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ISSUE 2
VOLUME 72
November 15, 2024
CBU women’s soccer wins first WAC title BY GRACE BOUDREAU MANAGING EDITOR
California Baptist University’s women’s soccer team made history on Saturday, Nov. 9, capturing its first-ever Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament Championship with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Grand Canyon University (GCU). In a dramatic comeback, the Lancers showed resilience, answering each of GCU’s goals to secure the win. The victory marks the first conference championship in the program’s history and the Lancers’ first postseason win. Led by team captain Jayden Ramirez, senior biomedical science major, the Lancers never gave up, responding to adversity with determination and grit. After falling behind early, the Lancers equalized twice and netted the game-winner with less than ten minutes remaining. Ramirez, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, was quick to share the praise, stating, “Honestly, all I got to say is all glory to God and what an incredible team, an incredible organization this is to represent.” The match began with an early setback for CBU when GCU’s Aleisha Ganief scored off a corner kick in the 26th minute, putting the Lopes up 1-0. However, the Lancers re-
Women’s soccer team celebrates their ever Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship title with trophy in hand sponded quickly in the second half. Just seven minutes after the break, senior forward Morgan Witz scored her second goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1. This goal was particularly significant for Witz, as it was only her second goal of the season, coming after her first in the season opener–a sweet way to close out her se-
nior year. GCU regained the lead in the 60th minute, with AJ Loera scoring to make it 2-1. But the Lancers’ resilience rose above. In the 78th minute, Witz sent in a cross, and senior Grace Blumfeldt scored her first-ever goal for the Lancers, leveling the match at 2-2. Blumfeldt, known for her defense, had
never scored before, making this a truly special moment for the senior. The decisive moment came in the 80th minute. Witz again provided a perfect corner kick, which senior Natalia Castro headed past the GCU goalkeeper for the game-winning goal. This tie-breaking goal was a fitting and emotional moment
for Castro, who, like Witz and Blumfeldt, was closing out her senior season with a game-winning contribution in the WAC Championship. Coach Coe Michaelson highlighted the competitive nature of the season, saying, “I think in the conference this year especially, there’s just not a great deal of difference from one
Courtesy of CBU Athletics
team to the next.” He pointed to the tight standings, noting, “I think you can see that in the standings from, you know, 3rd to 8th is about a 3-point spread if memory serves.” With this historic win, the Lancers not only captured their
SEE SPORTS | PAGE 14
Clubhouse triumphs at Battle of the Bands ALANNA RIVERA
ASST. A&E EDITOR California Baptist University’s Commercial Music students went head to head in this year’s Battle of the Bands on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in hopes of getting their ensemble’s name on the coveted trophy. Professor Emily Benford, associate director of commercial music in the School of Performing Arts, explains what makes Battle of the Bands different from other Commercial Music events. “Over the years, these bands have really taken it serious,” Benford said. “There’s themes, there’s special surprise guests and elements to it, so it has quickly become our favorite event of the semester.” Battle of the Bands kicked off with the reigning champions, Fickel and Friends, an ensemble headed by their music director, Noah Fickel. The group took the Mission Hall Lawn stage with colorful wigs on their heads and songs ready to be sung. They started their set with an Ozzy Osbourne hit, “Crazy Train,” before transitioning to
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The band “Club House” celebrates its victory at Battle of the Bands, held on Nov. 8 at the Mission Hall Lawn. a song asking for a little more crowd participation. “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid got the audience on their feet and following the moves as the band instructed. The participation from the crowd did not stop there: Fickel and Friends’ performance of “YMCA” by Village People, with a smooth transition to “HOT TO
GO!” by Chappell Roan, got the audience singing along with them. Following their vibrant performance, Fickel & Friends chose to end on a mellow, understated note, singing a unique rendition of “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish with a special guest — Pluto, the Cat! After all, what’s more
understated than bringing a real cat on stage? Garrett Richardson, sophomore exercise science major and member of the University of Choir and Orchestra, appreciates the School of Performing Arts and the support they offer their students. “They give everyone a platform to have a space to feel free to express the
Arielle Rodriguez | Banner gift they’ve been given and do what they love with it and have fun,” Richardson said. The night moved on swiftly as Clubhouse walked on stage holding large bottles of juice — just as a casual refreshment. That juice fueled their diverse set of hits, switching between nostalgic and contemporary songs.
From Zach Griffis singing “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’” by the Teen Beach Movie cast, showcasing the horn players during “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” by Harry Styles, and Sarah Jenkins rapping Iggy Azalea’s verse in “Problem” by Ariana Grande, Clubhouse ensured there was a song for everyone. Their set ended with an energetic performance of “Finesse” by Bruno Mars, where the band showed their finesse by showering the audience with a money gun full of fake money with the members’ faces on it. Avelina Tarango, freshman architecture major, was brought to Battle of the Bands because of Clubhouse members Santorini and Sarah [Jenkins]. “The word of mouth is really good — they bring a big crowd,” Tarango said. “[Battle of the Bands] shows them the possibilities and just gets them excited about what they can do with their skills.” Following Clubhouse, it was time for Déjà Vu, the final band competing for the wanted tle of the Bands trophy.
SEE BATTLE OF THE BANDS | PAGE 13
Gas prices expected to rise
Nostalgia NOLA Coffee2F302F
Preventing Burnout
California air resources board voted on low carbon fuel standards on Nov. 8.
A coffee review from The Banner staff while in New Orleans for a journalism conference!
Professor Josue Esperant gives advice on how student can successfully prevent burnout.
News, pg 3
Arts & Entertainment, pg 13
Faith & Lifestyle, pg 6