instead of educating men. The solution in the past to

“80 percent of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30.” this problem has been to insist on women enduring seminars, self-defense classes, and lectures from adults in their life on how to keep themselves safe from rape. However, millennial men do not have to sit through the same lectures on how they can stop the issue plaguing our generation. Clearly this solution is not working. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, 80 percent of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30 and two-thirds of

sexual violence crimes are committed between acquaintances. These statistics are alarming and should be to all millennials across the United States. To begin fixing this problem, it is vital for our society to begin educating men on the definition and the repercussions of rape. The more millennial men are talked to about rape, the more it will be in the back of their minds when they interact with women in social or sexual settings. Teamwork is the only way our generation can end sexual assault. Men and women must work together to educate each other on how to end this crime; but until our society stops placing the responsibility on one gender, rape on college campuses will continue to be a problem.

Spectator Staff Copy Editors: Opinions Editor:

Editor-in-Chief: Elan Waite Print Editor: John Stephen Digital Editor: Jordan Barela Advertising Manager: Aimee Napier Business Manager: Kristen Varney Circulation Manager: Kailyn Middleton

Jordan Hill Features Editor: John Preer Sports Editor: Kristin Whitman Photo Editor: Tyra Mills Stella Henderson Multimedia Editor: Cole Edwards Web Editor: Kayla Stroud

Tatyana Phelps Adrienne Fry Graphic Designers: Mike LaGon, Savannah Hensley Faculty Advisers: Dr. Pat Miller, Dr. Ted Geltner, Cindy Montgomery Reporters/Photographers: Lia Armistead, Niamini Carlyle-Hollis, Alex Corbitt, Tierra Francois, Zenobia Harris, Ivey Ingalls-Rubin, Kenzie Kesselring, Kailee Kivett, Erin Martin, Stuart Price, Chris Webb, Austin Wells

Real minimum wage (2014 dollars)

15

$10.91

10

$9.54

$7.25

5

'70

'75

'80

'85

'90

'95

'00

'05

'10

'14

Source: Economic Policy Institute Graphic: Tribune News Service

college students everywhere nervous. More people are entering the work force with a college degree every year, which means more people competing for the same jobs. Students are paying plenty of money to earn a quality education and they do not seem to be getting the proper return on their investment. According to CNN, the average salary is less in real dollars than it was in 1980. The U.S. desperately needs to provide higher minimum wages to keep up with this

MCT Campus

state of the economy. Some cities, such as Los Angeles, are planning to increase the minimum wage within the next two years. Seattle is already ahead, though, with the minimum wage set at $15 an hour. There is a plan from Washington D.C. to increase the minimum wage to at least $11.50 for the rest of the country by 2016. Hopefully, this plan will provide some necessary relief for households across the nation.

Letter from the editor: Good-Bye VSU Jordan Hill

OPINIONS EDITOR jorhill@valdosta.edu While VSU has been the center of attention for the past few weeks, it’s been the center of my attention for the past four years. My college graduation is quickly approaching, and I am thrilled. As one chapter of my life comes to a close, I look back at all the great times I’ve had at VSU: skipping class to sleep late, attending free concerts, meeting weird people who have become my best friends. As my college clock ticks, I’m reminded of what I have gained through my time here in Valdosta. I worked part-time jobs and internships that gave me the confidence and experience to have a job waiting after graduation. Gaining experience during your college career is crucial if you want to survive on your own. Organizations and part-time jobs on campus give you work experience for your portfolio, but also experience dealing with controversy and strife.

Education needed to change culture Kenzie Kesselring

$18.42

Minimum wage at growth rate of real average wages

Those two skills are desperately needed when applying for jobs after graduation. I’ll be leaving behind editors and writers at The Spectator who I have spent Wednesday nights (and often mornings) with and my professors and mentors who gave me a solid foundation on which to build my career. I complained every step of the way when working on projects, stories and jobs, but each task made me a better person. This community has given more to me than I could have imagined. I expected college to be stressful with too much work and not enough time, and it has; but it also gave me memories that will stick with me as I cry after my first day in the real world. If you are still reading this column, I appreciate you sticking with me through the typical college goodbye letter. Your time will come soon enough, and I hope you are smart enough to learn from the graduates that have gone before you. This campus and this community is what you make it. If you’re lucky, you’ll take a little piece of it with you.

People Poll:

Who would you like to be your commencement speaker during graduation?

Brian Breeland Freshman Physical Education

Tyler Barker Senior Comm. Science

Lindsey Glenn Senior Psychology

“Tim Tebow because he’s just an inspirational man and it’d be awesome to hear him speak and meet him.”

“I would like for our commencement speaker to be someone from the political or entertainment background. I feel like those two settings are fitting.”

“I feel like graduating from college some type of judge or law enforcer would be a great.”

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Opinions expressed in The Spectator other than editorials are the opinions of the writers of signed columns and not neccessarily those of The Spectator and its staff. All rights reserved. Reprints by permission of the editors. Views in this newspaper are not neccessarily those of the Valdosta State University administration, faculty and staff.


PAGE 4 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM

APRIL 30, 2015

Emerging Artists Grand Finale VSU Post-Finals Survival Guide Zenobia Harris

Asst. Features Editor znharris@valdosta.edu VSU’s Fine Arts department ended the year with a musical bang at their Fifth Annual Emerging Artist Showcase, displaying the talents of VSU’s “up-andcoming” dance and theater students. The Emerging Artist Showcase kicked off its first performance with the Student Choreography Showcase on April 23, which featured a variety of choreographed dance numbers. There were different genres of music and dance. Some pieces focused on promoting awareness about a certain cause such “Unspoken Words,” a dance focusing on domestic violence, which was choreographed by Kelsey Johnson and performed by Antoinette Williams. However, this was not the only piece that captivated and spoke to the audience. Tia Lewis, a VSU student who has attended other Emerging Artist showcases at VSU, said

that she was inspired by one performance in particular, a number choreographed by Kia J. Street entitled “So-Me.” “It was about learning to accept your body and loving yourself for who you are,” Lewis said. “There was a scene where they actually stripped on stage to show all the different bodies and how they are all beautiful.” The emerging artist showcase is not just a great way to end the year for dance majors, it is also a very special experience for theater majors. Friday and Sunday’s Musical Theater Showcase featured a variety of musical selections from well-known plays, Broadway musicals and movies like “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from the Little Mermaid and “What is This Feeling” from the Broadway musical “Wicked,” which was performed by senior theater students Chéla North and Jazzë Lewis. North performed several other numbers during the Musical Theater Showcase including “Poor Child,” “The

Miller’s Son,” and “Twelve Children” by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. She said that the showcase is an important time for both dance and theater students, but she feels that the musical theater showcase was particularly special. “For me, it is important because I can remember my freshman year coming in and seeing the graduating seniors do their showcase and being so impressed!” North said. “Ever since then, all my class has talked about is what we'd do when it was our turn! It's such a great way to show who you are as an artist.” She and several other theater and dance majors starred in VSU’s adaptation of “The Wiz” earlier this month. This emerging artist showcase will be the last for several of the students including North, who is graduating in May. She says that the class has left quite a mark on the theater program and has made their last show together “a very happy, yet sad one.”

Gronkowski not happy with Gronking; Jenner interview leaves Kris Jenner speechless

asked Jenner’s former wives questions on the topic. All of them gave thoughtful responses except for his most recent and most prominent ex, Kris, who said “No Comment.” I think it’s safe to assume that she’ll only give her opinion when she’s getting paid. Expect an interview involving her and the rest of the Kardashian Klan coming soon. In “Why is this even a thing?” News How did this even happen? I don’t know, but an Ohio couple filed a lawsuit against author Lacey Noonan, as well as the self-publishing platforms of Apple, Amazon and Barnes & Noble for the selling of erotica book “A Gronking to Remember.” Yes, that’s right, “A Gronking to Remember.” It’s a play on New England Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski’s name. The author used an unauthorized photo of them on the cover. It’s safe to assume Noonan put her Flickr account to good use. The story is about a woman who ventured to a New England Patriots’ game. When Gronkowski scored a touchdown and did his patented “Gronk Spike” she got a little…excited. Want to know the most horrifying part? If you want this book you’d have the shell out $3 for a meager 68 pages. Oh, and heads up. The sequel was just released.

A butthurt singer Jessie J unfollows After fans cursed her out on Twitter, singer Jessie J paid them back by unfollowing everyone on her account. With the exception of the four people who bought her last album. How lucky for them. She would then go on to tweet about her being underappreciated and how if she started to sing like a “donkey” they’d have a reason the curse her out. Although no one is sure why the fans were upset or why Jessie would react so drastically to trolls, her Twitter mentions are hilarious right now. I can’t blame her. I wouldn’t want 1000+ fans clogging my timeline either.

Miley and Liam possibly reconciling? After spending several years apart it seems as if Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth might be getting back together. According to US Weekly, the two have been spotted together for the first time in months. This comes weeks after her split from Patrick Schwarzenegger, who was caught in a precarious situation with another woman while vacationing. No word from their reps on confirmation. Bruce Jenner Interview/Kris Jenner doesn’t know how The former Olympian had a sit down interview with Diane Sawyer last Friday night where he finally told the world that he was planning on going through with a sex change. The two hour special was very informative and went in depth on Jenner’s past and his struggles. ABC

wikimedia

As with all great check lists, we must start with a Netflix account. We’re not saying it has to be yours, we’re just saying it has to be available.

Elan Waite

Editor-In-Chief ewaite@valdosta.edu

Work out. Maybe not a full cardio routine but a nice 20 minute YouTube inspired yoga session can’t hurt.

Treat yourself. There is no reason why a college student cannot treat themselves Take a trip: to an ice cream cone; After that last we’re all adults final, you just here. drive. It can be to the nearest park or down to Florida. Chances are You’ve managed to survive 16 you’ve been stuck weeks of school and that last week in a study room.

is the hardest to get through. Here’s a checklist to help you unwind after finals week.

The Spectator

Recruiting For Summer & Fall 2015: Graphic Designers - Print, Web & Mobile Advertising Sales Representatives Marketing Assistants - Promotions or Research Writers Copy Editors Photographers Assistant Editors

To A p p l y : Email Cover Letter, Resume & Samples of Work to: Aimee Napier, Advertising Manager acnapier@valdosta.edu or

Elan Waite, Editor in Chief ewaite@valdosta.edu


APRIL 30, 2015

VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 5

Courtesy of VSU Athletics

Blazer softball holds the No.1 position in the Gulf South Conference and will host the tournament starting today at 10 a.m. and ending May 2 with a tournament winner.

Softball hosts GSC tournament Stuart Price

Sports Writer stprice@valdosta.edu The Lady Blazer softball team was able to get a huge win last weekend against Mississippi College when senior Fran Johnson hit a twoout, bottom of the seventh inning double to give the Blazers a walk-off win. As the No. 1 team in the conference, the Blazers get the privilege of hosting this year’s Gulf South Conference

Tournament. Despite an hour and 40 minute intermission brought on by heavy rain and lightning, the Lady Blazers were finally able to get a surge of offense in the final inning of the game. Heather Robinson was able to get the momentum started by dropping in a bloop single and reaching first base safely with no outs. After a hard line-out to third and another strikeout by Mississippi pitcher Carlie

Sargent, Johnson came to the plate with the game on the line. She drove the two-strike pitch through the right-center field gap and missed a homer by just inches. Pinch runner Brittany Smith scored from first and sealed the deal for the Lady Blazers. Junior pitcher Caitlyn Calhoun was able to get yet another “W” and improve to 27-3 for the year. The UAH Chargers, UNA Lions, Shorter Hawks, Union Lady Bulldogs and the

Delta State Lady Statesmen all travel to Valdosta this weekend for the tournament at Steel’s Diamond at Blazer Park. The Blazers have fared well in conference play this season, posting a 25-4 conference record. Against teams playing in the tournament, the Lady Blazers have posted a record of 11-3. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Patterson Street location today through May 3. Tickets and passes are available now. No. 9 B.J. Harmon slides into third base. The team heads into the Gulf South Conference Tournment with an overall record of 28-17 and 19-11 in conference play. The Blazers are No. 5 in the GSC and are set to play the first tournment game on May 2 against No. 2 seed The University of AlabamaHuntsville.

Courtesy of VSU Athletics

No. 5 Blazer baseball heads to the GSC tournment after a loss against GC Aldean Starr

Sports Writer astarr@valdosta.edu At Billy Grant Field, on their last game before the Gulf South Conference Tournament at May 2 at noon against Alabama-Huntsville, the Valdosta State Blazers baseball team suffered a devastating 9-1 defeat to the Georgia College Bobcats. The Blazers started out strong with Jared Stanley throwing two quick strikeouts in the first inning, but the momentum shifted swiftly when the Blazers ended the bottom of first inning with zero runs on their side of the scoreboard and left the bases loaded. The Bobcats eventually earned five runs at the top of the third inning which started

a horrible day for the Blazers. The Bobcats’ sixth run was scored on a wild pitch in the fourth inning. The pitch summarized the whole ball game of mishaps for the Blazers as they left a multitude of runners in scoring position and committed a total of three errors. These errors proved to be significant because Georgia College did not commit any. The difference in the game also proved to be hits due to the fact that the Bobcats recorded 11, while the Blazers, who are ranked second in the conference in batting average, only tallied five. It was a blowout through the whole game as the Bobcats made huge plays, such as a strategic stolen base

and a spectacular diving foul ball catch to end the eighth inning for the Blazers. Conference batting average leader Hayden Jones hit a slump after not recording a single hit in four attempts and a walk. It was not all bad as outfielder BJ Harmon held his own after going two for three, and shortstop Mike Reed hit a double early in the contest. Ryan Smith also had a huge game after going two for four, and hit a home run that prevented a shutout and gave the Blazers some confidence heading into the tournament. The Blazers currently sit fifth in the GSC standings which earned them the No. 5 seed in the conference tournament after achieving a 28-17 overall record with a 19-11 conference record.

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PAGE 6 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM

APRIL 30, 2015

Kristin Whitman/THE SPECTATOR

Junior Jennifer Rink serves the ball in a doubles match up against Columbus State University Cougars at the the Valdosta State Tennis Courts on April 8. The Lady Blazers fell to an overall record 9-11 after the defeat, while CSU improved to 16-2 overall. The team ended their seaon 10-13 overall and a GSC record of 7-2. The team started the GSC tournment against The University of West Alabama, winning 5-2 moving them into the second round against Shorter University where they took a devastating loss 5-2 ending their 2015 season on April 18.

Blazer bond that will last a lifetime Women’s tennis closes out the 2015 season and reflects on what they accomplished Lia Armistead

Asst. Sports Editor jparmistead@valdosta.edu The Valdosta State women’s tennis team ended its season on April 18 after just barely losing to No. 2 Shorter College, 5-2, in the Gulf South Conference tournament. The Lady Blazers put up a good fight throughout the tournament, however, they lost against No. 6, North Alabama, 5-2. Although the team did not have the season that it had hoped for, with a record of 10-13, its teamwork and enthusiasm showed through the entire season. “When we first started the season, I felt like we had one of the best teams we’ve ever had at Valdosta State,” Head Coach John Hansen said. Hansen has been coaching at VSU for the

past 42 seasons. The season got off to a rough start for the Lady Blazers, after losing two players, Michelle Fischer and Laura Ubeda, due to injuries, causing the team to come from behind during every single match. However, the team pushed through the obstacles and tried its best throughout the entire season, keeping up with some of the best teams in the nation and still ended up being nationally ranked. “The best part of the season was the team bonding,” Hansen said. “There were a couple of wins at the beginning of the season that let us know we still have something.” The 2015 women’s tennis team has become one of the closest teams throughout the season, each and every player bonding

together. Junior Jennifer Rink has been playing for the Blazers for the past three years, after moving from Germany. According to Rink, the bond between each player this season has been nothing like any other season. Rink was impressed that the team was able to get as far as it did in the season, due to their lack of players. “We were counting on each other,” Rink said. “The atmosphere was fun and so much better [than other seasons] and I think everybody improved a lot during the season.” As the season comes to an end, and seniors graduate, this season’s women’s tennis team will be one of the most memorable, with the bonding of the team and the success of becoming nationally ranked, minus all the obstacles in the way.


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