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Volume 59 Issue 16

Thursday, March 24, 2022

THE USD VISTA

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968

USD Women’s Tennis plays role in saving a Ukrainian family

Victoria Kalaitzis and Coach Sherri Stephens discuss how USD can help ABIGAIL CAVIZO ASST. A&C EDITOR The crisis between Russia and Ukraine is over 6,000 miles away from San Diego, meaning many can choose not to keep up with it and go about their day. However, some people forget that the USD community has many international students who may be more impacted by this war than others. Belgian sophomore on the USD Women’s Tennis team, Victoria Kalaitzis, has a personal connection to the war. Her brother, Fabrice Kalaitzis, rescued a family on the border of Ukraine. When he first heard the news about people standing at the border with no food and resources, three other friends or Fabrice took three cars of supplies from Belgium to the Ukrainian border. Upon seeing the people standing in the freezing cold for over 24 hours just to cross the border, he and his friends came to the conclusion that giving supplies wouldn’t be enough. They picked up two mothers and

Members of the USD Women’s Tennis team raise money to support Ukraine.

four young children, deciding to drive another ten hours to house them in a safe haven in Germany. The children and women have priority at these safe houses

with access to clothes, food, and other toys for the children. Although he was able to make the 15 hour trek with them, it was not without difficulty. The

Photo courtesy of @usdwtennis/Instagram

mothers’ husbands and older sons had to be left behind to fight for Ukraine and there was a language barrier with Fabrice speaking Dutch and English, whilst the

Batman returns

USD students discuss the latest installment of the Batman franchise ISABELLA SANCHEZ ASST. A&C EDITOR Vengeance returns, but in a different costume and in a new Gotham. The newest addition to the dark vigilante’s dreary universe is all one sees on various entertainment platforms. From broody TikToks to the film’s lamentful track “Something In The Way” by Nirvana, and countless cast interviews on Youtube, “The Batman” is truly everywhere. “The Batman” features a newly crowned Bruce Wayne, played by Robert Pattinson, as he navigates the dark underworld of Gotham City with a new sadistic killer on the loose. The latest reboot takes on a darker theme than Christopher Nolan’s highly

praised “The Dark Knight” and follows a younger, broodier Batman. The three-hour film pans out like a murder mystery thriller, with The Riddler, the supervillian of the film, With a much anticipated release of any film comes fan discussion and criticism. Many USD students had opinions on the newest addition to the DC Comics’ beloved superhero’s story. Unlike its predecessors, “The Batman” nearly hits three hours. USD junior Francesca Meyer didn’t see the length as an issue. “I don’t mind the length of a movie if it is actually using that time well,” Meyer admitted. “I honestly think ‘The Batman’ managed the almost-three-hours perfectly.” USD sophomore Brennan

MORE STORIES Gas prices Sandy Hook lawsuit settled See Opinion, page 4

Celebrating women faculty See Feature, page 6

Women of San Diego See A&C, page 9

See Batman, Page 10

@theusdvista uofsdmedia.com

See USD, Page 3

See News, page 2

Don’t miss the latest news. Find us online: @USDVista

family didn’t speak either. Victoria Kalaitzis empathized with how the family might have felt when they first met her brother, Fabrice. “In the end, they just drove off with an unknown man. They didn’t know if my brother had good intentions or not, but communication wise it was really hard for him to talk to them,” Kalaitzis explained. “The only thing he knew is that they had to leave their sons behind.” Kalaitzis talks to her brother often and when she heard about his personal experience, it inspired her to reach out to her team and coaches for support. When the women’s tennis team plays their matches, they have a jar at the tennis courts labeled for Ukraine. Women’s tennis coach Sherri Stephens has been gathering money through her Venmo that she will send to Fabrice. Together, the tennis team has collected $4000 out of their $5000 goal. Stephens is proud of her athletes for coming together to

Club Pickleball Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz star in “The Batman.” Photo courtesy of @thebatman/Instagram

See Sports, page 11

The USD Vista

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March 24, 2022

NEWS

Insight into the updated mask guidelines Clarification on the new pending mask mandate

JENNY HAN ASST. NEWS EDITOR A few days before the end of spring break, the COVID-19 Action Team sent an email titled “Pending Update to COVID19 Testing and Face Coverings Requirements” to the USD community. In said email, they announced in a pending update that although they would continue to enforce the mask mandate, they could be loosening up some protocols after March 28. One major difference is that masks would only be mandatory in classrooms, labs, libraries, the Student Health Center, trams, and other university vehicles. In addition, after March 28, random COVID-19 testing will end for vaccinated individuals. USD’s new update follows San Diego County’s updated mask mandate which removed the mask mandate with the exception of public transportation, areas that serve public transportation, healthcare settings, detention facilities, homeless shelters, emergency

shelters, and cooling centers. Other universities’ (and universities similar to USD) responses to changing mask mandates have varied. At the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU) the mask mandate remains in all indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, SDSU requires non-vaccinated students to wear masks outdoors if they are unable to properly socially distance themselves. Chapman University states that masking is only required in university shuttles, Student Health, COVID19 testing Center, and “certain clinical settings.” With those exceptions, Chapman removed its indoor mask mandate. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) currently is maintaining their mask mandate while they are working to implement a masking policy in line with Los Angeles county’s updated health order. In regards to USD’s pending mask mandate, Ky Synder, a member of the COVID-19 action team and the Vice President and Director of University Operations,

provided clarification. For starters, Snyder stated that the new mask mandate is listed as pending because he acknowledges that changes may occur depending on case numbers. “We are projecting that the positivity rate on campus will continue to decrease as we have seen since the start of the semester. However, previously each time students have returned to campus from a break, we have seen an increase in cases,” Snyder said. “If we see that happen again and the increase is significant, we may have to alter our plan. If not, then we will start to pull back on some of the protocols for campus.” Snyder also addressed the confusion that surrounded mandating masks in all buildings. “Students and faculty must enter certain spaces on campus. Instructional delivery spaces such as classrooms, labs and the libraries are among these. Students and faculty must use these spaces to receive and deliver instruction,” Synder said. “As such, we will continue to require face coverings in these spaces. Other spaces on campus

that the community wishes to enter are personal choices and they can determine whether they want to use these spaces.” Even though USD may be loosening up the mask mandate in accordance to San Diego guidelines, Synder explained that the university will still be taking measures to protect the immunocompromised. One such measure is the aforementioned mask mandate in certain locations. Other measures include distributing free KN-95 masks at the front desk at Facilities Management and the use of ventilation systems with a MERV-13 or higher filtration at maximum airflow. These preventative actions are the key to tackling COVID-19. “With face coverings and the ventilation systems in place, we are able to decrease the risk for the most vulnerable members of our community,” Snyder said. Ultimately, Synder acknowledged that these protocols are subject to change. “As we have learned over the course of the pandemic, we must continue to monitor the

situation and make adjustments as they are needed,” Synder said. “ That may mean a return to previous protocols or a continuation of relaxing some.” Many USD students are confused by the new mask guidelines, and why the new mandate requires masks in some spaces but not in others. Sophomore Giuseppe Crivello shared his opinion on the new update. “I think that if we are allowed to not wear masks in the SLP, then we shouldn’t have to wear a mask anywhere else,” Crevillo said. “In the SLP everyone is in the same ballpark as in a classroom.” Similarly, sophomore Julia Humphrey agreed that the new mask guidelines seem counterproductive. “I think it’s a bit silly to have to wear masks in class, but not in the dining hall,” Humphrey said. “I am glad we are still wearing masks in class though, I don’t find it much of an inconvenience.” The USD Vista will keep providing updates as needed with all things COVID-19, including revisions to mask guidelines.

California gas prices on the rise The causes and effects of higher prices at the pump COLIN MULLANEY ASST. NEWS EDITOR While native Californians are accustomed to seeing higher gas prices than the rest of the United States, even those familiar with paying more at the pump have noticed a recent spike. As the national average cost of gas reaches a new high of $4.17 per gallon, the cost of gas in California has also risen to an average of $5.44 per gallon, according to the New York Times. This noticeable change has many speculating about the causes behind the rising prices and wondering how it might affect their day-to-day lives. Whether it be the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the supply chain crisis that plagued the U.S. during COVID19, inflation, gas companies vying for a profit, or a simple increase in demand, it is difficult to pinpoint one singular factor. Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, the U.S. announced that it will no longer import Russian oil, as part of its retaliatory sanctions against the country, according to the White House. This announcement came in conjunction with sanctions by the European Union to condemn Russian President Putin’s

actions and dissuade further expansion of his authority and economic influence. Previously, the United States imported 700,000 barrels of crude oil and petroleum a day from Russia, the equivalent of billions of dollars annually, the White House stated. In order to counter the economic burden of banning Russian oil imports on everyday American families and consumers, the White House committed to releasing more than 90 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Oil Reserve this year and to, “speed up- not slow down- our transition to a clean energy future.” As a commuter student, USD freshman Claire Fernandez must drive regularly between her home, job, and school. Fernandez feels the brunt of gas’ higher cost. “I’ve started having to decide what trips are worth it or not, because it’s over $100 to fill up my tank,” Fernandez said. Fernandez believes that the rising cost of gas is not only a result of recent global events, but a somewhat elitist attitude toward fossil fuels by politicians. “In short it’s Newsom and Biden. EPA laws don’t help either,” Fernandez stated. “We have so many ‘green’ laws that regulate how California gets and distributes gas, and it raises prices that way.”

Fernandez may be referring to California’s state gasoline tax of 51.1 cents per gallon, which is the second highest in the country after Pennsylvania, as noted by the Federation of Tax Administrators. Regulations and taxes aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions add an average of $1.27 to the consumer cost of a gallon of gasoline in California. Additionally, the New York Times reported that the cost of gas in California may increase even more in July, when prices are set to be artificially adjusted for rising inflation. Fernandez is not alone in her status as a commuter at USD, in fact she is in the majority. In her thesis research project, graduate student Jocelyn Velasquez stated, “44% of undergraduate students [at USD] live on campus… meaning half the student population is made up of commuter students.” wWhether walkers or drivers, students who commute to campus for classes must make strategic decisions about the best options available to them, and the cost of gas is only one factor in that decision. However, commuters may not be the only students affected by a gas price increase either. USD tram services run continual loops of campus from 6:45 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., as well as morning

Gas prices in San Diego are skyrocketing, causing financial burdens on commuters. Photo courtesy of @thatafro/Unsplash

and afternoon shuttles from USD to the Old Town Transit Center. In order to pay for this transportation service, undergraduate students on campus at USD pay an average of $324 per year, according to the latest estimated annual student expenses. Naturally, an increase in gas prices may affect even those undergraduate students who do not drive to and from campus. Perhaps with the exception of electric car manufacturers and investors, generally, nobody wants a spike in gas prices nationwide. The increase is bound to have an effect on nearly all segments of the population and nearly all members of the USD campus community, commuter or otherwise. However, understanding the economic and political reality

behind price fluctuations may also inspire hope that fluctuations are often temporary.

Correction to Bispham (2022)

In the article “Positions of Power” by Spencer Bispham (The USD Vista, 2022, Volume 59 Issue 15) there was an error in the twenty fifth paragraph. The twenty fifth paragraph attributed Logan Tucker to the quote “USD has spent more of its time and energy focusing on blowing up their DEI budget and initiatives than defending the dignity and sanctity of human life.” This quote comes from an anonymous student; these are not Tucker’s words, Tucker quoted the student during the presentation. We regret this error.

Volume 59 Issue 16 ◆

NEWS

The USD Vista

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USD making an impact at Ukrainian border

In order to help refugees, women’s tennis fundraises for Ukraine USD from Page 1

support their teammate. “Our tennis team has a lot of international members with a couple Russian connections and a couple Ukrainian connections, so having that connection [to Victoria] helps it feel more personal so that we can at least help someone,” Stephens said. Fabrice explained to them that the family’s salary is around $300 a month, so the money that the tennis team is raising is meant to help them get started again. When they get back home, the goal is for them to have three months worth of their salary. Fabrice initially thought this would be a one-off rescue mission, but with more money and more supplies, there’s a chance he can go back for a second time to continue to help other families. Kalaitzis had mixed emotions about her brother’s trip to Ukraine. “At first, it was a little bit scary thinking about my brother going to Ukraine, but I was glad we could help them as a team,” Kalaitzis said. “The news covers so many things, political things as well, but we’re just here to help.” Even if you cannot give money or resources, Kalaitzis believes that USD students and

Fabrice Kalaitzis helped escort a family across the Ukrainian border. Photo courtesy of Hannah Busing/Unsplash

100% of the proceeds will go to the Ukrainian family; scan this QR code to donate. Photo courtesy of Coach Sherri Stephens

Americans in general can still give their support to Ukrainians. The war is not something that innocent people have asked to be a part of. The tennis team, as well as Fabrice, believes they do not deserve to endure the hardships of losing their homes, lives, and even families. “I think the first important

sending money to Venmo @ Sherri-Stephens-11 is a great way to help a family that has been impacted. Supplying resources is another way to help. After standing in the cold and having to quickly pack their items, they are in need of feminine products (tampons, pads), baby materials (baby wipes, diapers),

thing to do is realizing that we’re really lucky to be here and not living the lives they have to live right now or going through what they are going through right now,” Kalaitzis said. “For our team, it was really important for us to realize that.” For those who wish to help out the tennis team and Fabrice,

The USD Vista Taylor DeGuzman - Editor-in-Chief Maria Watters - Executive Editor Samantha Anciano - Managing Editor Yana Kouretas - Copy Editor Marissa Esteban - Art Director Karisa Kampbell - News Editor Maria Simpson - Opinion Editor

Haley Jacob - Feature Editor Anna Valaik - Arts & Culture Editor Mari Olson - Sports Editor Kai Welsh - Distribution Manager Julia Sotille - Social Media Manager Michael Guiterez - Finance Manager Morgan Valent - Advertising Manager

Editorial – 619.260.4584 Business – 619.260.4714 www.uofsdmedia.com / @TheUSDVista Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor Marie Minnick - Operations Advisor

and clothes. The tennis team is accepting donations that can be brought to the courts during their matches. Fabrice set an example for the women’s tennis team. Although he is geographically closer to Ukraine than USD is, USD community members have the capacity to help people from the other side of the world.

The USD Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee. Advertising material published is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied endorsement or verification of such commercial venues by the staff or University. The USD Vista office is located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion in room 403B. All inquiries should be sent to: The USD Vista 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or of its student body. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to The USD Vista office. Letters should be limited to 300 words and must be signed. For identification purposes, USD identification numbers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The USD Vista reserves the right to edit published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated.

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The USD Vista

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March 24, 2022

E DI TOR IA L

Remington Arms settles Sandy Hook lawsuit for $73 million

Remington may not have pulled the trigger, but they gave Lanza the gun KATHERINE ELY

ASST. OPINION EDITOR The debate around gun control is one this country has grappled with for many decades. The topic has divided the population — many believe the U.S. should enforce stricter laws surrounding gun ownership, while others in opposition believe we should keep them as is. Remington Arms, the gun manufacturer for the weapon used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, revolutionized the legal world and the firearms industry on Feb. 15, 2022, when they reached a settlement with the families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting. In 2012, 20 year old Adam Lanza entered the elementary school and killed 20 students and six adults with an AR-15 as his main weapon. It was one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. This landmark settlement is the first time in legislative or legal history that a gun manufacturer was held accountable in the U.S. for their role in a mass shooting. The lawsuit concluded with the nine families receiving $73 million total. Although that is a lot of money, I believe it does not compensate for the 26 lives that were lost on that fateful day. What makes it even worse is that Remington Arms initially hoped to settle for $33 million, a price they believed would provide satisfaction to the families. But how much solace did the extra $40 million provide in the end? There is no amount of money in the world that can bring these families the peace they deserve. Furthermore it has taken nearly a decade since the tragedy at Sandy Hook for Remington to settle. According to the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, a database for federal court cases, the families filed lawsuits against Bushmaster Firearms (a subsidiary of Remington Outdoor), the distributor, Camfour Inc., and the East Windsor gun shop that sold the assault rifle in 2015. The families’ primary argument was that these companies violated Connecticut law against deceptive marketing practices by selling and advertising military-style weapons to civilians, specifically young, unstable males. The families alleged that

Firearms, including automatic rifles, are popular items in American households, despite the dangers that they pose.

this advertising and targeting was negligent and therefore the companies should be held liable for the lives lost in the Sandy Hook shooting. Remington denied the accusations. For years, Remington, like most gun manufacturers involved in lawsuits, used the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act as a basis for arguing that they cannot be held liable for harm caused solely by the criminal misuse of a weapon. In other words, Remington is not the one who committed the crime and therefore should not be at fault for an individual’s actions. I think this argument is absurd. I think it helps to compare this case to the Kinder egg instance from a few years ago to see what a company should do when a product they are selling is proven to be harmful. The company, Kinder, produced a chocolate egg with toys inside. After it began selling, children consuming the product started choking on the candies, proving to be hazardous. Kinder then discontinued the product because they knew it was harmful. But we are not talking about selling chocolate eggs here. We’re talking about selling dangerous weapons of war to the American masses. In the United States, it is nearly impossible at this point in time to suggest that gun companies should stop selling all guns entirely given its deep rooted culture of civilians having the right to own guns. But when you have a product

that is proving to be extremely dangerous, like AK-47s and AR15s, then you shouldn’t be selling them. Or, at the very least, you should accept responsibility for the harm being caused as a result of selling your product. Despite the tragic origin story for this lawsuit, I will say there is some good that came out of the settlement. Most notably, it will be a major setback for the firearms industry. In an unprecedented way, plaintiffs in the case were able to successfully challenge the law protecting gun companies from liability by arguing that the misuse of marketing for weapons violates Connecticut consumer law. Remington is being held accountable for their marketing strategies, which advertised assault weapons to young people in return for its own profitable interests. I think that a lot of the attraction behind owning a gun is that it gives a person more power or it makes them feel more masculine and in control. Gun manufacturers and companies often utilize this rhetoric and messaging in their advertising strategies. This marketing tactic is extremely dangerous because it often targets a naive, young, and irresponsible consumer audience that buys machine guns because they think it is cool. While Remington may not have pulled the trigger at Sandy Hook, they handed Adam Lanza the gun. I feel this case is a great step toward enacting stricter

gun laws or at the very least encouraging the courts to hold gun companies accountable, but I do not think it is a solution. This settlement won’t stop another school shooting from occurring, and it won’t change the environment we live in and the culture that tells people that it’s okay to own a weapon of war. It doesn’t change the world we live in where students, as well as the general public, fear that their safety could be compromised any time they step foot inside a school. The only way to enact that change is to enforce stricter gun laws in this country. I remember when Sandy Hook happened. It was about two months into the school year when my sixth grade teacher had to sit 35 eleven-year-olds down to tell them a school just like ours,

Photo courtesy of @deltoninc/Instagram

only two states away, had faced a terrible tragedy. He couldn’t tell us “don’t worry, it won’t happen to us” because it could. That’s why the families who lost their children spent nearly a decade advocating for themselves, fighting for legislative change, and pushing this legal battle, all for the right to hold gun companies accountable for the part they play in this epidemic of violence. These families hoped the lawsuit would force gun manufacturers and insurance companies to reconsider their position and take steps to improve the general public’s safety. Though the lawsuit against Remington Arms is one step forward, only time will tell if other gun companies in the future will follow suit.

The tragedy at Sandy Hook still brings grief to the community. Photo courtesy of @hollyrpeete/Instagram

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

Volume 59 Issue 16

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OPINION

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The USD Vista

E DI TOR IA L

Colombia legalizes abortion Feminists and the “Green Wave” movement did the unthinkable MEGAN VALADEZ ASST. OPINION EDITOR I am a feminist, an activist, and a progressive woman of color. I am prochoice and always will be. I’ve been inspired by people all over the world who fight for abortion rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and equality. Most recently, I’ve been inspired by the “Green Wave” — a feminist movement that started in Latin America, where women’s rights activists wear green bandanas and focus on aggressive campaigning and mass protesting for legislative demands centering broadly on women’s autonomy and rights. I believe women, girls, and people able to bear children are the only ones who should make decisions about their bodies. Having an abortion is no longer a crime under Colombian law as of Feb. 21, 2022. This court decision paves the way for the procedure to become widely available across the very conservative Catholic country. The ruling by the Constitutional Court of Colombia comes after years of protest by women across Latin America for greater protection and equal rights, including access to safe abortions. Colombia’s court decision decriminalizes abortions during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, which means that anyone able to bear children can receive the procedure from a professional without the fear of criminal prosecution. In comparison, the Texas Heartbeat Act, which prohibits abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy, is utterly disgusting.

The “Green Wave’s” efforts to decriminalize abortion have spread to a global level. Photo Courtesy of @fosfeminista/Instagram

According to Planned Parenthood physicians, six weeks pregnant means six weeks from the last menstrual cycle, not that the person has been pregnant for six weeks. Most people don’t even know they are pregnant until much later on. The fight to decriminalize abortion in Colombia began in September of 2021, when a lawsuit was filed by the “Causa Justa” (Just Cause) movement. They argued that abortion is essential to health care and it should not be regulated in the criminal justice system. Representatives of Causa Justa wrote in their petition that abortion barriers “affect mainly women living in rural and remote areas, low-income women, adolescent girls, women and girls living in situations of armed conflict and victims of gender violence, including physical and sexual violence.” Thousands of abortion rights supporters as well as many opponents chanted

and protested outside the courthouse in Bogotá, Colombia on Feb. 21, waiting for the court to come to a decision. As women danced in the crowd, celebrating their victory, the other side was not happy with the decision. An anti-abortion organization called “Unidos Por La Vida” (United for Life), was in the crowd and claimed that the court is “decriminalizing the killing of human beings.” We should be defending women and their rights, especially ones that have to do with their bodies. The fact that other people, especially men, think they have the right to tell women what they can do with their bodies is sickening. Colombia’s monumental push for legalizing abortions wouldn’t have been possible without following in Argentina’s footsteps. In 2020, Argentina became the largest nation in Latin America to legalize abortion with the support of the Green

Wave movement. Argentina showed the rest of Latin America that it was possible to legalize abortion in a country with strong Catholic and patriarchial ideals. Similarly, Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalized abortion in September of 2021, and Argentina’s Congress legalized abortion in late 2020. With Colombia following in their footsteps, three of the four most populated countries in Latin America have now legalized abortion. Latin America is known for its adherence to the Catholic faith and social conservatism, but more recently, there has been a cultural change spurred by grassroots femininst movements and a younger, more progressive generation of Latin Americans. According to an article from the New York Times, written by Catalina Martínez Coral, the regional director of the Center for Reproductive Rights in Latin America and the Caribbean, for decades,

abortion rights activists in Latin America haved looked to the U.S. to learn the best litigation and advocacy tools. However, that changed over the past few years, especially after Texas passed the Texas Heartbeat Act. Years ago, it was impossible to imagine that Latin America - home to some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world - would become a benchmark for advances in sexual and reproductive rights. Previously in Colombia, women could be imprisoned for up to four and a half years for having an abortion, even in cases of rape, or when their lives were at risk. We need to learn from these Latin American countries. Though many of the states in the U.S. allow abortions, I fear for the states that do not and the ones that are pushing to criminalize it. It is wrong to force a woman to bring a child into this world, especially if a woman is not financially stable enough to provide for one, has serious health conditions, is a child of rape or incest, or simply does not want a child. I believe it is incredibly unjust to make a woman do anything with her body that she does not want to do. If there’s one thing we can learn from Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, it’s that our fight is not over. In places all over the world, including Honduras, El Salvador, and Texas, abortion is still prohibited and penalized. We have a lot of work to do but I am hopeful that the new generation of progressives, here in the U.S. and all over the world, follow in Colombia’s footsteps and continue to fight for equality and reproductive rights.

“Green Wave” feminists in Colombia celebrate their recent victory. News of changes to Colombia’s abortion laws was met with crowds cheering in the streets. Photo courtesy of @cgtnamerica/Instagram Photo courtesy of @therevcoms/Instagram

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

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Mi chelleKennedy -Lecturer i n the Communi cati on S tudi es Department “ Do n ' t b ea f r a i dt ou s ey o u rv o i c ea n dt a k eu ps p a c e . Ma n y o fu sa r et a u g h t a t h o mea n dt h r o u g hme d i ame s s a g e st ob e a g r e e a b l e , p l a ys ma l l , s mi l e , a n dma k eo t h e r sf e e l c o mf o r t a b l e -e v e na t t h ee x p e n s eo fo u ro wna u t h e n t i c i t ya n df r e e -

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h i n g . Th e r e ’ sa l wa y s

p l e . Bu t i t ’ sl i k e , n o , a s

e r e da n do u rv o i c e s

l e t g oa n df u l l ye mb o d ywh ot h e ya r e . Th es e n s eo fi n t e g r i t y t h a t c o me swi t hu s i n go u rv o i c e sa n db e i n go u r s e l v e s , i si n c r e d i b l e . ”

et oa n y b o d y . So , j u s t

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“ Ia mab i gf a no fCo n g r e s s wo ma nAl e x a n d r i aOc a s i o Co r -

t t i n gi t f r o ms o me o n e

t e z . Sh ei st h ee mb o d i me n t o fn o t b e i n ga f r a i dt ot a k eu p

l o t o fp e o p l e , a n dI

s p a c e . Sh es p e a k sh e rt r u t h , e v e nwh e nf a c e dwi t hd e a t h t h r e a t sa n do t h e rl a wma k e r swh oc a n ' t s t a n dt h ef a c t t h a t s h e wo n ' t b a c kd o wno rp l a yb ya n yr u l e st h a t s a ywo me ni n

c t i v i s t . Sh ewe n t

g o v e r n me n t s h o u l da c t i nap a r t i c u l a rwa y . I t c a n n o t b ee a s y

t h i nh e rwr i t i n ga n dj u s t

t ob ei nh e rp o s i t i o n , b u t s h ef i g h t so n -e s p e c i a l l yi ns t i c k i n g

r a l l . ”

u pf o rma r g i n a l i z e dc o mmu n i t i e s . Sh ed e f i n i t e l yi n s p i r e s me . ”

Karla Onti veros -Adj unctS pani s h Profes s or “ Mya d v i c et oy o u n gwo me np u r s u i n gt h e i rd r e a msi s t oe d u c a t ey o u r s e l f . Re me mb e rt h a t a ne d u c a t e dg i r l o r wo ma nk n o wsh e rr i g h t s . Ane d u c a t e dwo ma nwi l l b e a b l et ot a k ec a r eo fh e r s e l fwi t h o u t b e i n gr e l i a n t o na n y b o d y . Ed u c a t i o ni sa mo n gt h ea c t i v i t i e sf o rwo me n ' s e mp o we r me n t t h a t l a y saf o u n d a t i o nf o rh o wf a ra wo ma nc a ng owi t hh e rl i f e . An da l wa y sa p p r e c i a t ea n d l i s t e nt ot h ewo me na r o u n dy o u , t h e ya l l h a v eav a l u a b l es t o r yt ot e l l , a n dy o uc a nl e a r nf r o mt h e m. ”

“ Fr i d aKa h l oi saf e ma l ei n s p i r a t i o ni nmyl i f e . Sh ewa s ac r i t i c a l f i g u r ewh oh e l p e dg i v ewo me ni nt h ee a r l y 1 9 0 0 sh o p eo ff r e e d o mf r o mt h ep a t r i a r c h y . Fr i d ai sa n i n s p i r a t i o nb e c a u s e , a sawo ma na n da r t i s t , s h eb r o k ea l o t o fb a r r i e r s . ”

The USD Vista

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March 24, 2022

AR TS & FEATURE

TimelyCare: health care from anywhere! Free health app provides 24/7 support for USD students JESSICA MILLS ASST. FEATURE EDITOR The Health and Wellness Center recently launched “TimelyCare,” an app that offers 24/7 mental and physical health support for current USD students. With services for counseling, psychiatry, health coaching, and medical concerns, licensed providers can now remotely support students from virtually anywhere. The app also features meditation, yoga, and topicdriven discussions with panelists. Each service is completely free for enrolled students and does not require health insurance. By downloading the TimelyCare app and registering with one’s USD email address, students can set up their profile and begin utilizing the services. Director for Health Promotion at the Center for Health and Wellness, Stephanie Guarino Lynch, explained the app’s unique approach to providing health care for students. “Students are actually able to pick a provider through the app,” Lynch explained. “Scrolling through the listed providers for mental and medical services is something most students aren’t used to in standard care.” The app is already

looking toward making improvements for the future. “TimelyCare is currently working on a feature where students can filter their search for a provider by factors like specialization and identity,” Lynch said. “It’s a really cool option for students.” Students have access to TimelyCare resources from anywhere in the U.S. Also included is the “TalkNow” feature. It is a 24/7 on-demand service that connects students to a mental health provider via phone or video call within three to seven minutes. TalkNow is also an international resource available to abroad students. While students can still access on-campus services, TimelyCare creates new possibilities for health management. “TimelyCare just expands services that are already implemented, it doesn’t replace anything,” Lynch said. “Students can still call the counseling center 24/7, this is just another option.” The app also features health coaches who provide holistic support for mental and medical concerns. For students that need help with managing a balanced routine, this service provides specific steps that one can implement daily. Students can schedule appointments for help with sleep, nutrition,

exercise, and stress management. Between busy schedules on and off campus, Lynch explained how many students have enjoyed the numerous features and accessibility of the app. “So far, feedback on TimelyCare has been extremely positive,” Lynch said. “Students have found it easy to use and the set-up process has been quick and user-friendly.” Sophomore Alexia Rojas frequently uses mental health apps to practice mindfulness and meditation. She is excited to have access to another resource directly through USD. “I think TimelyCare will have a positive impact on the USD community,” Rojas said. “It’s not easy to find mental health support and I think it’s really cool the health center is providing additional

resources for students.” Junior Sierra Sergeant often finds looking for health care options discouraging and difficult. The convenience and accessibility of TimelyCare has helped alleviate Sergeant’s usual concerns when seeking health care resources. “It takes a lot of energy to try and find help,” Sergeant said. “I like that TimelyCare has made this process easy and accessible, especially in the form of an app.” The Health and Wellness Center sent out a “USD Health Survey” to students via email on March 22. By answering the survey, students provide additional data for the Health and Wellness Center to further enhance resources like TimelyCare. The survey will remain open until April 17.

TimelyCare QR code to website. Photo courtesy of TimelyCare “The survey ultimately helps us advocate for services like this app,” Lynch said. “It helps us decide what resources need to be prioritized and promoted for students.” Whether students are looking for a structured health plan or yoga class, TimelyCare is an additional resource that can bring balance and relief to the chaos of college life.

TimelyCare is a free health app for enrolled USD students that does not require health insurance. Photo courtesy of USD Student Affairs

Hidden career development resources Sharing overlooked on-campus tools for post-grad success link found on the resource’s website or choose the walk-in appointment option by visiting the office in room 308 of the SLP.

HALEY JACOB FEATURE EDITOR While the college experience is most commonly seen as a time to attend classes, build friendships, and explore your interests, one of the most important aspects for many is gaining work experience and partaking in opportunities to prepare for post-graduate life. Whether joining an accounting club or running for student government, crafting a resume complete with valuable experiences is key to standing out to employers and presenting yourself as the best candidate for any job. The Career Development Center (CDev) is an oncampus resource specializing in career advancement and preparation. Yet, many of their resources remain underutilized. By visiting the “Undergraduate” section on CDev’s website, the “Get Started” tab will bring you to a three-stage career plan. Here, the path toward building your professional candidacy and experience is made easy.

CDev is a useful career resource for all students. Photo courtesy of Mimi Thian/Unsplash Knowing yourself is key to choosing a career path The first stage of the career plan is “Know Yourself.” One of the recommendations in this stage is to meet with a Peer Involvement Consultant. The consultants help students get involved in organizations and clubs on campus that best suit the student’s interests and career goals. Consultant Ivana Awada shared the importance of career-building in college and the usefulness of booking a session with the organization. “You go to college to get an

education to get a job, but it’s not that straightforward. You need to have other connections, you need to branch yourself out, build your resume, and find things that you’re actually passionate about and interested in,” Awada said. “I think we’re that middleman to getting students connected to those interests and passions and helping to develop them, and I think that’s such a vital part of the college experience. It’s not just you go to your class and go back to your dorm.” Students can book a 30-minute session with a consultant through the Calendly

Exploring career fields helps focus your job choices The second stage is “Explore Careers.” In this stage, students will find the “Roadtrip Nation” resource, a website full of informational interviews from people working in different careers. For example, if a student wants to learn more about a career in accounting, searching “accountant” will bring up videos of current accountants answering different questions about the career field and sharing their experiences. Here, students better understand their career options and can gauge whether certain fields fit their interests. To access the website, students will need to log in with their USD credentials and input the access code “CAREER1.” Internships provide essential experience The final stage is “Take Action.” One important resource

in this stage is getting paid project experience through the Parker-Dewey organization. The organization provides students with paid virtual microinternships in different industries. The short-term internships can range from a 10-hour job to a 20hour project, and there are a wide variety of companies featured on the organization’s website. These micro-internships are quick resume builders and allow students to experience and explore different careers from the comfort of their homes. Junior Hugh Gleysteen discussed the convenience of these flexible internship opportunities. “These micro-internships seem really useful because I have other things I want to do during my breaks than commit to something like a full summer internship,” Gleysteen said. “These jobs will allow me to gain important experience while also enjoying my time-off from school.” While it’s important to attend resume reviews and informational panels on campus, the overlooked tricks and tools to career development can often make the most impact.

Volume 59 Issue 16 ◆

ARTS & CULTURE

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The USD Vista

A RT S & C U LT U R E

The UFMC’s annual formal: “A Night in Paris” Students recap their experience at the UFMC formal

USD students (from left to right: Julia Humphrey, Demili Pichay, and Shiara Mateo). Photo courtesy of Demili Pichay

ABIGAIL CAVIZO ASST. A&C EDITOR After not having an in-person formal since 2019, the United Front Multicultural Commons (UFMC) was determined to put on an enjoyable night open for all students at USD to attend. The UFMC, located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion (SLP), has a mission to welcome students of all cultures. While the UFMC is an educational resource built on their mission statement to cultivate an environment for students to have the agency to create social change, they also put on multiple events throughout the school year. The UFMC is always

welcoming students to engage in their events and learn more about nurturing and respecting the identities of every student. Walking into the hall, the music was playing at full blast. The line leading into the venue was full of excited chatter — students discussing whether they would grab a quick bite to eat first or pose for the photobooth. “A Night in Paris” was complete with a picture booth, small appetizers to snack on, and a DJ. Graduate Assistant at the UFMC and head of the Formal Planning Committee, Jemefer Angela Cruz, wanted a night without worries for her and for USD students in attendance. “The planning was a little bit

Students having fun and making use of the photobooth at their first in-person event since 2019.

difficult for an event like this, but it’s also been really fun to see sides of student affairs and working with outside vendors,” Cruz said. “It’s like prom, but in college, so I hope students use this night to have fun.” Located at the Spring Hills Suites in Bayfront, Cruz discussed how her student interns wanted to choose the theme “A Night in Paris” because they wanted a theme that was not overdone, and still had a classy feel to it. Since the formal was not held on campus, the UFMC provided USD trams as transportation for students to get there. A major goal for Cruz and her student interns was to get students to interact with one another.

She wanted them to notice that they have a community of people to lean on and have fun with. USD sophomore Demili Pichay was thankful for the night’s environment. “I always appreciate the UFMC because I feel like it’s really important for our student body to connect with one another, especially with different cultures,” Pichay said. “Even if I don’t talk to everyone, just seeing everyone dressed up together so beautifully is already a connection since we all came here to get to know each other and have fun.” Similar to Pichay, USD sophomore Samantha Leon was grateful to have a night of fun. The amount of students,

Photo courtesy of Gedeon Baende

the ambiance of the room, and the Paris-themed decorations made her feel like they should hold this event semiannually, rather than annually. “I really like diverse communities, so the UFMC putting this on is everything to me,” Leon stated. “I never see events with this much diversity and I love it.” Another aspect of the night that students enjoyed was the DJ. Leading up to the event, students were able to request songs by filling out a google form linked in the UFMC’s instagram bio @usdufmc. Because of this feature, many were anticipating the DJ to play their favorite songs, including USD sophomore Joshua Smith. When he first walked in, he didn’t know what to expect, especially because he and his date were one of the first people to arrive. “At first, it was a little dead with four tables and hardly any people, but the energy of the night really picked up when more people got here,” Smith said. “My friends and I were dancing and I even requested some Bruno Mars.” For students of all cultures and identities, the UFMC’s annual formal embodied an amusing night for students to celebrate one another. Regardless of the fact that the UFMC formal only happens once a year, many students found joy in various aspects of the night. True to the Formal Planning Committee team’s goal, “A Night in Paris” was one for students to create unforgettable memories.

The USD Vista

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March 24, 2022

Celebrating women of San Diego Highlighting changemaking women’s achievements

RASHNO RAZMKHAH CONTRIBUTOR With its rich and diverse culture, the city of San Diego is home to a long list of trailblazing women. Ranging from social justice, literature, and the arts, to science and technology, there are over thousands of women worth recognizing in the area. In honor of Women’s History Month, here are a few women that should be highlighted for their efforts in advancing positive social change within our community. Homayra Yusufi, social justice advocate Homayra Yusufi was looking forward to staying home and enjoying every second of motherhood before the election of 2016. Yusufi, a refugee from Afghanistan, lived in San Diego since she was a young girl and dedicated her adult life to advocating for immigration reform and public policy. Throughout the years, she has been involved with American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Homayra Yusufi, a social justice advocate. Photo courtesy of Pana SD

Yusufi is currently the Deputy Director of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), whose mission is “to advance the full economic, social, & civic inclusion of refugees in the San Diego region, throughout California, and across the country.” Cara Dessert, CEO of the San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center One can’t highlight the progress of gender rights without recognizing the LGBTQ+ community and the community’s ongoing battle against inequality. Cara Dessert, who is queer herself, is the current CEO of the San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center (“The Center”). During

her time as CEO, the center provided direct service to over 80,000 community members, expanded its housing project, and developed another center that specifically aids LGBTQ+ youth. The center’s values of dignity, inclusion, compassion, respect, equity, and equality are truly practiced not just through acts of service, but advocacy and engagement. Dessert wishes to further expand the services that The center offers and influence change beyond the city of San Diego in the (hopefully) near future. Mary Casillas, mayor of Chula Vista Just a short drive south of USD leads you to Chula Vista, a San Diego city mayored by Mary Casillas. Her extensive background in public service began over thirty years ago on the Civil Service Commission in the early 90s. In the early 2000s, she served on the Jobs, Wildlife, Water, and Economic Development committees and City Council before being elected as the first Latina mayor of Chula Vista and San Diego County. In addition to being a

force in public office, she is also a loving mother and grandmother at home. Mother Rosalie Hill, USD founder If you have ever been to the beautiful silent reading room in the Copley Library or had a class in Mother Rosalie hall, then you may have wondered why Mother Rosalie Hill is considered a significant figure here at USD. The university was first established as the San Diego College for Women. Hill’s vision for the university was based on its charming location, heart-warming faculty, and dedication to the advancement of goodness through faith. In her own words, “beauty will attract

Cara Dessert of the LGBTQ+ Center. Photo courtesy of SD Pride

them; goodness will lead them; but the truth will hold them.” The Women’s Commons here on campus is a great place to get involved with causes that you are most passionate about and find a community of peers who are also dedicated to inclusivity, diversity, and support. The Women’s Commons as well as the LGBTQ+ & Allies Commons are located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion. Erin Lovette-Colyer, the Director of Gender Identity Resources, described the purpose of the Women’s Commons. “The Women’s Commons invites students to find voice, develop skills for transformation, and understand who they are called to be… We advocate for a safe and supportive campus environment that creates equity among all voices,” LovetteCoyler said. “The doors are always open to find support or attend one of their many social events that advocate for social change and education regarding gender issues here on campus.” Women’s History Month might be coming to an end but the work that changemaking women do around the city of San Diego and here at USD are worth celebrating year round.

Batman returns to the big screen USD students discuss the latest installment of the franchise

ISABELLA SANCHEZ ASST. A&C EDITOR Batman from Page 1 Martin agreed with Meyer. “I think for someone who didn’t enjoy the movie, it would have dragged but I personally feel that it was a good length and would have felt incomplete if it was shorter,” Martin said. However, because people’s attention spans are accustomed to 15 to 60 second TikToks, it begs the question if people even have the patience and interest to sit in a theater for so long anymore. USD sophomore Shae Tavares thought the length was a bit long, but necessary, she was unsure if others would view it similarly. “I think with lots of social media platforms like TikTok, people nowadays have a much shorter attention span,” Tavares said. “I’m sure that it was an issue for some when they saw the movie.” Regardless, the three hours are jam-packed with action, intrigue,and most importantly, new faces. Alongside Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz suits up to play Selina Kyle, more formally known as Catwoman. While the pair’s chemistry was put to the test, Pattinson’s portrayal of the infamous Caped Crusader was too. 14 years after his breakthrough role in “Twilight,” some were skeptical of a gloomy vampire turned broody vigilante. “The funny part is that I have

A Portrait of Robert Pattinson. Photo Courtesy of @quiencom/Instagram

The lead actors embracing. Photo courtesy of @thebatman/Instagram

heard lots of friends not willing to give the movie a chance because of ‘Twilight,” Meyer said. For others, that role is behind Pattinson now. “I think people enjoy joking about Robert Pattinson’s previous role in Twilight, but it doesn’t come close to overshadowing his image,” Martin argued. “Both Pattinson and Kravitz played their characters very well and the dynamic between the two was captivating.” Although the characters are a focal point of the film, the

The Batman poster encapsulates the drama and action within the film. Photo courtesy of @thebatman/Instagram

cinematography, the disturbing villain, and the soundtrack all make the film what it is. Though, a new Batman flick is sure to be under heavy scrutiny, especially if it is following up Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy. Tavares found it hard not to compare the new film to the trilogy. “I was a very big fan of ‘The Dark Knight,’ so I did have some high hopes for this

movie,” Tavares said. “Overall, I thought it was a very good movie, although not as good as ‘The Dark Knight.’ The next two movies, though, might have the potential to be better than it.” While for Meyer it was the film’s mystery and thrilling plotline that made it so great, the characters and cinematography for Martin gave the film an edge on Nolan’s “The Dark Knight.” “I thought that Pattinson’s Batman was more down to

earth and believable than Christian Bale’s version of Batman,” Martin said. “I also felt that ‘The Batman’ was much more visually appealing.” From its breathtaking cinematography and its chilling new direction in the antihero’s story, “The Batman” is intriguing and gripping enough on its own to stand beside the other films in the Bat-verse. Though for some USD students, the reviews of the film varied, one thing stands true: “The Batman” made its mark in the media and most importantly on loyal Batman fans.

Volume 59 Issue 16

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SPORTS

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The USD Vista

SP ORT S

Club sports highlight: Pickleball First-years start a club for love of the game

MARI OLSON SPORTS EDITOR Before the Spring 2022 semester, the University of San Diego didn’t have a club pickleball team. For the love of the game, first-year students Shannon Burns and Nina Pignatello took the initiative to start the club themselves. Pickleball is a mix of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. Played on a badminton-sized court, points can only be scored by the team that serves the ball. Usually a doubles game, the players use rackets that look like large, rectangular ping pong paddles. Invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, outside of Seattle, the game is named after the dog of the family who came up with the rules. A Kansas City native, Burns was figuring out what she wanted to get involved with on campus and was surprised the school didn’t already have a pickleball team. “I knew they had courts that they had lined off up on the tennis courts. So I thought I’d play tennis and then I’d do pickleball, but I realized they didn’t have an actual team,” Burns said. Burns herself is no stranger to pickleball. “In high school, one of my

Members of USD’s Club Pickleball team pose after winning a set of matches during practice earlier this month. Photo courtesy of @usdclubpickleball/Instagram

friends started a club pickleball team that I played on,” Burns said. “That was kind of my first introduction to pickleball, and then after that my family and I have been playing, since a couple summers ago, a lot during COVID because we could be outside.” Burns’ sporting history is similar to pickleball, so it was natural for her to pick up the sport. “I’ve played tennis for my whole life, and I feel like pickleball is kind of similar to that, a racket sport, and it’s just really fast-paced and fun,” Burns continued. When Burns arrived at USD and there was no pickleball

team, she decided that the best option was to start a club pickleball team herself. She went to the Campus Recreation officer to get the process started, and realized that she needed to have someone else to co-found the club with her. “I met this girl named Nina Pignatello, she’s my partner for the club, and so we started it together because we figured out that we both love pickleball and we wanted to get something going,” Burns said. Pignatello and Burns spent last semester getting the groundwork laid out for Club Pickleball to exist at USD. They went through the paperwork with Campus Recreation and

started promoting their new club to their friends. “We talked about it last semester and then this semester we’ve had our first practices,” Burns said. One of the most challenging things Burns and Pignatello faced was recruiting members for the team. “Right now we have about 12 members,” Burns said. “When we first started we tried to get our friends involved, but since people didn’t really know what pickleball was they were like, ‘oh, no, I don’t think I really want to do that.’ But once we were at the Alcala Bazaar it was easier to spread the information.” Burns explained that

they didn’t hold true tryouts this semester, in an attempt to encourage people to give pickleball a chance. “Since we’re not a big sport that a lot of people know about, we want them to have the chance to try it, see if they like it, figure out more about it,” Burns said. Although they have a team now, Club Pickleball has to wait to compete against other schools as club sports have to wait three semesters after forming before they can begin competition. “Definitely in the future that’s something that we want to do, we want to compete, maybe travel, do all those sorts of stuff but right now we’re just getting our feet in the water,” Burns said. For now, Burns is just excited to be introducing the sport of pickleball to the USD community. “My favorite part is probably just everyone that I’ve met and been able to teach pickleball, because I love pickleball and having the opportunity to play at least once a week is really fun for me,” Burns emphasized. “I feel like I’m friends with everybody on the team and they’re having fun, and it’s just a good stress reliever. It’s good for exercise, and it’s just really fun.” Club Pickleball practices once a week at the Sports Center tennis courts from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Weekly Recap Women’s tennis dominates Ivy Leaguers; men’s tennis rolls through top ranked teams MARI OLSON SPORTS EDITOR As the spring season continues to roll on, University of San Diego athletics continue to secure victories. Men’s tennis took on some of the top teams in the nation, while the golf team traveled to Tucson, AZ, to compete in the University of Arizona’s National Invitational Tournament (NIT). Softball and women’s tennis came up against important opponents as well. Keep reading for updates on your favorite athletes and teams. Golf The USD Golf team played in the Arizona NIT on Thursday and Friday, March 18 and 19. The Toreros finished 11th overall as a team, while redshirt junior Harrison Kingsley put up the best individual performance for USD, also finishing 11th. Oklahoma State University dominated the tournament, finishing in first after all three rounds, while hosts University of Arizona finished fifth.

Crosstown rivals San Diego State University finished 14th overall. Kingsley put up scores of 68, 70, 70 over the three rounds to finish eight below par. Graduate student Mason Gilinski also finished in the top 40, at 39th place with a score of 214, two below par. USD’s next opportunity will be this weekend at the Goodwin, hosted by Stanford University at the Stanford Golf Club. The Toreros will compete from Thursday, March 24 through Saturday, March 26. Men’s Tennis Men’s tennis started off a big weekend on a high note with a decisive win over no. 59 University of Wisconsin on Thursday, March 18. The team entered the weekend with a higher spot in the rankings after their 4-0 week over spring break, now sitting one spot up at no. 26. The Toreros secured the doubles point over the Badgers, and five out of six singles matches went USD’s way as well. On Friday, the winning streak

continued as the Toreros beat no. 27 University of Utah 4-0. Fifthyears August Holmgren and Gui Osorio, and senior Will Davies and redshirt sophomore Sacchitt Sharma propelled USD to the first point of the afternoon. Holmgren, ranked no. 6 in the nation, Osorio, and redshirt senior David Norfeldt rounded out the victory in the singles matches. The two victories extended USD’s winning streak to six and put their record at 12-2 so far this season. The Toreros finished out the weekend against no. 10 Harvard University, coming up with a big 4-3 victory that took over three hours to complete. Holmgren and Osorio, along with Davies and Sharma, secured the first point for USD on Sunday afternoon in doubles. Osorio gave the first singles point to the Toreros, beating Harvard junior Harris Walker in two sets. Davies, who hasn’t lost a match since March 5, gave USD a 2-1 lead before Harvard tied the score at 3. The match came down to

no. 6 Holmgren versus Harvard sophomore and no. 23 Henry von der Schulenburg on court 1. After a long set, Holmgren and the Toreros came out on top, defeating von der Schulenburg 6-3, 7-6, 6-2. USD Men’s Tennis looks to continue their success and their seven game winning streak in a West Coast Conference (WCC) match against the University of Portland at home on Friday, March 25. Softball USD Softball traveled to Norman, Oklahoma, over the weekend to take on five different teams in the Triple Crown OKC tournament. The Toreros finished 1-4 over the five games. USD started the tournament with a 7-6 extra inning win against Sam Houston University. Tied at five after seven innings, the teams played three whole extra innings with no change to the score. In the 11th inning, the Toreros finally found a way through, scoring two runs when pinch hitting redshirt junior

Lauren Hendrickson hit a twoRBI double to give the Toreros the victory. Later the same day, USD took on the University of Iowa resulting in a 4-6 loss. On Saturday, the Toreros’ momentum didn’t pick up, with losses to both the University of Houston (2-9) and the no. 1 team in the nation, the University of Oklahoma (0-11). The game against Oklahoma ended after five innings. In the last game of the tournament, USD took on the University of Indiana, dropping the contest 0-5 to the Hoosiers. The weekend’s games puts USD’s record at 14-21 for the season so far. The Toreros will look to bounce back this weekend in a three game road series against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, March 25 through 27. Women’s Tennis USD Women’s Tennis was successful in an important match against no. 38 Columbia University on Friday, March 18,

See Recap, Page 12

The USD Vista

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March 24, 2022

Root, Root, Root for the Hometown Kid Batter up with Torero Baseball

JAREK MORGAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR The sound of a baseball hitting a glove gives the warm feeling that spring is upon us. There is nothing like the thunderous crack of a bat, a box of crackerjacks, a fresh hotdog from the grill, and a packed stadium singing “Take me out to the ball game” to let you know USD Baseball is back. The USD program has earned its right to be in the conservation of historic universities in collegiate baseball. Boasting such alumni as Major League Baseball (MLB) players Brian Matusz (former first round draft pick with the Baltimore Orioles) and 2016 National League Most Valuable Player and World Series Champion Kris Bryant (Chicago Cubs). Looking at this year, the traditions still stand. Poised to make a run into the postseason, USD is excited for what is on the horizon. First year head coach Brock Ungricht has instilled a locker room mentality that is built on the idea of family first. “This team has given itself a culture that every guy has bought into organically,” Ungricht said. “The attitudes that these guys have with each other is absolutely priceless, and you just can’t put a value on how important it is for each player to buy into the system of success.” Currently tied for fourth place in the always tough West Coast Conference (WCC), with a record of 9-6, USD is hitting its stride at the perfect time of year. Winning at all phases of the game, the Toreros have shown that the offseason work required to be special is best seen on the field. “The guys this year have a huge chip on their shoulder,” Ungricht said. “We know what we have to do. Watching these men this year, I know that every guy is going to give his all for his brother and it is a special thing to see.” With every player fully

Recap from Page 11

narrowly defeating the Lions 4-3. The Toreros, currently ranked no. 40 in the nation, won the doubles point with firstyear Claudia De Las Heras and redshirt sophomore Elizabeth Goldsmith leading the way. USD and Columbia split the singles matches evenly. Sophomore Jordyn McBride provided the final win to push the Toreros to victory. The next day, USD continued their winning streak against another Ivy League team. The Toreros dominated Dartmouth University, putting up a 7-0 win. De Las Heras and Goldsmith

COMING UP THIS WEEK

Kevin Sim currently leads the West Coast Conference home run stats, with eight home runs in 18 games. Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com

committed to the system, finding a standout talent like sophomore third baseman Kevin Sim to take the game one step further with his performance so far this spring is truly incredible to see. A San Diego local from just up the road at Torrey Pines Highschool, Sim appreciates the support from his community. “It is such a cool feeling having all my friends and family being able to support me and keep up with my progress,” Sim said. “I never get tired of looking at my phone and seeing that my friends are asking me when my next game will be so that they can come out and watch me play.” After being named the WCC Player of the Week over spring break, Sim batted 5-for-15 (.333) across a mid-week matchup against University of California, San Diego on March 8, and a three-game series at Grand Canyon University (GCU) from March 11 through March 13. Sim belted two home runs and two doubles, along with three RBIs, three walks, and four runs scored across the four games. He went 3-for-4 last Friday against the Lopes and homered against GCU on Saturday and Sunday.

His homer in Sunday’s series finale gave the Toreros the lead en route to a 7-5 win. For the year, Sim is batting .377 (20for-53) with four doubles, seven home runs and 20 RBIs. This is both Sim and USD’s first WCC weekly honors this season. The pedigree for success does not come overnight. It takes hard work in the quiet hours. The little things that go unnoticed to the average spectator is what drives athletes to continue on the path of commitment. Sim spent his offseason playing in the Northwoods Leagues, a collegiate summer baseball league sponsored by the MLB. All players in the league must have National Collegiate Athletic Administration (NCAA) eligibility remaining in order to participate. A highly competitive league that garners top-tier college talent, the experience helped Sim to continue to work on his craft, something that didn’t go unnoticed by his coach. “Kevin faced so much adversity playing baseball this summer and I see now how that rhythm has helped him get so many at bats under his belt to feel comfortable,” Ungricht said. During the summer, Sim

was hit in the face by a baseball and fractured bones in his face. While others may have taken the injury as a moment to relax and mentally get ready for the upcoming year, Sim decided that simply would not work for him. “Every day this guy was calling me and texting me saying ‘Hey coach, I really want to get back out there playing baseball, would you be ok with that?’” Ungricht said. “I’m saying to him as long as you’re healthy and the doctors give you the okay I am here to support you. That takes dedication that is unlike a lot of things I have seen from players before.” Sim is looking to build off of his recent accomplishments with the team’s strong performance moving forward. Being a large part of the Toreros’ success with the goal of leading them back to the postseason for the first time since 2013, Sim and every player on this roster is going to play a vital role in the remaining season. The baseball team played three games over the weekend against Pepperdine University. The team lost the opening game and then turned in two stellar team performances to finish the

continued their doubles winning streak as USD took the first point, and were the first two singles points on the board for the Toreros as well. Their teammates backed them up, pushing through to win all six matches en route to the shutout victory. USD Women’s Tennis is on a 4-game winning streak, and both wins from the weekend put their record at 10-3 for the season, including going 8-0 at home. Next up for the Toreros are a couple of road WCC contests against the University of Portland on Friday, March 25 and Gonzaga University on Sunday, March 27.

Women’s Basketball San Diego left it all on the court against New Mexico but fell short 73-69 at University Arena in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament over the weekend. Senior guard Kiera Oakry led the Toreros with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Also leading on offense was junior guard Ayanna Khalfani with 12 points, redshirt senior forward Kendall Bird with 11 points, and redshirt senior guard Erica Martinsen with nine points. Oakry and Martinsen each shot 100% from the free throw line. On defense, San Diego

collected 43 rebounds. Leading the Toreros’ defensive efforts for the second consecutive game was Bird with nine rebounds. In the fourth quarter alone, San Diego grabbed 15 rebounds. The Toreros also totaled four steals and had two blocks. The Toreros finished their season with a record of 17-15. Graduate guard Sydney Hunter finished as the team’s leading scorer averaging 11.4 points a game. Hunter also led the team in rebounds averaging 6.4 boards a game. Fellow graduate guard Jordyn Edwards led the team with four assists a game, and senior guard Steph Gorman added 2.6 steals a game.

USD MTEN v. Portland Friday, Mar. 25 12 p.m. Hogan Tennis Center

USD BSB v. St. Mary’s Saturday, Mar. 26 5 p.m. Fowler Park

weekend on top of the series. Senior Garrett Rennie turned in five solid innings on the mound but USD Baseball couldn’t find the runs to support him, dropping its first WCC game of the season to Pepperdine by a 3-0 margin on Friday afternoon at Eddy D. Field Stadium. First-year Justin DeCriscio led the Toreros with two hits on Friday, followed by one-hit performances from sophomores Chase Meidroth, Jack Costello, Kevin Sim, and redshirt sophomore outfielder Camden Vasquez. In the second game, USD Baseball took an early lead and never looked back, tying up the series with Pepperdine with an 8-1 win at Eddy D. Field Stadium that featured big performances from sophomores Meidroth, pitcher Brycen Mautz, and Sim. Meidroth began the game with a leadoff home run, clobbering the second pitch he saw over Eddy D. Field Stadium’s left field fence to give USD an early lead and notch his third longball of the season Mautz turned in yet another dominant start on the mound on Saturday, scattering eight hits across six innings while walking none, striking out eight, and allowing just one run before he earned his team-best fourth win of the season to move to 4-1 in 2022. In the final game of the weekend, excellent relief pitching and another big game at the plate earned the Toreros a series victory on the afternoon of Sunday, March 20, downing Pepperdine by a 6-3 margin at Eddy D. Field Stadium to take two of three from the Waves. The series win puts USD at 11-7 for the season so far, and 2-1 in the WCC. San Diego plays a threegame series matchup with Saint Mary’s this weekend March 25 through 27. The Toreros will hope to keep Sim and the team’s momentum going as they look to what the future holds for the program and for this season. USD will look to bounce back next season and get the work done during their offseason to come back even stronger.

Sydney Hunter led the Toreros. Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com

USD WROW at Crew Classic Finals Sunday, Mar. 27 Starts 9:45 a.m. Crown Point Park

Mari Olson/The USD Vista