Viking 20180419 issue3

April 19, 2018 • Volume 91 • Issue 9 • Published since 1927

Malware Attack!

Tech issue causes major problems with college systems

- News Page 2

Photo Illustration by M. Smith and Maila Bringas

NEWS

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April 19, 2018

Collegewide tech issue halts activity Crypto-currency malware infects campus systems.

Story by Kevin Chittum, Maila Bringas, Karen Ramirez and Alberto Nunez Photo by M Smith After nearly a week of uncertainty about the status of the systems outage at LBCC, it has been determined that the servers on campus have been infected with cryptocurrency-mining malware, said LBCC’s Chief Information Systems Officer Sylvia Lynch.

Lynch said in a meeting Friday, April 13, that her team initially discovered the malware during Spring Break on Tuesday, April 3.

On April 11, a text message alert from LBCC was sent around 1:45 p.m. informing students and employees that the college was experiencing technoogy problems due to malware.

It was thought that they had the infestation under control on Monday, April 9, but tech experts quickly found out that their work was not complete.

“Tuesday, I get a phone call that we have another infestation,” Lynch said. “This one resulted in encryption. It seems like we did not really get rid of it the first time.”

Lynch said at least one case of a computer on campus had its data encrypted.

The school has not received any ransom requests, officials said.

Lynch urged that students and employees not use storage devices, such as USB flash drives, on any computers connected to the school network, as the process could

SYSTEM DOWN: A note is posted on the window of cashier’s office in Building A on Tuesday, April 10, informing students that no transactions could be completed due to the technical issue.

result in encryption of the data on the devices, which could spread onto other computers.

Lynch reiterated that it did not appear that the malware was a threat to the personal data of students and employees and said that all student transcripts were backed up on Laserfiche, an external storage system that is not connected to the school network.

Students expecting to receive their Financial Aid disbursements April 16 will still receive their money and employees will be paid on time. President Reagan Romali had also noted that employees are working to create a special support system from the campus Success Centers to provide aid and assist students if needed.

Student Gabriel Sheriff, 21, works for the Assessment Office and said he was worried and frustrated at the same time

because of what the system shutdown had caused.

The enrollment deadline for students registering in late-start 8 week classes has been pushed back to Friday, April 20.

Summer Session registration is still scheduled to begin Monday, April 23.

LBCC officials said they still cannot predict a timeline for when all systems will be operational and Lynch said she seems to think that it will not be a fast solution.

“I imagine it’s going to be a very long process to bring everything back up to what we see as normal,” Lynch said.

The new information runs counter to the college’s previous messages about the outage, which as of Thursday night, April 12, stated that no evidence of criminal activity or malware had been detected.

Romali had previously referred to the

• Four Summer Sessions to fit your schedule • Hundreds of classes including online courses • Affordable at $46/unit

incident as a “small bump in our normal day” and denied any forms of hacking, malware or ransomware as informed from the tech employees.

Romali said she had no doubts that the systems are strong as they are constantly tested.

“Regular tests are made on a daily basis to make sure we are prepared,” Romali said. “We learn from this and make the best of situations and figure out other ways to communicate.”

An email was sent to employees Thursday night concerning the issue, highlighting the inconvenience of the situation.

“Before I provide an update, let me start with an apology.” Romali stated. “I am so deeply sorry for the terrible inconvenience this issue has caused each of you and I feel your frustration, anger and unrest.”

Progress had been made throughout the situation, with Moodle and Canvas systems back online on April 11. Emails are functioning as of April 17, but the system is still being tested as some mails disappeared over the course of the week, officials said.

Students and employees are urged to check lbcc.edu/itupdate where the school will be posting updates as they receive new information.

SCAN CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MALWARE

www.LBCC.edu

NEW REGISTRATION DATE Registration starts May 7 | Summer Session starts June 13

NEWS

April 19, 2018

Challenger wins Board of Trustees’ seat

First African-American male on Board celebrates victory over incumbent.

Story and photo by Denise Jones Desgin Editor @DeniseJonesLBCC

Cal State Long Beach part-time engineering professor Uduak-Joe Ntuk defended longtime incumbent Trustee Jeff Kellogg in LBCC’s Area 1 election Tuesday, April 10.

By 11:30, the LA County Registrar-Recorder’s office was reporting the results for 30 out of 45 precincts, with a tally of 2,858 (54.6%) votes for Ntuk and 2,380 (45.4%) for Kellogg.

Following behind the legacy of Patricia Lofland, who was the first African American elected to the Board, Ntuk campaigned on a platform of looking toward the future for students. His plans include a dual degree programs for high school students to earn an associate of arts degree as well as their high school diploma and increasing the opportunities for more vocational education in the trades.

Rex Richardson, vice mayor of Long Beach and councilman of District 9, which also covers North Long Beach and is the youngest vice mayor in the history of Long Beach at age 32, said of Ntuk’s victo-

VICTORY: Uduak-Joe, Ntuk, third from left, gathers with supporters at Weiland Brewery in Bixby Knolls. Trustee Sunny Zia ofArea 3, far right, joined the celebration Tuesday, April 10.

ry: “North Long Beach stepped up. Really proud of North Long Beach and the vote turn-out in North Long Beach. People thought he didn’t have a shot. Elections are the best way to take a poll to check the pulse of the community and people may not have agreed, but the voters have agreed that it was time for new leadership on the Board and a new direction for the Board.”

Supporters and volunteers waited for of-

ficial election results at the Weiland Brewery on Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls, an area also known as Uptown. Shortly after 10 p.m., in a packed room, Ntuk praised his family, friends, supporters and volunteers for all of their hard-work and time. He also thanked two young volunteers, Ashley Nusbaum and Samira Foy, for their “black girl magic” during the campaign. Both are 24-year-old college graduates from the

CSU system.

Nusbaum said working on Ntuk’s campaign was rewarding; “Uduak also gave me the opportunity to not only get experience right out of college, but to learn and grow within my industry. And learning how to ask the right questions.”

Foy, who handled the graphics for the campaign, said, “It was a connection for me because my parents met at LBCC.” Speaking on his past experience as a former LBCC student and now educator of today’s students, Ntuk said, “I have front-line actual experience in the classroom. I have worked with the students of today. We have students who are veterans, who are single parents, who are sleeping in their car, I have taught those students. I used to be one of those students. I was one car accident away from being homeless as a student. I was a teen parent, working two jobs, playing football and going to LBCC back in the 1990’s. That was the only place I could go.

LBCC was there.”

Speaking of his opponent, Ntuk said, “We just unseated a millionaire who doesn’t understand what it’s like to struggle. He doesn’t understand what it’s like to be a first-generation student, when no one’s holding your hand.”

In a Facebook post Wednesday, April 11, Kellogg congratulated Ntuk. Kellogg added that he enjoyed serving as a trustee since 2002.

Student trustee, Board members react to election

Uduak-Joe’s surprise victory over Kellogg draws praise as he vows to work for free bus passes.

Story by Anna Karkalik, Gabby Castro and Karen Ramirez Viking Staff @Akarkalik @thatgabbygabby @karensookewl The results of the April 10 election signaled new leadership as part-time engineering professor at Cal State Long Beach Uduak-Joe Ntuk beat the longest tenured trustee, Jeff Kellogg, in the LBCC Board of Trustees Area 1 election.

After the election results, students and members of the Board reacted as Kellogg will be exiting on July 24 after 16 years of serving on the Board.

Student Trustee Jorgel Chavez said, “I was surprised about the results. Jeff has been serving the Community Colleges for a long time, but it was a pleasure serving and an honor working with Kellogg.

“Uduak-Joe will be a great addition to the team. His objectives will reflect the direction the citizens of the city of Long Beach and a step forward for LBCC.”

Jeff Kellogg Has served since 2002

Uduak-Joe Ntuk Wants more vocational classes

Throughout his time on the Board since 2002, Kellogg accomplished the establishment of the Youth in Government and Kids Council, programs that teach and promote student involvement with government.

Ntuk is the first Afican-American male to serve on the Board of Trustees. Patricia Lofland was the first Afican American to serve.

Board of Trustees Area 2 representative and the first Latina elected to the Board, Vivian Malauulu, said, “Kellogg’s experience was valuable to me as a new trustee.”

Members congratulated and said they look forward to the new addition of Ntuk. They said he further reflects the diverse community of Long Beach.

Ntuk has vocalized his ambitions and concerns for students and campaigned by connecting with voters who saw his story reflected in themselves. He graduated from St. Anthony High School and LBCC before earning his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Cal State Long Beach and master’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Southern Cali-

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fornia. He has worked in the private and public sectors at Tyco, General Electric, Chevron and the City of Long Beach.

He said his top priorities include helping students to earn degree credit while taking vocational classes, working with the Long Beach Unified School District to create a “Long Beach Trade Tech Campus” that may be able to exist at the PCC and to work with public transit agencies to allow LBCC students to ride Long Beach Transit buses or Metro trains for free.

Malauulu added, “He is someone who truly knows the need of the community and I look forward to working with him. We have such a diverse Board.”

Board of Trustees Area 4 representative Doug Otto commended Ntuk on his win, but acknowled “It’s going to be a lot of work.”

Ntuk works as a Los Angeles city government petroleum administrator.

CITYSTYLE

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April 19, 2018

Students mad for ‘Wonderland’ Fashion design classes to show their work in “Alice in Wonderland” theme show on May 26.

Photo and Story by Kameron Hall and Irene Brizuela Viking Staff and Citystyle Editor @dear_ireenie The LBCC fashion show production classes are in the works to put on this year’s fashion show named “The Wonderland Mad Fashion Show” on Saturday, May 26.

The designers and stylists have come together to create garment pieces for each character from the “Alice in the Wonderland” movie.

The inspiration was conceptualized by Asmah Guyot, a fashion design major, and aims to promote the works of students enrolled in the fashion programs as well as to provide scholarships to the winning students of each category.

Publicity co-manager Priscilla Garlbay commented about the upcoming event; “The theme will be incorporated into the

MODELING: Photographer Christian Millan captures a photo of model Lulu, who volunteered her service for the press shoot.

runway design and the stage team plans to make the runway unique and something that is not really seen everywhere else.”

Cindy Monge, 23, a fashion merchandising and design major and assistant designer and publicity co-manager, said “It’s not only going to be a fashion show, we are also having entertainment in between each

sets such as stilt performers and maybe a skit.”

The set designs and props that will be used in the show are all donated from businesses in the Long Beach area such as Vintage Owl Rentals, which will be providing the furniture.

“We’re building up on the “Alice in

Wonderland” theme,. We’re putting together Asmah’s vision. We’re working night and day and we have a lot to do,” Monge said.

“We’re dedicated to bring a good show to everyone.”

Living tables will be part of the event where people dressed up as characters will be handing out drinks and food to guests.

‘Wonderland Mad’ is scheduled for Saturday, May 26, at 7:30 p.m. and will be presented in its new location in the Hall of Champions, Building R at the LAC. Tickets are on sale now starting at $15.

The price rises to $20 at the door.

VIP ticket are on sale now for $25, which will include early entry to the show for a VIP reception and front-row seating.

VIP tickets must be purchased in person in F 114at the LAC. Free parking will be offered to everyone with each ticket.

Seating is limited, organizers said.

More ticket information is available by visiting lbcc.edu/fashiondesign or emailing lbccfashionmktg@gmail.com.

April 19, 2018

CITYSTYLE

Artists surf the wave for art

Six creators produce pieces to showcase their connection with surfing.

Story and Photo by Karen Ramirez Social media editor @karennsookewl From digital photography to burned seaweed in clay, six artists have put the word art in surf for “Undercurrents” at the gallery in Building K. “Oh my gosh!” said a woman in her mid-20s. “That’s my friend, who I haven’t seen in years,” pointing to a large black and white photograph of Anthony Braun-Perry taken by Nolan Hall in 2013.

“This was the last time I saw him, so it’s good to see him again,” said the woman who did not want to give her name. She is a friend of surf artist Hall, who is one of the six artists displaying their art.

Abigail Roxas, 20, an illustration and animation major, said, “I love how he (Hall) focuses on the human,” pointing out to Hall’s photography displayed in fiber print.

Artist Amy Yao, who was not present on the first day of the exhibition, lives and teaches in New York, said gallery director Trevor Norris. Yao displayed three pieces of artwork.

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familiar with Bent’s art.

Bent painted in acrylic black gesso ceramic paint on Mexican velvet five famous men such as Abraham Lincoln and hip hop artists Puff Daddy, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. “I know he is a local artist from San Onofre, where the nuclear plant is at,” French said.

“By looking at Jay-Z’s painting, I love them all.”

Other artist such as Kevin O’ Sullivan showcased six digital prints. In one of the digital prints is artist Alex Knost, who is also one of the artist showcasing his artwork as well.

Kirsten Sims-Garcia, a civil engineering and sculpture major, 18, said, “It gives me a new perspective,” referring to Greg Martz’s artwork.

“I like the way Martz actually mixes vibrant colors, the way he did with the wood.

It’s amazing the things you can do with wood.”

GAZING: Nestor Montecalvo, 26, and English major, left, Jasen Rodriguez, 23, look The “Undercurrents” gallery opened at Amy Yao’s work “Zero Commerce” made up of glazed ceramic.

March 29 and its schedule to run until A popular piece was, “San Onofre about Yao’s work: “It shows me I am not just Thursday, April 26. Admission is free and Toast, 2018” made up of salt-fired porce- one thing. I am multi-facated. I don’t have the gallery is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday lain slip and cast kelp. In other words, the to be committed to live one certain way.”

Always fascinated by Brian Bent’s art- and Wednesday, it’s open from noon to 8 art included seaweed burned and then slipwork, PJ French, who lives across the street p.m. in K 144. ping it into liquid clay.

Biology major Jasen Rodriguez, 23, said from the college’s gallery, said he is already

Jazz Big Band performs and all that jazz porter of the Big Band, Wackerman, Rivers.

Story by Anna Karkalik on drums.

“It’s hard to keep a 2-minute solo Citystyle editor Wackerman is a jazz drummer interesting, but he did. It really just @AKarkalik who played for musician and com- shows his talent and all of us were poser Frank Zappa and guitarist Al- super excited to be performing The talent of the Jazz Big Band lan Holdsworth. He was mainly fea- with him,” Mclaughlin said about was showcased as musicians per- tured in his 2-minute solo in, “Blues Wackerman. formed with special guest Chad and the Abscessed Tooth” by Mavis Teacher and director Patrick Wackerman and directed by Pat Sheng at Spaghettini restaurant in Seal Beach on Tuesday, April 10.

Christopher Mclaughlin, 25, a guitarist and music major, said, “It was the best performance we’ve had so far and each semester we get better as a band.”

Mclaughlin has been with the Jazz Big Band for three semesters as he performed standout parts in “Only the Greatest” by Waylon Jennings and “Down for the Count,” arranged by Frank Foster, during the concert.

The first set featured softer and slower tempo music with gospel inspiration, while the second set AND QUESTION: The Jazz Big Band perfoms at the Spaghettin restaurant highlighted the Big Band’s energetic STRONG in Seal Beach. Alex Rodriguez, on the saxophone, said, “It felt as if the band was covers. The second set was accom- on rails, like a train throughout each song.” panied with local and longtime sup-

Sheng said, “As a professor I love performing songs that push the limits and the abilities of my students and “Blues in the Abscessed Tooth” was definitely one of those songs.”

Alex Rodriguez on saxophone, 20, double majoring in music and psychology, said, “We sounded very strong and confident as our first set felt relaxed yet powerful and then the second set with Chad was fantastic.”

Rodriguez said playing with a professional drummer made all members in the band focus more on the details of their sets.

The Jazz Big Band will host its big concert of the semester on Friday, May 18, at 4 p.m. on the Central Quad at the LAC. The collaboration will feature the rising jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman playing alongside the Big Band for the second set.

Hendelman will conduct a free open-to-the-public workshop before the performance on the Quad for people interested in improving their music and jazz skills.

OPINION

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April 19, 2018

EDITORIAL

Tech info insufficient When computers shut down, students overheat.

Since April 3rd, LBCC has been experiencing technical difficulties in its systems.

We could not sign up for classes, access Financial Aid, professors can’t access their work or grades, causing them to cancel class and put a hold on work as well.

When students found out about the technical issues, the college was experiencing, questions arose since students were being left uninformed. Students were wondering if the system had been hacked, whether the college was the victim of a virus and was personal information accessed.

Students also wondered was the problem related to ransom-ware, cryptocurrency or database encryption.

Neither the administrators nor technology staff members were able to give us details, with those employees saying they weren’t in a position to give us information.

Whether at work or at school, we rely on an expert to fix all our technical needs

regardless of how big the problem. They usually make themselves open, claiming we can reach out to them for any questions.

But in this case we got shut down.

Whatever the problem is, the main concern was our personal information. We gave the school all our information like birthdate, Social Security number, phone number and home addresses. We could’ve had our information stolen and be prone to identity theft.

Some professors claimed their grades were lost for a couple months back. This dilemma leads to problems for transfer and graduating students. We wonder if our transcripts will be sent to universities.

Professors have been offering the option of having students re-submit their already graded work and add their grades to the records that were lost.

However, students who do not have their original work may have to redo their assignments. Will they be able to re-do their homework or quizzes and submit

CITY VIEWS

them for a new grade? Or does the teacher just let it slide, granting the student a free pass?

Students and teachers have put their USB drive in the computer system at school to access their work from home, but the school systems corrupted their work , causing the systems to delete every work they have accomplish over the semester from their own personal drive. Does that mean the malware system could be this serious and IT or the administration don't want to say anything that could cause an uproar in the school and community? And if it is, how soon will the system will be completely fixed and safely secured before somebody steals our identity?

Financial Aid and the cashier’s office were shut down since they did not have access to school records so payments and disbursements were delayed.

Late-start and Summer classes were each given new dates for registration.

The technical issue is severely affecting

What are your thoughts on the recent tech network issue?

Completed by Erin Asis on the LAC on Tuesday, April 18.

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.

Daniel Dumas, 23, English “It sucks, you know?

It makes me wonder how it happened. I’m worried it could be a hack.”

Tenisha Venegas, 19, Nursing “I’m tired and I want my money. I was trying to add a class and it wouldn’t let me. I just want my class and my money.”

Nyla Washingtion, 19, Nursing “I wasn’t aware until i went into the Financial Aid office to check on my Financial Aid disbursement.”

Jason Franco, 26, Accounting “It’s suprising it happened. i hope it gets fixed. I didnt receive an email about class being cancelled from my professor.”

The Viking will be published 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.

Jorge Gomez, 22, English “It was hard to communicate with my professors.

There would be times I couldn’t attend class and couldnt tell my professors.”

Devan Rouse, 19, Undeclared “There were problems with my Financial Aid paperwork, but it was fixed.”

Mike Mintah, 20, Physical Therapy “I feel like they’re hiding a lot of information.

I want more details. I’m supposed to be receiving scholarships.”

Olivia Wheeler. 21. Early Childhood Development “It’s affecting me from registering for classes and doing my quizzes on Canvas.”

April 19, 2018

Vikings cheer on LBCC’s squad continues legacy with tryouts today.

Story by Anna Karkalik Citystyle Co-editor @Akarkalik After being named the 2018 USA Spirit National Champions on Feb. 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Cheer and Dance Team is looking for new members to help them reach their goal of competing at the National Cheerleading Championships in Florida next year.

The squad started the season by capturing back-to-back first place finishes at CHEERpros California State Competition and continued its success at the U.S. Spiritleaders King of the Bleachers regional competition.

Shaquille Webster, 25, a communication major and co-captain of the cheer squad, said, “The back-to-back wins were great, but I know we came in second for the Best of the West.”

Webster moved 196 miles from Tulare to Long Beach just to be on the cheer squad and has strived to gain a first place win at a USA National Championship.

“The USA win was the biggest for me as I’ve been cheering for five years and have

SPORTS

always wanted to win gold at such a high level,” Webster said.

Webster also said the next step for the squad is to continue to raise funds for the major goal of being able to travel to the National Championship in Florida, a goal that has been a dream not only for him, but for the entire LBCC cheer squad.

Anthony Kanphang, 21, sports medicine major and co-captain of the cheer squad, said, “The last time the cheer squadwon at a USA National Championship was back in 2005 and 2013, so for us this is a big deal and a great representation of the work we’ve been doing all season.”

When talking about what improvements the squad needed to make to be championship-ready, Kanphang said that although they put on a great performance at CHEERpros and Spiritleaders, they need to be more disciplined in their training and throughout practices to advance and place in higher levels.

In a newsletter sent by LBCC President Reagan Romali on March 21, Cheer coach Diana Galias said, “Everyone worked hard for four months to get to this competitive place.”

To become a part of the team, 2018 tryouts are being conducted today, Thursday, April 19, from 5-7 p.m. in the Hall of Champions, R Building, upper level at the LAC.

CITY SPORTS Softball The No. 18 Vikings defeated No. 10 Cerritos College on Thursday, April 12, 8-4. The Falcons scored the final two runs in the bottom of the second inning, but the Vikings held on to take home the 8-4 conference victory. The Vikings are taking on the Los Angeles Harbor Seahawks today, Thursday April 19.

Track and field The women’s and men’s track and field teams travelled to the Cerritos College Invitational on Friday, April 13.

Freshman distance runner Tylor Wallace captured sixth place in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:58.84 and also placed second in the 1,500-meter race with a time of 4:04.50.

Sherrice Pelle Finishes second

Freshman Mark Neal earned third place in the long jump and sophomore Jarrod Amyx also placed third in the shot put with a distance of 12.79.

Sherrice Pelle took second in the 100-meter hurdles and Erin Wilber gained fifth in the high jump with a leap of 1.50 meters.

The next meet will be at the South Coast Conference Preliminaries at El Camino College on Tuesday April 24.

Beach volleyball The No. 1 team took down El Camino, 4-1, on Friday April 13. The Vikings remained undefeated in South Coast Conference play at 6-0

Jarrod Amyx Gains third place

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Photo Courtesy of the LBCC Cheer Team.

CHAMPION RED AND BLACK: The Cheer Team wins the 2018 USA Spirit National Championship.

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SPORTS

April 19, 2018

Warriors win 2 of 3 against LBCC Strong pitching not enough as El Camino moves ahead of Vikings.

Story and Photo By Kevin Chittum @kevinchittumm

PITCHING: Vikings’ sophomore pitcher Jacob Alcorn on the mound. Alcorn pitched for seven innings and had nine strikeouts.

Despite a solid pitching performance, the LBCC Vikings’ baseball team was unable to generate a sufficient offensive effort after trailing early to the El Camino Warriors in the first of a 3 game series on Tuesday, April 10, losing 5-1.

The Warriors struck early, jumping to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning and scoring again in the top of the third to extend the lead to 3-0.

The Warriors seemed to have a much easier time getting on base, earning 13 hits while the Vikings only managed to get four.

The Vikings were able to cut the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh when sophomore center fielder Val Stammler scored a run off a double hit in to right field by sophomore left fielder Colin Perez.

But the Warriors responded in the eighth with two runs of their own, bringing the game to its final score of 5-1.

The loss comes in spite of a strong

pitching performance from sophomore Jacob Alcorn, who struck out nine batters in 7 innings.

The defeat moves the Vikings’ record to 17-15 overall and 8-6 in the South Coast Conference and bumps El Camino, which now hold a 9-6 record in the conference, into the second-place spot previously held by the Vikings.

The Vikings went on to play the Warriors twice more, at El Camino on April 12, with a final score of 17-6. Then at home on April 14, the Vikings won, 7-3. Both games were crucial for playoff contention for the Vikings.

Hitting seemed to be the downfall for the Vikings and sophomore outfielder Aaron Fawcett had a simple answer for the Vikings’ success in the upcoming games against the Warriors: “We need to make an adjustment at the plate.”

LBCC coach Casey Crook said he thinks his team needs to focus on reaction to pitches by the Warriors.

“We were bad on fastballs,” Crook said, “We were late all day. We need to get more aggressive and turn some balls around.”

Vikings finish historic regular season Story by Malik Reeves

Continuing through their historic season with a win Friday, April 13, against El Camino, the Vikings’ men’s volleyball team improved its perfect regular season record to 19-0 and 6-0 in South Coast Conference play.

The Vikings were able to control the first two sets (25-21, 25-15), but the Warriors came out aggressive in the third set, which was an intense back and forth game

between the two teams and the Warriors eventually captured the third set, 23-25.

The Vikings came out in the fourth set knowing they needed to win to secure their perfect regular season and the Warriors didn’t want their night to end early with another back and forth sequence between the two teams. But eventually the Vikings took control of the set and sophomore Jeriel Apelar gave the Vikings the final point they needed to win the set, 25-18, with the Vikings winning the match, 3-1.

The Vikings finished their regular season undefeated and fans could tell the players were excited about that. Sophomore Victor Villareal explained how it feels to finish the regular season undefeated; “It feels great, man, you know we really worked hard and man, it’s so exciting because everything that we put into the preseason bought us to what we got today.”

The Viking will carry the momentum and target of being a No.1 seed into the playoffs and coach Jonathan Charette talk-

ed about they could stay focused: “We’re just trying to create momentum into the playoffs. Now that conference is over, we’re thinking our record is 0-0. We have to play a bit better, tighten some things up and then we play next week home on Friday (April 20).’’

The Vikings will host the regional 1st round playoff matchup against a soon to be determined opponent Friday, April 20, in the Building Q Gym.

Olympian brings higher level to volleyball teams Story by Steven Matthews @ SMatthewsTFI It’s not often a Community College gets to brag about bringing a famous person onto its staff.

Before 2016, the only Community College that held that honor was Elizabethtown Community and Technical College when it hired “that kid from The Shining” to teach biology. That changed for students at LBCC when it was announced 3-time Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor was hired to help repair and rebuild the school’s volleyball program.

May-Treanor is regarded as the most successful female volleyball player of all time as well as half of what’s called “the

greatest beach volleyball team of all time.”

She won the three gold medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012 as well as three world championships. She has 112 tournament wins as well as 53 international wins and such a wide variety of awards it would be difficult to narrow down a few to mention.

Even though her play has garnered global attention, May-Treanor comes off with an air of demure and confidence all rolled into one.

Josannah Vazquez, a member of the women’s beach volleyball team and freshman kinesiology and business major said, “It’s neat because she’s so humble about everything.” The player is quite correct though. May-Treanor is humble even though she is a former Olympian and con-

sidering her extensive career as a player, that’s quite impressive.

Equally impressive is how well the volleyball program and teams at LBCC are doing. Vasquez and her team sit atop their division with an 11-1 record thanks to some truly dominating play and some great coaching pedigree brought in by their second-year coach.

Part of the team’s success is due to the training that May-Treanor has introduced to the program. The improvement became abundantly clear when she was asked what she missed most about her playing days.

“The training,” she said. “I miss training at such a high level, but since I have some injuries, like my knee, I can no longer do that. But I can still pass that training on to

them.”

As she gestured to the players on the court, she also added. “They are training at a higher level than they normally would for a 2-year college. I have them closer to a program that would be at a 4-year college.”

One other interesting note, May-Treanor’s job at LBCC is technically her first full time job, with all that comes with, including a stressful interview process. “Going to that job interview was one of the most stressful things I’ve ever had to do,” she said. Now that she has the job, she can focus on a raising her three children, her marriage to former L.A. Dodger Matt Treanor, and keeping the volleyball teams at LBCC trained to such a high level.