SCAN ME
The Union
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946 Oct. 22, 2026
Debate team
Quiet study
Warriors soccer
Pilate classes
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ARTS
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OPINION
NEWS
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Abortion pill to be required by 2029 at health center By Seamus Pink
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tudent health centers at California community colleges must make abortion medication accessible for students by 2029, according to a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Access means schools will choose to either directly provide the medication on campus or refer students to an external provider. “If the school provides it and your parents don’t know, that’s good for students,” biology major Lyric Daniels, 18, said. Susan Nilles, student health services faculty coordinator, said that while administrators have not yet decided ECC’s approach to this change, nurses in the Student Health Center are prepared for either option as long as students’ needs are met. Assembly Bill 2540, authored by Catherine Stefani, was signed into law by Newsom on Sept. 27. The measure builds on Senate Bill 24, which required all University of California and California State University health centers to provide oncampus access to abortion medication by 2023. In regard to the possibility of referring students to an external
The Pride Center provides traditional condoms, female condoms and lubricant to students. The center is one of three locations on campus that give out free contraceptives. The Student Health Center provides condoms upon request during the hours it is open, Monday through Friday. There is 24/7 contraceptive vending in front of El Cappuccino. Photo illustration by Oriana de Quay
telehealth provider, Nilles said that ensuring students feel comfortable with the option would be one of the nurses’ top priorities. “It’s important that we connect students with someone who can help them instead of just giving them a 1-800 number,” Nilles said.
Costs would be covered by the student health fee, which is $27 per fall and spring semester and $22 per summer session, according to elcamino.edu. The Student Health Center already provides students with affordable access to contraceptives and protective resources, including arm
implant birth control, birth control pills, Plan B pills, condoms and one free STI panel per semester. Although Nilles said few students come in requesting reproductive services, she emphasized the importance of students having access to these resources in the first place.
“We just want access for our students,” Nilles said. “We support them.” The health center is on the north side of campus, between the Planetarium and Lot B. If students have questions ,they can contact the Healh Center at 310-660-3643.
Drug abuse violations increase on campus over three years 100% decrease in murder, robbery and aggravated assault By Lynelle Sarpong Burglaries and drug abuse violations have increased at El Camino College while aggravated assault has decreased, according to statistics released by the police department this month. According to the annual Security Report released Oct. 1, drug abuse violations increased by 200%, while aggravated assault decreased by 100%. Colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs have to report crime statistics from the last three years under the Jeanne Clery Act. In the last three years at ECC, burglaries increased by 28.57%, motor vehicle theft by 125% and stalking by 28.6%. Crimes
that decreased are aggravated assault by 100% and fondling, which went from eight to five and decreased by 37.5%. Violations for drug abuse increased by 50%, from four in 2019 to six in 2025, according to the annual Security Report. The total number of reported incidents rose by two. ECC Police Chief Matthew Vander Horck said there are significant differences in how traditional law enforcement and the Clery Act classify, count and report crimes. The security report defines stalking as a pattern of two or more acts directed towards a specific person that can cause fear for their life. These acts include following, threatening, monitoring, or interfering with their property. ECC has 12 full-time police officers, one chief, two sergeants and three reserve officers. Three of the 12 police officers are still in training. ECC has hired four more
El Camino College has an app called ECCsafe. It provides quick access to campus police or local emergency services. The community can also share their live locations with trusted contacts. Photo by Oriana de Quay
police officers in the last year. Santa Monica College and Cerritos College reported fewer burglaries, motor thefts and stalking than ECC, according to their security reports.
ECC is surrounded by major streets including Crenshaw Boulevard, Redondo Beach Boulevard and many businesses and residential homes. The ECC police department
operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and also has a safety app called ECCsafe. To read the full story, visit ECCUnion.com
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EDITORIAL
Oct. 22, 2026
The Union
The Union SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946
Vol. 81 , No. 3 Oct. 22, 2026
EDITORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NEWS EDITOR
Oriana de Quay Alexandra Quintana
FEATURES EDITOR
Madison Moody
OPINION EDITOR
Tulsi Read
STAFF
Illustration by Christol Nguyen
Child care for student parents should be more accessible
Staff Writers
By Union Editorial Board
Jennifer Figueroa-Hernandez
E
l Camino College should create a new Student Parent Success almanac, 64% postponed Child Development Center for student enrollment at least a year, which is more than parents to access free and/or low cost child care twice the rate of nonparenting peers. and for Childhood Education students to use as Six nearby community colleges have child care a lab to gain experience and training within their programs functioning from a child development field. center on campus, including Los Angeles City ECC has no plans to build a new Child College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Development Center and does not offer any form Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Valley of child care on campus. College, West Los Angeles College and Río Student parents are 10 times less likely to Hondo College. graduate. If ECC had a Child Development Los Angeles City College provides child care Center parents would be able to thrive for ages two to three and a preschool program for academically and have a higher success rate. children ages three to five. This would also serve Childhood Education The center also serves as a lab and field-training students by providing a lab for them to easily site for students studying Child Development. fulfill practicum hours and observations, which The center prioritizes LACC student parents is required in order to transfer. for enrollment then once space becomes Currently, Childhood Education students must available, community, faculty and staff. Students go off campus in order to do this, which is not pay a monthly fee for child care. always convenient and requires an enormous LACC is just one example, but all six colleges amount of effort from students and the Childhood function similarly proving that it is possible to Education practicum professor. have child care on campus. However, there was a time when campus had a While ECC does not have any form of on fully functioning Child Development Center. campus child care, the Childhood Education From 1993 to 2014 the Child Development Department and ECC offer various resources Center, which is now set to be demolished with for student parents. This includes, Inclusive no plans to rebuild, functioned as a child care and Child Development Club meetings, a Parent and fee-based preschool program for student, faculty Community Resource Fair, Parent Cafes, Child/ and staff’s children, ages two to five. Family Friendly Spaces at ECC Programming Parents who qualified for government which partners with Connections for Children, subsidized programs including CalWorks and “You and Me” play groups and more resources. Child Care Access Means Parents In School were A small solution that can also be done on able to cover their child’s entire tuition with the campus is allowing student parents to bring their programs, receiving a full day of child care. children to class on a case by case basis. The center also functioned as a lab for the The ECC 2026-27 catalog has a statement that Childhood Education students who were able to reads: Children are not permitted in classrooms... gain classroom experience and volunteer hours It is the responsibility of each faculty member to essential to their academic requirements. inform students of this requirement. On Oct. 21, 2013, the Board of Trustees voted This is not a policy. Instructors have the option to close the center due to low enrollment and a to either allow children in their classrooms or not. lack of data that estimated the number of parents If they are asking students to model perfect that were students, faculty and staff. On June attendance, this does not take into consideration 30, 2014, the center closed as a college-operated the student parents who do not have the same program and instead rented its facilities to privileges as nonparenting students. external childcare providers. The lack of childcare is a matter of not As of 2023 nearly one in five students at providing equal opportunities for all students California community colleges are parents. to succeed, including Childhood Education Over half of student parents have at least one students who need more accessible training and child under six years old and 32% of students opportunities to fulfill their class requirements. have children under the age of three. According to The California Alliance for
Union staff thoughts: Thumbs up, thumbs down Thumbs down to the unnecessary AC in classrooms, making learning environments uncomfortable.
Thumbs up to the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander program celebrating 10 years.
Thumbs down to a single motorcycle taking up entire spots.
Thumbs up to pumpkin spice season.
Lynelle Sarpong Interns Fredrick Klien
Alyssa Rivas
Davian Vazquez
Iyanni Coleman
Lilly Hazard
Mya Rangel
Josue Valdivias
Molly Conners
Nicole Martinez
Seamus Pink
Ryan Lemke
Dana Burpo
Zoey Grinstead
Steven Breumen
DeAntre Juilan
Brianna Sanchez
Armando Gomez Natalie Figueroa
Oliva Alaljian
Illustrators Ada Axenti
Zuri Godwin
Samsara Read Christol Nguyen Photographers Riley Abrams Speical to the Union Nikki Yunker Keandra Lee
ADVISERS STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER Stefanie Frith sfrith@elcamino.edu
PHOTO ADVISER
Nguyet Thomas nthomas@elcamino.edu
ADVERTISING MANAGER Jack Mulkey elcounionads000@yahoo.com
JOURNALISM PROFESSOR Kate McLaughlin kmclaughlin@elcamino.edu
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT Gerard Burkhart gburkhart@elcamino.edu
CORRECTION POLICY:
The Union takes corrections and clarifications very seriously. If a correction is needed, email The Union at eccunion@gmail.com for all corrections and inquiries pertaining to a story.
EDITORIALS: Editorials represent the views of the The Union’s editorial board. Columns
represent the views of the writer. Neither are representations of what the newspaper staff, other students, our advisers, faculty or the administration think.
LETTERS AND GUEST COLUMN POLICY:
No more than two guest columns from the same person will be considered for publication or online use in the same semester, and 60 days must elapse before a second column is published. Guest columns should generally run 300-450 words. Letters to the editor should generally run no longer than 200 words. All columns and letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. They must be free of libel and in good taste. Publication or rejection of any column is at the sole discretion of the editorial board.
The Union is an award-winning, nationally recognized publication that prints on designated Thursdays by Journalism 11 and 14 students at El Camino College, Humanities 113, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, and is free to the student body and staff. The Union publishes daily online at eccunion.com.
The Union
Opinion
Oct. 22, 2026
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By Ada Axenti
Struggles of finding quiet spaces on campus By Lynelle Sarpong
The Library, Black Student Success Center, and MICASA inding a quiet place to offer places for students to study between classes or work, but these areas are not before an exam can be difficult walways quiet. I often go home for students at El Camino to study because I easily become distracted when I run College. Many students, including into friends on campus. myself, spend hours on campus However, once I get home, between classes, sports social media, household p r a c t i c e s , o r o t h e r distractions and even naps take c o m m i t m e n t s t r y i n g t o away important study time. complete assignments. Having Assignments and exams access to a quiet study preparation are delayed which environment can make a leads to procrastination and no significant difference in a motivation. Over time, this has become a habit which created a student’s ability to focus.
cycle of distractions and falling balance and opportunity for behind school work. focusing and completing work For students who prefer a in a more productive and quiet silent environment, finding a environment. suitable place to study can be The need for quiet student challenging. While many space balances academic students have favorite study responsibilities with work, spots on campus, those athletic and family obligations. locations are often busy during Research cited by the Los peak hours. As a result, students Angeles Times indicates that may struggle to find a space f u l l - t i m e u n d e rg r a d u a t e where they can read, write, or students spend significantly prepare for big exams. less time studying than previous One possible solution would generations, averaging only 12 be ECC offering more quiet to 14 hours per week. When spaces. 30 minutes of reduced there is time set aside just for noise could potentially provide studying, students are able to
access an environment that supports their success. ECC should consider expanded quiet student options throughout campus, not just in centers and the library. Staff should dedicate quiet time in class for students to slow down and catch up with whatever they need to. It is important for students to have a quiet place and this includes a comfortable and accessible space, to sit and take the time to focus on assignments.
The article “Child Development Center demolition date set” included some inaccurate and potentially misleading information about the Child Development Center building that is scheduled for demolition. The center, originally opened in 1992, for many years, served as a lab school. It provided child care to families in the community while also giving childhood education students opportunities to gain experience with children. In 2014, the college closed the center as a college operated program and subsequently rented the facility to outside child care organizations for several years before it was permanently closed. The article states, “While the program will still continue out of the Behavioral and Social Science building, it will no longer have its own designed building, We want to clarify that our department has not operated a child care center or
continued elsewhere on campus since the Child Development Center closed. That is not the case. Our Childhood Education Department is an excellent program that provides highquality educational experiences and prepares students to make a meaningful impact in the field of early childhood education. We offer courses that prepare students to earn certificates and degrees and to meet the requirements for permits issued by the State of California. We also have an active Child Development Club that provides students with numerous opportunities, including weekly professional development meetings, Parent Cafés, the You and Me Play Group, and other activities. However, these programs don’t inculde on-campus child care. For many years, reopening the Child Development Center—or creating a new center on campus—has been a priority for our department. A high-quality child
helping prepare the next generation of early childhood educators. Children are one of the most important investments a community can make. We hope that, in the future, ECC will once again have a Child Development Center on campus—one that supports children and families while providing our students with the hands-on educational experiences they need to enter the early childhood profession.
F
Guest column: A response to “Child Development Center demolition date set” lab school on campus for many years. While our Childhood Education program continues to provide students with academic and vocational preparation, access to a lab school is an important component of that education. A lab school would be a practice classroom where students work with real children under supervision. Unfortunately, our students have not had access to such a facility for many years. Currently, in lieu of an oncampus lab school, childhood education students participate in mentorship experiences within the community. However, coordinating and monitoring multiple external sites requires significant time and some cost, while also being inconvenient to students. It is also important to clarify that El Camino College does not currently provide child care on campus. The article may give the impression that child care has
development center would serve an important dual purpose: providing muchneeded child care to children and families while also serving as a laboratory and learning environment for our students. Our students need opportunities to observe children, assess learning environments and programs, and develop practical skills under the guidance of experienced early childhood professionals. Hundreds of childhood education students complete coursework that requires classroom observations and environmental and program assessments. Students preparing to become early childhood educators benefit greatly from supervised, hands-on experiences with young children. A quality child development center would therefore benefit both the college and the broader community. It would provide families with access to child care while
Written by the Childhood Education Department Students and faculty members are invited to send guest columns and letters to The Union. To submit a guest column, please email eccunion@gmail. com. All columns and letters are edited for length and style.
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ARTS
Oct. 22, 2026
The Union Pilates Instructor Renee Fox-Moore brings over a decade of expertise to El Camino College, drawing on her experience as a certified instructor who also leads programs at Mt. San Antonio College. Photo by Lynelle Sarpong
Focusing on Mind, Body and Spirit Relaxation and wellness performed in one class By Lynelle Sarpong
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ff e r e d d u r i n g t h e summer, fall and spring semesters, a trending wellness course introduces students to the foundational concepts and exercises developed by tapping into their inner zen. ECC’s pilates mat class has long served as a local fitness staple. Labeled as DANC 250, it is being led by part-time Fine Arts instructor Renee Fox-Moore, who joined the faculty in 2025. With over a decade of experience, Fox-Moore became a certified pilates instructor in
2014, drawing on a lifelong background in dance that began at 14. In addition to her role at El Camino, she teaches at Mt. San Antonio College, which has offered a well-established pilates program since 2011. “Pilates is good for everyone. It helps us understand our bodies. It connects mind, breath, body, and spirit,” FoxMoore said. Pilates has surged in popularity across the South Bay, yet El Camino College has long been a fixture in the local fitness scene, established well before this recent trend took hold. Fox-Moore says that pilates teaches students to breathe fully, with full inhalations and
full exhalations. It can oxygenate the body and calm students. Pilates helps students understand their alignment, so they can move out of constant bad posturing. This helps with understanding where and how to support the body. Nursing major Kimberly Miramontes, 20, said the first thing that stood out about Pilates Mat Class was the welcoming environment. Miramontes has noticed significant personal transformation since beginning the course, recognizing that the supportive atmosphere helped her ease into the practice. “At the beginning, I was so tense, and now I can talk to
people,” Miramontes said, reflecting on how the class has helped her build confidence alongside her physical strength. ECC student Evan Bruece, 25, paralleled these sentiments, saying that the course encourages a deeper mindfulness of the body. “There are a lot of people sharing their thoughts, it’s encouraged. I feel like it’s pretty laid back and it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere,” Bruece said. Fox-Moore shared ECC’s plans to add a class specifically for students to become pilates instructor certified.
“I know that they’re in the works of working on a pilates instructor certification program as well.” Fox-Moore said.
Student participates in the “side lying” tree pose position in the ECC pilates mat class taught by instructor Renee Fox-Moore, which emphasizes body alignment, strength and mindfulness. Photo by Lynelle Sarpong
Ten barbers provide haircuts and luncheon By Dana Burpo
There were free haircuts and a scholar panel at a workshop held in the East Dining Room on El Camino College Campus. It was more than signing your name on a paper. It was selecting a barber to start the magic of a cut. Barber Tony Buckhanon, who has been cutting hair for over two years and has been at The Barbershop Talk workshop for three years, said “Sometimes it’s not always about the cuts, but if I can transform someone’s lives with advice to make them a better person, then we have won”. Students and staff sat in the chairs to cut off the old energy and to bring the new energy into their lives. Buckhanon cuts staff member Luis Bonilla’s hair, who’s worked at ECC for almost three years as a utility worker.
Barber Tony Buckhanon has a way of bringing joy to his client’s face as he brings back their confidence. Photo by Dana Burpo
This was Bonilla’s first time getting a haircut at the workshop and said, “he feels fresh”. Student Pablo Gutierrez, 37, is in his second semester and experienced his first free haircut at The Barbershop Talk
workshop. Gutierrez gets his hair cut by barber David Guerrero, who has seven years of experience cutting hair. He approved the cut with a thumbs up. Other barbers get their clients ready by boosting their
confidence. Business administration major Justin Castile, 42, was one of the panel introducers of The Barber Talk workshop. He stated the workshop is more than a name, but rather a place where he can just open up
and discuss things that maybe you wouldn’t normally discuss on a day-to-day basis.
The Union
Oct. 22, 2026
ARTS
5
(L-R) Kayla Shelton, Wendy Garcia and Dyanna Gallardo sit outside in the quad on the east side of the Schauerman Library. Shelton and Gallardo both study for their English class while Garcia studies for her calculus class. Shelton explains that she had forgotten what midterms were. Shelton then says her friends at big universities were scrambling to study and keep up with their tests while she felt like she had nothing to do for her classes Wednesday, Oct.14. Photo by Riley Abrams
Photojournalism students capture campus life
Top Left (L-R) Elijah Jackson, first year theatre major, alongside Noah Vargas, first year theatre major, hanging out in front of the Music building on Oct. 14. The El Camino Theatre program offers a lot of opportunities for aspiring actors and technicians to develop their craft for an Theatre Associate of Arts degree. Photo by Olivia Alajian
Bottom Right (L-R) Studio Art majors Taj Williams, 26, and India McEwan, 22, sit outside the El Camino Library drawing in their books. From a very young age, Williams and McEwan both found their interest in art. “I started liking art in kindergarten, and I want to become an art teacher,” McEwan said. Photo by Lynelle Sarpong
Top Right El Camino student Mia Chavez sits down for her flu shot administered by student nurse Mary at a Student Services Vaccine drive. Oct. 7. Photo by Steven Berumen
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NEWS
Oct. 22, 2026
The Union
Budget cuts threaten speech and debate team Alumnus detained by ICE By Tulsi Read
By Jennifer Figueroa -Hernandez
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ince facing budget cuts, the forensics team will not be able to compete nationally and internationally. In 2024, the team’s budget went from $41,000 to $21,000. Dean of Humanities Scott Kushigemachi explained that there was a college wide budget cut in 2024. Francesca Bishop, forensics team coach and professor, said the remaining $21,000 would allow the team to attend local tournaments, but would not provide enough funding to compete at the national and international level. “Without a restoration of our budget, the forensics team will essentially go away at the beginning of next year,” Bishop said. Bishop estimated that running the team costs approximately $55,000 annually. The team raises approximately $15,000 each year through fundraising, but its reserve fund has depleted. Students interested in competitive speech and debate would be driven to choose other colleges if this program does not compete in national tournaments, including Cerritos College, Moorpark College or Mt. San Antonio College. Competing nationally is essential to recruiting students, Bishop said. The team competed in
Police Beat
Political science major Nia Gordon, 21, and Ashley Singh biology major, 22, practice for their upcoming debate. Gordin stands at the podium after Singh finished practicing her speech. Photo by Anakin Macias
Missouri, Virgina, Japan and Texas. “If we can’t have a national tournament and continue to dominate the country as we had for 27 years, what’s the point?” Bishop said even when the program has its full budget, only 12 students make nationals, 18 members are currently active. Students who do not qualify
for nationals are not cut from the team, they participate through the end of the season. Political science major Nia Gordon, 21, three-year team member, said traveling with the debate team was life changing “I think also just learning and experiencing different cultures, like in speech and debate, we talk about these issues all the time, but going to actual places
where we’re able to figure out and learn more about them,” Gordon said. Bishop said the program’s funding request seems relatively small compared to the benefits it provides to students and the college’s reputation. To read the full story, visit ECCUnion.com
California Legislative worker and alumnus of El Camino College, Ho-Yin Mo, was detained by immigration officers on Sept. 17 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to an article written by ABC10 News. Mo is a California Legislative employee, working as a field representative for Democratic Bay Area Assembly member Catherine Stefani. The Union reached out to Catherine Stefani but was unable to receive a statement from her in time for publication. The Department of Homeland Security reportedly told ABC10 that Mo had “overstayed his welcome” and should’ve left in May of 2020. Director of Public Information Kerri Webb confirmed that Mo was a student at ECC, having a history of enrollment from 2016 to 2018. Since the detainment, Mo was released on a bond by an immigration judge 15 days after his arrest on Oct. 2, according to ABC7. Mo’s legal status was unclear at the time of his arrest and remained private at the time of his release.
Aspiring actor films promotional video for short film
By Alexandra Quintana The Union publishes police beats online with each newspaper release. Visit eccunion.com to read more. Thursday, Oct. 1, 11:46 a.m. An invasion of privacy (camera in bathroom) was reported at the Student Services Building. The case is closed Monday, Oct. 5, 10:08 p.m. A drug law violation was reported at the Health Center. An arrest was made. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4:55 p.m. Criminal threats were reported at the Industry and Technology Building. The case is closed. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2:13 p.m. A disturbance was reported at the Bookstore. The case is closed. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:47 p.m. Lewd conduct/Indecent exposure was reported at the Math, Business and Allied Health Building. The case is open. Friday, Oct. 16, 2:44 p.m. Stalking was reported at the Health Center. A report was made to Campus Security.
(L-R) Theater major Sebastian Hernandez and Ismael Torres, business major, act in a promotional video for the Short Film Club in front of the Schauerman Library at El Camino College on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Filming them is Geo Lopez, a first year film major. The club meets every first Thursday of the month and after that every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m., in which they either watch a movie or split in teams to create short films. Hernandez creates college related skits on instagram by the username @yun9en. Photo by Olivia Alajian
Oct. 22, 2026
The Union
SPORTS
7
Long Beach City Vikings men’s soccer team raids Warriors of victory By Nicole Martinez
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l Camino College’s Warriors men’s soccer team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end after losing 6-1 to the Long Beach City College Vikings on Friday, Oct. 9. The Warriors struggled to contain the Vikings’ offense. ECC opened with a kickoff, looking to build on their recent success; however, LBCC quickly put pressure on the Warriors’ defense when Vikings forward Chayse Owens scored the opening goal before the four-minute mark.
“I just felt a thrill, you know, just scoring every time for my team and providing for the team,” Owens said. The Vikings extended their lead to 2-0 from a free-kick goal opportunity, and continued scoring took them to a 4-0 lead into halftime. Despite the deficit, the Warriors eventually found their breakthrough when midfielder Nathan Ibarra scored on a free kick, putting the Warriors on the scoreboard.
Top: (L-R) Warriors forward Brody Leipzig defends the ball from Long Beach City Vikings forward Omar Juarez with the help of Warriors defensive player Christopher Rodriguez. The match ended in a 6-1 loss and drew four yellow cards. Photo by Olivia Alajian
Above Left: (L-R) Long Beach City College Vikings forward Julien Camacho and Warriors forward Gavin Hancock go head to head for possession of the ball at minute 88 of the match with the score at 6-1 for the Vikings. Photo by Olivia Alajian
Bottom Right: El Camino College midfielder Rima Tanaka attempts a shot at goal with the Long Beach City College defenders surrounding him. The match ended in a defeat of 6-1. Photo by Olivia Alajian
Men ’s u p co mi ng s o c c e r g a me s : Friday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. at San Diego Mesa College
Friday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. vs East Los Angeles College
Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at Rio Hondo College
Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at Los Angeles Harbor College
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SPORTS
Oct. 22, 2026
The Union
(L-R) Long Beach City College Vikings defender DeAsia Mauldin, El Camino College Warriors defender Amy Perez, Vikings midfielder, Jocelyn Aquino, Warriors goalkeeper Lilian Cook, and Warriors defender Lori Laca all pile up in a fight for possession of the ball after a block from the Warriors defense during a home game Friday, Oct. 9. Photo by Zoey Grinstead
Women’s soccer continues losing streak U pcoming games: Warriors lose 6-1 to the Long Beach City Vikings
By Alexandra Quintana
W
ith about 20 minutes left in the game, Warriors forward Arianna Sheldon fell and hit her head on the ground. But she got back up, wiped her tears and continued to play. Under the scorching sun, the El Camino College Warriors women’s soccer team fought to
break a five-game losing streak while the Long Beach City College Vikings, running on a winning streak, put pressure. Both teams started off determined, ensuring that their opposing team didn’t get the opportunity to score. But that all changed 20 minutes into the first half of the game when the Vikings women’s soccer team scored the first goal. Vikings forward Kayla Punsalan said the goal was a team effort and she was proud of what they were able to achieve together. “That one was definitely a team effort. Joce had the free kick. So she placed a really good ball back post and then…
in the scramble, [forward Zoe Rhodes] kind of got to it first, so she laid it off, and then I just swung in and hit it,” Punsalan said.When the teams returned for the second half, the Warriors’ pace slowed as the Vikings continued to build momentum. In the second half, Vikings forward Zoe Rhodes scored a second goal. Vikings coach Tino Nunez said the two goals at the beginning of both halves were a huge part of the game. “I think that first goal is always important. So that’s a key moment. That’s your game winner ... getting that first one in the second half, … obviously calms us down, puts more pressure on them,” Nunez said.
Warriors defender Susana Maldonado was able to extend her leg and push the ball away from Vikings forward Sophia Albano as she was close to making a goal. However, the Vikings scored two more goals, wrapping up the game 4-0. Warriors coach Anton Arrache said his approach for the next games will be to find the positives and build confidence. ”Just every game, we’ve got to find little positives and move forward and look to, you know, find a win and breed some confidence,” Arrache said.
Women’s soccer vs. Compton College Friday, Oct. 23, at 1:30 p.m. Men’s soccer vs. Compton College Friday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. Football vs. Southwestern College Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. Men’s soccer vs. Rio Hondo College Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m.
With one player injured, Long Beach City Vikings win
Women’s water polo
Jennifer Figueroa-Hernandez
vs. Cerritos College Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m.
During the second set, Long Beach Vikings defensive specialist Hazel Orozco took a harsh dive, injuring herself and taking herself out of the game against the El Camino College Warriors on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the West Gymnasium. Vikings volleyball coach Tyler Jackson said, “I think we started off really slow the first set ... each set after that we started finding more of our rhythm and our group.” Vikings outside hitter Jourdynaire Kekauoha-Viena said seeing her teammate get hurt brought out some emotions during the game. “We started playing for her, especially because we’ve seen the other people laughing at her – the other team, the crowd. I’m not gonna let somebody talk about our teammate like that,” she said. Kekauoha-Viena had 15 total kills in the game. “I think they definitely leaned on each other and said that they wanted to play for that player,” Jackson said.
Men’s water polo vs. Cerritos College Wednesday, Oct. 28, 4:15 p.m. Women’s volleyball vs. Los Angeles Harbor College Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. Women’s soccer vs. East Los Angeles College Friday, Oct. 30, at 1:30 p.m. Men’s soccer vs. East Los Angeles College Friday, Oct. 30, at 4 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Santa Barbara City College Friday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m.
(L-R) El Camino College Warriors outside hitter Laila Alarbesh and middle blocker Cali Smith block hit from the Long Beach City College Vikings outside hitter Elizabeth Filiaga. Alarbes had two block assists and Smith had six block assists against the Vikings on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Photo by Riley Abrams
Women’s Volleyball vs. Compton College Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m.