The Lion's Roar 03/09/2021

HAMMOND, LA

MARCH 9, 2021

S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y

Lions defeat McNeese at home 25-20 DYLAN MECHE STAFF REPORTER

After over a year of absence from Strawberry Stadium, the Lions returned home to defeat the McNeese Cowboys 25-20.

The Lions’ conference rival maintained the pressure throughout the game, keeping the game tied for almost the entirety of the first half. A touchdown at the end of the second quarter propelled the Lions over the edge heading into the second half.

A fumble recovery at the end of the fourth quarter by sophomore defensive linebacker Herman Christophe secured the Lions’ lead over the Cowboys.

Head Coach Frank Scelfo was happy with the Lion’s victory.

“Good win for us, every win is good. I said when I got into this conference that they are hard to come by. You have to compete every week. Nobody gives you anything. You have to go compete, and I thought my guys did that tonight,” he said.

Scelfo noted the improvements to the defense compared to last week’s game against Sam Houston State.

“When you look at what we did last week defensively and what we did tonight, you see how hard our guys work. We reaped the benefits tonight with four turnovers. Our guys just never gave up. Give us an inch, and we will hold it,” Scelfo explained.

Offensively, Scelfo said he thinks the team

had room for improvement.

“We were not sharp offensively, we didn’t do a good job in any phase of it. As far as running the ball, throwing and catching we just didn’t play well on offensive. We are better than what showed tonight,” he noted.

Despite all of the team’s mistakes during the game, Scelfo said he felt good that the team was able to pull out a win.

“We’ve got some stuff to correct, which is good. When you can do all of these things, make this many mistakes and still come out with a win in this conference, you feel good about your ball club, and you feel good about the guys that you’re playing with. I am really happy from that standpoint,” Scelfo said.

Donniel Ward-Magee, junior defensive back, was also happy with the team’s victory and noted how it felt to be back in Strawberry Stadium.

“Our fans, our family, our friends wanted us to come away with the dub of the 2021 home opener,” he said.

Cole Kelley, senior quarterback, also shared his reaction to the team’s performance.

“I’ve been on teams throughout my career where we would have lost that game tonight. Our defense played an absolutely hell of a game, but our whole team fought. We have some grown men in that locker room,and it is really special.

Things weren’t going our way a lot, but nobody blinked. I love being over here,” Kelley said.

The Lions will return to Strawberry Stadium Senior quarterback Cole Kelley threw for 301 total yards in Saturday’s 25-20 victory over McNeese State University. Kelley next Saturday on March 13 at 6 p.m. to face the is a native of Lafayette and a transfer from the University of Arkansas. The Lions will face Northwestern State University Northwestern State Demons. at home on March 13 at 6 pm. DYLAN MECHE/THE LION’S ROAR

Junior running back Morgan Ellison rushes down the field against McNeese State University on March 6, the Lions rushed for a total of 191 yards against the Cowboys on Saturday night. Ellison is a transfer from Independence Community College in Kansas which was the site for Netflix’s TV series “Last Chance U” seasons 3 and 4. Ellison totaled 134 rushing yards on 15 attempts in the win on Saturday. DYLAN MECHE/THE LION’S ROAR

Alumnus receives promotion at UPD

The 2018 Southeastern alumnus has been working at the UPD for three years since the July after his graduation. He interned with the department as a university student.

“I worked the internship, so I kind of knew everybody, knew how things worked here. I had applied to a couple different places, and they called me and told me they wanted me to work here. So, I came and I’ve been having fun ever since,” Pierson said.

Obtaining the rank of Police Officer (PO) III was the next step in Pierson’s career progression with the UPD. Among his new responsibilities are shift supervising whenever a police sergeant is not present and training incoming officers.

“If there’s a shift supervisor, not much of your responsibilities have changed, but say there’s no shift supervisor, you’re the supervisor. And they expect us to train the new PO IIs, and we have three at the academy right now. When they come back, I’ll be training them,” he said.

The UPD currently has four shift sergeants, four PO IIIs and the other employed officers in patrol are PO IIs. According to UPD Chief Michael Beckner, there was an opening for a Police Officer III, and Pierson applied when they opened up the opportunity to the department.

After applying, securing the promotion began with an interview process.

“We want to make sure somebody’s ready to be able to tackle a situation if something bad happens. So, we ask questions, different scenarios. We ask about different things, how he would handle different situations and he did very well. He did an outstanding job during the interview process,” Beckner said.

Being qualified for the promotion was not the only requirement the UPD considered when selecting an officer for the position.

Pierson said, “I had to show an interest in being promoted. I had to show that I can train people, that I know what I’m doing on the police side of things and know university policy procedure, department policy procedure.”

Over the eight months Beckner has been working as Chief at the UPD, he said he has seen Pierson act proactively as an officer, taking steps to educate and get to know students in addition to his duties.

Logan Pierson graduated from the university in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Pierson started Beckner said, “He’s very community-oriented, he’s very knowledgeable about laws and policies, and he’s working for the UPD shortly after graduation in July 2018. BRYNN LUNDY/THE LION’S ROAR very proactive on his duties as a police officer. Our main goal is to educate people, so he’s not always one that writes a ticket. He’ll educate somebody.”

BRYNN LUNDY According to Beckner, the UPD likes to see their officers take the initiative to further their careers, STAFF REPORTER knowledge and leadership. He wants the university to know that the officers at the UPD want to be a part of the community.

Effective last month, Officer Logan Pierson with the University Police Department received a promotion, He said, “It’s a credit to Officer Pierson that he’s taken that next step and he’s willing to give a little bit more which elevated his position from a 2-A officer to a 3-A officer. to the community because there is a lot of responsibility and a lot of liability that comes with moving up.”

Weather

Tuesday H 72 L 54

Index

Wednesday H 73 L 55

Campus Life................................2 Opinions ....................................3 Sports ........................................4

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Volume 92, Issue 18 A Student Publication www.lionsroarnews.com lionsroar@southeastern.edu

PAGE 2 | MARCH 9, 2021

The Lion’s Roar | CAMPUS LIFE

Graduating seniors to dance their last show

Student choreographers Emma Pinion and Stephanie Harris show off their abilities before their senior dance concerts. The artistic directors have been preparing for their senior thesis performances on March 14 and 15. BRYNN LUNDY/THE LION’S ROAR

AUSTIN DEWEASE STAFF REPORTER

Senior dance students are set to close out the contemporary dance season with an original capstone experience.

On March 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Vonnie Borden Theatre, graduating seniors Emma Pinion and Stephanie Harris will be presenting their senior theses in the form of dance concerts.

Harris, a general studies major with a concentration in dance, will begin the thesis concerts with her concert titled “Hideaway” on Sunday, March 14.

She said she hopes to convey feelings of nostalgia as she dances for the university one last time.

“My thesis is on how the right music, and the way you edit it, can transport an audience with choreography. That’s where I am aiming to go with this show. I want to present it in a nostalgic feeling to everyone and the show is mostly about my passion for dance and why I do it and the things I love about it,” Harris said.

According to Harris, the title “Hideaway” came from her wanting the audience to imagine a place where they can go to escape, which for her is the dance studio.

Emma Pinion, a biology education major, will have her production titled “Overcomer: The Journey” on Monday, March 15.

Pinion’s thesis concert is based on the concept of using dance as an outlet.

She said, “It’s about using dance as a therapy and really embracing yourself through movement and overcoming situations by finding yourself through dance. Each dance represents a different situation in which people can overcome, like depression or a loss of a family member.”

Both Harris and Pinion have had a little over two hours each week for rehearsal since October of last year. They alternate between rehearsals in the morning and in the evening. Next week will be their last week of rehearsals before the concerts.

The graduating seniors said they feel sentimental in regards to leaving their departments and how much the departments have changed their lives.

“This department kind of changed my life and so leaving it after this feels so crazy leaving everything I have learned and experienced. I am probably going to be a puddle of tears at both of our shows,” Harris commented.

Harris started dancing around age three, and she played soccer

around the sametime. She said her parents had not allowed her to dance competitively so she quit dancing for a while to pursue soccer.

“I think that follows me to this day because I choreograph a little more athletically than most people from my years in soccer and then from not being able to do competitive dance either I think it made me a bit more passionate about dancing since I didn’t get to experience everything I wanted to experience as a kid,” Harris said.

Unlike Harris, Pinion had a background in competitive dance and when attending Southeastern, she discovered her passion for contemporary dance.

According to Harris and Pinion, they put hard work into their upcoming shows and urge students, faculty and staff to attend the concerts.

“I think people should attend these performances because Emma and I together have put everything into these works. It’s really just an opportunity to show who you are going to be and what you’re going to make of yourself,” Harris said.

Tickets are for sale at $10 for students, seniors, children and military. General admission tickets are $12. Guests can purchase tickets in the lobby one hour before the performance.

IB Certification at Southeastern is still running strong Education students who obtain the certificate, along with their normal diploma upon graduation, are going to be equipped to teach internationally at any university of their choice, unlike an ordinary student in the college of education.

This program allows those graduates to apply specifically to teach at IB schools in the U.S; which are grade schools that have a very meticulous curriculum.

Students are asked to go in depth with every subject and learn how to apply every lesson to the real world. However, it is held to the standards of schools internationally as well, so the curriculum may supersede the U.S. standards, preparing them to flourish in other countries.

Paula Calderon, Ph. D., the Dean of Education, said the certification is beneficial to students whether they plan to teach at an IB school or not, and that it is separate from a teaching degree.

“This is in addition to Louisiana teaching certification. It allows students to teach anywhere in the world. If one of our graduates chooses not to teach in an IB school, they will be outstanding in a regular classroom. You can get the certificate and undergrad degree at the same time or with your graduate degree, or even come back and just get the certificate,” Calderon said.

The only difference between the two is the worldwide standard that IB is held at in comparison to teaching standards in the U.S. University President John Crain started advocating for the program in 2015 and hired Cherissa Vitter, Ph. D., IB coordinator for the university’s Department of Teaching and Learning.

“The curriculum is world-wide, and teachers must attend IB sanctioned training to teach IB courses at an IB World School. This training is standardized across the globe,” Vitter said.

There are five program tracks, and each has a distinct application process, but in order to apply, students must ask Vitter for an application. Once she screens and sends it to IB, the organization determines whether students are accepted into the program.

The IB Certification program allows graduates to teach out International Baccalaurette schools in the United States as However, there are students who have not heard of or been informed on the IBEC. well as overseas. Since 2016, Southeastern remains the only undergraduate institution to offer the International Charvone Holmes, a senior majoring in early childhood education, said this was her first time Baccalaureate (IB) Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning in the Gulf South. TRINITY BROWN/THE LION’S ROAR hearing about the program.

“Being in the education program, I can honestly say this is my first-time hearing of the IB certification and that Southeastern offers it. The department doesn’t do a great job of informing us TRINITY BROWN of all the opportunities that are there for us,” she said.

STAFF REPORTER Vitter recommends that all who are interested email her directly if she has not already given her pitch for the IBEC in students’ introductory classes.

Since 2016, Southeastern remains the only undergraduate institution to offer the International For any education majors who would like more information about the IBEC, email Dr. Cherissa Baccalaureate (IB) Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning in the Gulf South.

Vitter at cherissa.vitter@selu.edu.

The program is one of only 50 offered in the U.S.

University athletics seeking creative interns ELANA GUILLORY STAFF REPORTER

An opportunity for creative students with a passion for sports has opened up at the university.

Lion Athletics is searching for an intern to assist with graphic design, sports advertisements, video editing and motion graphics.

Resumes and portfolios will be accepted indefinitely.

The intern will be responsible for handling occasional graphic design and video tasks for the athletic department, as well as contributing to Lion Athletics’ social media presence on all platforms.

Anyone with an interest in college athletics and with a basic understanding of graphic design, tyopography and Adobe programs should apply, according to Lindsey Owens, associate athletic director for external operations.

“We would love to have someone who understands the environment of college athletics in order to create consistent/ cohesive materials. Someone who understands Southeastern’s identity and branding would also be a plus,” Owens commented.

Although the internship is unpaid, it will provide students with an opportunity to build their portfolios. Through offering this internship, Athletics hopes to fulfill a need for creative social media output.

“We would love to have a creative individual for this position to help us create a trendy social media and in-venue aesthetic.

It’s great to see different visions come to life through the eyes of creatives. It’s becoming less of a ‘want’ and more of a ‘need’ as we progress toward a heavier social media presence,” Owens said.

The internship is meant to provide the intern with experience and help Lion Athletics expand its creative endeavors.

Owens said only two to three individuals will be accepted so that work quality can be closely monitored and executed. The positions will be filled on an as-needed basis.

“Once the slots are filled, the opportunities will be gone until needed again,” she said.

According to Owens, the department will assist interns throughout the process to provide them with new skills and networking opportunities.

“We are willing to help along the way and work with different skill levels. We also have a wide range of networking across the nation amongst other athletic creatives. It’s a new and exciting professional piece in the world of athletics,” Owens said.

Jackson Jones, assistant director of creative services for Athletics, said the position opened last fall. He explained that the intern will assist in year-round content creation.

“The intern will be involved in all facets of year-round content planning and creating/designing of the athletics program for all social media platforms,” Jones said.

However, the job will be flexible due to the uncertain nature of the past year.

“The internship will take place in-office or remotely, based off of an initial interview and conversation. We understand that sometimes, especially in these times, it can be difficult to attend things physically, so we’d like to be open to different opportunities,” Owens said.

Anyone who is interested in the internship can send a resume and portfolio to Jones at jackson.jones@selu.edu.

OPINIONS | The Lion’s Roar

MARCH 9, 2021 | PAGE 3

Texas and Mississippi: national embarrassments Something shameful happened in our country last week: The governors of Texas and Mississippi lifted the mask mandates and Brynn Lundy announced the STAFF REPORTER reopening of the states to 100%.

Way to go –– You have set the entire nation backward on its goal to placate the spread of the coronavirus just when we were starting to gain a lead.

Everyone knows the famous fable “The Tortoise and the Hare.” We are the hare that grows overly confident in his lead in the race so he decides to take a break. COVID-19 is the tortoise: slow but has a chance at winning because of the foolish hare.

This pandemic is not some looming fantastical monster that requires a bold “You don’t scare me” in order to defeat. It is real, and it takes legitimate and consistent measures to fight off.

I would have liked to believe that we were in the final stretch of ridding our nation of the most dangerous parts of this virus.

That hope has been squashed by these decisions from republican politicians who could not handle the pressure from their states’ citizens and their own personal agendas.

In case there are still people who don’t think the virus is dangerous, here is a headline from a CNN Health article:

Leo Carney, kitchen manager at McElroy’s Harbor House in Biloxi on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, said the removal of coronavirus restrictions will disproportionately impact Black residents — many of whom are essential workers, Friday, March 5, 2021. Carney said he would feel better with restrictions being removed if essential workers had access to the coronavirus vaccine. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) “More people have died from COVID-19 than in the past 5 flu seasons combined. And coronavirus is much more contagious.” Senior news writer Holly Yan provides an overview of COVID-19 and Influenza comparisons, citing data from several sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Hopkins

University, Harvard Medical.

On March 3, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported an increased average of 4,532 new cases and 226 new fatalities per day over the last week.

Live updates from the Wall Street Journal and the CDC show that 15.5% of the Texas population and 16.7% of the

Mississippi population have been given at least one dose of the vaccine. These percentages are among the eleven lowest in the country, including Louisiana at 16.2%.

Yes – vaccinations are instilling hope into citizens nationwide, and that is wonderful.

However, the vaccines that have been

developed and are currently being administered to millions nationwide may not be effective in fighting off the emerging variants of the virus. The current vaccine is not the end-all-be-all solution, especially since only about 30% of the country has been vaccinated. The vaccine is another tool. It does not cancel out the need for masks and other

safety measures.

The governors have left many of their businesses, particularly restaurants, vulnerable to unsafe environments that risk the loss of customers whether they choose to continue the mask requirement or not.

Duncan Agnew with the Texas Tribune spoke with businessperson Anne Ng of Bakery Lorraine in San Antonio.

She and many other restaurant owners in the state have maintained the mask mandates within their establishments.

“By repealing the mandate, the government is putting everyone at risk, and foodservice workers are sadly at the front lines in facing potential hostility from folks who will refuse to respect our mask policy,” Ng said. “We don’t deserve that.”

You can disagree with me over the morality of the governors’ decisions, but you cannot dispute the reports from the CDC or state departments of health. If you are okay with lessening––or completely removing––the restrictions while people are still dying, that says more about you than me.

We can only hope that John Bel Edwards has a bit more sense than Greb Abbott and Tate Reeves and holds off on fully reopening the state until we see more deceleration of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Students socially distance in the Student Union Food Court during the Fall Semester. Plexiglass shields were installed over the summer in 2020 to ensure studenmts, faculty and staff safety. The university requires all students, faculty and staff to where mask while indoors at all times. Governor John Bel Edwards recently annouced that the state of Louisiana is in a Phase 3. JORDAN FRANKLIN AND SYMIAH DORSEY/THE LION’S ROAR

Southeastern news, straight to your phone ALYSSA LAROSE STAFF REPORTER

For years students, faculty, staff and community members alike have looked forward to reading a new issue of The Lion’s Roar on newsstands every Tuesday. Now adapting to a fast-paced, technology-driven, pandemicinfluenced 2021, The Lion’s Roar has reimagined the release of Southeastern news media with a new mobile app.

The Lion’s Roar is now available through the College News Source, an Apple and Android compatible app that is available for free download on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

“People should download the College News Source App because it is a fast and efficient way to keep updated on the things going on around them,” said Gerard Borne, Editor-inChief of The Lion’s Roar. “The newspaper runs everything from important announcements to university sporting events to breaking news to club and organizational updates.”

Readers will no longer have to wait for a print edition or pull up the newspaper’s website on their desktop browser. Constant updates

are now available via the app on their iOS and Android devices. Once the app is downloaded, users simply choose Southeastern Louisiana University as their preferred university newspaper. By enabling push notifications, the app will also update readers as soon as new content is published. The app also allows readers to comment on an article, follow their favorite writers or even share articles via their personal social media accounts.

Borne said he is looking forward to his team’s content being read through the app.

“I like the application because it’s easy to use and I can pull up any article in seconds. I can’t wait to see the College News Source App take off!” he said.

Staff reporter Trinity Brown enjoys the convenience that College News Source provides.

“The app helps me stay involved on campus by bringing up events straight to my phone,” she said.

As with many mobile apps, the College News Source is constantly undergoing regular updates. One recent new feature enables readers to turn on “Dark Mode” as a display setting for Download the app College New Source to get the latest articles from The Lion’s Roar Newspaper, app can be downloaded the app. through iOS and Andriod products. Readers will no longer have to wait for a print edition or pull up the newspaper’s website on their desktop browser . ALYSSA LAROSE/THE LION’S ROAR

Policies and Procedures The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937.

Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space, or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited.

Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization.

All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University.

A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in the Student Union suite 1303. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, and associated online or digital versions, are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

Staff Editor-in-Chief - Gerard Borne, Jr. Office Assistant - Ashlyn Harris Graduate Assistant - Alyssa Larose Administrative Assistant - Gemma Carter Coordinator - Lorraine Peppo Director - Dr. Lee E. Lind

General Offices SLU 10877 900B Lion Lane North Campus Main Building, Room 154 Hammond, LA 70402

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PAGE 4 | MARCH 9, 2021

The Lion’s Roar | SPORTS

Football is back and students are loving it

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Last Saturday, Lion fans returned to Strawberry Stadium for the longawaited football home opener.

Many were there to support the Lions as they crushed the McNeese State Cowboys 25-20 on March 6. After a year-long hiatus from football, students shared their thoughts on reuniting once again for a moment of celebration.

Sophomore marketing major Julia Matherne said it was nice being back in Strawberry Stadium.

“It feels good to be back. It’s nice having this bit of normalcy, and it feels like I’m actually back at college,” she said.

Matherne said she believes college football games are a great way for students to connect with one another.

She said, “The football games in college are just a good way for everyone to connect even if you don’t know each other. We are all having a great time together.”

Matherne’s favorite part about home football games is the energy

from the crowd.

Matherne said, “Honestly, the energy is the best part. With the band and the cheerleaders, the student section is great because all of us are just having a great time. If we’re losing or not – it doesn’t matter because we are having fun.”

Freshman elementary education major Heather Lee is not used to college football games, but she prefers this atmosphere over a high school game.

She said, “I mean, of course it’s a college game, so it’s going to be bigger, but I feel like everyone’s more energetic and more into the game compared to high school because high school is small, and there’s not as many people coming out of town to watch the game.”

Compared to past home games, Lee said that this home game has a much bigger audience with more love and support to share.

“The entire atmosphere is very fun and energetic. I feel like everyone is just positive. Even when we struggle in a game, everyone’s just kind of rooting for each other, and it’s a bonding experience,” she shared.

Senior marketing major Joshua Ballard shared that being back at Strawberry Stadium reminded him of his freshman and sophomore year.

He said, “Being able to cheer on the Lions again was special, especially considering we were able to beat one of our in-state rivals. There was a sense of nostalgia that brought me back to my freshman and sophomore year, and it was exhilarating.”

The main difference was the extra support at the game on Saturday, which may be due to the prolonged period of not being in the stadium, according to Ballard.

Ballard said he loves getting to bond with his fraternity brothers as they support the school together.

“We, of course, miss being able to tailgate and walk in together after, but we understand the circumstances, and we’re very glad to be back in the Berry,” Ballard said.

Ballard said that he is looking forward to seeing senior quarterback Cole Kelley and junior wide receiver CJ Turner put a show on the offensive side and that Head Football Coach Scelfo has set the program in the right direction.

Students will get another chance to cheer on the Lions under the Strawberry Stadium lights as the team takes Northwestern State on March 13.

Last week in sports: March 3-9 GERARD BORNE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Southeastern started off the month of March on the right foot after having the football, women’s basketball and baseball teams all collecting victories.

The Lions football team got back into the win column for the first time this season after knocking off McNeese State University 25-20. Senior quarterback Cole Kelley threw for a total of 301 yards along with a touchdown against the Cowboys. Junior running back Morgan Ellison totaled 134 rushing yards on 15 carries and collected one touchdown. Senior Javon Conner led all receivers with 5 receptions for 104 yards.

Mateo Rengifo made all four of his field goals to propel the Lions over McNeese The women’s basketball team stayed hot by defeating the University of New Orleans 75-48 on March 6 to finish the regular season with a 11-7 record. Hailey Giaratano scored in double digits again with 11 points against the Privateers. On March 13 the Lady Lions will play their Southland Conference

playoff game as the number two seed, the highest seed in program history.

After dropping four games to Arizona University the Lions picked up a win against Tulane University and swept Troy University in a three game series over the weekend. The Lions currently sitting at 7-4 on the young season will be at home next weekend to take on Sam Houston State University to start conference play in a four game series.

Men’s basketball continued to struggle with two losses against the University of New Orleans and the University of Central Arkansas to close out the season with a 7-17 record.

The Lions limped their way into the Southland Conference Tournament by way of losses

by Stephen F. Austin and Texas A&M -Corpus Christi University. The Lions will square off against McNeese State University on March 9 in Katy, Texas, the last time the two faced off McNeese defeated Southeastern 95-91 in Hammond.

The Lady Lions Softball squad was swept over the

weekend in the 2021 Auburn Invitational falling to both Troy University and Auburn University twice. With the four losses the Lady Lions fell to 8-10 on the season and will face off against Southern Miss on March 10 at North Oak Park.

Tennis dropped both matches during the week against Lamar and Texas A&M- Corpus Christi ultimately falling to 3-7 on the season. Currently the Lady Lions are on a three game skid and will look to bounce back on March 12 against Northwestern State University.

The women’s soccer squad wrapped up their week with a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Stephen F. Austin on Sunday. The Lady Lions will be back in action on March 12 at home against McNeese State and will look to improve to 3-21 on the season.

Women’s Volleyball will be back in action on March 9 on the road against Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas at 6:30 pm.

The Lady Lions will have a busy week with four matches slated Above, junior wide reciever CJ Turner lines up against a McNeese State University defensive back. The Lions will play their against Southland opponents next home game on March 13 against Northwestern State University. Below, junior defender Jamie Raines runs down from March 11-20. field against Sam Houston State University. The Lady Lions soccer team is currently 2-2-1. GERARD BORNE AND SPORTS INFO/THE LION’S ROAR

Baseball to host Southland Conference Tourney GERARD BORNE

competitive advantage,” Artigues said.

The Lions have ranked No. 1 in attendance since the start of the 2015 season, averaging over 1,000 fans for each home game. Southeastern will wrap up their 2021 regular season on May 22 The 2021 Southland Conference Tournament will be held at Southeastern’s Pat Kenelly Diamond against Houston Baptist University at home. at Alumni Field from May 26-29.

This will be the second time that the university will host the end of the season tournament, its first dating back to 2004.

Head Baseball Coach Matt Riser said having the tournament at home will benefit the Lions.

“You always play better when you sleep in your own bed. Not having to worry about travel and where you are going to sleep for the night is a big relief to these guys,” Riser said.

The tournament was previously held in Sugar Land, Texas before transitioning to Hammond.

Director of Athletics Jay Artigues had to place a bid to host the tournament.

Riser shared how the tournament will be good for the Hammond area after having a rocky year last year.

“There’s going to be hotels that are rented out, more people will go to surrounding restaurants and people will be coming to our ballpark. It’s something the area needs after having a rough 2020,” Riser said.

The eighth-year head coach detailed how if the Lions make the tournament, it will be a huge home field advantage for the team.

“The fans will be out and be big. We have a great home field advantage during the regular season so I know if we are here at home during the postseason, they will show up,” Riser said.

Artigues agreed with Riser in that the tournament being at home will be an advantage for the team.

“It’s also huge for our teams to have a home field advantage, which will hopefully give us a Justin Simanek, graduate of 2020, starts his windup in the matchup against Jacksonville University in 2020. The Lions will host the 2021 Southland Conference Baseball Tournament for the first time in over 10 seasons. FILE PHOTO/THE LION’S ROAR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF