Scan the QR code below to subscribe to our weekly newsletter
On the cover:
Pierce midfielder Melissa Nevarez (#13) battles for the ball against Moorpark midfielder Ava Morris (#15) during a game in Shepard Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 3, 2025. The Brahmas won 2-0. Photo by Josue Aguilar.
Everyday, there are immigration raids happening around the country without an end in sight.
The border adviser of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Tom Homan, has ramped up the mass deportation that Donald Trump has been pushing since the beginning of his presidency.
This has led to mass arrests of undocumented immigrants that includes students, employees and families, with often using excessive force by agents.
These actions have impacted immigrants both physically and mentally, especially many college students who are afraid to step out of their homes to attend classes.
According to Edtrust, “Undocumented students and students with undocumented family members are experiencing a heightened fear of deportation due to the rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration.”
The anxiety of having to look around their surroundings
every time they head to school makes it difficult for students to live a normal life, knowing that they can be taken away at any moment.
These are not just young college students; they are also parents and grandparents of mixed-status families who seek further education.
But these goals have been put on hold due to the increase of ICE activity. The74 wrote, “Some have changed their plans, deciding to stay close to home and attend community college instead of attending a four-year university.”
It has brought such division among students that there was an event hosted by a conservative student group at Arizona State University that consisted of encouraging the 700 students who attended to call ICE on their peers and dress as ICE agents to continue harassing their peers, according to an article by Inside Higher Ed.
Now, with the ruling that the Supreme Court gave about detaining anyone who fits the narrative of an undocumented individual, this can bring an
increase of unjust racial profiling.
While Pierce has shown its willingness to help students when it comes to combating ICE presence, there is also a lack of assurance of what the administration would do if ICE agents roam the campus.
The Los Angeles Community College District has stated on its website, “LACCD has created guidelines for staff to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.”
Even though they explain that the agents must have a legal court order to be allowed to enter, this does not guarantee that agents will follow the rules.
These orders have been ignored in other states, and undocumented immigrants have been taken away regardless of not having a criminal record, according to Visaverge.
California State University of Northridge, on the other hand, has made it its mission to make sure all students, staff and faculty are protected on
their campus.
CSUN wrote in a resolution document, “CSUN faculty recommend the University to refuse U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement physical access to all land owned or controlled by the CSU.”
This reassures students to feel safe on campus knowing that they are protected from ICE activity. They also talk about providing extra support for legal counseling, extra financial aid and mental health professionals.
Pierce needs to help make good changes toward making students feel safe by giving more support to these students. The college could bring experts to help students with legal counseling, provide mental health professionals who specialize in trauma-related issues of family separation and post more information around campus about what the Dream Center offers.
During these difficult times, it is essential to help support everyone, even if this issue affects them personally or not.
By Emily Garcia Campus Life Editor
Growing up as a second generation MexicanAmerican, I often felt I existed in a space between two worlds. My household mostly spoke English, and I didn’t learn to properly speak Spanish until I was 19 years old. This made me feel disconnected from my culture, and myself. Some latin friends and relatives would tease me for
being too “white washed” while friends of different cultures saw me as too different because of my ethnicity. I was constantly looking for a place to belong, because I couldn’t relate to my hispanic friends or white friends.
But by the roots of my culture I knew I had to belong somewhere in the MexicanAmerican community because I love listening to Jenni Rivera, I celebrate Christmas on Dec. 24 with my huge family, and my favorite dish is pozole. I was simply raised by both Mexican and American culture to survive in school and find work because living the American lifestyle made life easier.
As I got older, I realized no amount of assimilation could protect me from the discrimination that follows me.
On Sept. 8, CNN reported on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow what’s known as “roving patrols” by Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (I.C.E.) officers. This issue came about when there were multiple incidents reported on I.C.E. agents targeting people who identify as Latino to interrogate them on their immigration status.
Some of the people that were targeted were United States citizens. Other courts found these incidents to not be “reasonable suspicion” and were unjustifiable, but the Supreme Court’s decision allows people to be picked out based on ethnicity, color, or presence.
Latinos come in all shades, shapes, and backgrounds. Some may not speak Spanish fluently and some might.
Many Latinos have roots from Latin America but have never visited their parents’ hometowns.
Despite our differences, the discrimination Latinos face today is universal.
I may never know what it is like to walk out of a predominantly-whiteneighborhood grocery store
without being asked to check my bags because I looked “suspicious.” I may never know what it is like to not be fetishized by people outside of my culture.
I may never know what it’s like to not be stereotyped as a crazy and angry woman just because I am Latina. I may never know what it is like to not be asked for all forms of identification by I.C.E officers after dinner in Los Angeles. Discrimination doesn’t ignore those that aren’t considered “Latin enough,” it still follows us because we fit the stereotype due to our latin last name or skin tone.
Fear has driven the Latin community to separate from even each other, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. To be Latin enough is to be resilient because there’s no need to translate unity.
October 8, 2025
Should mental health days count as excused absence?
Mental health days support student success
By Olivia Muñoz Reporter
Mental health days lead to to fallout
By Ivy Jade Garry Reporter
“What made me smile today is being able to wake up again. Not every day is a promise, so as long as you get the opportunity to get up again, that means you have another shot in life.”
AndyMunoz-ArchitectureMajor
Theidea of excused absences for mental health often makes many scoff at the notion
Teachers and staff may view these absences as excuses for slacking off or another loophole to be abused. But for a majority of students, these days can mean the difference between recovery and the worsening of their mental health.
The American Council on Education’s 2023-24 report on mental health in higher education discovered that eight in 10 students reported, “Mental or emotional difficulties negatively impacted their academic performance.”
A 2024 report by U.S. News revealed that 70% of college students have struggled with their mental health since starting school.
Frequent
absenteeism from students, no matter the cause, can lead to bigger problems down the line. While mental health is an important issue that should be taken seriously, allowing students to be consistently absent from essential curriculum could harm their academic performance and overall well-being.
According to The New York Times, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp incline in chronic absenteeism.
The issue, which was already on the rise in K-12 schools, has nearly doubled since the pandemic.
In the 2018-19 school year, the amount of students with chronic absenteeism was 15%. In the 2021-22 school year 28% of students were chronically absent.
The National Library of Medicine cited suicide as the third leading cause of death for college-aged students.
All of these facts and figures lead to the conclusion that mental health should be taken seriously, and the impacts of ignoring mental health issues can be grave and deadly.
If students require a day or two off for their mental health, these absences should be excused. Not only can they be life-saving, but excused absences for mental health can reduce stigma and harmful stereotypes around mental health issues and illnesses.
Rethink Mental Illness reports, “Three in five people living with a mental illness did not seek support due to a concern about how they would be perceived by others.”
The societal shame around mental health awareness
Chronic absence occurs when “A student misses 10% or more of their school days. In a typical 180-day school year, this amounts to 18 days of absence,” according to Panorama Education.
When absences become this frequent, students face consequences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Brookings Institution explained, “Students who were more frequently absent in any year of elementary school demonstrated lower academics, executive function, and socioemotional outcomes,” Brookings said. “Specifically, students who were consistently absent throughout elementary school tended to have lower outcomes across developmental domains in the long-term.”
Studies show that chronic absenteeism due to mental
impacts students in a seriously negative way, but providing a way for it to be recognized safely can help many students feel less alienation and shame.
It can help initiate conversations around mental health that, in turn, aid students in seeking help for their issues.
Excusing absences for mental health can actually improve a student’s academic performance. Taking multiple classes and meeting deadlines while also worrying about their home life, job, or any other plethora of responsibilities can take a toll.
Allowing students a day to focus on outside obligations, separate from school, can help them concentrate more on their schoolwork when they return.
Mental health days should be considered because they are comparable to sick days.
health can possibly lead to worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression
Avoiding school because it is a trigger of anxiety and depression, can intensify the feelings of fear and stress.
Absenteeism due to mental health can not only exaggerate symptoms but lead to social isolation in students. Without conversation between classmates in person, students may feel even more alone.
Excused absences due to mental health can be difficult for people in underserved communities.
Not all schools or families have the resources to accommodate mental health days effectively, “In underserved communities, where mental health support is limited, students may not have access to the resources they need during their time off,”
ScienceDirect conducted a study that linked long working hours with little to no days off to decreased mental and physical well-being for workers.
Everyday Health explains how time off for workers can significantly improve their physical and mental health, ultimately increasing their productivity and overall work capacity. Working with no time off is equivalent to studying with zero rest days, as both require the worker’s and student’s full mental focus and expect a certain level of output.
Having no time to recuperate can lead to physical drain and illness. It is not ridiculous to think that allowing students a few days off during the semester to recharge can yield similar results to allowing workers time off.
said The Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health. “While mental health days offer temporary relief, they may not address underlying issues such as bullying, excessive academic pressure, or systemic inadequacies in mental health support.”
Without a comprehensive approach, mental health days risk becoming a bandaid solution rather than a transformative change.
Chronic absence from students can make mental health struggles even more difficult by isolating them from peers and offering only temporary fixes.
It is important to care about mental health, but using mental health as an excuse to skip class can backfire later on. If you are struggling, talk to peers, family, and trusted people. No one is alone.
What made you smile this week?
Interviews
by
Emileo Carreon
“Seeing my friends made me smile this week, we went to see Nine Inch Nails back-to-back.”
AllisonArbaca-HistoryMajor
“Talking to my mom this morning. She was letting me know that what we had talked about, it was valid for me to feel that way. I felt supported and it made me smile.”
EzequielMontanez-CivilEgineering Major
“Knowing that I caught up for all my classes, is what made me smile today.”
Kai Lani Adams - Business Major
“Something that always makes me smile is my friends. They’re always funny and they keep me joyful.”
Angel Fernandez - Radiology Major
Photos by Calvin Henry
Credits for Prior Learning creates new avenues to higher ed
By Natalie Baharian Reporter
PierceCollege provides an opportunity for students to save time and money through the newly established program known as Credit for Prior Learning.
CPL is an initiative designed to help a diverse group of students regarding college credit. Having specialized in a specific skill set, many find themselves enrolling in classes they already have established knowledge or having to take classes unrelated to their academic goals. CPL is an avenue for students to gain credit for things they already know.
“If you hold certifications in specific areas, you may be eligible to receive course credit based on your prior learning, “ said Kristine Ayvazyan from the Admissions and Records Department. “This program helps recognize the value of your real-world experience and can save you both time and money on your path to a degree.”
Students who have acquired a certain skillset during their military experience are acknowledged for any
possible certifications or validation of abilities may receive CPL credit.
“CPL kind of started off with the military, because there are so many veterans that have jobs or did certain types of training that could actually meet college requirements, We would like to see it expand so that it actually meets specific courses versus just being electives and then it kind of grew into other career sectors from there,” Pierce Articulation Officer Cristina Rodriguez said.
awesome. It was a fantastic resource to be able to cash in credit already earned through prior learning and then turn it into serious academic credit. It essentially was a return for previously putting in effort from specializing
“ This program helps recognize the value of your real-world experience and can save you both time and money on your path to a degree.”
Kristine Ayvazyan Admissions and Records Evaluation Tech
Former Pierce student John Steinhauer received CPL after completing his Navy service. By doing so, his required academic requirements had been cut in half.
“Having Pierce take the time to evaluate the transcript and really go through it was beneficial,” Steinhauer said. “Seeing the process work was
in something traditionally considered non-academic.” Pierce’s students specializing in medical and nursing programs where there’s been previous training or certifications can also receive college credit.
“Students with an active Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) who wish to pursue
their RN can benefit from CPL by receiving credit for certain Nursing major requirements. This can significantly shorten the time it takes to complete the RN program,” Ayvazyan said.
CPL as a whole, is about skills or abilities acquired outside of a traditional classroom setting. Things such as advanced placement classes, international baccalaureate, and IB tests all fall under the umbrella of credit for prior learning. It also includes industry credentials like marketing, first response, and mechanics to reach a wide array of students.
“I think CPL would benefit me, because I’ve taken a lot of AP and IB exams back in high school,” political science student Armen Apoyan said. “Transferring those credits can be complicated, especially since some schools don’t always accept certain AP or standard-level IB classes. Having a program like CPL gives students another avenue to make sure their hard work actually counts.”
For more information about the CPL program and academic credit eligibility is available on the Pierce College website.
Pierce students prepare transfer applications for UC Santa Barbara
By Calvin Henry Photographer
Asthe fall semester approaches its sixth week, students are taking the next step in their academic journey by applying to transfer to their chosen universities.
University of California Santa Barbara Admissions Counselor Betsabe Lopez Morales hosted a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) workshop to guide students on how to fill out their transfer application on Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Student Services Building.
TAG is a University of California (UC) program that grants a guaranteed admission to participating campuses. TAG applications can only be used for one UC. However, students can still apply to other campuses as transfers. The requirements for TAG change yearly.
Morales began the workshop by presenting a slideshow on how to navigate the UC Transfer Admission Planner, step-by-step instructions on filling out the TAG application and general information on
UC applications. “I think it’s definitely valuable that we are outreaching to students at the community college and letting them know that they belong, that they have a place at the
UC.” Morales said.
During the presentation, Morales answered questions students had about the TAG application and their eligibility. Flyers were offered to students that
contained information on required courses to complete, depending on a student’s major and the criteria for TAG.
After the presentation, Morales transitioned to providing one-on-one support while students worked on their application for the remainder of the workshop.
Several students who attended the workshop expressed interest in UC Santa Barbara.
Business major Ariel Mor said UC Santa Barbara is a tempting option due to its convenience.
“It’s very close, and I wouldn’t have to be doing too much traveling to get to college,” Mor said. “They have a good economics program. It’s a beautiful school. I have friends out there, so it’s just a very good backup for me.”
Psychology major Ivan Dela Paz said UCSB was his first choice because of the campus environment.
“I want to transfer there just because it’s a great campus,” Paz said. “And I like the surroundings of it, it’s by the beach. I just feel like it would be a good fit for me.”
Biology major Evelin Alvarado expressed interest in UC Santa Barbara because she likes the area, has friends there and wants to audition for the student-led cheer team.
“I like the area and also, I do cheer, so I’m interested in auditioning or trying out for their cheer team.” Alvarado said.
Morales described UC Santa Barbara compared to other UCs as getting, “The best of both worlds,” due to the campus being mid-sized. According to her, this allows for students to take advantage of bigger institutional resources without feeling lost on campus while leaving room to discover their niche.
“We’re the largest research university in a sixty-mile radius,” Morales said. “That comes really in handy for our students because that means, unlike some more larger metropolitan areas, they don’t have to compete with other college students in the area for things like research opportunities, internships and jobs after graduation.”
The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office. Reporting by
Iqbal Crime Log
Calvin Henry / Roundup News
Betsabe Lopez Morales (right), admissions counselor, assists Jonathan Bogacz (left), film major, during the UC Santa Barbara TAG workshop at Student Services in Pierce College, Woodland Hills,
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
International students make paper lanterns for Mooncake Festival
By Gabriella Carlos Reporter
The Pierce College International Student Services hosted a check-in for international students and collaborated with the Pierce International Student Society club for the Mid-Autumn Festival on Wednesday, Oct.1.
The event shared Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean traditional practices for the festival. This allowed international students to make friends and share cultural traditions. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is held on Monday, Oct. 6. It is a Chinese tradition meant to celebrate reunion and togetherness.
Director of International Student Services Abigail Watson said it was heartwarming to see students share their cultures.
“It’s one of the things that I enjoy about working in ISS is seeing students connect with each other,” Watson said. “It’s a privilege to be able to provide resources for people to connect, especially after COVID, when a lot of students were stuck at home. I love seeing students together on campus and enjoying what the college has to offer.”
Students and counselors from ISS made traditional paper lanterns and wrote wishes on them. Traditionally, these lanterns were used in moon-gazing ceremonies, where the moon would shine light fulfilling their wish.
President of International Student Society Liam Doan shared his journey of the past year on how he adapted to living in the United States from Vietnam with the help of the ISS counselors.
“I was able to adapt into my current life and get used to school stuff because of them,” Doan said. “The International Student club used to be big and kind of died out a little bit in recent years. That’s why I’m trying to build a community and connect international students.”
In honor of the festival, different flavored mooncakes such as coconut and lotus were cut and served. The round shape of the mooncakes represents completeness and unity. Sharing them for the Mid-Autumn Festival is a gesture of gratitude and community.
Economics major and club member Gleb Gichev said the International Student Center has helped him make new friends and he attended the event to make connections.
“It’s great to meet other
people. Networking is a big part of college, but to make new relationships and hang out with people,” Gichev said. “It’s great to have a little community on campus and I encourage everyone to join if
they want to.” International Student Services is available to help with applications, transferring, F-1 student visas, housing, transportation and employment options.
Lanterns will be displayed in the International Student Services Building, their next meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Friends and fro-yo: Armenian Student Association hosts first meeting
By Chris Rubinstein Reporter
Studentsgot to enjoy frozen yogurt and mingle at Pinkberry on Tampa Avenue Friday, Oct 3, during the Armenian Students Association’s (ASA) first meeting of the year.
The ASA is a club that strives to get Armenians together as a community and introduce new and old Armenians to their peers.
Their first event of each year is held at Pinkberry, so new students can get to know each other.
For the first 30 minutes, students mostly stood outside and talked in groups while they waited for the other members to arrive. After enough students made it, ASA president Kriste Migroyan told the members they could start eating, and everyone began to fill in to the shop.
Migroyan has been on the board for ASA for three years and has been its president for two. Migroyan said leading the club was something she had had her eyes set on for a while.
“Growing up in Woodland Hills, there weren’t many Armenians in the area, so when I got to college, I made it a goal of mine to have a big role in ASA so I could get all the Armenians and whoever is interested in learning about the Armenian culture and heritage to unite,” Migroyan said.
Migroyan said she likes events like these because she gets to watch new members of her community get welcomed by their peers.
“It’s like we’re all family,” Migroyan said. “You could connect with someone in like 10 minutes, and they’ll feel like family to you. We’re very hospitable people.”
Migroyan’s favorite flavor of froyo is the original tart with strawberries.
First year business administration major and ASA representative Ellen Meroyan also attended the event.
Meroyan said she joined the club to strengthen her bond with her heritage.
“I think it’s very important to have an understanding and a connection to your identity,” Meroyan said. “As an
Armenian, I thought it was the best way to be more in tune with myself and get to know myself better.”
While Meroyan joined the club for personal reasons, she also thinks that the club and events like these can be useful when it comes to networking.
“In the future, you never know where you’re going to be, and you never know who you’re going to need to know,” Meroyan said. And especially having something that connects us all, which is being Armenian, we can all use that to our advantage and possibly in the future get to higher places.”
Meroyan’s favorite flavor is cake batter with boba and strawberries.
Freshman computer science major and newcomer to the club James Haroun also attended the event on Friday. It was the first event he had been to.
Haroun said he feels a sense of admiration for ASA due to the opportunities it provides to people like him.
“Even when we’re such a small minority in the world, it kind of gives me some
pride and hope that the Armenian community and future generations will soon go to colleges,” Haroun said.
“We will be educated and be around those communities, people who want to go to UCLA, big colleges. It’s just such an honor, you know? it feels good to be a part of that.”
Haroun’s favorite flavor is pomegranate with chocolate balls.
After spending an hour at
Pinkberry, the members of the club eventually moved to the In-N-Out Burger right next to it. Continuing the tradition they have every year. In future months, ASA will hold other events and fundraisers such as Friendsgiving and Go-karting in November, as well as ice skating or a game night in December.
Photography major Jing Jing Zhang making a paper lantern at the Pizza with DSO’s international office at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 01, 2025.
Alissa Nguyen / Roundup News
Calvin Henry / Roundup News
Armenian Student Association (ASA) members eating yogurt and socializing outside as part of the Fro-Yo Night event at Pinkberry in Northridge, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2025.
Euro Classic Showcase Roars to Life
TOP: Car enthusiasts gather around to look at the Classic European Cars during Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2025. Photo by Damian Celedon.
LEFT : Lines of different cars enjoying Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodlands Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2025. Photo by Sandra Mazas.
RIGHT: Car enthusiasts gather around to look at the Classic European Cars during Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2025. Photo by Damian Celedon.
BOTTOM : 1981 Delorean, Second model by Bian Bibbo on display for the Classic European Cars Show during Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodlands Hills, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2025 Photo by Damian Celedon.
Pierce College women’s volleyball head coach Joseph Arechiga
Calif., on Sept. 26. 2025.
Work hard, earn hard: Pierce alumni takes over women’s volleyball
By Natalie Baharian Reporter
Previouslya Pierce alumni and middle for the Men’s Volleyball Team, Joe Arechiga is currently in the position of head coach for the Women’s Volleyball team as well as the men’s where he instills the idea of a strong mindset.
Coach Arechiga had been the head coach for the men’s volleyball team for three years before taking the reigns as the new head coach of the women’s team for the 2025 season. In just a year he has turned a team that had just very few returners to now having well over ten seasoned players.
“[There were]Only two returners. The rest had either transferred or moved on. Within two months, we built the roster from scratch,” said Arechiga.
The women’s volleyball team as under the influence of Hung Zhao before Arechiga started his reign. The team has not had more than five wins in their regular season since the 2022 season three years ago with not having a winning record.
Now in the 2025 season under
Arechiga, the women’s volleyball team is now 4-3 and beat their record of 1-20 the previous year.
Despite the initial hurdle, the women’s team has been witnessing one success after the other, completely changing the trajectory of the team in recent years. This is mostly attributed to the mindset and goals Arechiga expresses to each player during practice. Using his own experiences as a way to encourage motivation and give perspectives to the players, he establishes a close bond with them while also giving them an understanding of what their purpose is.
players as far ahead as possible.
That’s where you see the most success”, said Arechiga.
“ I feel like kids at this level are here for a reason and a purpose. When coaches appreciate that this level is supposed to be a stepping stone, it helps boost players as far ahead as possible. That’s where you see the most success.”
toughness, which is so important, especially in women’s sports,” said Lopez. “He drills into us that the way you do anything is the way you do everything. That attitude has shaped us a lot.”
Arechiga’s work hard earn hard mindset has been applicable to both teams and has led to the development of healthy sportsmanship that has bonded both the Men’s and Women’s teams.
to reflect. This could be for both mistakes and when conflicts or misunderstandings arise.
At times, the court can be a place of excitement and heightened emotions. Regardless, both Coach Arechiga and the assistant coaches approach any scenario with the utmost of grace and civility.
Joseph Arechiga Women’s Volleyball Head Coach
“I feel like kids at this level are here for a reason and a purpose. When coaches appreciate that this level is supposed to be a stepping stone, it helps boost
This careful and attentive approach doesn’t go unnoticed by many of the players on the women’s team, who often seek out his work ethic to accomplish their own personal goals, according to captain Valerie Lopez.
“He’s really big on mental
Additionally, due to a healthy dose of competition, both teams have forged friendships that surpass the court.
“Making friends has always been a little difficult for me, but this program — the coaches and teammates — made it easy. It’s been lifechanging”, said Women’s Volleyball player Caylinn Norwood.
Like most teams, there are always imperfections and moments where there are times
“For me, it’s about reflection. A lot of these girls came in with very little volleyball experience, and rebuilding a program means you work with whoever you have and help them grow. The better they get, the harder they can be on themselves, because they stop noticing the small improvements”, said Assistant Coach Romeo Carballo.
Ultimately, as the Women’s team continues to improve and grow stronger, Coach Arechiga hopes that their hard work not only reflects in their state ranking, but also in other parts of their lives.
“For both sides, the ultimate goal is that players leave ready to transfer, pursue what they love, and apply the same work ethic they’ve shown here to their careers and lives”, said Coach Arechiga.
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News
talked to his team in a game against Moorpark College at the South Gym in Pierce College in Woodland Hills,
Brahmas soccer defeats Moorpark Raiders at Shepard Stadium
By Phoenix Nwadeyi Reporter
The Pierce College women’s soccer team defeated Moorpark College on Friday, Oct. 3, at Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills with a 2-0 victory making that the Brahma’s 347th win.
The first goal was an own goal by the Raiders at 8:52 into the game. The second and final goal was an unassisted play by midfield Brianna Gutierez four minutes before the end of regulation, capitalizing the victory for Pierce College.
The Brahmas went against the 5-4-1 Raiders and it was their biggest game of the year due to the quality of the team according to Brahma head coach Adolfo Perez.
“I was very proud of how focused we were. We came out and we, you know, it hasn’t gone our way,” Perez said. “And this is like our biggest win of the year because of the quality of the opponent and what it meant.”
However, Moorpark wasn’t the only quality team at Shepard Stadium. Raiders head coach Kai Werring praised Brahma’s energy against their team.
“We lacked a bit of energy,
which again, collegiately, especially against a college like Pierce, if you don’t bring that, then you’re going to have a tough time,” Werring said. “That was the most important thing to bring to the table, and again, we didn’t,
“I was very proud of how focused we were. We came out and we, you know, it hasn’t gone our way”
Adolfo Perez
Women’s Soccer Head Coach
so we got punished for it.”
Brahma forward Hannah Morales had her doubts throughout the game, but she was confident in her team and her ability to play.
“It was a little worrisome effort, but I have full confidence in my team, and I’m so confident in our ability to play, we came through for each other today,” Morales said.
The Brahmas will be on the road to battle against Ventura College for their next outing on Friday, Oct. 10.
Women’s volleyball first conference win against Allan Hancock
By Elizabeth Holodnak Reporter
The Pierce College women’s volleyball team earned their first conference win after defeating Allan Hancock College in a fiveset match on Friday, Oct. 3.
The Brahmas started the first set strong, maintaining control with consistent serves and swings from their outside hitters. With mistakes from the Bulldogs, the Brahmas took a big lead, resulting in Allan Hancock using a timeout. With big rallies and a few mistakes,Hancock decreased the lead. Pierce came back in to put a nine point lead back in it, ending the game with two serves from middle blocker Kandace Bowens. This helped them take an early lead and win the first set 25-14.
After big rallies, the Bulldogs took the lead. Allan Hancock wins the second set 25-12.
Outside hitter Paris Fruge emphasized the mental side of the match and the warnings the team got from head coach Joseph Arechiga.
“The first set was great, but the second set we really let up, it was our mentality,” Fruge explained.
“Coach said tonight was going to
be a mental battle, and it was. We just had to lock in and play our game.”
In the third set,neither team led by more than two points. As rallies continued, Allan Hancock took a five point lead, causing the Brahmas to take a time out. The Brahmas came back out and immediately got the ball back with a tip from outside hitter Paris Fruge. On a play that the Bulldogs thought was out, their bench showed unsportsmanlike conduct and earned themselves a yellow card. Serves from defensive specialist Annabel Galvan helped the Brahmas decrease the lead from five to one. At set point, the Brahmas hit their serve out, giving Allan Hancock the win for the third set, 25-23.
Kills from outside hitter Caylin Norwood gave the Brahmas a 4-point lead, pushing the Bulldogs to take a timeout. Pierce won the fourth set 25-22 with a missed serve from Allan Hancock, leading both teams tied 2-2.
The fifth and final set showed the Brahmas resilience, starting with a strong serve from the back row from setter Zahra Numa earning them the first point. With rallies keeping the score neck and neck, Hancock eventually takes the lead. Big plays from
the Brahmas decrease the lead with back to back points making Hancock call a timeout. Coming back in, Bowens creates big back to back plays taking the lead. Finishing the set with a serve from the Brahmas they win three out of five sets, final score 16-14.
Arechiga said he was proud of the team’s mental toughness and ability to overcome their own challenges during the match.
“I’m glad we got our first conference win,” Arechiga said. “Physically, it wasn’t our best game, but mentally it was a big step forward. We’re rebuilding a team and I’m proud of how the players pulled themselves out of the hole they put themselves into.”
After the match, outside hitter Caylin Norwood admitted that the win didn’t come easy. “Although we won, there’s still a lot of things we lacked in the game,” Norwood said. “I had a rough hitting night and let my mind get the best of me, but I reminded myself that my team needed me. Everybody had setbacks, but we still pushed through to help us win.
The Brahmas will look to keep the momentum going when they travel to face Cuesta College on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m.
Josue Aguilar / Roundup News
Pierce College midfielder Melissa Nevarez (#13) battles for the ball against Moorpark defender Leilani Arroyo (#14) during a game in Sheperd Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2025.
Bryce Edwards / Roundup News Pierce College Outside Hitter Caylin Norwood tips the ball against Alan Hancock at the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 03, 2025.
