A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION @roundupnews
Vol. 145, Issue 9
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Strong defense leads to playoff berth for Pierce
Women’s Soccer advances to post-season after a successful year By Lesa Greenfield Sports Editor
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ometimes it takes a good defense to win and sometimes it takes a good offense. But on Friday, Nov. 6, Vanessa Cuellar provided both. She made a defensive save, then scored her first goal of the season seven minutes later. Her effort helped the Brahmas defeat Moorpark College 2-0 at Shepard Stadium on sophomore day, securing a postseason berth for the 24th time in 25 years, according to head coach Adolfo Perez. “It felt amazing. It was my first goal of the season,” Cuellar said. “It was a good feeling for the whole team to give them an energy boost and to keep going.” Pierce (11-7-2) entered halftime scoreless despite several scoring opportunities. Amber Flores forced a save from Moorpark (10-5-3) goalkeeper Maria Sturges in the opening minute, and Hannah Ginnever hit the crossbar in the 18th minute.
Read ‘Women’s Soccer ’ on page 8.
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News
(Left -Right) Pierce player Daniela McNamara (12) and Moorpark player Solana Gomez (19) trying to get posession of the ball during a Women’s Soccer match between Pierce College and Moorpark Community College at Shephard Stadium of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Nov. 6, 2026. Pierce won 2-0.
NEWS
SPORTS
CAMPUS LIFE
Page 4
Academic Senate Meeting
Page 8
Page 5 Calvin Henry / Roundup News
Cookie Monster on The Mall
Sebastian Berrospid Gutierrez / Roundup News
Men’s Soccer lose to Allan Hancock
Gerardo Escobar / Roundup News
2 Opinion
theroundupnews.com
Correction:
6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 Room: Pierce College Village 8211 Website: www.theroundupnews.com Email: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail. com
Issue 8, Volume 145 Page 8 Sports Section “Women’s soccer notches 10th victory with a win over Ventura” had an incorrect name in a photo caption. Amber Flores (3) was corrected to Angeline Mazariegos (11) on the online issue.
Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup
Mental health issues affect time management Editor-in-Chief.........Zamourad Iqbal Managing Editor..............Calvin Henry Opinion Editor............James Mondares News Editor...............Natalie Baharian Copy Editor.....................Emily Garcia Photo Editor....................Josue Aguilar Campus Life Editor.........Gisele Donan Entertainment Editor..Viviana Morales Sports Editor................Lesa Greenfield Social Media Editor......Natallia Padilla Newsletter Editor...................Elizabeth Santana-Zavala Online Editor........Abraham Elizalde
Reporters Valeria Estevez Isaiah Johnson Mac Kupka
Photographers Ali Bigdeli Sebastian Berrospid Gutierrez Nateli Bush Gerardo Escobar Grace Furman Akarai Jackson Danial Mohamed Taryn Robinson Moises Rodriguez Daniel Shamash
Advisers Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage Morgan Keith
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alancing academic workload with professional duties and recreational time without feeling guilty remains a challenge for many community college students. Mental health issues play a significant role in disrupting students’ basic goals, and sometimes the idea of being productive can contribute to more stress. According to a Psychology Today study on mental health and productivity, the two are connected, “Treating mental health issues, as well as promoting wellness in general, often leads to increased productivity. But productivity is far from the only reason to seek treatment; in fact, productivity as the sole end goal can itself interfere with mental health and overall quality of life.”
An article by the American School of Bucharest’s Student Newspaper on “ How Social Media Grind Culture is Burning Out the Students” suggested that the culture of social media contributed to have more mental-health disorders, such as insomnia and a near constant urge to use their mobile phones that distracts students to focus on their important tasks. “Students feel unmotivated and burned out, running on sleepless nights and constant stress. They scroll through social media to relax, only to see unrealistic productivity videos where everyone seems perfect. This content normalizes nonstop ‘being productive,’ as if life is a race, and forgets that resting and sleeping can be productive, too. Encouraging students at school to reject the notion of the ideal social media influencer lifestyle has become crucial.
One way to lessen their academic burden is for Pierce faculty to provide engaging classroom activities, such as screen-free classes for extra credit or seminars on how to minimize gadget use, which can help students focus on their workload more easily. Another challenge linked to poor management skills is that students cannot focus on managing their time because they lack sufficient resources or awareness of what is available to them. The Timely Care service, which used to provide Pierce students counseling for academic issues and helped many students cope with mental stress, is no longer available. However, bringing it back could give students more access to support as they struggle to juggle everything at once. The Student Health Center offers many resources to support
students’ mental health. A plan focused on teaching students time-management literacy could benefit them. Other factors that contribute to poor time management include financial burdens such as groceries, rent, tuition, commuting and having two jobs. Pierce has many resources, such as a Bodega for groceries, the CalWORKs program that offers services such as academic counseling and university tours, and the Pierce Career Center, which provides work opportunities for students. However, highlighting and reaching out to students about these resources is crucial to uplift and encourage them to build the skills needed to succeed in their academic and career goals.
A look into the archives: 70+ years of the Roundup On Nov. 11, 1981, the RoundUp featured an article titled “Surf Team Catches Waves, Competes Against Others,” written by Judy Adler. The article showcases Pierce College’s then-newly established surf team. The team participated in the National Scholastic Surfing Association, which oversees intercollegiate surfing competitions and establishes rules and judging standards. The team consisted of full-time students who were also experienced surfers. Led by coach Pete Langbord, team captain Tyler Stobie and other student team members, Pierce was able to compete against many other colleges and universities including USC and UCLA. Pierce begun their first surfing win with an impressive victory against USC, winning 110-68. The article captures the excitement surrounding a new competitive surfing team at Pierce, highlighting opportunities for students to grow if they’re interested in athletics that go beyond traditional sports. Copy by Viviana Morales
A photo of archived Volume 55, Issue 8 of The Roundup News.
Opinion 3
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Should graffiti be protected as art or as vandalism? PRO: Graffiti is culturally important and allows for self-expression
CON: Graffiti poses too much of a financial and visual strain
By Natalie Baharian News Editor
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or thousands of years, art has challenged the status quo, confronted authority and provided a form of expression. Since its invention in the 1960s, graffiti has been a representation of self-expression, transforming every-day buildings into canvases that display the messages of the people. Due to its significance in the history of contemporary art and its political undertones, it should be viewed as an artist’s form of expression that requires protection. Graffiti should officially be recognized and protected as a legitimate art form and a form of expression as opposed to an act of vandalism. Its historical significance and modern-day origins in amplifying marginalized voices makes graffiti both a decoration of public spaces and a method of communication for artists. This art form predates its modern notion of spray paint and bubbled letters on the side of a building. Long before it became synonymous with a more urban culture, it was deeply rooted in ancient history inscriptions and complex drawings on different structures. According to Laura Rathe Fine Art, “In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, inscriptions and pictorial markings were common on walls and monuments. These early examples of graffiti often held religious, political, or personal significance. The use of graffiti as a form of communication and expression became a powerful means for people to voice their thoughts and emotions publicly.”
Historically, graffiti has provided an opportunity for people to establish their religious and cultural beliefs. Fast forward to the 20th century, graffiti would transition into more of a street-art style that is rooted in New York City culture during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly among marginalized communities. According to The History Channel, “Many graffiti writings were inspired by Pachuco culture ... Pachucos were known for their distinctive style—most famously the zoot suit and lowrider cars—as well as their slang, music and cultural identity.” The influence of Pachuco culture on the West Coast made its way to large cities on the East Coast such as Philadelphia and New York, where young artists began using pseudonyms when making art influenced by the Black and Latino communities. Whether addressing racial and ethnic inequality, political corruption or the economic struggles that many groups faced, Fab 5 Freddy, Dondi White and other significant figures served as cultural architects, transitioning graffiti from a dismissed subway culture to fine art. The criminalization of graffiti extended to a movement where artists began to be punished for their art and creations, and today, still lacks the protections for the art created and the artists that make them. New Acropolis said,“Graffiti is a form of self-expression, a way of communicating feelings, thoughts, information or just the simple fact that someone lived and was there.”
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By Abraham Elizalde Online Editor
hile graffiti is often defended as a form of expression for artists painting their work on public and private property, it is an act of vandalism that should be prohibited. It damages the appearance of walls and buildings and requires removal at the expense of the owners. There has been a lot of attention paid towards the murals in Los Angeles and it has been influencing more artists to attempt the illegal act of graffitiing on property without the permission of owners. According to ABC7, cleaning crews covered 31,590 tags in 2025 in downtown Los Angeles, a drastic increase compared to the 9,483 tags two years prior in 2023. Without the help of the cleaning crew, areas are left looking neglected and disorderly due to the building being used as a canvas without the permission of the owners. Some artists also put inappropriate profanity and imagery, driving people away from the area and hurting potential businesses. The expense of cleaning graffiti is also a hefty cost. The city of Riverside spends more than $1.3 million annually on cleaners. Omaha also adds, “Indirectly there are additional costs due to graffiti vandalism including increased insurance premiums and government taxes which are in place to cover the cost of repairing damage to public property caused by graffiti vandalism, costs of staff to remove graffiti, and policing costs.” While some use graffiti as a form
of vandalism to display inappropriate imagery and offensive messages, a lot of artists use the expression to share their artwork. However, there are a lot of other forms of showing off creativity that don’t have to be anonymous like most tags and can get you true notice and possibly paid for your art, rather than risking being arrested. Other than the extensive opportunities for artists in workshops, galleries and more, there is also the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Mural Program that supports street art. This is a safe and legal way to display street art in property that is intended to be used as a canvas. Graffiti has been in the uprising recently and it is hurting a lot of cities around the world, both in cost and appearance. While a lot of tagging happens in buildings that recently shut down or are not in use, some are also shown in working businesses that are forced to take care of the mess, and in most cases, hire a cleaning crew out of their pocket since the paint is too strong. With legal alternatives and opportunities for these artists, there should not be any protection towards graffiti, and tagging buildings and properties should have consequences.
What’s a piece of artwork that has moved you?
“I listened to Marvin Gaye recently on vinyl and it was a completely different experience. His songs are either calming, romantic or melancholic.” Julio Saucedo — Business Major
“‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt; I love the vibrant colors. Many couples like to mimic the pose, and I like that the painting spreads love.” Ashley Delcid — Undecided
“I recently watched a film named ‘The Thing.’ I enjoyed how it deconstructs group psychology and it makes you look at humanity in a different way.” Noah Narkjaroen — Film Major
Interviews and photos by Valeria Estevez
“I am currently working on a painting for my mom. It’s a painting of my great grandma who passed away last month. Creating this project has made me really happy.” Michelle Ortiz — Pre-veterinarian Major
4 News
theroundupnews.com
Homeboys and Homegirls spotlight reentry program benefits By Calvin Henry Managing Editor
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motions ran high inside the packed assembly room as five Angelenos spoke about their journeys of rehabilitation from imprisonment and gang-related trauma. Members of Homeboy Industries took turns giving speeches in the Great Hall on Thursday, Nov. 5, as part of the 4th annual COMM Talks event. Homeboy Industries is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting ex-gang members and formerly incarcerated individuals through rehabilitation and reentry into their communities. Angel Rodriguez, who is a member of Homeboy Industries, spoke at the event and said that she felt accomplished that student attendees were inspired by her speech. “I know that my story has touched somebody’s heart,” Rodriguez said. “Somebody that’s going through something right now that I went through is
able to not wait so long to say, ‘I went through the same thing and I need help.’” Communication Studies professor Christine Ersig-Marcus coordinated the roughly hourlong event, which drew over 60 attendees. Ersig-Marcus said that it had long been her wish to bring Homeboy Industries to campus. “What I admire about them most is that they manifest that love and kinship and community can change anything,” ErsigMarcus said. “I think they inspired us to create that kinship and community in our own lives, because it can change so much.” During the event, Rodriguez spoke about her entry into the organization in 2023, how Homeboy Industries offered her to go to rehab when she relapsed, her son joining the program and receiving his high school diploma and the different programs at Homeboy Industries. General Business major Pablo Escobedo said that hearing Rodriguez’s story reminded him of his aunt. He added that he loved how the speakers were confident
in sharing their experiences. “They kept fighting through adversity,” Escobedo said. “They were put in this place where they thought they couldn’t get out of, but they re-dug that hole and they came out of it.” Homeboy Industries member Blanca Valesquez spoke about passing a 30-day drug program to enter the organization and said that they provided her with resources like lawyers to reunite with her children, assistance with employment and signing up for school. Valesquez said that she enjoys sharing information about the programs Homeboy Industries offers because it’s her way of giving back to her fellow homeboys. “I like to educate people on the programs that we have to offer so that maybe I can help the next individual and so that people don’t judge just based on our looks or maybe the lifestyle that we chose to live,” Valesquez said. “There’s some of us who are really trying to turn around our lives.” After the Homeboy Industries
Calvin Henry / Roundup News (Left to Right) Homeboy Industries member Paradise Adamson speaks to the audience with their colleagues Angel Rodriguez and Rick Duarte during the 4th Annual COMM Talks event in the Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 5, 2026. members finished delivering their system should too, because we speeches, the event transitioned believe in God as a country.” to a brief Q&A. Rodriguez said that she Business Administration major hopes the biggest takeaway for David Magaña said that hearing attendees is to not judge a book the stories from the speakers by its cover. resonated with him and that “Even though we might look he believes people deserve a a little rough or we might look a second chance even if they have little different, we’re still kinda criminal record. hearted and we still have that “I’m a big believer in God,” heart inside of us,” Rodriguez Magaña said. “He gives people said. second chances. I think our
Senate highlights student surveys and Google AI concerns a new product called Guided Learning, which offers stepby-step interactive questions to guide students through material without providing direct answers. Gediman said that because generative AI is deeply integrated into Google Search, schools can’t opt out of AI, and if they do, the search bar will no longer function. Gediman added that this is not a huge concern for Pierce at the moment, but it
By Calvin Henry Managing Editor Concerns about the counselor shortage, class availability and AI were discussed at the Academic Senate meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Building 600. Associated Student Organization (ASO) President Ardavan Abbaszadeh said that they created a “student voice survey” to see what resolutions Pierce students want to see promoted to the Student Senate for California Community Colleges in April. Abbaszadeh added that one of the common goals at the moment for the Associated Student Organizations across LACCD is the demand for more counselors and faculty. “We want to really increase the size and it was a really unified front on that portion that really we need more faculty, we need more open enrollment spots,” Abbaszadeh said. Academic Senate Vice President Kalynda McLean said that she is happy that students are voicing their needs, which are in alignment with supporting the counseling department. “As a member of the counseling department, I recognize how understaffed we are, and our desire to meet student demand is very difficult,” McLean said. “It’s sort of outside of our hands.” Abbaszadeh gave an update on an upcoming research panel
Calvin Henry / Roundup News Acting Vice President of Student Services Carmen Dones speaks about the Pierce Accommodation Center with faculty Kalynda McLean, Trish Doelitzsch and Margarita Pillado at the Academic Senate in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2026. happening in Building 600 on Nov. 12. Abbaszadeh said that the panel will give students a deep dive into how to get into research and an opportunity to hear from professionals about research in different fields. During the senate, McLean reported on several key items from the Nov. 3 budget committee meeting, including a student poll conducted by an ASO representative. A central poll finding was students expressing a strong preference for in-person instruction due to “increased interactivity and better engagement.” In the poll, participants also raised concerns about the
availability of late-night inperson classes for working students and STEM majors expressed the need for more inperson course options to support their learning needs. According to McLean’s report, lottery funds have been used “flexibly” to cover student fees that are long-standing and to prevent them from becoming liabilities for the school. Additionally, the current budget projection that was presented at the budget committee meeting anticipates the current deficit to be at 3.648 million dollars. Clay Gediman, the Distance Education and Instructional Technology Committee chair, announced that Google launched
is important that people know in case other search engines launch similar products. “I think schools are just trying to figure out how to use AI on their own already, and I think they’re starting to do a pretty good job of it, but Google’s kind of forcing them into this environment that makes it really difficult,” Gediman said. The next Academic Senate will be on Nov. 23, in Building 600.
Brahma Blotter Crime Log
Compiled by Calvin Henry
No crimes were reported between the dates of Nov. 2 and Nov. 8 The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office. Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 — Emergency 818-710-4311
Photo by Calvin Henry
Campus Life 5
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Film Club screen John Carpenter horror classic ‘The Thing’ By Mac Kupka Reporter
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he Pierce College Film Club hosted a showing of the illustrious 1982 movie, “The Thing,” in the Great Hall on Monday, Nov. 2nd, after which there was a panel discussion of the movie. The movie was chosen because it is well known for being scary and thought-provoking. The panel afterward gave an opportunity to understand the film in a deeper sense than before you watched it. Many students were present and among them was (major) student Jake Greenfield, who showed up looking for other people interested in film. “I thought it would be great to be around a group of people with the same interests as me,” Greenfield said. “This was the first time I’ve gone to a film club and it felt like I was getting connected immediately.” The panel compared the movie to “Alien,” mentioning that it had a similar psychological effect
on the audience, but if it was set on Earth instead of a spaceship. They also stated that though the type of aliens in both movies were different in effects and style of attack, they were similarly scary in how they succeeded in taking humans over. Media arts professor Jeff Favre, who was one of the panel members, stated that the most effective fear created throughout the whole movie was the uncertainty.. “The scariest part is that they’re perfect replicas that don’t change into the thing until the last second rather than simply becoming an emotionless alien that would be easy to distinguish,” Favre said. The parallels between the movie and the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed, commenting on the choices made by characters during the struggle with the alien leading towards irrational thinking as well as paranoia. This is similar to the effect of constant lockdown that was underway during the height of the pandemic. Student Diego Tarreon believes that this part of the movie regarding the paranoia and tension greatly affected him.. “It’s a big surprise every
time,” Tarreon said. “And you never expect it, regardless of any suspicions you have.” The panel believes that the movie is visceral and attains severe creepiness, and that some of the best special effects were
put into a 1980s movie. They explained that paranoia is one of the most intense forms of fear and the movie succeeds in bringing the audience to feel similar types of emotions to the actors in the movie.
The next major Film Club event is the Student Film Festival, which will be held at The Great Hall on Dec. 8th at 6:00 P.M.
Ali Bigdeli / Roundup News Audience members watch the movie ‘The Thing’ during a Film Club screening event in the Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 2, 2026.
ASO members conduct cookie-tastic awareness campaign By Lesa Greenfield Sports Editor
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ierce College students were treated to free cookies on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as the Associated Student Organization (ASO) celebrated National Cookie Monster Day on the Mall. ASO members handed out a variety of cookies as students stopped by the table throughout the day. ASO Vice President Angela Nazaryan said the organization held a similar cookie giveaway last year but decided to combine it with National Cookie Monster Day this time around. “Last year, we had actually done this event as well,” Nazaryan said. “It wasn’t on Cookie Monster Day, but it was just a way to give back to Pierce students while also advocating for them to join our ASO committees.” With the event falling on Election Day, ASO decided to use the cookie giveaway as an opportunity to encourage students to vote. A voter registration information table was set up next to the cookies, and Pierce College also served as a voting center.
“So we thought instead of just advocating for ASO committees, this time we would do the Cookie Monster thing and also advocate to voters to go vote,” Nazaryan said. Nazaryan said students were also taking an interest in the voter registration table.
“Instead of coming to the cookies, they’re actually going to the voting section, picking up pens, and asking if we have the stickers,” Nazaryan said. Business major Payton Bristol grew up watching “Sesame Street,” although he needed a little help remembering his
favorite character. “Who’s the... who’s the trash guy?” Bristol asked when trying to remember Oscar the Grouch. When asked about his favorite cookie, Bristol chose snickerdoodles. Another student who stopped by for cookies said they hadn’t
Sebastian Berroapid Guitierrez / Roundup News Student Chloe Bennett, dressed as Cookie Monster, walks along The Mall with Alejandro Gutierrez and a campaign mascot during National Cookie Monster Day at Pierce College on Nov. 3, 2026.
grown up watching “Sesame Street” and didn’t know who Cookie Monster was. When asked about their favorite cookie, the student mentioned chewy cookies. ASO senator Gabrielle Teehankee, a biology major, had watched “Sesame Street” growing up. “I did watch Sesame Street,” Teehankee said. When asked about her favorite character besides Cookie Monster, Teehankee tried to remember a character with pigtails but couldn’t recall her name. Teehankee also serves on the Student Health Advisory Committee, which works with the campus Student Health Center to help organize and promote events, including a recent diabetes walk. Nazaryan said students were also stopping by to ask for directions to campus buildings, including the 600 building. Although Nazaryan didn’t grow up watching “Sesame Street,” she said she was familiar with Cookie Monster. Instead, she spent her childhood watching Russian cartoons. “I always love the Cookie Monster because I personally am the biggest fan of cookies,” Nazaryan said.
6 Photo Essay
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Brahmas craft ceramics By Moises Rodriguez Photographer
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he ceramics class, led by art and architecture chair Melody Cooper, teaches students how to be creative and bring their ideas to life with handcrafted sculptures. Ceramics student Alaina Snyder said that she feels supported in the ceramics class. “We learn and support each other during and make beautiful things,” Snyder said. “Melody makes this class a great environment for us and supports us every step of the way.” Ceramics student Richard Willis said that the ceramics class is a friendly and outgoing space for students to not only feel welcomed in but also having the chance to be creative and express their emotions through creating ceramics. “I feel like this class is a safe and welcoming space for all students and we have a sense of community here as we have many students who come from all different kinds of backgrounds whether that would be LGBTQ+, Black, Asian, Latino or European students.”
Karlee Gates sculpting a living sculpture inspired by something she saw in a museum in the ceramics class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov 5, 2026.
Steve Burnstein sculpting a project in the ceramics class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov 5, 2026.
Close up detail shot of a sculpted face pot in the ceramics class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov 5, 2026.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Photo Essay 7
Close up detail shot of a sculpted house with flowers in the ceramics class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov 5, 2026.
Leslie Albuquerque sculpting a bowl in the ceramics class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov 5, 2026.
Anthony Pasikov sculpting a mug in the ceramics class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov 5, 2026.
Close up detail shot of sculpted roses and animal sculptures in the ceramics class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov 5, 2026.
8 Sports
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Continued from page one: Women’s Soccer heads to playoffs Flores broke the tie in the 52nd minute when she headed in a ball from Daniela McNamara to give Pierce a 1-0 lead. “I missed a couple shots before that. I’ve been missing a couple of my headers too,” Flores said. “I was able to find my space and get a good head on the ball and found the back of the net.” Moorpark threatened to tie the
game in the 68th minute when Paula Whitfield took a shot, but Cuellar made a defensive save to preserve the lead. “It’s not safe to be 1-0,” Cuellar said. “We had to keep pushing.” Seven minutes later, Flores took another shot that Sturges saved, but Cuellar followed the rebound and scored to extend Pierce’s lead to 2-0.
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News (Left - Right ) Moorpark player Makayla Colin (2) and Pierce player Vanessa Cuellar (18) trying to gain posession of the ball during a Women’s Soccer match between Pierce College and Moorpark Community College at Shephard Stadium of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 6, 2026. Pierce won 2-0.
Cuellar said the play was something the team had practiced. “During practice, coach always tells us to hit the rebound and to press hard,” Cuellar said. “I know Amber has a good shot.” The game also marked the final regular-season home appearance for sophomores Stephany Ramirez, Daniela McNamara, Emily Diaz and Rian Solan, who will graduate or transfer in the spring. Flores said the team kept thinking about the four sophomores playing their last season at Pierce. “It was really remembering who we were playing for and to keep pushing hard,” Flores said. Perez said he reminded the players at halftime what the game meant to the program and the sophomores. “It’s sophomore day. It’s our field,” Perez said. “Don’t do it for us. You got to do it for the players.” Perez has coached Pierce for 25 years, and this will be the program’s 24th playoff appearance during that time. “They’re special, all of them,” Perez said. “Not just because they’re great players, but incredible human beings.” Pierce outshot Moorpark 14-6, with Flores leading the Brahmas with six shots. Goalkeeper Chloe Der Avanessian played all 90 minutes as Pierce recorded the shutout.
Pierce had changed its defensive formation in recent games, but Perez said they went back to their previous setup against Moorpark. “We went back to how we were playing before,” Perez said. “We had changed our structure a little bit. We went back to change
it, and it worked.” Pierce won’t play again until the following week, giving injured and tired players some time to recover. “Some of these girls that are playing, they’re so beat up,” Perez said. “We’re so glad that we have a bye.”
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News (Left - Right) Pierce players Eisa Gamez (19), Angelinne Mazariegos (11), and Vanessa Cuellar (18) celebrating after a goal during a Women’s Soccer match between Pierce College and Moorpark Community College at Shephard Stadium of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 6, 2026. Pierce won 2-0.
Pierce Brahmas lose 3-0 to Allan Hancock Bulldogs at home By Gerardo Escobar Photographer
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espite a formidable defense, the Allan Hancock College Bulldogs were able to exploit key moments defeating Pierce College 3-0 at home in John Shepard Stadium on Nov. 3, bringing the overall season record to 2-15. Pierce Assistant Coach Raffi Kardzair attributed the loss to the Bulldogs to them capitalizing on Pierce’s mistakes to score, compounded by player shortages the Pierce squad was facing. “This is a frustrating day. We were missing a number of players due to injury, some due to suspension for accumulation of yellow cards,” Kardzair said. “We started off well, but the story of the season was just the other teams capitalizing on our mistakes, and our team not finishing their chances.” Although conceding a goal in the 10th minute from Bulldogs’ Midfielder Jesse Sandoval, Pierce was able to keep Allan Hancock at bay for the remainder of the first half and mostly played the ball in the Bulldogs’ half of
the pitch. “Defensively, we were strong,” Pierce Team Captain Brandon Canico said. “I think our midfield
made little mistakes. Then we got counterattacked, but other than that I think defense plays super good, and I think we just have to
Gerardo Escobar / Roundup News Bulldogs Midfielder Marcos Rivera (14) and Brahma Midfielder Matthew Loo Alcarazo (9) fight for possesion of the ball during a match at Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2026. Allan Hancock College defeated Pierce 3-0.
put goals in the net.” It was during the second half where the Bulldogs’ widened the score against the Brahmas, scoring two goals in relatively quick succession in the 75th and 83rd minutes. “A couple of players were coming back from injury, you can see match fitness getting late into the game is not there, which happens,” Kardzair said. “It gets hard to finish out games when you don’t have the match fitness.” Left Winger Matthew Loo Alcarazo made several attempts to break the Bulldogs’ defense, including a shot in the first minute that was saved by Hancock Goal Keeper Gabriel Salazar. Alcaraz often dribbled past several players but said he overthought some of his decisions which prevented him from scoring. “I think I took too long to make my decision,” Alcarazo said. “I think I can play with more confidence, don’t overthink myself, just trust in my abilities.” By the end of the match, Pierce had nine shots on goal, all of which were saved by Salazar. Forward Dylan Villavicencio led with four shots on goal for the Brahmas, while the Bulldogs trailed just behind with seven,
three of which were shot into the net resulting in the final 3-0 score. Canico reflected on Pierce’s persistence, saying the team has been seeing the season through to the end. “I think overall we’ve been pushing,” Canico said. “None of us have left the team. There hasn’t been a single one that has quit, we’ve been pushing strong throughout the season and I think we’re just looking forward to finishing the season off strong.” Canico emphasized the team is also seeing the season to the end for the other players, despite not heading to the playoffs. “For me, it sucks. I am a sophomore, but we’re not making playoffs,” Canico said. “We just got to do it for the freshmen and the sophomores, so we’re just finishing it strong.” The Brahmas will be at home for their next matchup when they face Santa Barbara City College on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at John Shepard Stadium.