90
Issue 12
Throwback
Edition
April 27, 2017
RIOTS + 25 YEARS Reflections on racial injustice
Memories of the Long Beach and Los Angeles riots of 1992 fuel debates felt today when race-relations, civil rights, rioti it comes to conflicts of ng, police-community relation s and military conflict — See stor y in News on page 2
Graphic by Joshua Miller/Viking
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NEWS
April 27, 2017
Riots impact felt after 25 years Long Beach remembers the L.A. riots on the 25th anniversary. But did $18 million in damages and the death of a PCC student change anything? Story by Danny Rivera News editor @dannyriveralbcc “The one thing I remember is that it was very quiet that night.” Long Beach Police Department veteran Lt. Kevin Coy recalled his experience working an extended shift on April 29, 1992. Earlier that day, a Simi Valley jury acquitted four Los Angeles Police Department officers accused of using excessive force against black motorist Rodney King. Anger over the perceived injustice of the verdict from the African-American and Hispanic communities led to six days of protest and rioting, resulting in 52 deaths and upwards of $1 billion in property damage in the Greater Los Angeles area. But to Coy, the first night in Long Beach was relatively quiet compared to the insanity happening less than 15 miles away in South Central L.A. “Incidents were light that first night,” he said.
It wasn’t until the following day, Thursday, April 30, that Long Beach saw levels of rioting akin to its neighbor to the north. Memories of the chaos from younger residents are still remembered. Nick Sennette, 31, a language arts department assistant, recalled his memories as a 4-year-old living on the Long Beach and Compton border. “I remember being at a gas station with my mom that night, and the attendant told us not to get out of the car,” he said, “even the worker had a big silver gun on his side.” Even students who weren’t born when the riots took place feel its impact. Development of Afro-American Professionals Club President Imani Onyia believes the riots were the first time since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s when “African-Americans felt empowered to stand up and have their voices heard.” “My aunt became involved in community programs after the riots, and her activism inspired me from a young age to be involved in social and political activism,” she said. Rioters and law enforcement clashed in central Long Beach throughout the weekend. Much of the destruction happened along Pacific Coast Highway, where PCC students and employees found themselves in the middle of pandemonium. PCC instructional lab coordinator Harold Foot was a student employee at the campus when LBPD instructed everyone
to evacuate the campus. “That night was pretty damn terrifying because you could see the fires everywhere, you could smell the smoke and gunshots were going off everywhere,” Foot said. It took the LBPD, the National Guard and Marines from Camp Pendleton nearly a week to restore order to the ravaged streets of Central Long Beach. By that time, the carnage was evident: $18 million in estimated damages, 340 structure fires, 1,175 arrests and the death of Matthew Haines, 32, a former student at PCC. “But surprisingly, the PCC campus was untouched,” said Foot. He attributes the sense of respect the surrounding communities have for PCC and efforts made by students and staff to help those in need. “For some reason, the campus is kind of owned by the neighborhood,” said Foot. “You talk to almost anybody from Long Beach, either they went to City College or their brother, their sister, their mom did.” In the 25 years since anger and frustration engulfed Los Angeles County’s second-largest city, members of Long Beach’s community have varied opinions of the impact the riots have had on issues ranging from community involvement to social justice to law enforcement practices. Coy said he and many of his fellow LBPD officers have learned valuable lessons on how to cooperate with people and communities who are wary of police. “It starts with working together. The
communities have to be a part of it,” Coy said, “We’ve learned to find a solution to problems instead of arresting our way out of them.” But Sennette said the impact of the riots hasn’t been all positive. While his neighborhood has cleaned up some since 1992, he cites media coverage from then and now continually portraying minorities, African Americans in particular, as inciters of violence and mayhem. “People see the news and say, ‘You see what blacks do, you see how they act.’ I respect my color and my ethnicity, but why go through with the violence part of it and make us all look bad?” Sennette said. Onyia sees how the impact of the riots has improved the lives of people in minority communities, but notes that “it’s far from perfect.” “What the riots showed is how a group of people can react to oppressive forces,” she said. “But it showed that angry outbursts don’t solve as much as peaceful, non-violent protests.” Onyia said she believes law enforcement officials have also made progress in community relations, but more can be done, either through education or by replacement of the old guard with more officers with open minds in the ranks. “My grandma always said, ‘You can’t change a leopard’s spots, but you can always change the leopard.”
Event raises sexual assault awareness Story and photo by Joshua Avendano Staff @josh_avendano
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and at LBCC, the Associated Student Body Cabinet is hosting various events throughout the month to raise awareness on sexual assault. On Thursday, April 13, LBCC’s ASB organized a clothesline event in the Central Quad where students made shirts in support of sexual assault. Legislative Affairs Rep. Dominique Iraci, 19, a political science major, said, “LBCC is trying to show our support for the survivors of sexual assault and help put an end to it. We want to take out the negative stigma out of the situation and show them that we care enough.” The YWCA USA Inc, (formerly known as Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America) came to help the students and to spread awareness of sexual assault. Director of Sexual Assault Crisis Services Sheetal Chib said, “We are community partners with LBCC to provide help for students and to promote the month of
April and ensure survivors get the support and help they need.” The event lasted two hours and allowed students to create their own shirt with their own meaning in regard to sexual assault. Andrea Serrano, 20, a nursing major, came to the event in honor of people she knew who were assaulted, said, “I know a few people who went through it and I wanted to show my support. I did not know about this month and it’s nice to see so much support throughout the school community for sexual assault.”
“LBCC is trying to show our support for the survivors of sexual assault and help put an end to it.” -Dominique Iraci
Legislative Affairs representative
Nick Geater, 21, a political science major, said, “I came out to show that I care for the victims. My ‘stay strong’ shirt may be a little common, but I believe it’s a powerful saying because we need to show the victims that they can make it through any difficult thing they go through.”
MAKING A STATEMENT: Andrea Serrano, 20, a nursing major, hangs her T-shirt design for the clothesline project for sexual assault awareness month at the LAC’s Central Quad on Thursday, April 13.
During the rest of April, the Cabinet will present many events to raise awareness on Sexual Assault Awareness month and to show its support for the survivors and to reach out to anyone who needs the help. The last sexual assault awareness
month event, “Take back the Night March and Vigil,” is scheduled today, Thursday, April 27, from 5-7 p.m. to in the LAC Central Quad. The event will focus on protest against all forms of sexual, relationship and domestic violence.
April 27, 2017
NEWS
Employees spring into Olympics Story and photo by Darlene Maes Staff @Dawrlean The Hall of Champions gym was filled with networking and activities among LBCC’s colleagues Friday, April 21, for the fourth annual Spring Olympics. Among the participants in the Olympics were the athletics, science, math, business and other departments who were represented by employees who took part in games such as dodgeball, mini golf and more. Overall the top winning departments were a combination of the health, kinesiology, science and math departments who placed first. Business support services came in second and athletics came in third place. Despite having the winning titles, the real winners were those who attended and enjoyed a few hours of fun and networking. The events took place outside and in the gymnasium and brought together people from different departments. According to an LBCC flier for the event, the Spring Olympics provides a few hours away from an office or classroom to enjoy the company of others in events and lunch. Lauren Sosenko, director of institu-
HUNGRY, HUNGRY HIPPO: Acting President Ann-Marie Gabel, center in red, and other employees from LBCC participated in the human hungry, hungry hippo event for the Spring Olympics Friday April 21, in the LBCC Hall of Champions gym.
tional research, discussed the benefits of having the Olympics, “Although this is my first time participating, it was a large outcome and it builds camaraderie.
"I played dodgeball, walk the plank, soccer kick and concentration. What I enjoyed was being able to meet new people who I normally work with, but are unable
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to meet. It was really fun and it helps with uplifting spirits.” Games required teamwork and strategizing but most of all fun. A game called tower of power required participants to build a tower out of plastic cups and have it remain standing after being timed for one minute. Although many were unable to accomplish the task, laughter and conversation remained among them. The final event was the Viking derby, which required members made up of the top contending departments from the prior events to form a group. The group would then compete in a human version of the game “Hungry, Hungry, Hippo,” gathering 40 plastic balls with a basket and hopping four laps around cones on a huge bouncy ball. Alejandro Lomeli, student trustee for LBCC, said, “The Spring Olympics is a good morale builder by having team-building activities and being able to mingle with different departments.” Lomeli also participated in the events himself as a Promise Pathways employee, “My favorite game was dodgeball, but I also played in mini-golf and pingpong.” Lomeli said he felt the unity of the Olympics. “Having administration, faculty and staff show teamwork shows we are apart of a family. It’s also great to meet people.”
Women's rights panel creates discussion Story and photo by Brigid McLaughlin Staff @brig_mc
The F-word has taken on a new meaning: feminism. With the emergence of a new club on campus at LBCC, the Feminist Club, women's rights and more importantly, human rights , now have a new platform for discussion in an open forum. Sponsored by the social-sciences division at LBCC, the “We the People” teachin series involved a women’s rights panel Wednesday, April 12, where students were able to ask questions focused on, but not limited to, gender policy in 2017. The president of the club, Clara Blank, voiced student’s concerns at the seminar where issues such as reproductive rights, rape, gender-pay gaps and feminism were brought to the panelists’ attention. “This is about what you want to know, your interests,” Blank said. Issues discussed at the event were timely due to April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event included six panelists consisting of professors and other staff at the college who support women’s policies. Lisa Orr, a history professor, said, “We didn't want to identify as being feminists
because it would mean that we hated men, which was not at all true for me. The panelists brought to the audience's attention the importance of feminism in regard to women's rights as well as the rights of immigrants, the Black Lives Matter movement and human rights as a whole. Regarding the importance of supporting all and not just one aspect of human rights, Dean of Student Affairs Ramon Knox, said, “It may not be affecting you right now, but eventually it could be you,”. Anabella Diaz, 17, an undecided major, said, “I learned that feminism has many different points of views depending on the person.” Vanessa Crispin-Peratta, a history professor, discussed reproductive rights being essential to society, proposing the not-sowidely accepted thought of reproductive rights affecting all who have intercourse, females or males. Crispin-Peratta also mentioned in history when abortion wasn’t a right, women were more likely to have one than they when abortions became available to women unable to have a child. At the seminar, the audience learned that as sexualizing becomes more public in media and in fashion, so should feminism. Knox proposes that society shift the narrative about sex and begin to talk about it more openly.
PANEL: Dr. Lisa Orr, history professor and feminist, right, speaks about human rights at the womens panel Wednesday, April 12, at the LBCC.
“The shame of receiving sexual pleasure needs to subside,” Knox said, “sex shaming that is deeply rooted in our culture only creates barriers.” Mark Sosa, 19, a film major, said, “It changes your perspective a lot, small things that we overlook.”
The “We the People” teach-in series will involve discussion of U.S. foreign policy on Wednesday, May 10, from 12:45-2:10 p.m. in LAC T1200 and domestic policy Thursday, May 25, from noon-1:30 p.m. in LAC V135.
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April 27, 2017
Artist inspires poetry showcase Paintings serve as muses for writers at college’s display of expression.
think most people don’t take it serious until some point I’ve been writing music for such a long time that was my first means of poetry, I would say probably around 6th
“For me poetry means restoration, it’s a refuge, it’s an escape from our day-to-day lives.”
Story and photo by Presley Swearingen Staff @pres711_ The LBCC art gallery hosted the student poetry showcase in K100 on Wednesday, April 26. Students from English professor Jeff Epley’s poetry class performed Ecphrasis poems, the written on the authors interpretation of works of art. Many students wrote their poems based on the artwork of Linda King, a teacher whose paintings are featured in the gallery where the showcase was presented. The poems varied in subject from plagiarism to family. Some poems were read from paper while others where recited from memory. Dominic Matthew Jackson, an English education major and host of the showcase, said, “I started writing poetry seriously as an adult here at LBCC. Professor Jeff Epley was very encouraging to us students and I wasn’t sure how to write or what I was do-
-Dominic Matthew Jackson
an English education major
PAINTED POEMS: Uriel Castellanos, 27, an English creative writing major, recites his poem to the audience in the gallery of the art building. Most of the poems recited were based on the paintings featured in the gallery beginning Wednesday, April 26, in the K Building.
ing, but he encouraged me to take poetry a little bit more seriously.” “For me poetry means restoration, it’s a refuge, it’s an escape from our day-to-day lives. It’s inspiring. I think poetry changes day to day for means inspiring and encouraging and it’s a way of baring your soul and I love that about it.”
Uriel Castellanos, 27, an English creative writing major, said, “Poetry for me is just a different form of art. I think some people are good at painting, some are good at drawing and for us its verbal art so it’s pretty much putting what someone would put into a picture into words. I’ve been writing poetry for a while I
grade and specifically just poetry when I got here at LBCC.” Marvin Basham, vice president of the Arts Club, talked about how important it is for the different types of art to intertwine and how poetry defies boundaries: “Poetry to me means verbal expression without boundaries. Some of the poems that were said today are tame and some aren’t tame and in another venue the words of some poems might offend someone.” Writers say poetry means different things to different people, but one thing everyone agreed on is that it is a great way to express themself.
Dancers offer variety Story by Brigid McLaughlin Staff @brig_mc
LBCC performing arts students will present the Spring Dance Ensemble highlighting modern, African, jazz and funk performances, scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, May 11-13 at the LAC auditorium. The dance concert will feature work from special guest choreographer Bernard Gaddis, the artistic director and founder of Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater and 14-year member of the Cirque Du Soleil cast in Las Vegas. The students in the show have met weekly to train since early in the semester, rehearsing up to three hours per piece and
can perform in up to four pieces. The students also have trained in dance technique classes throughout the semester. Artistic director and professor Stephanie Powell said, “The concert will have dance pieces that everyone can enjoy. The genres of dance range from cultural dance forms such as belly dance and African dance to modern dance, narrative pieces, jazz, funk and a variety of topics that represent current day issues.” The performances will be presented on three days, from May 11-13 starting at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Pre-sale tickets for students, seniors citizens and LBCC employees are $10 and $12 at the door, general admission presale is $15 and $17 at the door.
French film to screen Story by Josh Avendaño Staff @josh_avendano
The first Foreign Language Film Festival begins Friday, April 28, and runs through Friday, May 19, in D135 at the LAC with one special showing in Dyer Hall at the PCC for the film “Intouchables.” The screening of “Intouchables” will be at PCC in Dyer Hall on Thursday, May 4, at 6 p.m. After the film, a Q&A will be con-
ducted with LBCC French professor Marie-Laure Hinton. “Intouchables” is a 2011 French buddy comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film stars François Cluzet as Philippe and Omar Sky as Bakary “Driss” Bassari. After Philippe becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, he hires a young man from the projects (Omar) to be his caregiver.
April 27, 2017
CITYSTYLE
Royals, cooks, racers claim prizes Story by Hayley Hart Opinion editor @hayleylhart
The 42nd annual Mini Grand Prix was hosted at the PCC on the Lawn with about 60 people in attendance who were primarily participants in the race Chili Cook-off and the Mini Grand Prix royal court Saturday, April 22. The royal court for the Mini Grand Prix consisted of three participants: Erwin Vindel, 19, an aerospace engineer and member of the John Fylpaa Leadership Institute; Adelita Gonzalez, 18, an accounting and business administration major and member of club PNK; and Alexander Simpson, 18, an economics major affiliated with the club Men of Aztlan. Simpson was head royal, winning the $250 scholarship prize money. Simpson said, “I heard about it about three weeks ago. I was never able to run (in the Mini Grand Prix) due to injury so I figured I could do this.” The champion of the women’s race was team Aztlan Team Lotus. The second and third place winners of the Prix for the women were teams Athena Asthma and Tong Lil Sisters. For the men’s race, Tong Red won first place. The second and third place winners were teams Tong Black and Aztlan Gold.
Before the judging of the Chili Cookoff, PNK member, Kylee Cruz, 20, a nursing major, said, “We had all the ingredients. The gameplan was to do the instructions exactly and then change for taste.” Cruz was cheering for the PNK teams from the chili tent. She said, “They are doing pretty well. I’m happy about that.” Jason Zubia, 39, going for a horticulture certificate, was cooking the chili for the Horticulture Club and said, “We didn’t have a lot of cook time, so we are hoping everything tastes good.” The first place prize for non-traditional chili went to PNK while second and third place went to Thor and TnT. For the traditional chili team, PNK also earned first place while TnT and the Men of Aztlan took second and third place. Thor won first place, PNK and Welding and Metal Fabrication Club tied for second and Horticulture Club and TnT tied for third in the People’s Choice category. PNK also won first place for chili booths with a Flintstones-themed booth, while Ladies of Athena and Human Services Club won second and third place. The tight turns and quick switches through the course lined with hay bales at the Mini Grand Prix received the most attention from the club-heavy crowd cheering for their fellow racers throughout the event.
Photo By Fantacie Jackson/Viking/@_fantaciej HOT WHEELS: Thor members Ivan Diaz, 19, Christian Popoca, 19, and Salvador Perez, 21, are all smiles as they race in the 42nd annual Mini Grand Prix on Saturday, April 22.
Planetarium show lights up the skies Story and Photo by Brigid McLaughlin Staff @brig_mc
The doors opened for the Planetarium show at LBCC’s LAC on Friday, April 21, after a brief hiatus. The Planetarium, funded by the LBCC Foundation, was not in use for many months and is now open again. The astronomy program is now aiming for three shows a semester or six a year.
“It was really good experience, I thought it was great. It was my first time at a planetarium. I’ve been wanting to go for a long time.” Jonathan Romo
Freshman at Cerritos College
The show itself is done with the stateof-the-art Digistar 5 system, “Which is one of the best” according to Astronomy OPEN DOORS: Astronomy professor Douglas McElroy talks about the solar system, zodiac signs and constellations at the LBCC Planetarium on Friday, April 24.
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professor Douglas McElroy who hosted the show: “We can show so many different things with this system. ... You can even write your own language.” McElroy, who has worked in many planetariums, describes LBCC’s as one of the best in the area. While this is the first one he has led, McElroy has been working in spacecraft operations for 35 years and teaching for five. Giving a visualization of the constellations, the show allowed viewers to see what their zodiac sign looks like among the stars in addition to showing many of the planets that closely surround Earth. The Digistar 5 system allows it to pinpoint the exact location of the room, so without any light saturation, students would see the stars the same if they were to step out of the building. The location can be moved as well, allowing guests to view stars and constellations from anywhere in the world. Jonathan Romo, a freshman at Cerritos College who attended, said, “It was really good experience, I thought it was great. It was my first time at a planetarium. I’ve been wanting to go for a long time.”
OPINION
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April 27, 2017
EDITORIAL
CC’s help more than hinder
It’s your high school graduation day. Cap, gown and tons of confetti commemorate the day. Some of the graduates sitting beside you will go on to a university, others will enroll in a tech or vocational program, some will enlist in one of the branches of our armed forces and others will be heading to a Community College. A positive aspect of Community College is its affordability. Enrolling full-time (12 units) at LBCC at $46 unit will cost students around $591, whereas 12 units at Cal State Long Beach will cost much more than that, around $2,871 for an undergrad degree. The lower cost can allow students to explore career options if they are undecided by taking courses that could either deter them from a specific career path or lead them down another. The lower cost of Community College can also allow for people to come back to school and have a second chance at receiving an education. Another benefit of
attending a Community College are the smaller class sizes, which allow for more individual attention from professors. One final positive aspect of Community College is that it is more convenient and flexible than a CSU. Applying and taking care of Financial Aid is much simpler than at a CSU. More options are available for class time offerings, allowing for class scheduling that can fit almost anyone’s needs. An aspect of Community Colleges that is positive and negative is that anyone with a high school diploma or a GED can get into a Community College. The easy access is good for students who want to come back to school or just want to take a class or two. This process, however, might not be good when it comes to students being placed in classes that are too difficult for them and it could hold back the progression of the class. One of the most negative aspects to
Community Colleges is that classes fill up ridiculously fast. The logjam makes it hard to get into classes that you need to graduate. Also, if students need a specific class to graduate, and it has a low enrollment, the class may be dropped. The delay could push graduating back a semester. Counseling also can be complicated at a Community College. Students either don’t know that they should see a counselor, or don’t know how to see one. Also some counselors may not be as knowledgeable as needed when it comes to helping students make their educational plan. It’s also possible if you see two different counselors, they may each list completely different classes you need, which is frustrating. Altogether, Community Colleges have their benefits and drawbacks. However, the benefits can outweigh the negative aspects of attending a Community College.
VIKING NEWS Co-Editors in Chief
Lissette Mendoza @chingonapicosa Carlos Ochoa @carlosochoaLA
Images Editor
Amanda Rodriguez @arod_mandy
News Editors
Sienna Thomas @moodynature Danny Rivera @dannyriveralbcc
Calendar Editor
Katie Jackson @therealbuiscuit
Citystyle Editor
Erin Asis @erin_asis
Opinion Editor
Hayley Hart @hayleylhart
Sports Editors
Fantacie Jackson @_fantaciejm Isabelle Cheam @bellybelle_
General Copy Editor
Susan Usas @suzyq_445
Staff
CITY VIEWS
Josh Avendano Adrian Arvizu Melissa Ibarra Denny Han Jaycob Martinez Darlene Maes Patty Miramontes Brigid McLaughlin Presley Swearingen
By Sienna Thomas and Darlene Maes and at the LAC on Tuesday, April 25, and Wednesday, April 26.
Adviser
“How long have you been in college and why?”
Patrick McKean
Photo and Online Adviser Chris Viola
Retired Photo Adviser Jim Truitt
Advertising Manager Hayley Hart
Ixchel Tlatelpa 24, an undecided major “This is my first semester here. I haven’t gone to school for so long after high school and thought this would be an easy transition.”
Andreas Delgado 19, a photography major “It’s my first year here and I like the vibe at LBCC. I came here to get away from the Wilmington scene because students from my high school go to (Los Angeles) Harbor College.”
Elizabeth Castillo 19, a culinary arts major “I’ve been at the college for about 1.5 years and when I first came here I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I saw students in their culinary uniforms and visualized myself in the kitchen in that uniform. The location is a factor too.”
Shauna Willoughby 29, a phlebotomy major “It’s my first semester here at LBCC. I went to a previous college for medical assisting, but there are a lot of good programs here compared to other schools. It’s a nice campus and it’s close to family.”
The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking will be published May 11 and May 25. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87 and 88 students of the LBCC English Department. The Viking newsroom is located at LBCC, LAC, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room N108, mail code Y-16, Telephone (562) 938-4285 or contact the staff by email to vikingnews@lbcc.edu or on social media. The views expressed in the Viking do not reflect the views of the advisers, administration or the ASB. First copy free, each additional $1. The Viking is funded by the Associated Student Body Delivered with the help of the PCC Student Life Staff.
Have an opinion?
The Viking welcomes letters to the editor. Writers must identify themselves by showing their ASB card, driver’s license or ID card and email. Only names and major will be published with the letter.
Frank Mendoza 20, a sociology major “I’ve been here 2.5 years and it’s a lot cheaper for me.”
Cameron Bell 18, an audio engineering major “I’ve been here a semester and a half. My brother and mom went here, it’s like a family tradition.”
Kyle Davis 18, a broadcast television major “I’ve been here since September and because the first year was free.”
Marlin Castillo 18, a nursing major “This is my second semester here. LBCC has a good nursing program.”
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April 27, 2017
CSUDH digital media arts students create PSA campaigns for L.A.’s Department of Recreation and Parks.
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SPORTS
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April 27, 2017
Vikes enter semifinals with a sweep Story and Photo by Josh avendano Staff @josh_avendano
JUMP: Sophomore middle blocker Eli Garcia, setting up the ball on Friday April 21, against Fullerton.
next and even though they have beaten us twice this year, we’re looking to play our best and come home with a victory.” Middle back Allan Zelaya, 20, said, After winning the Western State South- “We’re getting stronger and everything we ern Division Conference Championship, do in practice is paying off for us. Hopefulthe LBCC VIkings men’s volleyball team ly we can keep this hot streak alive.” continues its hot streak. LBCC coach Jonathan Charette said he LBCC swept the Fullerton Hornets on is impressed with the first playoff win. Friday, April 21, in round one of the Cali“It was a great performance from our fornia Community College Athletic Asso- guys. They handle the pressure of a playoff ciation state playoffs in three sets, 25-9, 25- game well. We’re right where we want to be. 20 and 25-21, advancing to the semifinals. “Fullerton played a great game and it The first set was was pretty eventhe Vikings dominatmatched up “It’s relieving, it’s reward- ly ing the Hornets, led by towards the end. freshman outside hitter ing. We worked really We want to make Cyrus Fa’alogo. hard and all of our hard sure we improve The Vikings won the on our connection first set by 16 points. work is paying off.” and chemistry. The second set was an The coach led the even match-up, Fa’alogo -Cyrus Fa’alogo No. 3 seeded ViFreshman outside hitter kings who are now was able to help the Vikings win the set by five points. 16-3 overall and undefeated in conference As the third and final set started, both games at 6-0. LBCC eventually captured teams scored back to back as the crowd the division as well with 13 wins in a row. starting chanting “Go Vikings Go!” SophoLBCC will play Thursday, April 27, more middle blocker Elai Mama capped off against the No. 7 El Camino College Warthe sweep with a kill, beating the Hornets, riors in round two of the playoffs at Los 25-21. Angeles Pierce college at 5 p.m. MVP of the game Fa’alogo, 21, said, “It’s relieving, it’s rewarding. We worked really hard and all of our hard work is paying off. We just keep pushing, we play El Camino
8-0 win clinches second place in conference
Story and Photo by Adrian Arvizu Staff @adrian7192
The Vikings powered past Los Angeles Harbor on Thursday, April, 20, and were able to catch the victory on sophomore day, winning, 8-0, in just five innings of play and a combined no-hitter. LBCC sophomore pitcher Annisa Hamilton earned the start, pitching two solid innings, not allowing a hit and earning the win in her outing. Hamilton said, “I felt good being out there and we’re ready for playoffs.” Freshman pitchers Alissa Cienfuegos and Vanessa Montanez both recorded hitless innings for the Vikings. Viking sophomore captain Daisy Velasquez was a perfect 4-4 in her performance at the plate. She said, “We’ve come together as a team and are ready for the post season.” Viking coach Megan Martinez said she was satisfied with the team’s performance: “I feel like in our practice, we focus on the pressure of situations.” Martinez said she feels her young players are ready to face the big stage in the playoffs. The Vikings’ regular season play ended Tuesday, April, 25, against Compton College with a win.
FLYING BALL: Freshman pitcher Alissa Cienfuegos works during the no-hitter. The Vikings won, 8-0, on April 20.