Spring 2013, Issue 14, Vol. 45 (March 6)

@lariatnews /lariat.saddleback /LariatNews @lariatnews VOLUME 45, ISSUE 13

Lariat

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A&E

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Sports

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SADDLEBACK AND IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGES’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER WEDNESDAY, March 6, 2013

No. 1 Gauchos beat Owls, 78-64 mi chael grennell

Sports Editor

The Saddleback men’s basketball team continued their winning streak on Mar. 2, as they defeated the Citrus College Owls 78-64.

The win moved them into the second round of the California Community College Athletics Association playoffs.

The only aspects of the game that the Gauchos struggled with in the win were turnovers and fouls.

For the second game in a row, Saddleback turned over the ball 18 times.

It was the 10th time this season that the Gauchos had 18 or more turnovers.

The Owls took advantage of this, and scored 24 points off of Gaucho turnovers.

Most of Saddleback’s foul trouble came up late in the game, as 17 of the 25 fouls came in the second half.

Citrus scored 24 of their points from the free throw line thanks to Saddleback’s fouls.

Saddleback’s 25 fouls were the most they were charged with since their 89-53 win at El Camino-Compton center

Opinion

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on the web 1. California Community Colleges team up with US Department of Agriculture.

2. “Same sex marriage: A civil debate.” -Live tweets will be sent out through the Lariat’s twitter.

3. Irvine Valley College women’s basketall game against Mount San Jacinto.

IVC women’s basketball

michael grennell / Lariat

VICTORY AGAINST CITRUS: (Left to right) A.J. Brevard, guard, led the team with 25 points against Citrus College. McKay LaSalle, also a guard, held the title of Orange Empire Conference Co-MVP this season. in December, when they were charged with 26 fouls.

“We struggled a bit, but that happens,” said sophomore guard McKay LaSalle.

“We ended up pulling it out.

We had stretches where we played well and it was enough

to win.”

Coach Andy Ground said after the game that despite the low ranking opponent, it was a hard game for the Gauchos.

“It was a tough matchup, especially as a first round game for us,” Ground said. “[Citrus

is] always good. They are not a 17 seed team as far as ability is concerned.”

Ground continued on to say that Saddleback’s defense was the key to success against the Owls.

Ground said that limiting the

high scoring Owls offense to under 70 points was one of the biggest pre-game goals for the Gauchos.

(SEE SPORTS, PAGE 4)

The IVC women’s basketball team upset the Pasadena College Lancers 66-53 on Mar. 2, as the Lasers continued their march to the state finals.

Sophomore guard Dominique Santos came off the bench to lead the Lasers with a game-high 18 points, while pulling down three rebounds.

No. 11 IVC will face off in the next round at No. 3 Mt. San Jacinto College on Wednesday Mar. 6 at 7:00 p.m.

IVC’s MUN raises funds shan n elle sa nchez

Staff Writer

Irvine Valley College’s Model United Nations team presented four controversial topics during the Global Policy Forum late evening on Feb. 28.

The Global Policy Forum was held at IVC’s BSTIC building.

Tickets for this event cost $5 and all proceeds went towards the MUN fund as well as the money donated from the bake sale that was hosted before the event.

“They did an amazing job they addressed some topics that were kind of controversial, but they really just kind of did it in an open minded way,” said Patricia Bylsma, 22, environmental science.

The MUN fundraiser night started off with instructor Cale Crammer, the IVC MUN club advisor, introducing the guests to the topics that will be discussed and presented by the MUN’s following members, Max Simon (education), David Sadakane (religion), Jibran Samla (medicine), and Eric Hanson (cyber warfare).

One of the many controversial topics discussed was religion. David Sadakane, asked

LARIAT NEWS

guests to think of where we would be in this world without religion.

Religion and God played a big part in society and it requires an individual to accept a specific set of moralities and laws, according to Sadakane.

“Religion is one of the few concepts that has followed humanity closely throughout its existence,” Sadakane said.

According to Simon’s research, education does not promise graduates a career.

Students going to a college or university need to know how important it is to do things that are going to set you apart the rest of the world.

“Out of the 3 highest paying jobs in the United States, only one need a degree (informational techs),” said Simon, IVC student, MUN team member.

Jibran Samla presented his speech on today’s modern medicine and the effect it has on Americans.

In today’s modern medicine negative practices have become standard and because of that we “handed ourselves over to doctors and medications,” Samla said.

Cyber warfare is the next threat to national security according to Eric Hanson. “Wars

use to be conducted with swords, then firearms, and eventually nuclear weapon but today the weapons consists of hackers, bots and for those of you computer savvy people denial of service attacks,” stated Hanson, IVC student, MUN team member. Cyber space has made todays world vulnerable to a new kind of attack.

Students were definitely entertained with IVC’s MUN’s global policy forum.

“I thought they addressed the questions very professionally, and the questions that are more on the questionable side or could possibly offend people they addressed in very professional ways as to not offend anyone,” said Gabriel Masri, 21, computer science. “I thought they did a great job. I was entertained and I’m glad I came.”

IVC’s MUN team will be traveling to New York the second week of March to compete with other MUN teams across the nation.

If you are interested in joining IVC’s MUN club please contact Professor Crammer.

Also visit http://www.ivc. edu/student/clubs/mun/Pages/ default.aspx for further info. ssanchez.lariat@gmail.com

GOING SOLAR FOR MONEY: Sullivan Solar Power will be hosting free information luncheons at Mission Viejo City Hall March 23 and May 4 at 11 a.m.

Local residents get paid to go solar j oh n n y w i l son

News Editor

As part of a new going green initiative, Sullivan Solar Power announced Thursday, that it will be paying Mission Viejo residents to use solar power.

This initiative called the Mission Viejo Solar Program, allows homeowners to install solar panels without a down payment. Once installed, customers will receive payments from Sullivan Solar Power for using certain amounts of electricity.

For the first ten homes to use this program, Sullivan Solar Power will pay each homeown-

er 50 cents for every solar watt of electricity used, up to a total of $2,500.

This program was designed “to inspire Mission Viejo residents to declare energy independence and create a sustainable future for the region,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder of Sullivan Solar Power.

Sudent Arash Nabili, 20, computer science, would install solar panels in order to “contribute less to environmental hazards that power plants create.”

“Yeah, I would do it,” added student Alan Chau, 21, prenursing. “It’s good for the environment.”

The Mission Viejo Solar Pro-

gram is not the first solar power initiative to hit the city however, as the Solar Energy Education Program (SEEP; created by the city in 2008) allows for residents to obtain solar permitting free of charge.

Given this benefit from SEEP, along with the Mission Viejo Solar Program, Mission Viejo residents are expected to adopt solar methods at a record rate, according to Sullivan.

“Now is the best time to get a solar rooftop, as there has never been an opportunity for [MV] residents to get paid to go solar before,” Sullivan said. jwilson.lariat@gmail.com

Athletic department’s take on the “Harlem Shake” h ay l e y s ly e

Staff Writer

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michael grennell / Lariat

DANCE CRAZE: Students participate in the recreation of a viral video known as the “Harlem Shake.”

Saddleback College athletes, students and members of the athletics department got together on Mar. 2 in the gym, to recreate the popular “Harlem Shake” viral video.

The “Harlem Shake” video is a phenomenon inspired by a song of the same name by Baauer.

It has been recreated by universities across the country, from the University of Texas in Austin to the University of Florida, whose “Harlem Shake” video has over 500,000 views on YouTube.

The head coach of Saddleback women’s soccer, B.J. McNicol, saw the videos other

colleges had made, and thought that his team should throw Saddleback’s hat into the “Harlem Shake” ring.

“I had seen it online. I’m the women’s soccer coach, so I checked with my girls, of course they were down. They wanted to include more sports programs,” McNicol said.

“I asked our [athletic director], Tony Lipold, who is amazing and was like ‘heck yeah, let’s do this, let’s do it big’, and so now everybody is a part of it and we’re super excited.”

Word eventually reached the rest of the athletics department, as well as Associated Student Government due in part to the efforts of Lipold, athletic director and dean of kinesiology and physical education.

“I started it, but it was Tony who allowed it to be this cool,” McNicol said.

Members of the softball, baseball, dance, soccer and track and field teams, as well as ASG and others showed up in support and in costume on Saturday, ready to participate.

“We want to support the athletics department at Saddleback,” said ASG member Shayan Akhavon, 19, pre-med.

The video will begin with the Saddleback Gaucho mascot dancing alone, then will cut to a multitude of participants dancing, and will end with a cheer for Saddleback College.

The finished product will be posted on YouTube. hslye.lariat@gmail.com

OPINION

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Lariat

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013

Editorial:

L ve has n limits To deny same-sex couples the right to marry is to deny them civil rights.

Lariat Staff

Women and African-Americans have gained their equality through civil rights. Now it is time for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community (LGBT) to receive theirs. Within America’s past ten years, the definition of marriage has become a prevalent issue that has swept across the nation. Love has no limits, yet Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) of 1996 and California’s Proposition 8 have restricted the ability for same sex couples to extend their love to more than just a commitment. Until marriage between same-sex couples is legalized, equality has not been achieved.

Currently nine states and 11 countries permit the legalization of same sex marriage, yet the majority of our nation doesn’t recognize it.

The federal government has undermined the civil rights of the LGBT community, which they rightfully have as citizens of the United States. In 1996 congress passed DOMA, which has prohibited federal agencies from recognizing same sex marriages. In 2008, California passed Proposition 8, which banned same sex marriage in the state by a vote of 52.3% to 47.7%. Now five years later, the White House wants the proposition over turned and the DOMA eliminated. With these limitations beat, the LGBT community will be a huge leap closer to equality.

Marriage is a privilege that many heterosexual couples take for granted. Through military benefits, fiancé green card legalizations and baby on board reasoning’s, many couples will cheat the system for their own good. In 2009, the movie “The Proposal” was released, serving as a prime example as to how the privilege of marriage has and can be cheated and abused.

The plot is based on Sandra Bullock and how she forces her assistant, Ryan Reynolds, to marry her in order to keep her Visa within the United States.

Through a series of questions and a few days together, the two were able to trick the government by convincing them they were in love.

Like the movie, any heterosexual couple can fake love to marry, but homosexual couples, who have been partners for years, are being denied this right.

Photo ILLUSTRATION BY Anibal Santos

GENDER ROLE: Will same-sex couples ever reap the benefits of matrimony that heterosexuals enjoy?

Due to the high divorce rates of this day and age, people argue that same-sex couples will weaken the respect of the institution of marriage. We like to think otherwise. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriages.

According to gaymarriage. procon.org, the divorce rate in Massachusetts declined 21 percent between 2003 and 2008.

Consequently in 2008, Massachusetts was recognized for the lowest divorce rate. As a state that legally marries same-sex couples, the unions have proven to not hurt their state, but help.

“You can can do what you want to do, live how you want

to live,” Saddleback student Robert Haudenschild, 25, said.

As a nation, we agree that everyone is free to believe in whatever religion they want and validate it by being baptized or performing other ritual ceremonies (depending on the religion), but not all of us are free to feel or to love and make our love official. Religion aside, Christian theologian and author, James Killen brings up a good point.

“Those who want church weddings can have them, but marriage is a matter of civil law,” Killen said. “Since it is unconstitutional to deny equal civil rights to citizens, it is un-

constitutional to deny to homosexual couples the right to marry.”

People are selfish, as many assume that same-sex marriages would directly affect them. Instead of respecting that all citizens of America should obtain their civil rights, some people are worried about their taxcuts being cut in half, because more couples would be getting married. But the truth is, there is no difference between thousands of homosexuals getting married to thousands of heterosexuals getting married.

The population of America is still the same. Lezbihonest, it is the fact that people can’t grasp that being gay isn’t a choice. The majority of the LGBT community has had to live in fear of not being accepted in our society. The people of the U.S. owe them their rights, and an apology in my opinion. This is discrimination. It is as simple as that.

This is something we are going to look back at and be amazed how close-minded society can be. Similar to women’s rights and civil rights, the fight for same-sex marriage is going to be one of those things in history where the next generation will be appalled that we even had to fight for it. Let’s just not make it take so long this time.

The thought of same-sex couples makes the majority of all generations feel uncomfortable. Yes, religiously and socially, we have been raised to recognize marriage between a man and a woman, but that is because society hasn’t allowed for anyone to think otherwise.

Times have changed. The idea of same-sexed marriage is a prevalent issue that will continue to be addressed until it is achieved. Similar to Martin Luther King, the LGBT community has a dream. If today’s generation legalizes same-sex marriage, it would no longer be a dream, but a reality. It is time to hang DOMA, Prop 8 and the definition of a traditional family in the closet. Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or transgender, they are still human and should be treated as one with equality.

Looking to hear more on this matter?

Check out the same-sex marriage debate Thursday March 7th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.at the McKinney Theater. lariateditor@gmail.com

Campus Comments:

Photo by Shirley smith

Dear Tick: DST messes with our sense of time and energy.

Opinion Column:

Daylight savings time is an unneccessary evil Shirley Smith

Staff Writer

Remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Sunday at 2 a.m., or you will be late to your first class. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a fear of doing this, knowing I would be the only one to do so and everyone would make fun of me.

Daylight savings is a time honored tradition, but it is also an unnecessary evil.

My grandfather lived on a small farm in the midwest and never changed his clock for daylight saving time (DST). I asked him once why he didn’t.

“I feed my livestock every morning at the same time,” he said, “why should I change my clock? Them cows don’t know what time it is.”

Well, I couldn’t argue with that now could I? Arizona and Hawaii are the only U.S. states, that do not observe DST. But even though Arizona does not observe DST, the Navajo Indian Reservation, which takes up most of northeastern Arizona, does. To add to the confusion, the Hopi Indian Reservation, which is wholly enclosed within the Navajo Reservation, does not observe DST. Confused? Me too. Why can’t they all just do it or all not do it?

“I like it because I take the bus home and when it stays light out,” Kierra Hutchinson, 19, undecided said. “I don’t have to be so nervous walking home in the dark.”

Furthormore, the proper spelling is not saving(s) time, which is how I have always spelled it. No, it is saving time.

And something else to ponder is that no time i actually saved.

It is only being shifted. So to

be accurate, it should be called daylight shifting time.

2 a.m. on Sunday was chosen, because it is less disruptive even to night shifts. But one area that is affected more is the bars and nightclubs. Most states require these businesses to stop serving alcohol from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. In the spring, turning the clock forward was no problem, but in fall, turning the clock back did. So, they just t turn them back at 1:59 a.m. Presto!

Problem solved.

“When it gets dark earlier, I just feel more tired,” Neda Shahrestani, 18, marketing said.

“I’m a cheerleader for my all star team and have to practice at night.”

DST began with Benjamin Franklin, who was trying to save energy, over a hundred years ago. There is some controversy over this. I am one of the few people that would rather stay on standard time. As much as I enjoy having the extra light, here in California, our summers are extremely hot. This means that I need to run my air conditioner even longer, therefore I use more energy.

“What I don’t like about it is losing that extra hour of sleep in the morning when I have to work the next day,” David Taylor, 20, film production said. “I do enjoy having a longer day as far as daylight is concerned.”

I think it’s all backwards.

If we had standard time in the summer, the sun would go down sooner so we could cool off faster. Then we should have DST in the winter, when we could benefit from the sun staying up later and warm us longer. But don’t worry, I think it is here to stay, because now it starts a month earlier and back to standard time a month later than it used to end ssmith.lariat@gmail.com

Are you for or against same-sex marriage?

By Shannelle Sanchez, Valery Feregoso, and Hayley slye

“I’m for it. I think if men and women have the ability to be miserable, then why not give it to each other.”

Nick DeSon, 19, Biology Saddleback

Lariat Anibal Santos Arts/Entertainment Editor Shannelle Sanchez Video Editor Michael Grennell Sports Editor Cody shoemake Photography Editor

“Against it because of my beliefs in the bible. I just think that the traditional family is the way that it should always be.”

Joshua Warejki, 18 Physics Saddleback

“Saddleback’s student-run newspaper since 1968” Angie L. Pineda Editor-in-Chief John Wilson News Editor Ashley Reyes Online Editor Hayley slye Opinion Editor Cathy Taylor iPad Editor

“I think it’s okay, I think because when I was about 15 years old I had a very good friend and she was kind of like that [gay], but she’s a very good person. I love her, so I accept it.”

MElanie Roberts Copy Editor Elizabeth Ortiz News Co-Editor KristINE Martinez Life Editor Steven Jung Production Editor

Web: www . l ariatnews . com Address: 28000 M arguerite P arkway , M ission V iejo CA, 92692

Reporters: A lex A ponte , K risten W ilcox , S ean B yrne , S teven C hernow , K ylie C orbett , V alery F regoso , E ric G orman , M ichelle H awatmeh , A lexandria L arsen , J ustin M ontes , S usan R ay , M el anie R oberts , S hirley S mith , A lex S tamos , Faculty Adviser: A mara A guil ar Instructional Assistant: A li D orri Advertising Manager: M ary A nne S chults Phone: (949) 582-4688 E-Mail: l ariateditor @ gmail . com

Joshua Warejki, 18 Physics Saddleback

About the Lariat

The Lariat is the student newspaper of Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. The Lariat is an independent, First Amendment, student-run public forum.

One copy of the Lariat is free.

Additional copies may be purchased for $1 at the Lariat newsroom, which is located in LRC 116.

Letters to the editor are welcomed. Please limit letters to 200 words or less and include a name, valid e-mail address and signature.

All letters are subject to editing by the editorial board.

Unsigned editorials represent the views of the Lariat’s ediorial board and do not represent the views of Irvine Valley College or Saddleback College or the South Orange County Community College District.

Lariatnews.com launched in fall 2007. Visit us on Facebook at “Lariat Saddleback” or follow us on Twitter, @lariatnews.

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A&E

Lariat

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013

IVC Jazz Ensemble takes

“We’re gonna try to mix

things up with some gospel”

-Paul Maslak

center stage

Jazz Mix: IVC Jazz Ensemble sets a calming mood on a Saturday night.

Ashley reyes/ lariat

A shley Reyes

Staff Writer

A group of college students from Cal State Northridge lit up the stage on Mar. 1 at IVC, with their electrifying personalities. They were followed by the soulful Jazz Ensemble.

“It was fun, we loved it. We had a good audience, it’s all about having fun for us,” Ross Sellers, guitarist for Josiah’s beard and former IVC student said.

Josiah’s band consisted of six individuals, who are jazz

studies majors, under the direction of Gary Pratt. The band arranges, memorizes and performs a tune weekly. The unified goal of the band is to make creative and honest music.

“Sophisticated Lady” by Duke Elington was next. This was a piece with a more classical feel and was played all together with a trombone solo

by Evin Stamp.

Stamp explained that the band was named Josiah’s

Upcoming Shows

Beard after piano player, Joel Afandolo’s newly born baby boy, whose name is Josiah. The beard part was after Seller’s facial hair.

OCC student,Sarah Padget, biology said, “They all kind of feed of each other.” Stanmp is is the current girlfriend of band member Evan Stamp.

She also added that the band drove nearly two hours to perform at IVC. This was their first time performing for IVC

Saddleback Thursday Mar. 7 John Daversa Small Band Friday Mar. 8 Speech And Debate Showcase & Fundraiser

eric gorman / lariat contemporary pianist: Susan Svrcek bows to the McKinney Theater crowd on Feb 24. for her performance.

Abrupt passion in piano fashion: Susan Svrcek hits keys at McKinney ERIC GORMAN Staff Writer

Susan Svrcek’s contemporary concert at McKinney Theatre contains works of modern madness on Feb. 24.

Pieces from Stephen Cohn, Carlos Rafael Rivera, Gilead Mishory and Tan Dun combined with Svrcek’s fingers to fill the air with tense, dramatic tones of solemn beauty.

The solo-pianist constructed brief silences that split harsh notes, emphasizing the intensity of coming emotions.

The composition selection was dictated by her belief that “it is really important for audiences to be listening to music that was written during their lifetime,” Svrcek said.

“Life is going on,” and while it’s important to acknowledge the music of the past -- because of it’s influence on music of the present -- we need to focus on the music that is being made today, and “it’s my job to get it out there.”

Her first piece, “Moods of a Goddess,” by Cohn, “was written in 1998. So it’s an old piece,” Svrcek said humorously -- people chuckled. “Thats kinda how it is.”

Kirll Glaidkovsky, Director of Keyboard Studies at Saddleback, said that the recital was a concert of “contemporary music” from the “late twentieth century and early twenty first century.”

“I think that we don’t get to hear this kind of music very often,” Glaidkovsky said. “So it was a planned event to give an idea of a different style of music. To hear the piano in some non-traditional ways.”

After nods to Francisco de Goya’s paintings by compositions of Rivera’s and a complex story told through the “Fugitive Pieces” by Mishory, the show was almost over.

“We’ll have a high-kick finish, this is “Sunrain,” Svrcek said.

The song’s beautiful eastern notes erupted intensely with celebratory-like enchantment.

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As the show ended, members of the crowd earnestly exclaimed, “Oh, that was good,” while others whispered, “that was really great,” to one another.

“I’ve never been to this kind of concert before. I had been curious of her skills in playing,” said Michael Meng, 19, an English/Art major at Saddleback. “Some of the songs played were kind of creepy and different from other classical music I have heard.”

Svrcek’s mother, who was in attendance, said “[I’m] learning to enjoy this kind of music -- today’s music -- and I have Susan to thank for it.”

Susan Svrcek’s performance was part of a continuing showcase of piano exploits entitled “Reflections of the Ocean Classical Keyboard Series,” or ‘ROCKS.’ The series’ next event is Glaidkovsky’s “Russian Spectacular” on Sunday, which will feature “works by Russian Composers Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Taneyev, Medtner and the Beloved Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky,” the spring 2013 concert calendar explains.

Other future ‘ROCKS’ concerts include a Saddleback piano-student recital on Apr. 28, and “The Piano Story,” a narrative concert with Mario Merdirossian on May 4.

For more information on upcoming events, tickets and more, visit the Saddleback Arts website: http://www.saddleback.edu/arts/ To connect with Svrcek via LinkedIn or Facebook go to the lariatnews.com for the links.

egorman.lariat@gmail.com

together.

The band has been together since the beginning of this semester, while Seller has been playing with the Jazz Ensemble longer. Seller’s personal favorite song performed was St. Vitus dance.

Following Josiah’s band was the IVC Jazz Ensemble, who played a soulful set with female vocals by Cheryl Bartkus and Brittany Traufler.

“We’re gonna try to mix

Saturday Mar. 9 Broadway Baby!

Big Band Swing Thing at Norman P. Murray Center

IVC Thursday Mar. 8 IVC Student Piano Recital Sophomore Recital Wednesday Mar. 28 Art Gallery OpeningThe Student Show

things up with some gospel,” Paul Maslak, conductor said while introducing “Tow Away Zone.” The song had an Austin Powers, 70s feel to it.

The band wrapped up their show with “In the Mood,” which was a calm eclectic song, that perfectly wrapped up the show.

For more upcoming events go to: lariatnews.com areyes.lariat@gmail.com

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SPORTS

Lariat

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013

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Gauchos win: AJ Brevard comes off bench with 25 points (continued from page 1)

Sophomore guard AJ Brevard led the Gauchos with a game high 25 points in the win. Brevard’s scoring outburst was also his highest scoring game of the season.

Most of Brevard’s scoring came from long range, as he went 4-5 from beyond the three-point line. “He’s a guy who can really score,” Ground said of Brevard.

“He’s very intelligent on the court.” Brevard also pulled down five rebounds, along with getting two assists and a steal.

LaSalle gave a lot of credit for the win to Brevard’s performance, going so far as to call him the MVP of the game. “He’s the reason we won,” LaSalle said. “He held us in there when we were struggling. He was hitting his shots, he was play-

ing great defense on [the Owl’s] lead scorer. He was the man of the night.”

Brevard was very humble when talking about his outstanding performance. “Yeah, I guess I had a great shooting night,” Brevard said with a grin. “My teammates were finding me, and I had the open shot.”

OEC co-MVP LaSalle was dropping shots from beyond the arc throughout the night, as all five of his baskets came from three-point range. LaSalle ended the night with 16 points, four rebounds, a block, and a steal.

Saddleback’s leading scorer and OEC First Team selection Darnell Taylor led the Gauchos with a season high three blocks in the win.

Taylor also scored 13 points and pulled down five rebounds, while being charged with a season

Play Ball: Saddleback’s Carlton Hayes (white) jumps for the opening tipoff to Saturday night’s game. Hayes finished the night with five assists and three rebounds

high five personal fouls.

No. 1 Saddleback (26-4) will face off at home against No. 9 East Los Angeles College (21-7) in the second round of the CCCAA playoffs on Wednesday Mar. 6.

The East Los Angeles Huskies advanced to the second round after beating the MiraCosta College Spartans 76-62 on Saturday night.

Even as the Gauchos walked off the court, Ground was focused on their matchup against the Huskies. “I went and watched [East Los Angeles] last night. They are very talented and their kids can really shoot it,” Ground said. “If we have the same performance we had tonight, we will not be successful.”

Brevard was more optimistic about Wednesday night’s game, as he said, “We’re going to prepare for it, and go in and get the win.”

With a Saddleback win on Wednesday, the Gauchos will advance to take on the winner of the Palomar-Chaffey matchup. The winner of that game will then advance to the state semifinals which start Friday Mar. 15 at Consumnes River College.

#1 Saddleback vs #9 East LA Wednesday Mar. 6 7:00 p.m.

Saddleback Gym

mgrennell.lariat@gmail.com

MVP: OEC co-MVP Josh Smith releases a free throw during Saturday night’s win against Citrus College.

Smith was held to only eight points in the game, but he pulled down a game-high seven rebounds.

Michael Grennell / Lariat

Michael Grennell / Lariat

Lady Gauchos sunk by Pirates Mi c h ae l G r e n n e l l

Sports Editor

Michael Grennell / Lariat

Served: Freshman Kiana Hein gets set to backhand the ball at her

opponent. Hein won the No. 1 singles match 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.

Lasers baseball shuts down potent Gauchos offense Mi chael Grennell

Sports Editor

The Irvine Valley baseball team continued to improve on its season, as they won a close 2-0 game over the Saddleback Gauchos (10-3, 1-1).

The Lasers only managed four hits and two runs in the win, but that was enough thanks to a complete game shutout from sophomore pitcher Enzio Perez. Perez allowed only four hits and three walks to the Gauchos, while striking out seven batters. “They were tough batters, and a pretty good team,” Perez said after the game. “This team is built on pitching and defense. I just went in there and hit my spots.”

Irvine Valley put up both of its two runs in the fourth inning thanks to a RBI single by third baseman Daniel Poe, followed by an RBI groundout by first baseman Andrew de la Riva.

Saturday’s game was the third game out of the Laser’s last four in which they only scored two runs. Head coach Kent Madole was very pleased with how the Lasers performed in the win, saying that it felt good to play well. “We’re happy with the win because we played better as a team,” Madole said. “We limited [the Gauchos] potent offense to four hits and we made no errors. We had a couple of timely hits, planted a couple of runs, and that’s the difference.”

The Lasers (6-8, 1-1) will return home on Tuesday Mar. 5 when they host Fullerton College before going on a two game road trip. Saddleback will be going on the road for five of its next six games, its next home game coming on Thursday Mar. 7 against Santa Ana College.

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The Saddleback women’s tennis team was unable to overcome a strong performance by the Orange Coast Pirates Friday afternoon, as the Gauchos lost 7-2.

The loss dropped the Gauchos to 4-4 (2-2 in conference), as they remained winless when playing at home. Despite winning the No. 1 and No. 2 singles matches, the Gauchos were swept in the No. 3, No. 5 and No. 6 matches, before being swept in doubles play.

Freshman Jessica Wilcox had very little difficulty in singles play, as she swept the No. 2 match 6-3, 6-3. Wilcox said after the game, that she felt the team did well, but could stand to improve.

“I think everyone put out a good effort today, but I think a lot of our nerves got to us,” Wilcox said. “We missed a lot of shots that we usually don’t miss in practice.”

Coach Jay Amos was in agreement with much of what Wilcox said. He said that the loss was much closer than the score shows.

“We’re a young team, we’re all fresh-

men,” Amos said. “We’re just working on figuring out our identity as a team. Our whole theme is just to improve.”

The No. 1 singles match proved to be the day’s marquee event, as freshman Kiana Hein fought her way to victory in three sets (6-1, 3-6, 6-2). Hein and her opponent were so evenly matched, that by the time their match was finished, the other five singles matches had already been decided. The other players had moved on and started doubles play.

For the second day in a row, the Gauchos struggled in doubles play, as they lost all three matches. The No. 2 doubles match proved to be the hardest for the Gauchos, as freshmen Sidney Murai and Alayna Monteilh quickly fell behind 1-6. They were able to win one more game, but they couldn’t catch up as they lost 2-8.

Amos was in good spirits after the game, despite the loss.

“I don’t really talk to them about winning, because that would be skipping a lot of steps,” Amos said. “There’s no use crying over getting beat. Let’s do something about

it, and the way you do it is to improve.”

He pointed out the fact that because the team is so young, they have this year and next year to continue to improve on their consistency and making some of the easier shots.

“We make a bunch of really great shots, but we miss some easy, normal shots,” Amos said. “Good players make the easy shots, all of them, and make only about half of the hard ones.”

“We’ve got the athleticism and we’ve got the talent, but our experience level is kind of low,” Amos said. “The big picture in my mind is: Yeah, we’ll get there. I have a lot of faith in these girls. They’ll be good.”

Saddleback’s schedule has them playing three of the next five games at home.

The Gauchos (4-4, 2-2) will play at home on Tuesday Mar. 5 against Fullerton College (6-2, 2-0), before they travel to Orange Coast (6-2, 3-1) for a rematch on Thursday Mar. 7. mgrennell.lariat@gmail.com

Gauchos trample Chargers Se an B R y n e

Staff Writer

Another phenomenal win for the Gauchos this Thursday, when they beat the Cypress College Chargers 5-3.

With a runner in scoring position, Josh Fuentes was able to crank the ball down the middle past second base, bringing Butler home to start the game off with a 1-0 lead.

The Gauchos had to rally back from a two-point deficit at the bottom of the sixth inning. This back and forth competition was expected from the top teams of the conference.

Now without any momentum and the Chargers trampling them, the Gauchos finally regained their groove at the bottom of the sixth inning.

Noah Graham came out to start this comeback inning, and started it off with a double down the right field line. This allowed Brandon Cody to hit a single down the left field line, which brought Graham home to make the score 2-3.

Fearing a comeback, the Chargers brought a fresh pitcher in, Ryan Hartman.

With the momentum now in the hands of

Sean Byrne / Lariat

Strike: Starter Evan Manarino mowed through the Chargers lineup in the Gauchos 5-3 win. the Gauchos, this wasn’t enough to stop their comeback. Kyle Ferret came in clutch and cracked the ball into right field, bringing in Brandon Cody and tying up the game.

The bottom of the eighth inning was like déjà vu of the sixth inning. Graham kicked it off with a double. Then Tim Alhanati came in to pinch run for Graham.

This brought Cody to the plate once again to score another RBI with a triple to right field. The Gauchos took the lead with this

and never gave it back.

From there, Saddleback had no problem shutting down Cypress in the ninth inning to win the first game of conference play.

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