The Reveille 4-25-24

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TRIPLE THREAT

The personalities behind LSU’s pitchers.

Thursday, April 25, 2024 Est. 1887 Volume 134 · No. 53
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TIGER TRIO

How LSU softball’s three starters vary in approach

The bases are loaded with two outs and a full count. Will LSU get the strikeout to end the inning, or will its opponent score a run?

Every Tiger pitcher has been in this situation and got out of it.

They throw a drop ball, rise ball or curveball to catch the batter looking or swinging at the third strike. The crowd, already standing and clapping, erupts into even louder cheering.

If ace pitcher Sydney Berzon threw the strikeout, she’s smiling and celebrating to set her teammates up for the next at-bat.

If it’s second-day pitcher Kelley Lynch, she’ll crack a smile, but is still ultimately calm, just like she was throughout the critical moment.

If it’s third-day pitcher Raelin Chaffin, she’s pointing at the batter, calling them out for taking her bait. She’s aggressive with the celebration just like her pitching style.

All tasked with the same job, LSU’s starting pitchers have the same end goal: throw strikes, shutout opponents. But how they get there is varied. Not only do they each have a distinct pitching arsenal, but they show their differing personalities throughout each game.

“I really like the combination of them,” head coach Beth Torina said. “I think they’re so different. I think that’s what makes us so tough to prepare for. All three pitchers have very different strengths, very different looks.”

Together, the three pitchers create a Tiger triple threat in each series.

Serving as LSU’s ace pitcher and main reliever, sophomore Berzon has a lot on her plate when on the mound.

She’s thrown into games when the bases are loaded,

when LSU has already given up multiple runs or when the Tigers desperately need a third out.

But, Berzon is ready when her number is called, and she always performs with positivity.

“It’s funny because Syd is the same way in the bullpen as she is in the game,” Chaffin said. “She’s always smiling.”

Berzon doesn’t let the negative status of a game affect her mind or arm.

“I like to keep it light,” Berzon said. “I like to keep it loose even in those situations, and the excitement just helps me a lot.”

Sticking to the positive mindset, Berzon said she likes coming into games during crucial moments, as it’s a chance to improve and change the energy of the game.

Berzon ranks in the top 10 of the Southeastern Conference in strikeouts, batters struck out

looking, wins and saves.

“We call her ‘Syd Burrr’ because she’s cold … She always looks the same, and it’s something that definitely helps her be successful,” left fielder Ali Newland said.

Kelley Lynch

When watching an LSU softball game, it’s hard to gage Lynch’s emotions in the circle. She can walk a batter or strike them out, and her face won’t show it. She’s all-around calm and collected.

“I think some people say I look mad all the time,” Lynch laughed. “But I’m really just focused in, trying to get the job done.”

She has to be locked in for all seven innings. Lynch’s job isn’t done after pitching.

As a dual-threat player, she has to be ready to play offense, too. If Lynch scores a run, it’s good for LSU. But, if she scores on a day she’s pitching, it helps take away some pressure on the mound.

“I think it creates a cool balance,” Lynch said. “I don’t have to come in the dugout and worry about what I just did on the mound for 15 minutes. I get to put my helmet on and focus on hitting. It allows me to stay really present.”

Lynch transferred to LSU after playing four seasons at Washington. She now produces on offense and defense for the Tigers in a laid back, easygoing way. She said this mentality helps her stay focused.

“I try to keep my breath and heart rate as even as possible because I know that’s when I perform best, and I’m the most consistent,” Lynch said.

However, off the field, she

shows a different personality to her teammates.

“Kelley is actually really goofy outside of it,” Chaffin said. “In the game you see her super nonchalant, and she’s actually super goofy and fun. It’s weird to see two different sides from her. From the game to the bullpen, it’s two completely different things.”

Raelin Chaffin

Since her freshman season with LSU, Chaffin’s had a mission to pitch in every Southeastern Conference series. Now a junior, she’s on track to complete this goal in her last seasons with the Tigers.

Chaffin’s had notable wins this year against Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Houston.

“I’ve pitched the most innings I’ve ever pitched this season already … It’s been super cool to see myself grow into that,” Chaffin said.

Using vocals to enunciate her strikes or stomping her feet in celebration, Chaffin is assertive in the circle. She’s not afraid to feel and show excitement in the middle of a game.

If a batter watches her third strike, Chaffin will point at them, letting them know she won that battle.

“I always get super excited about the little things,” Chaffin said. “I celebrate all the little wins within the win itself.”

Chaffin said she gets pumped up after a big strikeout or play because it rubs off onto her teammates, getting them ready for the next at-bat.

With the regular season coming to an end, postseason tournaments are approaching. LSU’s pitchers will be key in carrying this team past the first rounds.

page 2 B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803 LSUReveille.com @lsureveille CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS ABOUT THE REVEILLE The Reveille is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free from multiple sites on campus and about 25 sites off campus. To obtain additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall or email studentmedia@ lsu.edu. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. The Reveille is funded through LSU students’ payments of the Student Media fee. The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsu.edu. ADVERTISING (225) 578-6090 Layout/Ad Design BEAU MARTINEZ Layout/Ad Design SAMUEL NGUYEN NEWSROOM (225) 578-4811 Editor in Chief CLAIRE SULLIVAN Managing Editor LAUREN MADDEN Digital Editor OLIVIA TOMLINSON News Editor OLIVER BUTCHER Deputy News Editor CROSS HARRIS Sports Editor PETER RAUTERKUS Deputy Sports Editor MACKAY SUIRE Entertainment Editor MATILDA SIPP Opinion Editor COLIN FALCON Multimedia Editor MATTHEW PERSCHALL Production Editor EMMA DUHÉ Chief Designer PAOLA SANTIAGO RODRIGUEZ
MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille LSU softball head coach Beth Torina meets with the team April 2 during LSU’s 7-4 win against ULM in Tiger Park in Baton Rouge, La. MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille The LSU softball team celebrates graduate student infielder Taylor Pleasants’ (17) diving catch Feb. 23 during LSU’s 8-5 win over Boise State at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge, La.

NEWS

LSU researchers develop breakthrough stem cell syringe

LSU researchers led by veterinary medicine professor Mandi Lopez have introduced a groundbreaking syringe device that could revolutionize tendon injury treatment.

With 20 years of research experience at LSU, Lopez, who is also the director of the laboratory for equine (as in horses) and comparative orthopedic research for the LSU Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, has made adult stem cell research a focal point of her work. This new technology enhances stem cell viability and simplifies the delivery process, promising faster recovery and improved outcomes in regenerative medicine.

“We devised a device that allows us to put the new tissue into the device when it leaves the laboratory. It stays in that device in a supportive environment with a nutritional medium,” Lopez said.

This ensures that the tissue remains viable and uncontaminated during transportation. Once the tissue reaches the patient, the support medium can be safely removed, and the new tissue can be injected directly into the injury site, eliminating the need to move it from where it was initially placed in the laboratory.

“Every time you manipulate the new tissue, you have a chance of contamination and losing some of the new tissue, decreasing the viability or the number of live cells,” Lopez said. However, with this new device, Lopez has created a one-stop shop for stem cells.

The device minimizes the risk of contamination and tissue loss during transportation and administration by providing a controlled environment for the stem cells. As a result, more stem cells can remain viable when administered to the patient. This not only improves the overall effectiveness of the treatment but also simplifies the process for healthcare providers, making stem cell therapy more accessible and efficient for patients.

Currently, the device’s primary focus is healing tendons, which have a poor natural healing capacity and typically heal through scarring. By enhancing the viability and delivery efficiency of stem cells, the device has the potential to significantly improve healing times and outcomes for patients with tendon injuries and more.

“The beauty of the device is that it’s 3D printable with medical-grade plastic, so we can print it or design it in virtually any shape or size to meet the needs of whatever medical application

we want to use it for,” Lopez said.

The innovative approach reflects the ingenuity of Lopez’s team, which features a diverse array of perspectives including those outside of medicine.

“I’ve worked with a collaborative team. This device specifically has former LSU engineering students as co-inventors. They personally participated at essentially every level in the design and reduction to practice,” Lopez said. “I love collaboration, and I love working with individuals within the same medical discipline, but especially outside of my specific area of expertise.”

Through the LSU Office of Innovation & Technology Commercialization, Lopez applied for a patent for the device. If approved, it would mark her eighth patent.

“I’m always devising and creating and trying new things. They’re rarely successful the first time, for sure. But with just persistence and creativity … we’ve met with some reasonable success,” Lopez said. “I’m a big fan of inventing. I always encourage creativity; people are far more creative than they know.”

The syringe device represents a significant step forward in stem cell therapy, offering an efficient and effective method for delivering innovative treatments to patients in need.

Interpersonal violence: students share stories of survival

LSU student organization Feminists in Action held its second annual “Take Back the Night” event on April 16 to raise awareness about interpersonal violence.

Over 330 attendees milled in the square created by two rows of tables beneath LSU’s Memorial Tower. At one table, FIA officers distributed free emergency contraception kits in both sparkly bags and discreet boxes. At another, volunteers handed out food and sold shirts.

Resource tables representing the 26 organizations that contributed to the event, including the LSU Women’s Center, the Lighthouse program and Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response, offered pamphlets and free goodies. Live music by the band Knife In My Back kept a lively pace directly in front of the tower.

Mariah Wineski, director of Louisiana Coalition of Domestic Violence and a former member of FIA, kept admiring the crowd. She reflected on a Take Back the Night from her college days, where the turnout was “me and my mom and anyone else I would beg to come.”

“If you don’t believe that social change is possible, I promise

it is. I can see it,” she said, gesturing out to the audience, “and I have seen it.”

Take Back the Night initially began in the United Kingdom in the late 1800s as a protest against the fear women experienced walking alone at night. The Baton Rouge community has held the event for over 30 years until COVID-19 put an end to it,

but FIA decided to revive it last year.

This year, the state is poised cut $7 million of funding from domestic violence shelters in Louisiana, and FIA looked to soften that blow for the Iris Domestic Violence Center. A thousand dollars, a little over half the proceeds from Take Back the Night, will be donated to Iris.

“Though FIA’s donation will only be a small portion of what Iris may lose in the coming year,” said the organization’s advocacy and activism chair Annie Sheehan-Dean, “we stand in solidarity with the organization and the critical services they provide to survivors.”

“One out of three women gets assaulted, and the biggest myth

is that it’s the stranger in the dark alley,” said Jessy Abouarab, instructor with the women’s, gender and sexuality department, “which is not true.”

Teal, red, yellow, white and gray shirts pinned to a clothesline overhead swayed in a soft breath of wind. The WGSS department dished out fabric markers to people at their table, and Abouarab, overseeing the clothesline project, said the shirts would highlight people’s stories, and share messages empowering each another.

One volunteer hung a shirt reading, “It’s not your fault,” on the clothesline in the fast-fading light. Further down the line, a shirt bore, “You are not alone.”

Later, some of the shirts would be worn as hundreds of people sat in front of Memorial Tower and listened to survivors share their stories at the microphone. Anonymous survivors heard their experiences read aloud. It was nighttime, and four or five tissue boxes were passed through the crowd. The tower was lit, and flickering candles were held. Friends shared a comforting touch. Survivors’ voices cracked while speaking, and they began to cry. Listeners cried with them.

It was quiet, but no one was alone.

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REAGAN COTTEN / The Reveille LSU students fill the area on April 16 in front of Memorial Tower in Baton Rouge, La. STUDENT LIFE TARUN KAKARALA / The Reveille LSU veterinary doctor Mandi Lopez explains her new patented syringe April 17 at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on Skip Bertman Drive in Baton Rouge, La.

TIGER TWELVE

Class of 2024

Each spring, LSU recognizes 12 outstanding seniors. In keeping with the university’s Commitment to Community, these individuals contribute positively to the campus, surrounding community, and society and demonstrate a commitment to intellectual achievement, leadership on campus, and community service.

Congratulations to the Tiger Twelve Class of 2024!

Zachary Randall Bonser Agricultural and Extension Education Tyrone, Georgia

Myrissa Eisworth Dual Degree in Sociology and Anthropology Greenwell Springs, Louisiana

Sybil Pun Mechanical Engineering Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

Kennedy Hayden Carter Mass Communication Shreveport, Louisiana

Chloe Madyson Guillory

Electrical Engineering Haughton, Louisiana

Colin M. Raby Mechanical Engineering Cleveland, Ohio

Ryan Castellón Mass Communication New Orleans, Louisiana

Tay J. Moore

Dual Degree in Political Science and Music Ringgold, Louisiana

Anna Catherine Strong Dual Degree in Political Science and Screen Arts Madison, Mississippi

Matthew Delatte Political Communication Thibodaux, Louisiana

Ella Jane Otken Biological Sciences Denham Springs, Louisiana

Rachel Lee Wall Kinesiology Summerland Key, Florida

lsu.edu/tigertwelve
Hawkins
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ENTERTAINMENT

THIS WEEKEND IN BR

FRIDAY AT 4 P.M.

APRIL

26 TH

APRIL

SUNDAY AT 10 A.M. 28TH

The Residence Hall Association will be hosting a crawfish boil for all LSU students. There will be crawfish, jambalaya and T-shirts. The event will run from 4-7 p.m. Want

RHA Annual Crawfish Boil

Nicholson Gateway on Oxbow’s Lawn

Disney On Ice Presents Magic in the Stars

Raising Cane’s River Center

The Raising Cane’s River Center will be hosting Disney on Ice starting at 7 p.m. Special characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Aladdin and others will make an appearance. Tickets start at $25.

Fiber Arts and Makers Festival

Mid-City Artisans

The Mid-City Artisans will be hosting a festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be hosted by local yarn and fiber vendor Fleur De Stitch’d.

APRIL

27 TH

SATURDAY AT 7 P.M.

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W E ’ R E H I R I N G A S T U D E N T F R E E L A N C E P H OTO G R A P H E R *
to see your
in the Reveille? Email information to editor@lsu.edu.
event

A sign gives information about the 19th amendment on April 18.

A woman walks up the stairs on April 18.

A LOOK AT THE OLD STATE CAPITOL

A LOOK AT THE OLD STATE CAPITOL

Now a museum, Louisiana’s Old State Capital was used by the legislature starting in 1850. The current State Capitol was built in 1932.

page 6 Thursday, April 25, 2024 page 7 Thursday, April 25, 2024
A chandelier hangs from the ceiling on April 18. A spiral staircase leads to the second floor on April 18. Windows fill the walls on April 18. A stained glass window sits center stage on April 18. The Gratitude Train sits outside on April 18. The statue of Huey P. Long stands tall on April 18. Photos by Reagan Cotten
page 8 Costs: $0.34 per word per day. Minimum $3.75 per day. Deadline: 12 p.m., three school days prior to the print publication date C l a s s i f ieds Now twice a week. To place your ad, visit www.lsureveille.co m /c lassi eds and click Submit an Ad Thursday, April 25, 2024 THE Daily Commuter Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski FOR RELEASE APRIL 25, 2024 ACROSS 1 Of kings and queens 6 Pedigree-free dog 10 Maple tree output 13 Sports game venues 15 China’s continent 16 Color choice 17 In great numbers 18 Shallow’s opposite 19 Summer hrs. in NYC 20 Crocodiles’ relatives 22 “Not yet!” 23 Pitcher Ryan 24 Sly 26 Trousers 29 Ruins 31 For two, musically: 2 wds. 32 Broadcasts 33 The NFL’s Newton 36 Athena, e.g. 40 “Fashion’s Prom”: 2 wds. 42 WNW’s opposite 43 Ex-GIs 45 Don’t include 46 Outfits, slangily 48 Act smug 49 Statue of Liberty’s coating 52 Oohed and __ 54 One-named supermodel 55 Spicy Christmas cookie 60 Crunch muscles 61 Earth’s natural satellite 62 Ironic genre 63 Clear after taxes 64 Fully fill 65 Actor Christian 66 Mined resource 67 Delighted 68 Vision while asleep DOWN 1 Sitarist’s melody 2 Not written down 3 Shout 4 Put holy oil on 5 Slow musical movements 6 “Material Girl” singer 7 Manual reader 8 Reason for overtime: 2 wds. 9 Gene Kelly’s style 10 Paper bundle 11 Sit in on, as a class 12 Small-minded 14 Circus barker 21 Greek T 22 Used to be 25 Take a breather 26 Senate staffer 27 Big fusses 28 Unclothed 30 Not bright 33 GI’s wear, for short 34 Actress Shawkat 35 Actor Damon 37 __-steven 38 Decide what to aim at: 3 wds. 39 Tommy’s dad on “Rugrats” 41 Kindergarten award: 2 wds. 44 Bridged 46 Martini ingredient 47 Droop 48 President Ford 49 Instrument with keys 50 Yellow shade 51 Food sample 53 Dame Myra __ 56 Tiny amount 57 Evening, in ads 58 District 59 Hair-curling treatment 61 NYC sports venue ©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved. Created by Stella Zawistowski 4/25/24 Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved 4/25/24 place a classified at LsuReveille.com! with YOUR business! splash make a REEL IN SOME place a classified at LsuReveille.com! business! Place your classified { { HE RE Place a classified at LSUReveille.com Boil Up Some Interest! Place a Classified today! LSUReveille.com Tiger Mama Transport, LLC is a local, family owned, airport passenger transport business serving the LSU community for years, with safe, reliable, door- to -door, custom rides to the MSY and BTR airport, all year long, 24/7. Need a ride? Don’t risk it on a sketch uber who may not even show. Text 225-363-4044 or 225252-7155 for our transport request link. Service Let Your Business Bloom Place a Classi ed LSUReveille.com FIND SOME NEW PEEPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS Place a classified today by visiting LSUReveille.com

SPORTS

Unsung Hero: Jay Clark’s journey to a national championship

LSU gymnastics’ journey to the championship began long before it arrived in Fort Worth, Texas. In fact, it began long before the 2024 season.

It all started with LSU gymnastics’ head coach Jay Clark.

After coaching the Tiger squad for four years, Clark did something unprecedented in LSU history. He won LSU gymnastics’ first ever NCAA National Championship.

While the gymnasts huddled together to raise the trophy, Clark stood back with pride, soaking in every moment.

“I had so many emotions for so many reasons,” Clark said. “What I looked forward to was to see them celebrate.”

And he did just that. He let his team have their moment, knowing he was only a small part of the victory. What he didn’t know was that his team viewed him as so much more.

“Day in and day out when we go inside the gym, he truly makes us 1% better,” Aleah Finnegan said while being embraced by Clark. “We could not be more thankful to have him as a head coach and have him as the leader on our team.”

Clark’s talents go beyond the day-to-day events of being a head coach. In his tenure at LSU, he proved to be one of the best recruiters in the nation.

SOFTBALL

“I didn’t even want to come to college gymnastics,” senior Haleigh Bryant said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Clark’s recruitment of Bryant paved the way to make history.

“I’m just so thankful for him giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to do all the things I’ve done,” Bryant said.

Teary-eyed, Clark was left speechless, so he just smiled.

“I couldn’t do it without him,” Bryant said.

Clark’s reign has been nothing short of successful.

In his short time of four years as head coach, he’s not

only brought home a National Championship trophy, but won a Southeastern Conference Championship, made two final four appearances and was named a top-10 recruiter by ESPN.

Clark started his coaching career in Georgia where he worked from 1990-2012. He joined LSU in the summer of 2012, alongside former head coach D-D Breaux with the title of associate head coach.

“She gave me an opportunity to join her when I needed her,” Clark said. “She treated me like a partner rather than an

assistant.”

After being promoted to cohead coach in 2019, he claimed the head coach title only a year later. Since then, he’s done nothing but recruit incredible gymnasts and win titles for the Tigers.

Every chance he gets, Clark promotes his gymnasts and speaks highly of them. Even after a bad meet or a loss, he places the blame on himself.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Clark said. “Coaches, players, staff, all of us. We just want to get better.”

Although most coaches’

dreams don’t exceed winning a national title, Clark plans to get right back to work.

His 2024 squad consisted of talent and skill unprecedented at LSU. With Bryant, an AAI Award winner and Finnegan, a future Olympian, the team was destined for greatness.

While most of the seniors, including Bryant, have the chance to return to LSU next year, they haven’t decided if they’ll take advantage of the extra year.

“Will they [come back]? I don’t know,” Clark said. “It’s not something I’ve pressed on or tried to get an answer to before it’s appropriate.”

Although Clark would welcome the gymnasts back with open arms, he’s dedicated to the future of the program, with or without the seniors.

Clark’s next round of seniors consists of Finnegan and experienced all-arounder KJ Johnson, just to name a couple.

Along with Finnegan and Johnson will be the two all-star freshmen, Konnor McClain and Amari Drayton.

While it’s safe to say that the future of LSU gymnastics is in good hands, Clark is constantly looking for the next “great” to come through LSU.

His constant search and desire for greatness is what makes him unique. It’s what makes him special. According to the gymnasts, it’s what makes him the unsung hero.

No. 7 LSU softball suffers defeat to No. 19 UL-Lafayette 9-4

The No. 19 Ragin’ Cajuns came back for revenge and annihilated the No. 7 Tigers. University of Louisiana at Lafayette defeated LSU 9-4 on Tuesday at Yvette Girouard field.

A week ago, the Ragin’ Cajuns crossed the Atchafalaya to lose to LSU 4-2 in Tiger Park. On its home turf, supported by a sea of red, UL-Lafayette evened the bayou battle.

LSU used all three starting pitchers, but couldn’t hold off the Cajuns.

“It shows we’re right up there with them because they always count us out,” UL-Lafayette center fielder Mihyia Davis said.

These two teams now have a 2024 season record of 1-1 against one another, and will likely see each other again in the NCAA regional. Only time will tell which of these Louisiana teams reign superior.

Here are key moments from the midweek battle in UL-Lafayette.

First inning: LSU starts on top LSU usually takes a round through the lineup before it

starts to barrel up balls, but that wasn’t the case on Tuesday.

After a quick two outs from UL-Lafayette pitcher Sam Landry, LSU’s Taylor Pleasants promptly changed the narrative. Following her single to center field, Raeleen Gutierrez doubled to left center, scoring Pleasants.

UL-Lafayette third baseman

Brooke Ellestad attempted to fake a throw to Gutierrez, but instead she released the ball too early, allowing Gutierrez to advance to third. She scored on a wild pitch to end the Tigers’ firstinning-rally.

Landry was pulled as sophomore Chloe Riassetto came in for relief.

First inning: Cajuns respond

After LSU scored two runs in the top of the first, UL-Lafayette’s momentum was only elevated.

Davis was on third when left fielder Maddie Hayden singled. Karli Petty tried to get the out at home, but was not fast enough to beat Davis. UL-Lafayette scored.

Then, the Cajuns really started to tune in on the Tigers’ torture.

Ellestad singled to left field and brought Hayden home. The bases were then loaded, and pitcher Raelin Chaffin walked Vasquez. UL-Lafayette extended its lead to 2-0.

Kelley Lynch came into the circle, but gave up another four runs off two walks and a single.

The Cajuns were up 6-2, and LSU couldn’t score anymore runs.

Fourth inning: Back-to-back home runs

After two scoreless innings from both teams, UL-Lafayette ended the drought with back-toback home runs.

With two outs on the board, Alexa Langeliers drove a fastball to centerfield, scoring the first run of the inning. Brooke Ellestad’s at-bat curated the same power, as she homered to left-center on a 2-2 count,

giving the Cajuns a 8-2 lead. “It was huge to get the lead,” UL-Lafayette head coach Gerry Glasco said. “That made it to where at the end, we were just throwing strikes and challenging at-bats.”

After another walk and a single up the middle, LSU was forced to pull its second pitcher of the game, Kelley Lynch, and put in ace Sydney Berzon.

Berzon closed the inning with a ground ball to third.

Fifth inning: UL-Lafayette is still on fire

Fatlernman singled and then advanced to second on a nextplay ground out. Hayden hit a single, which drove in Falterman and the Cajuns were up 9-2.

Sixth inning: Karli Petty home run

When the Tigers seemed to have no fight left, Karli Petty paved the way for a comeback story.

With two outs and a runner on first, Petty hit a two-run home run to increase the Tigers’ runs to four. Still down by five, the rally ended with Petty.

The Tigers’ will round out SEC play with a home series against Arkansas, starting on April 26.

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FRANCIS DINH/ The Reveille LSU gymnastics head coach Jay Clark checks the score board April 20 during the NCAA Gymnastics Championship in the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Tx. MATTHEW PERSCHALL / The Reveille LSU softball graduate student infielder Karli Petty (14) connects with the ball Feb. 8 during LSU’s 8-0 win against Nicholls in Baton Rouge, La.

LEADERSHIP LSU 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE COHORT!

Not pictured: Terry Geraldsen, Graduate Student, Industrial Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A TRADITION OVER 30 YEARS STRONG. Leadership LSU develops individuals committed to honing their leadership skills and making a lasting impact at LSU and beyond. Congratulations to these 16 dedicated students for continuing the legacy!

lsu.edu/leadershiplsu
Kennedy Logan Senior Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising Tampa, Florida Lyric Lyzette Mandell Graduate Student Media and Public Affairs Houston, Texas Sonnett Suzette Mandell Senior Anthropology Houston, Texas Trinity Manning Senior General Business New Orleans, Louisiana Jobelle Bruno PhD Candidate Plant Pathology Philippines Malaysia Dunn Senior Human Development & Family Sciences Baton Rouge, Louisiana Peter Franz Senior Computer Science Baton Rouge, Louisiana Keyanna Harkless Senior Political Science Kissimmee, Florida Cameron Milam Junior Nutrition and Food Sciences Lafayette, Louisiana Tay J. Moore Senior Dual Degree in Political Science and Music Ringgold, Louisiana Mason Pfeffer Junior Information Systems & Decision Sciences Spring, Texas Tanvir Ahmed Sarkar Graduate Student Transportation Cumilla, Bangladesh Darlina Tran Junior Psychology Chalmette, Louisiana Amber Williams Senior Dual Degree in English and General Business Baton Rouge, Louisiana Lailah Williams Junior Political Science and International Studies McKinney, Texas
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OPINION

J. Cole apologizing wasn’t a sign of weakness or cowardice

AMYRI’S VANTAGE

AMYRI JONES @acameliasssss

In response to Kendrick Lamar’s agressive verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” a song released last month in which Lamar attacked J. Cole and Drake’s status as parts of the “Big Three” modern rappers, J. Cole released his response song “7 minute drill” early this month. Two days later, he apologized.

For starters, there’s nothing wrong with someone asserting themselves as the best at something, especially if they can back it up.

Lamar is arguably one of the best lyricists of our time. He mixes political commentary, storytelling and passion in one artistic pursuit, which makes him a force to be reckoned with. Though he isn’t the only rapper to do this, he definitely has a style that can’t be replicated.

J. Cole issued an apology to Lamar for name dropping him in “7 minute drill.” He said that he felt “terrible” and that he’d delete the song so that it could no longer be streamed.

His apology came from the heart and seemed to be genuine. I didn’t think much of it, so I was a bit confused as to why he received so much hate from the public. I read several comments calling J. Cole a “b-tch” and a “p--sy” for doubling back on his diss.

I even saw some people insinuate that J. Cole was no longer a real man for apologizing, so it got me thinking about toxic masculinity and its negative impacts on men.

for your wrongdoings in public. Have no fear, this isn’t to praise a man for doing the bare minimum, but it’s rather to call out the dangers of the sentiments that were shared by viewers.

The idea that men can’t or shouldn’t be vulnerable is why suicide rates have skyrocketed within their demographic. Patriarchy is morbid in that way. It’s a system that hurts everyone regardless of gender.

The fact of the matter is that men still enable patriarchy because they benefit from it, even despite its negative impacts on them. They’re willing to put up with the pain because they can still have positions of power over women.

But regarding the diss, J. Cole responded in a way that most people would if they felt disrespected; he fought fire with fire. As a genre and culture, rap is largely known for its high-intensity fueds, often executed through diss tracks. I didn’t think anything was wrong with his decision.

names and destroy others. That’s just the way it’s been since sneak dissing first found its way into hip-hop in the mid1980s. Usually, rappers are unapologetic with their disses, but J. Cole took a different route.

Many rappers have used their music to defend their

On April 7, during his concert in Raleigh, North Carolina,

Toxic masculinity is a distillation of all the harmful emotional impositions placed on men. These harmful ideas about looking tough and never backing down all come from the male fantasy of ideal masculinity. In a way, these issues are self inflicted.

J. Cole’s actions were mature and, contrary to popular belief, actually made him look like the bigger person. It takes a lot to hold yourself accountable, and it takes even more to apologize

However, when men like J. Cole are able to be honest with their feelings and do so regardless of who’s watching, it’s an act of combatting the patriarchy, though a relatively small one, but that doesn’t matter. Men just need to allow themselves to be human.

Amyri Jones is a 22-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge.

Welcome to the wedgie Olympics, courtesy of Nike athletics

TAYLOR’S TALKS

TAYLOR HAMILTON @taylorhami04

Earlier this month, world-renowned athletic corporation Nike revealed its 2024 U.S.A. Olympic track and field uniforms. Though Olympic uniforms are normally well-refined, anyone who truly looks at this year’s track uniforms would notice how problematic they are for women.

When I initially stumbled upon these uniforms last week, I thought they were stylish with their varying colors, and I appreciated the font choice of the U.S.A.

However, then I looked at the bottom half of the uniforms and felt horrible for the poor female athletes at the top of their game who must wear such a revolting uniform.

If you look closely, you may notice that the uniform rides very high up on the hips of the female

mannequin. I can only imagine the fear that must come with running in a uniform that might expose you.

The Olympics are viewed worldwide, and it would be mortifying to witness a woman feeling not only uncomfortable but exposed for the whole world to see. I can only imagine how bad the publicity would be for any woman who were to experience that.

Does Nike not realize the problem with that? Or is the company just ignorant of the female body? Because it certainly seems like it.

All women should feel comfortable while they’re performing the sport that they love, not wondering if their butt or vagina is going to pop out for the world to see.

And, of course, none of the male participants have to worry about this issue because they’re fully covered with shorts.

Whenever I see a track and field event, I always see women

in itty-bitty uniform bottoms that might as well be part of a bathing suit. They’re always skimpy and way too revealing.

Meanwhile, men’s uniforms are designed with shorts, so almost nothing is on display unless the shorts are too short, which is almost never the case.

Nevertheless, there’s clearly a discrepancy here. Women are forced to wear more revealing outfits, and men are not. I think anyone in the universe can figure out why that is.

No matter the millions of strides that women have made to make a name for themselves outside of their physical attributes, they continue to be forced to wear things designed by men.

Look at any major fashion brand; the executives or anyone higher on the corporate ladder are almost entirely men. This includes Nike’s current chief executive officer, John Donahue, a white male who I’m sure understands little to nothing about female anatomy.

Guess what Donahue, running in a skimpy uniform like yours is going to make women uncomfortable and not want to perform. I don’t know if you know this or not, but wearing a uniform like that will create a thong in either the back or front, which is not ideal for women on a worldwide platform.

Supposedly, Nike designed these uniforms with comfort in mind, but I can’t imagine a rising uniform that may go up your butt to be classified as a comfortable article of clothing.

However, maybe Donahue made the right call. Maybe women will simply grit their teeth and tolerate the uncomfortable, considering we’ve been forced to for centuries. So, thanks for that “wonderful” reminder, Donahue.

Sarcasm aside, perhaps the funniest part of this issue is that Nike claims that there will be other options available for athletes to choose from, yet we haven’t seen any of these other options.

Even if there are more options,

the fact that this one was the first to be revealed for athletes in this country is absolutely horrible. I can only imagine how many men loved this uniform idea.

Nonetheless, I truly hope that if the Olympics or even Nike forces women to wear this uniform, they’ll at least give them a free waxing. Because let’s be real: This uniform will show any woman’s private parts.

I don’t care if you’re thin, thick, curvy or anything in between. You deserve to feel comfortable not only from the fashion industry but also during your performance in the sport you love.

These uniforms don’t empower women to perform at their best. It demonstrates how we’re continuously viewed as a piece of meat to be shown off to the public. So screw you, Nike.

Taylor Hamilton is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Tallahassee, Florida.

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The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to editor@lsu.edu or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions. Editorial Policies and Procedures Quote of the Week “‘It’s like a lion and a tiger mixed, bred for its skills in magic.” Napoleon Dynamite 2004 film EDITORIAL BOARD Claire Sullivan Editor in Chief Managing Editor Lauren Madden Sports Editor Oliver Butcher News Editor Colin Falcon Opinion Editor Peter Rauterkus
OWEN SWEENEY / AP Photo J. Cole performs during his “The Off-Season Tour” Oct. 27, 2021, in Philadelphia.

It’s our shared responsibility to create and maintain a campus environment in which sexual violence is not tolerated and to intervene in a safe way when we see a risky situation unfolding. It could be something as simple as asking for the time to divert attention. Standing up to intervene not only helps foster safety, but sends the message that this kind of behavior is not acceptable in our community. Being an active bystander helps to shape our campus community into one where respect, consent and responsibility are valued. Talk to your friends, practice ways to intervene because it’s everyone’s responsibility

cannot be given by a person impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs. Consent can change at any time during an interaction. Consent must be without coercion or manipulation. Silence may not in and of itself consitute consent. Only yes mean yes. Past consent of sexual activity does not imply future, on-going consent.

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INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
• 225-578-6271 @LSUHealthCenter
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If you are unsure about where to begin, start in the middle. YOUR RESOURCES
Confidential support and resources, including Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services www.lsu.edu/lighthouse 225-578-5718 w ww .l su .edu/reslif e www.lsu.edu/police wwwbrgov com/dept/brpd/ www ebrso.org www.star.ngo www. ra inn. o r g C OORD I NATORS LSUPD BATON ROUGE PD EBR SHERIFF AWARENESS&RESPONSE NATIONAL NETWO R K (STAR) (RA I NN) R E S I DENT I AL LIFE SEXUALTRAUMA RAPE, ABUSE, & I N C E S T su pport & criminalreporting criminal reporting criminal reporting communitysupport crisis hot l ine & h ousi n g i ssues &resources support netwo r k Y o ur Res Hall 578-3231 389-3800 389-5000 383-7273 R E S O URCE S A V A I L A BLE 2 4 / 7 w ww. lsu. e du/shc www.lsu.edu/shc www.lsu.edu/ods lsu edu/support www.lsu.edu/lsucares www .lsu .edu/ s a a M E D I CAL CLINICS MENTALHEALTH DISABILITY TITLE IX LSUCARES STUDENT SERVICE SERVICES COORDINATOR ADVOCAC Y STUDENT HEALTHCENTER e v i dence collection counseling academic reporting & support studentofconcern cod e of cond uct & me dical care accommodations &pregnancyneeds care su pport 5 7 86085 578-8774 578-5919 578-9000 578-4307 57843 0 7
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