CORSAIR
volume 107 issue 3 •march 12, 2014 • santa monica college
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2 contents
volume 107 issue 3 โ ข MArch 12, 2014 โ ข santa monica college
E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Henry Crumblishยทยทยทยทยท Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. e d i t o r i n c h i e f @ g m a i l . c o m Elizabeth MossยทDigital Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. w e b e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m David YapkowitzยทยทยทยทยทยทManaging Editor c o rs a i r. m a n a g i n g @ g m a i l . c o m Ronja JanszยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทHealth & Lifestyle c o rs a i r. l i f e s t y l e p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Alci Rengifoยทยทยทยทยท Arts & Entertainment c o rs a i r. c a l e n d a r p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Jonathan Ramosยทยทยทยทยทยทยท Opinion Editor c o rs a i r. o p i n i o n p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Trev Angoneยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยท Sports Editor c o rs a i r. s p o r t s p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Jimmy Janszenยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยท Photo Editor Rachel Porterยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยท Photo Editor c o rs a i r p h o t o e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m Jhosef HernยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทIllustrator c o rs a i r c a r t o o n @ g m a i l . c o m Maggie LouieยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทDesign Team David VetaยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทยทDesign Team c o rs a i r. d e s i g n t e a m @ g m a i l . c o m
c o r s a i r s ta f f Brandon Barsugli, Scott Bixler, Rob Black, Cesar Clarke, Alejandro Colmenares, Marlene Conner, Amalia Darin, Myโ Sson Downs, Mia Duncans, Maurice Dwayne, Elin Ekdahl, Paulina Eriksson, Walter Flores, Darin Geesey, Rachel Gianuario, Jorge Gonzalez, Qalil Ismail, Shakeel Joyce, Sarit Kashanian, Nick Kovalenko, Aaron Leaureaux, Juan Lopez, Eva Malin Lord,, Jazmin Martinez, Devon Marque, Christophor McGovern, Delmy Moran, Adrien Piteux, James Powel, Yaddick Rivas, McKenzie Roberts,- Elia Sanchez, Patrick Shanley, FA C U LT Y A D V I S O R S S a u l Ru b i n & Gerard Burkhart AD INQUIRIES: co rsai r. admana g er@g m ai l . co m (310 ) 4 3 4 - 4 0 3 3
SMC Community! If you have photos, feelings or opinions on what we publish, we want to hear from you! Email, tweet or facebook us. Corsair.opinionpage@ gmail.com
Nick Kovalenko Corsair Hunter & The Dirty Jacks perform at Harvelleโ s for the nonprofit โ Service Your Soulโ event.
On the cover:
Laura Kleppin, who placed 3rd in the womenโ s division of the LA Marathon, is interviewed at the finish line. Photo by Arlene Karno Corrections: In the article was the president of
โ Black Collegians celebrates end of Black History Monthโ in issue 2 it was incorrectly stated Tekorah Flory Black Collegians. The president is actually Sabrina Boyce, while Flory is director of activities.
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news 3
volume 107 issue 3 • MArch 12, 2014 • santa monica college
Associated Students withhold funds Henry Crumblish Editor-in-Chief
The Associated Students meeting on Tuesday quickly broke down into a heated debate - over money. The majority of the meeting focused on action item 7.1, a vote to approve $7,562 in funding for a future SMC Everywhere event sponsored by the Future Alumni Club. The intention of the event proposed by Project Manager of Campus and Alumni relations Deirdre Weaver, is to celebrate Santa Monica College’s transfer students on campus equally to our graduating students. Despite being the only action item on the agenda the board of directors was unable to reach a decision and postponed the vote to next week. According to Weaver, approximately 550 students participate in and walk the stage at the annual graduation ceremony, compared to the thousands of other students who transfer to fouryear universities or complete certificate programs. While the board of the directors were in support of the essence of the event, no funds were approved. The hesitation on the part of the board stems from nonrepresentation and lack of recognition for prior campus events. The AS believes they were not properly promoted at last year’s SMC Everywhere, “That fear is being projected onto this event,” said Michael Greenberg as director of publicity. “All we’re asking for is we’re recognized at this event,” said Inayat Issa, director of budget management. “We’re tired of departments coming to AS and not giving AS credit...this board is tired of that,” he said. Originally the plan was to have the event be a partnership between the AS and the Future Alumni Club, however, since 100 percent of the funding is coming from AS, according to SMC policy it must be an AS event, not a partnership event.
Scott Bixler Corsair Alumni relations manager, Deirdre Weaver(R) confronts Associate Director of Student Life, Sonali Perera Bridges( L), during a recess at the Associated students meeting on Tuesday.
According to Weaver, the Future Alumni Club intended to contribute $3,000 toward SMC Everywhere but allegedly is waiting for reimbursement from the AS for events held on campus last year. “If what your priority is, is promoting AS, this may not be appropriate for you,” said Weaver. In addition, the AS also announced the
““We’re tired of
departments coming to AS and not giving AS credit.”
- Inayat Issa
Student Success Award created by Issa and AS Secretary Diana Echeverria which will award $100,000 in total to SMC students. The award will give between $1,500$5,000 to students who have a 2.5 gpa and
are AS members. Interested students can apply online at www.smc.edu until March 31. The next AS meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 18.
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Attend an Information Session: April 2nd in West LA
The Bachelor of Science in Management
West LA, Irvine, Encino Graduate Campuses
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+ Lifestyle 4 Health
volume 107 issue 3 • MArch 12, 2014 • santa monica college
LGBT voices of Santa Monica College Ronja Jansz Health + Lifestyle Editor
Within the immensely diverse culture of Santa Monica College, most lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students find a readily accepting atmosphere. But in a world that is rapidly shifting when it comes to the acceptance of sexual diversity, SMC’s LGBT community still finds itself facing daily hassles. SMC student Ashley Reese has been part of the LGBT community since she came out at the age of 15 while she lived in Orange County. She was called names for holding hands and showing affection in public with her girlfriend at the time and can relate to the discrimination that the LGBT community faces. “There were some places I couldn’t walk around with my girlfriend.” shares Reese. “It was like that for years until I moved to LA, but even here, there are some people who will never understand who you are and it doesn’t sit right with them.” SMC student Jonathan Loi shares that he too has suffered pain emotionally, mentally, and physically in the past for being gay. He is an active member of the LGBT community and describes the surroundings of SMC as open-minded. As a former president of the Gender Sexuality Alliance Club at SMC, Loi has spoken with many LGBT individuals and considers the community to be a strong and well-built group. He describes the GSA as a “safe house” with much to offer for those
who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. “The GSA serves an important role for the community,” adds Michael Greenberg, Associated Students director of publicity, who identifies as being gay. “I really like the stuff that they do because it raises awareness.” Greenberg advocates that it would be great if the SMC administration would take part in fostering the LGBT community on campus with ideas such as an LGBT center. He believes that it would serve the campus well and that the college could be the precedent for other community colleges around the country. Former GSA member Shayne Holzman chimes in that it would be a good idea to have an office available for the LGBT community. She expresses a desire for the community’s voice to be heard more often and believes that LGBT literature classes could help shape a more aware student body. Reese agrees with her. “I definitely think more LGBT related classes should be offered at SMC. A few of my friends have talked about it years ago, and it would be awesome to get to know the culture and history of the LGBT community.” SMC student Jil Del Toro believes the LGBT community needs more visible representation on campus. She shares that she never sees any news or events announced for the community and believes that more LGBT related classes should be
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offered. “Not just because I’m gay, but I feel that education on something that has long been ingrained into our current society as wrong is needed, as more of today’s youth begin to come out,” she explains. Greenberg, however, points out that such a class was offered over the 2013 winter semester, but was canceled because of low enrollment. While he supports the idea of offering such classes, he suspects the lack of interest has to do with the fact that most students are focused on completing their transferring requirements. Instead, he believes lectures on successful gay men and women in power, support for those in the process of coming out, or days of advocacy for LGBT rights would be more beneficial. SMC student Trevor Pop adds that he would like gender-neutral restrooms to be available at SMC and strongly believes that both gender-nonconforming students and others would benefit from having them. “I also feel like another support that could be modeled by the staff and faculty is a respect for PGP [preferred gender pronouns] and preferred name of choice, something that I have found myself struggling with,” he adds. According to Greenberg, SMC is planning on installing PGP bathrooms in the near future. SMC student Andrea Gonzales expresses a desire for better counselors, psychological services, and visits from community groups
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that support LGBT members outside of SMC. “We need more support for LGBT students on campus and more people to represent us when making decisions for the well-being of our school and its students. This will help create a better and equal environment for all, ” she adds. Ty Moura is another proud member of the LGBT community at SMC. As president of the AS, it is her job to ensure the best interest of the student community. She is enthusiastic to hear that members of the LGBT community are voicing their opinions. She has to maintain a neutral stance due to her position, but invites each of them to approach her should they wish to see change. “If the students were to approach me with the request for an LGBT center, I would be open to helping them,” she adds. While the GSA has established itself in previous semesters as a well-respected force on campus, this semester has been off to a slow start. According to GSA Vice President Andy Cabrera, the group is currently in the process of becoming an official club. Until then, there will be no official club meetings. With the celebration of International Women’s Month, and the dominating presence of LGBT headlines around the world, the subject of gender equality and rights is becoming more prominent, even in the realm of same-sex relationships.
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Photostory 5
volume 107 issue 3 • MArch 12, 2014 • santa monica college
Arlene Karno Corsair Aaron Braun, faces defeat after expecting to place higher. Braun came in 7th at the LA Marathon
Arlene Karno Corsair 31-year-old Amane Goben, an Ethiopian woman won the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday in 2:27:37.
Story by Alci Rengifo
29th annual LAMarathon
On Sunday, March 9, the warm breezes and burning sun announced the arrival of spring as thousands gathered for the 29th annual Los Angeles Marathon. The megalopolis was opening its streets to those willing to run through the veins of the great city, all the way to the Santa Monica coastline where a victor would be chosen among the crashing waves. The marathon began at 6:50 in the morning at Dodger Stadium and like a mighty current made its way through Hollywood Blvd, Beverly Hills, Westwood and into Santa Monica. The heroic capacity for endurance was displayed by Joshua George who participated as a wheelchair
racer. Ryan Hall absorbed the Apollonian sun while running on a treadmill. Eternal glory went to Ethiopia’s Amane Goben who crossed the finish line in first place for both women and in the overall marathon. She would be showered with praise and riches in the form of $50,000. Meanwhile Aaron Braun would gracefully accept defeat, awaiting another chance to reach for immortality. So ended the 2014 Los Angeles Marathon. The streets were cleared, the crowds dispersed, waiting for next year’s chance to run in community and join the pantheon of heroes.
Arlene Karno Corsair Ryan Hall holds the American records for the half marathon and 20k, and his 2:04:58 marathon time is the fastest ever by an American. Mia Duncans Corsair Joshua George races to the finish line along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica on Sunday, to take first place in the men’s wheelchair division at the 2014 LA Marathon
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6 Opinion
volume 107 issue 3 • MArch 12, 2014 • santa monica college
Eyes on the phone Recent court case ruling permits cellphone use while driving Sarit Kashanian Staff Writer It is no secret that texting or talking on the phone while driving will land drivers with a ticket. But with a new rule on the horizon, drivers may now be able to glance at their cell phones as long as it is for maps or directions. In a recent Fresno, CA court case involving a man protesting a ticket for checking his cellphone map, the court ruled in his favor, establishing a new rule to allow drivers to use their cellphone map without risk of a getting a ticket, according to Mercury News. Santa Monica College Police Department Sergeant Mark Kessler, who has served the college for 27 years, explained that he could not comment on the law until he received the breakdown of the ruling from the District Attorney’s Office of Los Angeles. He did, however, compare the interpretation of driving laws to how different religious sects translate the Old Testament—some strictly, others loosely. “Anything can be constituted as distracted driving if it takes your attention off the road,” Kessler said. He offered examples of distracted driving such as changing a radio station, fixing your hair, or even shooing a fly from your face. However, since many distractions vary
between individual people and situations, not all distractions are citable, according to Kessler. Being directionally challenged, I often rely on my voicedirected iPhone Maps application to guide me to my intended destination. If I feel I need to change my route or look at the directions more closely, I either pull over or quickly fiddle with my phone at a red light. While averting my eyes from the road to look at the magical compass in my lap is a risk I am willing to take, I would understand if a cop were to take a moment out of his day to put down his Dunkin’ Donut and write me a ticket. “For my job and as a driver, I want to go from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ safely,” Kessler said. “I hate seeing people in accidents.” Should this rule take place, people should be careful not to abuse the privilege. Yes, the rule would give people the opportunity
1
WEEK LEFT
Cesar Clarke Corsair
to help themselves when lost, but it does not give drivers the right to go on a texting rampage just to get pulled over and say they were looking for directions. This can be convenient for drivers, but it can be very harmful if not used responsibly. Too many people are hurt everyday with irresponsible drivers on the loose. This should not be an excuse to continue such
reckless action. It may go against my self-interest to say so, but I admit that I would rather have laws prohibit any type of behavior that takes one’s eyes off the road, including using my precious mobile map, if it means keeping everyone safer as a whole.
Vacant Positions:
VICE PRESIDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT ADVOCACY
to SUBMIT YOUR A.S. DIRECTOR APPLICATION Go to www.as.smc.edu
Click Forms and Documents Fill out A.S. Director Application Final submission deadline is
Wednesday, March 19th at 4:30pm
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Michael Greenberg, Director of Publicity (310) 434 - 4965 greenberg.publicity@gmail.com for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •
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volume 107 issue 3 • MArch 12, 2014 • santa monica college
Arts + Entertainment 7
Spotlight on Janie Jones Preparations are set for a new season of spectacular theater at SMC AMalia Darin Staff Writer When asked to describe what theatre is in one word, Santa Monica College director and theatre arts instructor Janie Jones chose “life” with an energetic laugh. During Jones’ thirty-four years working at SMC, she has directed 42 Main Stage productions, 27 workshops, and served five times as a mentor for advanced directing and musical theatre students. Along with her contributions to SMC’s Theatre Department, Jones’ career has been a gallery of multiple honors combined with community involvement, church work and traveling. Jones earned her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature with emphasis on Theatre at the University of South Carolina and since 1961, has been an active actress, singer and dancer. “I love the art form and I really love to teach,” Jones said. For her, the most rewarding thing about her job is, “watching the students progressions and having them come to terms with the understanding of what theatre is all about.”
Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.” Both will be performed at the campus’s Main Stage where past visions of Oscar Wilde, Arthur Miller and of course, Shakespeare, have been presented. Jones herself is directing the award winning, and for decades record holder for longest running play, “You Can’t Take It With You”, which will be performed at the Studio Stage. Jones described the play as “a wonderful comedy.” The story is set during the Great Depression in the 1930s. She selected the play because of how it resonates with the current, uncertain economic times. Another key factor in her selection is that the play is so beautifully written. Her aspiration that particular play is to provide the audience with a comic experience that will also project a sense of hope. The play that will always be closest to Jones’ heart is the one she’s directing for the semester. When she herself was a performer she particularly enjoyed acting in “Annie Get Your Gun” for two and a half years. An article covering the show proudly greets visitors on the wall outside her office. Jones reminisced that she always wanted to work in the theater even during her childhood. A passion for the stage was born when her mother began taking her to see plays when she was four years old. Even though it was clear to her what future she wanted to pursue, Jones first started college as a History/Math Major at Whittier College. She was following what society considered to be a practical education for getting a proper job. One evening a great epiphany would come that give Jones the necessary turn around in her academic studies. “My folks had come to see me in a play in my senior year of college and we were driving home,” Jones remembered. It was her father who confirmed her ambitions. “If this is what you want to do, it’s what you should do,” he told her that night. The next day after the play and talking with her dad, Jones changed course and became a Drama/Speech Major. But Jones readily emphasizes that what you learn in a good History class naturally goes with a career in theater. “Oh, you have to know history to do acting, you have to be a liberal arts person if you’re going to do theatre,” she said. “You will be doing things from all periods, on many levels - ideas, visuals, acting styles - it’s important to know periods and what the philosophy was at the time.” Jone’s advice to those who are passionate about working in the theater world but feel doubts about whether it is a wise career move was, “They should decide if that’s what they want to do. There will be a way.”
“All actors and artists have the desire to give, to express the world and teach. Theatre is a way of doing that,” - Janie Jones
“I want to give them the chance to come to terms with some of the meaning that they find in the plays and the different styles of production,” she added. “I think that, the thing about theatre, is that it gives you the chance to find your place in the world.” The most important ingredient in acting, Jones emphasized, is passion. For her there is no place for ego in this arena because you have to be subservient to the overall production and the message of the play. “All actors and artists have the desire to give, to express the world and teach. Theatre is a way of doing that,” Jones said. With a new semester now well underway, aspirations for this season’s theater productions are high. “I am thrilled with the direction we’ve come. We have a fabulous group of students this semester,” Jones said. “I’m thrilled that we have people who are excited about the field and who are nice, collaborating and having a good time. We’ve had marvellous students all along and I think we’re making progress every year.” During this spring semester, SMC audiences can look forward to productions of “Yellow,” by Del Shores, and Stephen
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Nick Kovalenko Corsair SMC theatre director and instructor Janie Jones has been teaching for 34 years.
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8 Sports
volume 107 issue 3 • MArch 12, 2014 • santa monica college
Girls just wanna have... equal coverage David Yapkowitz Managaing Editor
Women’s sports have historically had to take a back seat to the men. But in this day and age, is it finally time to change? I was about five years old when I first fell in love. My dad was the head coach for the girl’s varsity basketball team at Manual Arts High School and I was at every game, a wide-eyed child soaking in every moment. His season didn’t end once the school year was out, he coached teams in various summer leagues for girls, one of which included a teenage Lisa Leslie who used to carry me around and play with me so I’m told. Women’s basketball was my first introduction to sports. The girls on my dad’s teams were my heroes, the people I looked up to and wanted to emulate. That’s why it pains me to see the depressing current state of affairs regarding women’s basketball, and women’s sports in general. Sports has long been synonymous with masculinity and machismo, which I suspect has roots in our country’s long history of
treating women as second class citizens. Many of the girls whom my dad coached weren’t given the same resources that their male counterparts were given after graduation. If they wanted to play basketball professionally, they had to make the long trek across the Atlantic Ocean to a foreign country they didn’t feel so comfortable in. The Women’s National Basketball Association wasn’t founded until 1996, a full 50 years after the National Basketball Association’s inaugural season. Even now, many WNBA players go overseas once their season is over because their income pales in comparison to their NBA counterparts. It’s a travesty that the Los Angeles Sparks were in danger of possibly relocating and even folding this past Fall, despite their 24-10 second place finish in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles
Lakers, who share the same arena, and are among the worst teams in the NBA this year, have no concern for money. It’s not just on a national scale that these indifferent attitudes towards women’s sports are visible. Look no further than right here in our own backyard at Santa Monica College. Our football team is given tons of publicity from the college, students, and local media, and rightfully so. They’re a perennial powerhouse and the three time defending conference champions. However, our women’s tennis team has also been a juggernaut these past few years, including winning the state championship in 2011. However, you wouldn’t know that from walking around campus. Or take a look at our basketball teams. I’ve been to quite a few over the past couple of seasons. Usually it’s a double-header with the women playing before the men. Attendance is pitiful during the women’s games, and predictably, the gym starts filling up as the men’s game approaches. As the former sports editor for The Corsair the past three semesters, it was always a challenge to get writers excited about women’s tennis or women’s softball or even women’s basketball. But pitch a men’s basketball story or a football story and there would be no shortage of volunteers.
Now I can’t speak much for other sports, I’m not as familiar with them, but when it comes to basketball, women have a much better product that is much more entertaining than men. When I watch women’s basketball, I feel like I’m watching real basketball the way it was meant to be played. Tough, physical, fundamental basketball. Sometimes when watching men, I’m not sure if I’m watching basketball or an acting audition. When women get knocked down or hit, they just get right back up and keep playing. When men get slightly touched, they throw a fit for several minutes, whining and crying. Women’s basketball embodies the way I was taught growing up, “no blood no foul”. If you’re not bleeding, shut your mouth, get up, and keep playing. Basketball is a contact sport and sometimes I think men forget that. One of the biggest ways we can change this apathy towards women’s sports is by giving them more coverage, both nationally and on a local level. At least that’s what we’re striving to do here at The Corsair. If the media coverage increases, then perhaps viewership and fan following might do the same. Who knows, like with basketball, you just might be surprised how much better the product can be.
Men’s volleyball serves LA Trade Tech, gets Maurice Smith spiked by arch-rival Long Beach S W taff
riter
The Santa Monica College men’s volleyball season appeared to get back on track last Wednesday as the Corsairs defeated the Los Angeles Trade Tech Beavers 3-0 amidst a barrage of furious digs, aces and high flying blocks. The Corsairs’ energy proved to be insurmountable as they rallied past LA Trade Tech, avenging the previous week’s loss to conference leading El Camino College. The win keeps SMC in serious contention for the Western State Conference crown. Though there was one remaining hurdle, the much anticipated showdown against the Goliath of the conference, Long Beach City College. “We must be able to defeat Long Beach, they’re one of the best. They’re quick, tough and we intend to be ready,” said SMC Head Coach John Mayer. “The Long Beach City Vikings, have won back to back championships (2012-2013) and have been in the thick of things for a very long time. We have to keep playing better, which I am sure we can do and if we can play better, we have a shot at many great things.” SMC entered Viking Gym at 6-3 on the season, setting the stage for a pivotal matchup against the perennial Western State powerhouse. Before Friday’s matchup, both teams had one thing in common, their only losses were to Orange Coast and El Camino College. But it did not change the fact that after Friday nights matchup, one team would emerge as a clear front runner in the race for the playoffs. Freshman outside hitter Luis Palos might be new to the squad, but with his imposing 6-foot-6 frame and positive mental attitude, he hopes to infect the
Despite already losing to El Camino rest of his team with confidence and and Long Beach, both losses came on hard play. “We must play hard and stay positive,” the road. If the Corsairs could split said Palos. “Given our athletiicsim, we both season series and possibly sweep know we have a chance. With the intense Moorpark, SMC could be primed for a talent of Long Beach confronting us, I legitimate playoff run. Especially with their two biggest matches taking place at can’t help but to be real excited.” As the match got underway, the Corsairs Corsair Pavilion. SMC will attempt to get back on track gave the crowd exactly what they came for. During the first two sets, SMC pushed Wednesday March 12 at 6 p.m. when Long Beach to the brink behind Taylor they travel to Los Angeles Pierce College Tattersall’s 13 points as well as Thomas to take on the Bulls. The Corsairs next home game will be the following Stoekinger’s 9.5. SMC proved they belong across the net Wednesday March 19 at 6 p.m. from their heated rivals, as the Corsairs came within just a few points from edging the Vikings in the early going. Unfortunately for SMC, Long Beach rallied and grabbed a 1-0 lead. The second set was even more exciting as the Corsairs fought back to even the score at 16-16. But Long Beach did what they seem to always do over the last few years and rallied late to take the second set, 25-23. Despite the excellent games from Tattersall and Stoekinger as well as Keats Stanley who chipped in 7.5 points, the Corsairs ultimately succumbed to the conference giants three sets to none, falling in the third and final set, 25-17. Though disappointing, the loss dosen’t spell doom for the team just yet. SMC just passed the halfway point of the season and still have home games against conference leading El Camino, second Brandon Barsugli Corsair place Long Beach, and third Corsairs Women’s Tennis player Jessica Goldbeck returns the ball to opponent during a match against Ventura. place Moorpark.
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