20180322 viking issue 2

March 22, 2018 • Volume 91 • Issue 8 • Published since 1927

The future of our safety March 23, 2018 • Volume 91 • Issue 8 • Published since 1927

‘National School Walkout’ reaches Long Beach as local schools join the protest.

- News, page 4 and 5

Photo by Kevin Chittum

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CITYSTYLE

March 22, 2018

Former inmates exhibit artwork Students are given a second chance and they express themselves.

Photo and story by Kevin Chittum Viking Staff @kevinchittum The LBCC Justice Scholars club aimed to change perceptions and break social barriers with their “Art Exhibit Fundraiser” gallery Monday, March 18, in GG238 at the PCC, showcasing art by formerly incarcerated and students impacted by the criminal-justice system.

Psychology major Darla David said, “I can finally be in my kid’s life and I want her to know, even with everything we’ve been through, the sky’s still the limit and she can take her talent and do something with it.

I think it’s important to let people know that when people mess up in life, it doesn’t mean that they’re a waste.”

Among the pieces displayed were paintings by David’s 12-year-old daughter, Shayna. David was formerly incarcerated for 27 months and recently graduated from rehabilitation. She hopes the exhibition can inspire people with similar experiences.

“People deserve a second chance.

There’s still something beautiful that you can create and something beautiful inside

REFLECTING: Student Gregory Priest, 55, observes artwork by formerly incarcerated and students impacted by the criminal-justice system.The exhibition is on display in the PCC’s GG238.

you,” David said.

The club represents formerly incarcer-

ated and students impacted by the criminal-justice system who are seeking to in-

crease their visibility and break stigmas associated with them.

Club adviser and professor Annahita Mahdavi elaborated why she feels the stigmas are invalid: “A lot of the injustices in our criminal justice system make people to be incarcerated. They are brilliant, talented and smart students and this is an exhibition to show their talents and brilliance.”

Although the art at the event was for sale to raise money for T-shirts, it was clear the event meant much more to people involved.

Linus Lianalem, 43, a drug and alcohol studies major and the club’s president, said he wants formerly incarcerated students to feel like they belong among other students.

Lianalem said, “Everybody who goes to jail is not a bad person. Everybody deserves a second chance. We need to be integrated back into mainstream society without ‘felony’ dragging us down and making us prone to commit more crimes or to give up on ourselves.”

Lianalem said at LBCC, one of the biggest challenges faced by formerly incarcerated students is their inability to apply for the Federal Work Study program that allows students to work on campus.

“It used to be Financial Aid, but we got that straightened out,” Lianalem said.

The Scholars meet Mondays from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in QQ105 at the PCC.

Horticulture home to hens in PCC garden Photo and story by Sara Hansen Viking Staff @shansen96

Ochoa said it would be hard to bring in new ones since the others are so used to it and wouldn’t deal well with new chicks.

For the most part, the chickens all hatch on One of the many programs offered at campus, or PCC students and employees LBCC is the horticulture program, which have obtained them from a hatchery.

Ochoa goes into to feed them grain provides students with the training and once a day. When Ochoa enters the encloknowledge about the industry. The hortisure, the chickens all follow him because culture garden allows the students to gain they know he feeds them. The chickens eat hands-on experience of working in the ingrain once a day, but throughout the day, dustry.

Ochoa goes in to give them different types Living inside the garden are five female of greens and fruits, which are grown in the chickens. Jorge Ochoa, associate professor horticulture garden. of the program, takes care of them. Ochoa Ochoa said the chickens’ favorite fruits said, “My favorite part about working with are pomegranates and they also love leafy the chickens is that it’s relaxing, I look forgreens such as kale, ward to going into feed and take care of “My favorite part about cabbage and lettuce.

For the most part, evthem.” working with the chickerything in their enThe enclosure closure is edible, so for the chickens is ens is that it’s relaxing.” the chickens are free to pretty spacious so eat whatever they find, the chickens have -Jorge Ochoa lots of room to run Horiticulture Professor Ochoa said. Sometimes if Ochoa finds around. Ochoa said a grasshopper in the 15 chickens would garden, he brings it to the chickens because be the perfect amount for the space, but it is one of their favorite treats. they have had up to 35, which has become After the chickens finish eating, they go a little cramped.

GRAZING: Professor Jorge Ochoa pours a scoop of grain for the chickens at the horticulture garden.

lay underneath the trees for shade and to rest. Ochoa said they need the shade, especially when it’s hot, because they have lots of feathers so their bodies get warm when it’s hot outside so it’s nice for them to be able to cool off.

At night, the chickens sleep in a coop and the door closes every evening so they are kept safe from predators. One of the biggest predators they face are raccoons.

During the Summer and Winter, when the campus is deserted, is when the raccoons strike and the program has lost a few chickens.

The chickens living in the garden now are past their prime of laying eggs, but they do lay an egg once or twice a month. Ochoa saves the eggs to give to students or volunteers who help in the garden.

CITYSTYLE

March 22, 2018

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Seniors relax with Tai Chi ‘Macbeth’

Lifetime earning center students hope to regain balance with exercise.

Story by Leslie Alamillo and Lashica Johnson

Viking Staff @palmtr33s_ @lashicaJ

Tai Chi classes that help senior citizens retain their balance are some of the special activities offered through the Seniors Studies Lifetime Learning Center at the PCC.

The classes in Building QQ are created each Spring and Fall semesters, to serve seniors in ways that can improve their daily lives, center director Theresa Brunella said.

A Tai Chi class in the program runs six weeks each Spring and Fall semesters. Registration is on campus, but not directly through the college.

Seniors interested in signing up pay $30 for enrollment with the director of the center, Brunella said: “People who aren’t seniors can join and anyone is more than welcome.”

A Tai Chi student, Louis, who did not want to provide her last name, 74, said,

“Well, I’ve been coming for a couple years is about moving to the left, right, forwards now, ever since the program began actually. and backwards using muscle memory to Of course, it’s not as much as it sounds since calm the mind.” it is an on and off program that only is once Chen’s partner and student, Vivian a week for six weeks in either Spring or Fall, Chen, 75, said, “I heard about this class but I love that it relaxes me so much. through David and that was when I de“I have a 2-year-old granddaughter and cided to try it out. For the past several it has helped with my movements and bal- years it has always made me feel healthier ance.” and more balanced Certified in- “Tai Chi is to prevent se- with my body and structor David thoughts. It is very Chen, 76, explained niors from falling over, relaxing and makes the meaning the gain muscle control and me happy.” class has on him: The Tai Chi class create better balance.” meets “Tai Chi is to Friday in prevent seniors from QQ109 from 10:30-David Chen, 76 11:30 a.m. falling over, gain Certified Tai Chi instructor muscle control and Meanwhile, othcreate better baler seniors at the cenance. It was once researched by a man who ter will enjoy field trips, classes, day tours made two groups of seniors, one that was and other activities. taught Tai Chi for 13 weeks and the other Brunella said, “We go to different vendid not. ues in So-Cal.” “The group of seniors who were taught The center is a place where older adults Tai Chi reduced falls by 55 percent and that can come together and continue to stimuwas when the Centers for Disease Control late their minds and participate in activities and the state health department adapted and get a hands-on lesson on how to mathis method in the country. You have to be neuver different gadgets, Brunella said. authorized to teach Tai Chi and I am a cerThe center has been updated with new tified trainer. technology, such as six new computers to “I have been doing this for years to re- better serve seniors. lax and improve my movements. Tai Chi

Professor • Alumni • Progressive

“Committed to Improving Your College Experience.”

- Uduak-Joe Ntuk, Candidate Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees

Endorsed by Faculty, Firefighters, Nurses and the Democratic Party.

Vote on Tuesday, April 10th!

Stay Connected! @voteuduakjoe www.voteuduakjoe.com Paid for by Ntuk for LBCCD Trustee 2018

to open

Story By Meghan Gonzalez Viking Staff @meghanelenaa Thursday, March 22, marks the premiere for the newly adapted version of “Macbeth” at LBCC Set in a modern-day utopia, “Macbeth” begins in a wholesome environment turned bloody dystopia. Directed by Anthony Carreiro, who has taught at LBCC for 20 years, said he wants the viewers to experience a “Macbeth” society where women are more prevalent than Macbeth himself.

Gender roles are switched in the adaptation of the Shakespearean play. The premiere marks the debut of LBCC students as lead actors. Celine Castro plays the role of Lady Macbeth and Michael Martinez, a returning graduate, stars as Macbeth.

Carreiro said, “The future is female.

You’ve never seen a ‘Macbeth’ like this before. It will completely change your thoughts on the original play. If you miss it, you’re missing out.”

The show will run from March 22-31 at 7:30 p.m. in Building H at the LAC. General admission pre-sale tickets are $15 and tickets for students, employees and senior citizens cost $10.

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NEWS

March 22, 2018

‘I want to come to sc

Photo by Irene Brizuela Sofia Moe, 11, holds a sign for the National School Walkout Day at Marshall Academy of the Arts in Long Beach.

Cerritos High School students carry signs voicing their opinio

Protests and support for campus safety spread from Parkland, Florida, to Long Beach area.

Story by Erin Asis, Irene brizuela, Kevin Chittum and Osbiel Montano Students demonstrated starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, at the Marshall Academy of the Arts, Millikan High School and Cerritos High School.

The goal of the demonstration was to honor the 17 victims from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida on Feb. 14.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia attended the Marshall Academy of Arts rally in Long Beach, commending students for making an effort to effect change: “LBUSD has great programs and works well with parents. No one is trying to take away guns.

We just want common-sense gun laws such as licensing and stronger background checks.”

Eighth-grader Andrew Moe invited Garcia to the school. Moe, 14, wrote a letter

to Garcia’s office asking him to work with legislators to make LBUSD schools safer.

Moe said, “Seeing all the violence around the country, I wanted to make a change and wanted to see if our mayor would work with legislators.” Moe plans to attend Millikan High School in Long Beach in the Fall.

An eighth-grade student who asked to remain anonymous said, “I just want everything to stop. I want to come to school without fear that someone will come here shooting and I will die.”

To commemorate the Florida school victims, students stood around the east field and linked arms while the names, age and class of all victims who died were read aloud.

“Cerritos stands with Parkland!”

“Enough is enough!” Cerritos High School students chanted as they joined schools across the country in the National School Walkout Day in protest to end school shootings that have been plaguing many

schools throughout the nation.

Instead of stricter gun laws, President Donald Trump has called for the arming of teachers to help protect students in the case of a school shooting.

Displeased with the administration’s effort, students and teachers joined forces to demonstrate their anger with a national walkout.

Cerritos student Katelyn Robinson said she was amazed by the turnout by her fellow students: “I’m so impressed with all of our students here. It’s really exciting to see people at our school expressing their emotions and standing up for something they believe in.”

The high school also set up 17 desks in the Quad one for each of the people who died in the Florida shooting. On the desk was a nametag and photo for each person and a description of who they were.

Principal Pat Walker said he was also proud of the turnout from his students.

Walker said instead of arming teachers

with weapons, they should be armed with the proper material to teach: “I’d like to see an increase in funding for schools.” Walker is also open to the idea of having more armed trained personnel on campuses to protect people, instead of arming teachers.

Robinson and fellow student Lauren Waites said they both agree stricter gun laws are a priority to stop the gun violence: “We obviously need stricter gun laws. We need to be able to stop buying AR-15’s and military grade weapons. Nobody should have those. It’s too easy to get a gun.”

Robinson said she thinks it’s unfair students fear going to school because of the potential of them being shot dead: “It’s scary to go to school and fear for your life on occasions like this. But today was a step toward not being afraid. If we had sat inside and not recognized this occasion, nothing would’ve changed.”

March 22, 2018

NEWS

chool without fear’

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Photo by Osbiel Montano Cerritos display 17 desks in their Quad to represent each victim of the Florida shooting.

“Cerritos stands with Parkland.

Enough is enough.”

Cerritos High School Students chanted

“Seeing all the violence around the country, I wanted to make a change and wanted to see if our mayor would work with legislators.”

Photo by Kevin Chittum ons for National School Walkout Day in support of gun reform.

Andrew Moe, 14 Long Beach Marshall Academy student

“It’s scary to go to school and fear for your life on occasions like this, but today was a step toward not being afraid. If we had sat inside and not recognized this occasion, nothing would’ve changed.”

Katelyn Robinson Cerritos High School student

Photo by Erin Asis Marshall Academy of the Arts assistant Principal John Hahn, Principal Marie Hatwan, assistant Superintendent Jay Camerino and Mayor Robert Garcia, from left, suppport National School Walkout Day.

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OPINION

EDITORIAL

Teens: Enough is enough

For 17 minutes on the morning of Wednesday, March 14, schools across the nation, including in the Long Beach area, participated in the National School Walkout to support the 17 victims of the Parkland, Florida, shooting and demand better gun laws.

Hundreds of students, employees and parents marched to gain attention as they lobbied with legislators about gun-control issues and how the number of bodies has been growing dramatically because of shooters on campus.

Though the walkout option was for any school levels, certain schools chose not to participate loudly. Not all schools participated in the movement.

LBCC has not been vocal about the protest and universities such as UCLA and Dartmouth have given support to any future or current students, saying they will not be penalized if they have chosen to demonstrate and have voices heard.

Schools may have policies about the right of students to have the freedom of speech or expression. The walkout was voluntary, though some schools even took measures to penalize students if they participated. People can only assume what negative impacts the walkout would have, including the campus’ reputation if any students became disruptive.

In an extreme case, police could have

even arrested students if necessary. Safety could also be another reason as to why some chose not to participate. Everyone has the right to believe causes they want to support and the walkout happens to be a tricky one because it involves more than

We have eyes on the consequences of supporting natural rights of self-defense, resistance to oppression and defense of our state. But the death of innocent students on campuses is nowhere near the level of war or a militia.

The victims could be a sibling, a parent, a best friend or even a neighbor.

Gun-violence victims were once one of those labels to someone close to them.

Families were devastated about the loss of a friend, a son, a daughter, a cousin or even a niece hits because the death struck close to home. The murders catch the attention of the media everywhere and the cycle begins. We hear a shooting, we hear the names of the victims, the lawmakers give condolences and suggest what to do and unfortunately, another shooting happens.

It has been a repetitive situation that children as young as the ones in kinArt by M. Smith dergarten are worrying about how to one chain of people. respond to violent situations instead of beThe walkout can lead to other results ing carefree and in the playground making about how everyone shares their thoughts friends. A single city is not a strong enough and opinions, but it seems that the closer voice for what needs to be done. We have people are to the original tragedy, the less reached the point that schools have to orgapeople care. The Amendments to the U.S. nize a march to give the lawmakers a wakeConstitution are the main reason we can- up call about what really is happening. not move forward easily because of the Enough is enough for those who have mention of the right to keep and bear arms marched in support for what had to be of the Second Amendment shall not be in- dealt with in the loss and grief of others, fringed. the fight had just begun.

COMMENTARY

When Mother Nature calls Story by Cara pederson Viking Staff @caralaren18

When Mother Nature calls with her monthly gift, women, unfortunately, don’t have the option to send it straight to voicemail.

Thankfully, there are aisles of products that are easily accessible for us women to purchase when that uncomfortable times come. But what about those moments when Mother Nature calls a little too early and you’re in the middle of class with no preparation? Run to the restroom? Go home? Skip class? The options become a little narrow when you know you have little time before full-on embarrassment.

During my time at LBCC, I’ve noticed the lack of female-hygienic products on campus and have heard my fair share of stories and loaned out my fair share of tampons from my own stash to my fellow female classmates. So how educated and accommodating is LBCC to their female students?

The PCC has no women's restrooms with hygienic vending machines. Though a bit old school, those machines were put there as a last resort for desperate women

needing a quick tampon. Having them in each restroom makes it so that if an emergency arises, women can get their care easily and without embarrassment and quickly make it back to class.

Not having the machines leads to spending more time in the restroom figuring out what the next move is rather than in class. I can even point out a time where I was embarrassed in front of my peers for taking “too long” in the restroom because of a desperate flee and call to my friend in the next class over. That’s two women out of class using that time to exchange a tampon that the school could not supply.

However, alternative ways exist to grab a tampon on campus. The Health Center has its own supply of feminine products for you to use free of charge. However, the center is not central to campus and could be a walk for outskirting buildings.

Also, how many tampons and pads could the health center give to a woman who can’t afford the heavy priced hygiene

products? Not only are the regular 25 pack of tampons $7 to 12 and pads $6 to 8 (and that’s a monthly or bi-monthly purchase), but those feminine products are taxed heavily with the “pink tax.”

The tax is placed on feminine-hygiene products because, ridiculously, they are considered a luxury item. I don’t know about you, but cramps, ruined panties and constant discomfort is not my definition of luxury and I’m not down to pay 13 percent more than men because of a womanly condition I’m completely out of my control.

Ladies, we are at a time where our femininity is being challenged. How can our needs be pushed aside and even made even more inconvenient with taxes and increasing prices. To charge us for our periods, to not stock women’s restroom with feminine products and to tax us heavily should be a crime against our womanhood.

Thankfully, with oppression comes progression. Many up and coming tampon companies online such as This Is L. and Athena Club rids the pink tax and sends tampons to your door for less than $5.

Ditching your popular brand for a womenempowerment brand challenges to pink tax and shows that our periods are our womanhood and women are strong.

March 22, 2018

VIKING NEWS Editor-in-chief: Maila Bringas @itsmsbee Managing editor: Erin Asis @earsonerin News editor: Gabby Castro @thatgabbygabby Sports editor: Osbiel Montano @osbielmontano Citystyle editor: Irene Brizuela @dear_ireene Social media editor: Karen Ramirez @karensookewl Visuals editor M. Smith @vhhnk Design editor Denise Jones @DeniseJonesLBCC Staff: Leslie Alamillo Cynthia Alvarez Kevin Chittum Meghan Gonzalez Ary Garcia Karina Hansen Sara Hansen Kameron Hall

Lashica Johnson Anna Karkalik Steven Matthews Alberto Nunez Cara Pederson Malik Reeves Gisela Saldana

Advertising manager: Liliana Piedra Adviser: Patrick McKean Photo and online adviser: Chris Viola The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication.

The Viking will be published April 19, May 10, and May 31. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87 and 88 students of the LBCC English Department, with funding from the Associated Student Body.

The Viking newsroom is located at LBCC, LAC 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room N108, mail code Y-16, Telephone (562) 938-4285 or contact the staff by email to vikingnews@lbcc.edu or on social media.

The views expressed in the Viking do not reflect the views of the advisers, administration or the ASB. First copy free, each additional $1.

Have an opinion?

The Viking welcomes letters to the editor. Writers must identify themselves by showing their ASB card, driver’s license or ID card and email. Only names and major will be published with the letter.

SPORTS

March 23, 2018

Super Bowl champion returns Eagle defensive end Bryan Braman visits LBCC to talk to athletes and coaches.

Story by Anna Karkalik Viking Staff @AKarkalik Super Bowl champion and former LBCC Viking Bryan Braman, defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles’, returned Thursday March 2 and said, “Once a Viking always a Viking” as he met with employees, former football coaches and fans at Veterans Stadium.

Braman shared his story of struggling with his academics and at one point being homeless, to becoming a Super Bowl champion.

Assistant coach Neo Aoga guided Braman for the two years he attended LBCC: “I knew he would make it, he was a good kid with a good work ethic and he was hungry.”

Aoga acknowledged Braman was not only an outstanding and superb football player, but he also had exceptional talent in track and field, especially throwing the javelin.

Freshman Mitchell Kay, an offensive lineman, said, “Everybody has to start somewhere. LBCC is a second chance for

Photos by M. Smith/Viking REMINISCING: Bryan Braman, left, speaks with football coach Brett Peabody

a lot of us.

“Just seeing him play during the playoff game against the Falcons, all I could keep on saying was I know this guy. He played for LBCC and just seeing that was the biggest motivation for me in my own career.”

ONCE A VIKING, ALWAYS A VIKING: Braman embraces former coach Jim Murphy, above, and signs autographs for students during his visit, below.

Braman has been known throughout his career as a special teams player and he proved that in Super Bowl LII as he made a key tackle on a kick return in the fourth quarter, pinning the New England Patriots at their own 9-yard line. The Eagles won,

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41-33.

Barman received a full scholarship after high school and played for the University of Idaho for only one year due to academic reasons before being recruited to LBCC. Freshman DeAnthony Jones, a defensive end, said, “It was cool seeing him come from the junior level and struggle not only on the field, but off of it as well, and to come back the way he has.”

Former coach Jerry Jaso said, “He had the talent that would take him to the next level and we knew that he was special.”

Jaso also added, “It’s great to see how he’s progressed as a person overall as he really came from humble beginnings.”

When asked what advice Braman would give to the student-athletes, he responded: “Take care of everything off of the field.”

“Coming down to LBCC really helped me in my career and lessons I learned here I definitely used further on when transferring to West Texas A&M.” Braman stayed and engaged with fans, officials and employees of LBCC for a couple hours as he encouraged the current football players, showing them coming from a Community College, they could become a Super Bowl champion as well.

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SPORTS

Vikings stay hot at the beach Story by Steven Matthews Viking Staff @SMatthewsTFI

In a completely dominating fashion, the LBCC women’s beach volleyball team beat its opponents during matches at Granada Beach on Friday, March 16.

The team faced Orange Coast, Mt. San Antonio and Cypress and they defeated them all in straight sets, resulting in shutout matches.

The match-ups featuring the top tiered players proved to be the most intense with the scores drawing close on both sides, but LBCC pulled out a victory in every set.

Josannah Vazquez, 19, a freshman kinesiology and business major, was quick to acknowledge her and her partner’s play would need a slight adjustment: “We just needed keep talking and keep our communication up. Once that happens, we’ll be fine.”

Each school sends a team of 10 active players and a few alternate players to a match and the active players are paired off based on skill level.

The top skilled players are paired together to become Team 1, the next skill level is paired off to be Team 2 and so forth to make a total of five team pairings.

For the match, each team pairing faces their opponent equivalent in five games at the same time.

So, the Team 1s will face each other, the Team 2s will and so on. Each game between the pairs consists of a set won by the first team to reach 21 points, then the first team that wins two sets wins their individual game.

If both teams win a set, then a third set is played to 15 points to break the tie.

At the end of the match, the school that wins three of the five individual games wins the overall match.

That is why the play from the LBCC team was so spectacular on March 16. They won the individual games without losing a single set, resulting in them winning 5-0 in all three matches.

The players say much of their success can be attributed to a strict training regiment designed in part by their professional player turned coach, Misty May-Treanor.

During an interview after the second match, she pointed out the team is training at a high level: “We purposely train them as if this were a four-year college program. It helps them play at a higher level.”

The Vikings improved their record to 11-1 and will take on El Camino and Mt. San Antonio at Granada Beach on Friday March 23, at 10 a.m.

CITY SPORTS

March 23, 2018

Photo by Cynthia Alvarez/Viking FOCUSED: Sophomore pitcher Alissa Cienfuegos winds up to pitch against Pasadena on Thursday, March 8.

Softball

The Vikings upset Cypress as LBCC snapped the Chargers’ 44-home-game win streak in extra innings, 6-3. Freshman infielder Jennifer Tobar had the big hit, driving in two to secure the victory. LBCC now stands at 14-11 on the year and will take on Mt. San Antonio today, Thursday, March 22.

Men’s volleyball

The top-ranked Vikings continued their perfect season as they beat Los Angeles Trade Tech in straight sets, 25-13, 2513, 25-11. Freshman middle backer Carlos Hernandez was perfect, going five-for-five on kills. They face Santa Monica on Friday, March 23, at 6 p.m. in the Small Gym.

Swimming

The men’s and women’s teams earned first place in their second conference meet at Cerritos College. Freshman Charli Chavarria won the women’s 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 12:31.03 and freshman Felipe Carsdale won the same event for the men with a time of 11:19.93.

The swim team’s competes again Saturday, March 23, against Mt. San Antonio and Los Angeles Trade Tech in Walnut.

Track and field

Sophomore Sherrice Pelle earned first place in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.50 at the Orange Coast College Classic. Freshman Mark Neal Jr. gained first in the high jump at 1.75 meters. The next meet is Saturday, March 31, at the Concordia Invite.

Hitters bounce back after rough stretch Story and Photo by Kevin Chittum Viking Staff @kevinchittumm

The Vikings have struggled recently on the baseball field, losing seven of their last 10 games.

But LBCC was able to bounce back as the offense contributed 15 runs in their two wins against Rio Hondo and Compton.

On Thursday March 15, LBCC found itself in a funk struggling against Rio Hondo. Trailing from early in the game and unable to mount an offensive effort to close the gap in scoring, the Vikings left the field disappointed with its performance after a 8-2 defeat to the Rio Hondo Roadrunners.

The Roadrunners started the game strong, scoring six runs in the first inning and another run in the second to jump to an early 7-0 lead.

Neither team was able to score again until the bottom of the sixth, when sophomore third baseman Reese Berberet and freshman outfielder Danny Gill scored runs off a double by freshman outfielder Salvador Delgado Avila, cutting the Roadrunners’ lead to 7-2. Despite having run-

SLIDING: Freshman outfielder Danny Gill dives in scoring a run. The Vikings struggled on offense only scoring twice versus Rio Hondo on March 15.

ners on base in every one of the last few innings, the Vikings were unable to score.

The Vikings were visibly disappointed after the loss and coach Casey Crook held nothing back when expressing his displeasure with his team’s performance.

“We are playing very poorly right now.

We have been for the last few weeks and we can’t seem to get out of it,” Crook said, “We’ve got a lot of things to work on. It has nothing to do with Rio Hondo. We’re just not playing good baseball.”

Freshman catcher David Balboa said his team needs to work on a lot: “It was a rough loss. I think we’re going to come back to tomorrow and try to get better as a ball club and get back on a winning streak. If we take better at-bats, we should be good for Saturday.”

Sophomore outfielder Aaron Fawcett said he was disappointed with the loss, but kept his focus on the next game, clearly summing up his team’s shortcomings and where it needs to improve: “We need to make an adjustment for Saturday. I think we need to have a different approach at the plate as well as keeping balls down in the zone on pitching.”

Long Beach now stands at 12-12 and is 4-5 in the South Coast Conference, sitting in third place among six teams, two games behind El Camino for first place. They will take on Compton today, Thursday, March 22, for the second game of their 3-game series.