Volume 70, Issue 13

THE PAISANO

Fiesta 2025 strengthens Security With AI

Fiesta season is offcially here in San Antonio, and this year’s 11-day celebration brings increased security measures and the integration of new technology aimed at keeping attendees safe.

Fiesta San Antonio 2025 runs from April 24 through May 4, and the annual event attracts an estimated 2.5 million attendees, with locals and visitors traveling to San Antonio to experience Fiesta. New enhanced safety protocols are being implemented at major event sites, like the Historic Market Square and Milam Park. Measures include perimeter fencing, controlled entry and exit points, metal detectors, bag checks, and a larger police presence. Bags exceeding 12x12x6 inches will not be permitted.

“Major improvements to safety have been made,” said Trish DeBerry, president of Centro San Antonio. “There is fencing around the event. There are controlled entry and exit points. There will be a clear bag policy that’s been implemented, which is well overdue. And then there will be what they call one-gate technology. It’s the same technology that’s out at the Frost Center when you go to a Spurs game. So, you’re gonna have to walk through that, so they can detect if you possibly have a weapon on you.”

The installation of artifcial intelligence-powered security cameras is a new addition. The AI surveillance system has been placed along West Commerce Street in efforts to address violent incidents and quality-of-life crimes.

“AI-powered cameras that are placed along West

Commerce Street will be a proactive measure to try to prevent, whether it’s violence or just what they call quality-of-life crimes — whether it’s petty theft,” DeBerry said. “Those cameras will be monitored, which is probably the most important thing, because we’ve had cameras in Downtown before.”

The increased security is particularly visible at Market Square, which hosts “Fiesta de Los Reyes” throughout Fiesta’s duration to beneft the El Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. The area is now fully fenced, and all visitors are required to pass through metal detectors. However, the screening process appears to move quickly, according to early attendees.

The new safety protocols come in the wake of past violence during Fiesta events. Shootings in both 2023

and 2024 — including a double fatality in 2024 — have prompted heightened concern among organizers and the community.

Market Square is one of the most popular Fiesta destinations due to its free entry, live music and extensive food and drink options. Like previous years, the San Antonio Police Department will maintain a strong presence throughout Fiesta, with additional offcers deployed to crowded areas.

“There would be limited entry and access points,” said DeBerry. “I think folks have been concerned about that event for some time, and there’s a tipping point that comes. I think it infuenced a lot of what we’re doing around this Fiesta, not to mention the two shootings that happened in Market Square, the double fatality.”

While the introduction of AI surveillance has raised privacy concerns, DeBerry emphasized the importance of a comprehensive safety strategy.

“I certainly think it’s going to make people feel safer. It’s a layered approach,” she said. “It’s the security cameras. It’s the heightened police presence on the street. It’s 130 of our ambassadors who are Downtown and within the urban core 24/7. I haven’t mentioned the fact that we now have retired or former police offcers that are part of the ambassador operation, which has beefed up our presence in Downtown as well.”

Fiesta San Antonio continues through May 4, celebrating the city’s culture, heritage and community spirit while placing a renewed focus on public safety.

Engineers design affordable pediatric wheelchair

By Marisela Cruz Assistant News Editor

Four UTSA senior biomedical engineers developed an affordable and accessible wheelchair for young children. They will showcase their completed project this Thursday at the Tech Symposium. The event is scheduled to take place at the Convocation Center on May 1. The Tech Symposium is hosted each fall and spring semester — a crowd of judges and local organizations attend the UTSA event. Granting the opportunity for students, Tech Symposium offers real-life experience to pitch their project to those interested in taking their designs beyond the academic stage.

This spring semester promotes the innovation of senior design students and their projects that represent the culmination of skills and concepts learned throughout their engineering degree program.

This team of senior design students includes Diana Guzman, Sophia Cavanaugh, Ada Jaramillo and Dante Deluna Rodriguez. Guzman deals with Administration, Cavanaugh is the Project Manager, Deluna Rodriguez is the Design Engineer and Jaramillo is the Assistant Design Engineer.

This project has been developing over two semesters, and the four UTSA seniors have collaborated with mentors and nonprofts to achieve and execute their vision of an accessible pediatric wheelchair.

When one of their mentors, Dr. Hood advised them on the idea to take on the project to assemble a wheelchair. The team took a step back and refected on what other seniors will begin working on. all got together, and we were like, ‘Okay, a lot of projects are going on right now, implantables and catheters but not a lot of pediatric work is going on.’ There is not a lot of stuff that would be non-proft,” have this option right here

that warms our hearts. It was inspiring, and we all came together and thought, ‘If we do this, we could help somebody.’”

The team decided to partner with MakeGood, a 501(c) (3) non-proft devoted to assisting children with special needs, disabilities and chronic conditions. Their mission is to assist in navigating limitations that their current designs have. Current wheelchairs manufactured by MakeGood tend to be heavier, making them diffcult to transport.

MakeGood sent a toddler mobility trainer to their Medical Design Innovations Lab, mentioning that it had some issues. The toddler mobility trainer was designed by Tikkun Olam Makers, an Israeli nonproft organization and the original designers of these devices.

The trainer was made out of wood stuck together with wheels on either side. The problem was that it could not collapse to make it easily transportable, and it was expensive.

“Our design should be a lot easier to put together and give out, since it can easily fold and disassemble,” explained Cavanaugh.

Deluna Rodriguez, the design engineer of the group, designed the wheelchair with 3-D printed parts, bolts and nuts, PVC piping and pieces of wood from The Home Depot. These choices for parts lead to the low cost and ease of manufacture.

Additional key features of the wheelchair include an optional foot rest for shorter children, which

can be easily taken out as they grow older, assisting kids between the ages of three to ten years old. Each component is lightweight and accessible to replace at any given moment, with just a quick run to the hardware store accomplishing the goal of making it attainable for anyone in need.

The team’s mission was to also have the chair be affordable as well, and to last for more than a couple of years in a child’s life.

“Some of the most basic models that you can fnd for pediatric wheelchairs start at $300 and very quickly rise to $3,000,” emphasized Deluna Rodriguez.

“The point isn’t necessarily to make a wheelchair that is much cheaper than what’s currently available. It’s to design something that can be given up for free because we’re aiming for the demographic of families that can’t necessarily afford to shell out those $300 at any one given time.”

The team has designed an assembly manual readily available to possibly pitch to a non-proft organization who can help design the wheelchair or distribute to families in need of the device.

“We also have an assembly manual that we made, so if you have the tool, you can go out to Home Depot, and buy them yourself,” said Cavanaugh.

Their overall long-term goal is to provide a comfortable, affordable and easily attainable wheelchair for children, assisting in the development stages of a child’s life by designing a chair that is not intimidating to them. They all agreed that aiding in the adolescent phase of life, both physically and socially, with a wheelchair like their design can help bridge the gap between kids of all ages

“It looks like a toy, which is the main goal, something that the kid can watch their dad put together, watch their

School choice bill moves forward to be signed into law

By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer

The Texas House decided to move forward with Senate Bill 2. SB 2 allows a $1 billion proposal to help families fund their children’s private school tuition through taxpayer dollars.

Before the passage of SB 2, a lengthy debate accompanied House Bill 2, which would “increase school districts’ money per student, raise teacher salaries and limit the hiring of educators without formal class training.” HB 2 would also improve special education assistance based on a student’s needs. Public school districts began dealing with budget defcits before the passing of the two bills.

SB 2’s 10-hour debate started on April 16 and concluded with a vote in the early hours of the following day. Republicans fully supported the bill, as this would boost support for Governor Greg Abbott’s legislation.

“School choice offcially PASSED the Texas House,” Abbott posted on X after the bill reached its fnal approval among lawmakers. “This is a historic victory for Texas families. I look forward to this school choice legislation reaching my desk, when I will swiftly sign it into law.”

“Passing this bill sends a message to all of Texas. It tells the next generation of Texas leaders: Your path should ft your purpose. Your path should ft what’s best for you, and your family and your ambition will always be greater than any system or any institution,” Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Austin), education committee

chair, shared during the closing of the bill.

Texas has in the past pushed its barrier when it came to education fnancing. It failed, as Democrats have shown opposition and rural Republicans called it a harm to public schools.

As the 2024 elections approached, Abbott slowly obtained voter support and candidates’ approval, building a majority support for SB 2.

All Democrats and two Republicans voted against the bill.

“This bill is everything that is wrong with politics,” Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) said.

Representative James Talarico, D-Austin, attempted to propose an amendment requiring Texan voters to approve the voucher bill before it can be implemented.

“This idea to send the issue of vouchers to the voters originally came from [former] Governor Rick Perry last year,” Talarico said. “A few weeks ago, a group of conservative grassroots activists came up with the idea of an amendment that would do exactly that. They call themselves ‘MAGA moms.’ These are not activists I typically work with, but this issue of private school vouchers brings people together across the political spectrum.”

The fnal Senate concur of House amendments and enrollment of SB 2 took place on April 24 with a fnal vote of 19-12. The program will grow by $4.5 billion per year by 2030. When the school choice bill reaches Abbott’s desk, it will be signed into law, beginning the launch during the 2026-2027 school year.

Deadline approaches for ‘real’ identification to travel in U.S.

By Khoi Nguyen Staff Writer

After years of delay, the federal government will begin enforcing the Real ID Act starting May 7. Non-Real ID-compliant forms of identifcation will no longer be accepted by federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration. People with non-compliant driver’s licenses and identifcation cards will have to get Real ID-compliant forms of identifcation to fy domestically or enter federal buildings. Real IDcompliant licenses and IDs are usually marked by a star in their upper right corner.

Enacted in 2005, the Real ID Act sought to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identifcation, such as driver’s licenses and identifcation cards” as directed by the 9/11 Commission. Yet, for nearly 20 years, adoption hurdles have prevented it from being enforced across the country.

States have expressed opposition to it, citing the lack of federal funding to cover billion-dollar adoption costs, as well as privacy concerns. While most states were Real ID-compliant

by 2020, a backlog of applications during the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the DHS to extend the Real ID deadline to May 7.

Texans need not worry much, as the Texas DPS has issued cards compliant with the Real ID Act since October 2016. According to the Texas DPS, 85% of Texans had Real ID-compliant forms of identifcation in 2020, and those who renew their driver’s license or ID will receive a Real ID-compliant version.

If looking to apply for a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID in Texas, visit a Texas DPS offce. Some may be eligible to renew existing driver’s licenses or IDs online, foregoing inperson visits.

Per the Texas DPS, those interested in getting a Real ID should have these documents: an original or certifed copy of a birth certifcate, an unexpired U.S. passport book or card; a physical social security card; a current Texas vehicle registration or title for those with a vehicle; a current automobile insurance policy, statement or card for those with a vehicle and legal documents showing proof of name change from one’s birth name for those who have had a name change.

Catholics mourn Pope Francis’ passing

By Marisela Cruz Assistant News Editor

Pope Francis, the 266th pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 due to a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure. His fnal resting place is in Vatican City. A funeral took place for him this past Saturday at Saint Peter’s Basilica. CNN, PBS and NBC broadcast the live event. Following the funeral, a nine-day period of mourning has commenced.

In Vatican City, Pope Francis’ funeral mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals — the collective that will elect the next pope. Representatives from approximately 130 countries attended the ceremony, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and William, Prince of Wales were some notable fgures in attendance.

Kielce Gussie, an American

journalist for Vatican News, read Acts 10:34-43 from the Acts of the Apostles — guiding the day’s frst reading. Following Gussie, a homily was presented by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Then Communion was distributed to the congregation before the procession, with the coffn being returned to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Catholic Television San Antonio announced “Novena in memory of Pope Francis,” a nineday mourning period from April 21- April 29. At 7 p.m. Saturday at San Fernando’s Cathedral, a mass was held for the seventh day of mourning.

During the mass, Rev Gustavo Garcia-Siller said “We give thanks to what he did for the church and for the world,” in regard to Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was the frst Latin American pontiff in the church’s history and an advocate for marginalized individuals worldwide. Since his passing, the Vatican that a conclave will elect the next pope May 7. 135 cardinals will vote for a papal successor in the Sistine Chapel.

State of the City

Week of 4/29

By Audrey Villar Staff Writer

Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week covers the newly crowned Rey Feo, reinstated visas, The Walk for Autism and a fugitive highway accident.

Fabian Castillo crowned new Rey Feo

As part of San Antonio’s Fiesta events, Fabian Castillo Sr. was crowned the 76th Rey Feo for the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. Since 1947, the foundation has raised money for scholarships in its mission to encourage and motivate education among the city’s youth. Castillo is an entrepreneur who, despite not having gone to college, plans to support local students and expand the accessibility of education across the city. The foundation will now follow his lead for their purpose and continue to fundraise in pursuit of education for the city’s youth.

International Students’ visas reinstated

Five international UTSA students, two current and three post-grad, had their visas federally reinstated last Friday. They had initially been revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Following a Department of Justice decision, Joe Izbrand, associate vice president for strategic communications and external affairs, confrmed that students’ visas were restored. This came after lawyers argued that Homeland Security and ICE did not have the authority to interfere with the visas. Izbrand’s statement does not account for the two international students’ status. The future of their visas remains unclear.

San Antonians gather to walk for autism

At Palo Alto College last Saturday, approximately 6,000 people gathered to participate in “The Walk For Autism” as a part of San Antonio’s Fiesta weekend. Supporters rallied with high spirits, parading the campus while donning supportive clothing and banners with messages such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The march was hosted by “Any Baby Can” of Southwest Texas, endorsed by the Mayor’s Fitness Council and organized in partnership with H-E-B.

As a part of National Autism Awareness Month, walkers attended for free, being encouraged to donate to ABC to fund their mission to support families of children with varying mental diagnoses.

Fugitive passes away in highway accident

David Powers, a fugitive from Minnesota facing jail time for kidnapping and rape, failed to appear in court for cross-examination last Monday. Following his disappearance, Powers was convicted on all counts by a jury. On Wednesday, Powers was found in San Antonio. There were reports he jumped onto Loop 410 from an overpass and attempted to convince vehicles to stop. When a vehicle stopped to help, Powers assaulted the driver and tried to overtake the car. He was caught and arrested before passing away from injuries at the University Hospital.

Big Brother KENNEDY is always watching

Secretary Kennedy calls for national autism registry amidst ableist rant controversy

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a national autism registry, raising major concerns about privacy, scientific credibility and the rights of disabled individuals. While CBS News reported on the plan, no official announcement has been made.

According to reports, Kennedy’s plan involves gathering private medical data from federal and commercial sources. The goal, as stated, is to help identify the causes of autism — a mission that echoes outdated, discredited theories. The NIH has confirmed it will assist by compiling these records, which will then be shared with researchers selected by the administration.

However, there is little clarity on how these researchers will be chosen, what oversight exists and whether the individuals whose data is being used will be informed or allowed to opt-out. These are critical questions, especially under an administration with a poor track record of transparency and respect for scientific norms.

Kennedy’s recent comments have only deepened concerns. In his first press conference as HHS Secretary, he claimed that autistic individuals “will never pay taxes,” “never write a poem” or “never go on a date.” He painted autism as something that “destroys” families. These statements are not just offensive— they are false. A 2023 study by the CDC and university researchers found that only about 25% of autistic people have severe limitations, and even so, autism alone does not dictate their quality of life. Most autistic people do not match the picture Kennedy described.

Even more troubling is that Kennedy’s plan comes

as the administration proposes sweeping cuts to disability services. Draft budget documents show plans to eliminate funding for autism research, special education programs and services supporting people with disabilities. The Department of Education — which serves over 7 million students with disabilities — also faces proposed cuts, while responsibility for some of these services is

Abbott puts Texas in the dog(e) house

Commentary

By Johnpaul Buwule Staff Writer

Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 14, passed with bipartisan support, to create the Texas Regulatory Effciency Offce — a regulatory agency aimed at reducing Texas’ bureaucratic regulations.

On April 23, Abbott traced this bill’s inspiration to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Effciency. Abbott stated that “Texas can have our own DOGE,” explaining, “What this law is going to do is make [the] government more effcient and less costly.”

DOGE has wielded a sledgehammer, tearing away existing structures within the federal government and upending federal bureaucracies at Americans’

of SB 14 is about more than just creating an effcient government; the bill is about wreaking havoc on Texas’ regulatory agencies in the same way DOGE has done to the federal bureaucracy.

Instead of passing legislation to maximize the board’s effciency, lawmakers and Abbott have passed a law that gives the governor more control over the state bureaucracy.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows explained, “The fewer regulations we have, the more effcient they are, the easier they are to understand — is going to help Texas business and economy continue to boom.” That is the exact function of Texas’ DOGE: eliminating or hindering state agencies that regulate businesses for manipulative, illegal practices. regulations are not conducive to economic or governmental effciency; they incentivize businesses’ rogue

being shifted to HHS under Kennedy’s leadership. The contradiction is glaring. The administration claims to support families affected by autism while actively dismantling the very programs that help them. They dismantle evidence-based services and replace them with flawed, ideological efforts, then attempt to claim credit for “helping.”

The Trump administration’s broader record does not inspire confidence either. It has undermined public health, slashed medical research funding and banned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — programs that directly benefit disabled communities. Trust in this administration’s handling of sensitive health data is already low.

NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya recently stated the registry’s purpose is to streamline access to fragmented data. Centralizing such sensitive information without clear safeguards could do more harm than good — especially if it is used to advance harmful narratives rather than science-based solutions.

Finally, Kennedy has promised a series of studies to pinpoint “environmental toxins” as the cause of autism despite overwhelming evidence that autism is a complex condition with no single cause. This pursuit risks fueling misinformation and stigmatizing autism even further. At its core, this initiative is not about helping families but about dehumanization and control. It is about collecting data without consent, pushing questionable science and cutting essential support systems, all while claiming moral high ground. People with autism — and the broader disability community — deserve better than this.

Meeting the antichrist

Commentary

By Kara Lee Graphic Editor

One of Pope Francis’ fnal encounters before his death was with the U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who visited the Vatican over the weekend.

Vance’s visit had political overtones.

On Saturday, he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin for what the Vatican described as “an exchange of opinions.” Under Pope Francis’ leadership, the Catholic Church has strongly advocated for the rights of migrants and refugees — a stance that stands in stark contrast to the hardline immigration policies promoted by Vance and President Donald Trump.

He once said, “I hope my faith makes me more compassionate and to identify with people who are struggling,” yet his policies suggest otherwise.

Despite being someone who claims to be a “godly” man, Vance often seems strikingly indifferent to human suffering, especially when it does not align with his political agenda. He presents himself as compassionate yet consistently disregards cries for help. In truth, Vance appears more loyal to Trump than to the teachings of Christ.

Earlier this year, in an interview with Sean Hannity, Vance discussed a “Christian concept” that love and compassion begin with family, then extend to neighbors and fnally to the nation.

Though Francis avoided naming individuals, he made his views unmistakably clear in a February letter to U.S. bishops. In that message, he did not just criticize the Trump-Vance agenda, particularly their treatment of migrants and refugees; he condemned a broader trend of weaponizing Christianity to advance authoritarian populism.

bureaucracy is complex. With its complexity and less centralized form of power, state agencies may function slower and more disconnected; however, addressing these ineffciencies meaningfully should be done on a line-by-line basis, with expert advice and in coordination with the Texas Legislature. Like DOGE, Abbott is bypassing viable solutions and exploiting a weakness within the Texas government to attain more power, preparing himself to wreck Texas’

An excess of discipline

By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor

Vincent

Francis wrote, “The act of deporting people who in many cases have left their land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families.”

He added, “The true common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all welcome, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”

Vance’s offce issued a statement saying the vice president and the pope “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world and President Trump’s commitments to restoring world peace.”

The irony is diffcult to ignore. Vance, who often speaks of how seriously he takes his Catholic faith, does not appear to live by its basic principles.

Pope Francis directly pushed back on this view. In his letter to U.S. Bishops, he wrote, “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups. In other words: the human person is not a mere individual, relatively expansive, with some philanthropic feelings!” He continued, “The true ordo amoris that must be promoted is that which we discover by meditating constantly on the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’ that is, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception.” Vance represents a brand of far-right populism that disguises nationalism as a Christian virtue. However, Pope Francis made it unmistakably clear that the Church cannot align itself with an “America First” ideology. At its core, Catholicism calls for universal compassion, not selective empathy wrapped in the fag.

Petty chaos

Commentary

By Meadow Riley Staff Writer

OpiNION

RFK Jr.’s slice leaves health on ice

By Selasie Gifa-Johnson Staff Writer

Shortly after his inauguration in January of 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy as U.S. Secretary of Human Health Services despite pushback from legislators. Kennedy has spent most of his career as an environmental lawyer, which does not provide him with the necessary acumen to properly fulfll the responsibilities of his new position as Secretary of HHS. As secretary, he has several responsibilities, including advising the president on healthcare issues, developing and implementing new health policies based on scientifc research and managing the Food and Drug Administration.

A key part of the FDA’s primary role is to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the food and drugs available to Americans. This is primarily done through comprehensive evaluations to ensure standards are being upheld. Kennedy’s stance as an anti-vaxxer does not inherently indicate he is unft for this new role, but

his recent sweeping staff cuts make his incompetence clear. The misguided cuts within the U.S. FDA represent Kennedy’s glaring ineptitude to fulfll the role Trump appointed him to. To his credit, Kennedy has been gradually eliminating harmful food dyes in the U.S.

As part of the current presidential administration’s initiative to reduce federal spending through mass layoffs, Kennedy cut 10,000 jobs across HHS, with 3,500 being from the FDA. Although the rationale for this massive reduction in force was to eliminate redundant positions and increase effciency, the practical result was that many essential scientists and experts in niche felds were laid off. These employment cuts ultimately led to the FDA’s inability to conduct safety quality checks. The danger in this lapse of the FDA’s responsibilities is the increased potential for transmission of foodborne illnesses and bacteria — like salmonella, listeria and E. Coli. Without the FDA’s safety checks, there will be uncertainty regarding the quality of foods available to Americans.

The fact that after the staff cuts, the

FDA could not continue fulflling its minimum responsibilities demonstrates that RFK’s haphazard reduction in force was ill-informed. While trying to remove redundant positions, he failed to distinguish between unnecessary and vital ones. His lack of comprehension of the nuances present in these positions stems from his limited expertise in a health service environment. His previous career as an environmental lawyer has little in common with his new position, leading one to question the validity of his appointment.

Reducing federal spending is a positive endeavour for any government agency; however, the FDA’s funding should be carefully preserved, given its importance in maintaining the health of Americans and preventing possible epidemics. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a budget over fve times that of the FDA. Still, despite this, both agencies experienced similar levels of staff cuts, further highlighting the lack of nuance in the approach of fgures like RFK, who have no background in health services.

The Paisano

Editorial Board

Jake Mireles | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com

Jasmine Williams | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com

Alessandra Avila | News Editor News@paisano-online.com

Marcela Montufar Soria | Opinion Editor Opinion@paisano-online.com

Malaki Lingg | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com

Haley Aguayo | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com

Raul Martinez | Web Editor Web@paisano-online.com

Armin Suljovic |

Kara

Regan Williams | Multimedia Editor Multimedia@paisano-online.com

Sofa Mejia |

Jaclyn Banda | Business Manager Business@paisano-online.com

Karis

By Marcela Montufar Soria Opinion Editor

Sir Lewis Hamilton is the most successful Formula 1 driver in the sport’s 75-year history, with seven world championships, 105 race wins and 104 pole positions. He joined the legendary Scuderia Ferrari at the beginning of 2025, and despite taking his and Ferrari’s frst Sprint Race win in China early in the season, Hamilton has received harsh criticism for his subsequent performance. This criticism is laced with racial discrimination and based on hyperbolic doomsday scenarios.

Hamilton has an average fnishing position of 7.33 fve races into the 2025 season and is currently seventh in the Driver Standings with 31 total points, 68 points behind the championship leader. The British driver has struggled with his qualifying and race pace as he adjusts to his new team, car and power unit. Furthermore, Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc were disqualifed from the Chinese GP and lost all their points from the feature race due to team errors, further widening the gap to their competitors.

“I don’t have an answer. I’m struggling,” Hamilton said after the Saudi Arabian GP. “I fnd it hard to feel the car underneath me. But yes, there’s nothing specifc. There’s nothing that leads you to say: ‘Here, this is the problem.’ I think I will also have diffculties in Miami. I don’t know how much longer I will keep struggling, but it is undoubtedly frustrating.”

The expectations on Hamilton’s shoulders are as heavy as the weight of all his trophies, and the way the media are treating him is disrespectful and embarrassing to journalism.

As the frst and only Black F1 driver in history, Hamilton has always been an easy target for the media. Every aspect of his behaviour is under ridiculous scrutiny,

from how he drives to how he answers questions. The simple fact is that Hamilton has nothing more to prove, if he ever did.

He got a podium fnish in his frstever race and won his sixth. His records are miles ahead of everyone else’s, and he is still racing with as much grit and determination at 40 years old as when he was a rookie. The insinuation that he should retire or that he is “washed” is completely ludicrous.

Hamilton is adjusting to a new environment and vehicle after a long tenure at Mercedes; naturally, adapting to Ferrari’s methods, people and car will take time. Furthermore, it is not as if the Scuderia is all sunshine and rainbows.

Ferrari’s technical performance is inferior to their 2024 performance, which was not stellar to begin with. The team has not won a Constructors or Driver’s championship since 2007 — the year Hamilton joined the grid. Many times, he was the one who thwarted Ferrari’s chances of victory. The Italian team is in recovery mode, continually striving to improve until they return to the forefront with the very best drivers.

“I will be 2000% behind him,” Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur said after the Saudi Arabia GP. “I will give him support here, and we will start from tomorrow morning to try to fnd solutions and reasons and to work on it early in the morning.”

“We did fve races so far,” he told Sky Sports UK. “I know that you want to have the big headlines tomorrow that ‘Fred said this.’ But this is f-cking bullsh-t.”

Vasseur could not be more right. Lewis Hamilton is a name bigger than F1, and any headline that mentions him, whether fattering or insulting, is bound to get desperate pseudo-journalists a chance to shine. It is cheap reporting to take Hamilton’s recent results and throw away

a career of phenomenal successes as if his skill at the wheel could just vanish one day.

Ferrari is a team that, unfortunately, has forgotten what it feels like to win, and there is no greater winner in F1 than Hamilton. Together, they can remember the feeling.

“Please keep your fngers crossed,”

Hamilton told fans at an event in London on April 25. “I’m not going to give up.

Thank you all so much. I appreciate it.

‘Still, we rise,’ right?”

“Still, I/we rise” is Hamilton’s motto, present on his helmets and tattooed on his back.

Better results are on the way for the seven-time world champion; it is only a matter of time. Meanwhile, F1’s press pundits must learn how to behave like real journalists.

The Editorial is the offcial opinion of The Paisano editorial board. Commentaries are

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arts & life

levitation and resound host austin psych fest

By

Lingg Arts & Life Editor

Just 88 miles from UTSA’s Main Campus, the Austin-based promoter Resound brought together a phenomenal group of artists to perform at Austin Psych Fest 2025. With big names such as Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Kim Gordon, StrFkr, Boa, Yo La Tengo, Geordie Greep and Dinosaur Jr., Psych Fest was guaranteed to pull crowds — and pull crowds it did. Taking place Friday through Sunday, Psych Fest was a trip for those in attendance.

The most memorable experience from the frst day came from Godspeed! You Black Emperor. Taking the Willie stage at 8:45 p.m. on Friday, Godspeed! drew in a massive crowd. Everyone attending the festivalance that day was there for the set, and reasonably so. The band, consisting of nine-members, spread across the stage and flled the gaps between their set with dark lighting and beautiful projected visuals. With no vocals, Godspeed! feels like a true psych-rock experience, letting fans close their eyes and focus on the music, with nothing fashy to distract from the melodies.

Day two, the most exciting day, came and fashed by with non-stop exciting performances. Geordie

Greep, Strfkr and Kim Gordon consecutively played on the Willie stage, leaving many fans camping for all three phenomenal performances.

Hot off his debut solo project, former Black Midi guitarist Geordie Greep amassed an impressive crowd. Geordie’s modern take on jazz-rock is incredible live, with room to let the notes ring and ample space for improvisation. Attendees could tell Greep and his band derived pleasure from their performance. Another indicator of this was seen in how engaged the crowd was.

Following Greep, StrkFkr’s striking style held its own. Following suit like artists performing festivals in the Tumblr era, StrFkr came out in eccentric outfts and equipped with confetti cannons. Their entire set remained energetic and nostalgic, truly capturing the essence of the early Coachella experience.

The most impressive performance of the night had to come from Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon. Her set was downright phenomenal. Performing songs from her newest album, “Help,” her experimental, art-punk sound is genuinely infectious. Songs like “BYE BYE” have her nonsensically listing out items she would keep in her purse, all while an aggressive instrumental flls the air behind her vocals. The backing for all her songs excites, with every song feeling new —

aptly ftting her experimental rock routes from her time with Sonic Youth. While Gordon is not a new artist or the next big thing, her sound remains fresh and exploratory.

Finally, day three closes off the fest with multiple indie rock powerhouses from the past twenty years.

Notable performances of the night come from Dean Wareham of Galaxie 500, Yo la Tengo, Boa and, of course, the headliners Dinosaur Jr.

The last set of the night at the Janis stage came from English indie-pop legends, Boa. When frontrunner Jasmine Rodgers came out, the crowd erupted into screams — it really is a wonder what TikTok fame can do to a band. For most of the set, Boa played songs other than what was put out with their classic, “Twilight.” Though, of course, at the end of their fantastic set, the band fnally played their hit song, “Duvet.”

Being the fnal act, Dinosaur Jr. naturally drew the largest crowd. With an ever-growing sea of fans, the band played the entirety of their 1994 classic, “Without a Sound.” Resound’s APF 2025 went off without a hitch, bringing three days of excitement and music to Central Texas. While APF may be a smaller festival, Resound brought together a lineup on par with ACL — an achievement for the promoters and a win for music lovers.

Laika Cheesecakes blends fl avor and community

By Kara Lee Graphics Editor

Laika Cheesecakes & Espresso has gained a dedicated social following with its signature cheesecake jars and celebration of Ukrainian heritage. Founded in 2020 by Ukraine-born Anna Afanasieva, the bakery opened its frst storefront along San Antonio’s Broadway corridor at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Since its launch, Laika Cheesecakes & Espresso has remained active within the local community through frequent engagement, charitable giving and sustainability efforts.

“We do all kinds of stuff. We do fundraisers. We have donations that we send to Ukraine, and everything from the board and everything going on,” assistant manager Gillian Cortez, said. “The owners are also local — it’s just a small business. So, we do a lot of giveaways. We do a lot like recycling and jar competitions. We like to take suggestions for drinks and cheesecake favors from the customers.”

According to Cortez, the bakery’s concept was driven by a lack of similar offerings in the city.

“She didn’t really have anything like this here in San Antonio, so I think they were more so looking for that. The owner makes all the recipes, so she just wanted to share that. And she’s from Ukraine and Slovakia, so it’s more like a European-style cheesecake. I think it was bringing that here to San Antonio, making something different, making something super unique to the city,” Cortez said.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Laika Cheesecakes & Espresso

hosted a fundraising event that generated more than $72,000 in one weekend.

Approximately $25,000 was raised through direct donations, with the remaining funds generated from dessert and coffee sales.

Since its opening, the business has expanded to include three additional locations across the greater San Antonio area, including Helotes, Alamo Ranch and New Braunfels.

Cortez emphasized the importance of supporting neighborhood establishments.

“It helps solidify your support for local businesses and they’re supporting the community,” Cortez said. “It’s always about giving back– I feel like that’s really important. I think people come in and they feel that vibe, and they just agree. And they just appreciate a lot more, as opposed to a big restaurant.”

Located across from the University of the Incarnate Word, the original Laika Cheesecakes & Espresso location sits in a small shopping plaza. The business takes its name from Laika, the Soviet space dog who became the frst animal in orbit aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957.

Cheesecakes at Laika Cheesecakes & Espresso are served in reusable glass jars with metal screwtop lids, offering customers a convenient and eco-friendly way to store leftovers. The business rotates its selection of favors weekly, with seasonal options alongside staples like New York Strawberry, Tres Leches and Cookies and Cream. New favors and consistent community presence have helped Laika Cheesecakes & Espresso maintain a loyal customer base while drawing in new visitors eager to try something different.

Arts & Life

Tradition and chicken reigns supreme at Fiesta Fiesta

By Christopher Delgado

Copyediting Coordinator

Lines of attendees form behind vendors doing giveaways as the Fort Sam 323d Army Band’s “35 to Nowhere” reverberates throughout the air. Festivalgoers adorning festa medals, comically large hats and fower crowns wander in search of rare Fiesta medals and their next drink. Travis Park hosts Fiesta Fiesta presented by Toyota on April 24. The event marks the beginning of San Antonio’s Fiesta 2025.

The event begins at 4 p.m., but the grounds do not become crowded until the sun begins to set.

A parade consisting of festival royalty, local organizations and the Sam Houston High School Marching Band invites festivalgoers to holler and dance along. Grand Marshal Michael Quintanilla leads the procession, ecstatically dancing to the rhythm of the Sam Houston Marching Band. The Fiesta royal courts follow closely behind the marching band, and they pass out medallions to guests crowding the parade line.

The perimeter of Travis Park is lined with small businesses and project management offces. Businesses sell Huipil-style dresses, guayaberas, fower crowns and Fiesta paraphernalia. The project management offces, including the League of United Latin American Citizens and Battle of Flowers Association, advertise their causes while selling Fiesta medals.

“It’s the community. It’s a part with a purpose,”

Turtle shells and papal tribulations

By Marcela Montufar Soria Opinion Editor Reviews

commented Elder Eats Host David Elder with a “Chick-fl-A on a stick” in hand. “There are so many nonprofts here. It serves a huge economic purpose. Without the Final Four, [Fiesta] would have the largest economic injection this year. It’s bringing people from all over the world. It’s the food, the culture and the people.”

At the celebration, Chick-fl-A unveils its chicken on a stick, which is available at two San Antonio Chick-fl-A restaurants until May 3. Introduced to the Fiesta scene at A Night in Old San Antonio, chicken on a stick has become a fan favorite and Fiesta staple. Chick-fl-A’s iteration leaves much to be desired, particularly with the chicken. A classic version of the Fiesta food has a faky, crunchy crust that Chick-fl-A’s interpretation lacks. The chicken’s texture is vital. Chick-fl-A offers two options: spicy and original. However, since the chicken pairs with jalapenos on the stick, there is no need for the spicy option. Stick to the local option when grabbing a chicken on a stick this Fiesta.

Once attendees began to fll up on drinks and food, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, along with Fiesta President David Christian, King Antonio CII Paul Rohlfs Jr. and Rey Feo LXXVI Fabian Castillo Sr., took the stage to usher in the 2025 Fiesta season. The e7 band follows the mayor and Fiesta royalty to close out the night’s festivities. Attendees lit up the park with glow sticks and light-up hats until the event’s end at 10 p.m., but Downtown San Antonio’s streets continue to tremble under the weight of celebration long past Fiesta Fiesta’s end.

Spring fashion collections straight from the Garden

By Sofa Mejia Magazine Editor

San Antonio’s fashion scene is blossoming thanks to the joint efforts of Fashion Business Network, San Antonio’s government and talented artists. The San Antonio Botanical Garden kicked off Fiesta with “Viva Botanica,” a sustainable fashion showcase.

Audiences emerge from the greenhouse, opening the door to reveal a stage planted in the garden’s center. Kaya Dublin, CEO of FBN, wears a scarlet dress with a rose blooming from the fabric on her shoulder, and co-founder Cassandra Rodriguez dons Daughter of Venus, Catherine Elizabeth’s clothing line.

“Creating FBN was truly just

to give back our love and our passion for our community,” Rodriguez said. “We love building up our community. To encourage, inspire and uplift the community and teach them [what] we’ve been taught.”

Beginning as interns, the two saw a need in the city to elevate designers and, since 2017, have worked to spotlight artists in the community. Viva Botanica is the frst offcial fashion show for Fiesta and is funded by the City of San Antonio’s Offce of Sustainability.

The show begins with models emerging from garden scenery into the center circle, surrounded by fauna as they walk down the path. The garden is the perfect display for sustainable fashion, as it gives audiences a chance to view the clothing in natural daylight.

Eight designers graced the runway; they are as follows. Minx and Onyx’s outfts are vibrant traditional Fiesta-colored dresses with added features for everyday wear. Instead of the full skirt, they opt for a forestgreen-patterned blouse and black leggings. They create festive clothing that can be worn to work.

De La Rosa Designs features a quilted bag with bold, contrasting lines against a white plush fabric, resembling loose threads. The crowd-favorite wedding dress includes a giant, beautifully crafted white tulle over a pink fora dress. Both pieces appear separate, so they can be worn on more occasions than just the wedding day.

Continue reading at paisano-online.com

Edward Berger’s political thriller “Conclave” released in October 2024, but has recently gained traction in the aftermath of Pope Francis’ passing. The flm is based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel of the same name, featuring a cast that draws the audience into the plot, with phenomenal, top-tier screenwriting and cinematography.

“Conclave” follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, played by a stellar Ralph Fiennes. After the death of the pope, Lawrence is charged with presiding over the conclave that will elect his successor.

Fiennes received an Academy Award nomination for his work, and it was well deserved. Lawrence, based on the book’s Jacopo Lomeli, could not be more miserable in his job, tortured by a crisis of faith and the political agendas of the cardinals surrounding him. As the conclave unfolds, Lawrence breaks out of his passive shell to steer the church away from four ambitious cardinals in a series of political moves that put the audience on the edge of their seats.

The frst is Lawrence’s friend Aldo Bellini, played by Stanley Tucci. Bellini presents himself as a reluctant candidate, claiming he only wishes the papacy to prevent worse men from taking it, but his own ambition is revealed as the plot develops. He acts as Lawrence’s confdant, as the politics of the curia haunt him, and their scenes together are used to transform Lomeli’s inner thoughts from the book into dialogue for the audience’s beneft.

Also involved is the moderate Joseph Tremblay, played by John Lithgow, whose lies and corruption make him an unworthy candidate.

The scene where Lawrence discovers and then reveals that Tremblay purchased various cardinals’ votes is a pivotal point in the movie and for Lawrence’s character growth.

Prevalent in those scenes is the severe Sister Agnes, played by Isabella Rossellini, who

represents the importance of women in the running of the church despite its segregation.

Two conservative candidates drive the plot as the men who would overturn much of the previous pope’s reforms. The charismatic Nigerian Joshua Adayemi, played by Lucian Msamati, is a popular candidate who wishes to become the frst African pope. The traditionalist Italian Goffredo Tedesco, played brilliantly by Sergio Castellito, wants to drive all Muslims out of Italy and return the church to the practices predating the Second Vatican Council. None of them get the big job despite their prominence. The movie’s breakout star is the Mexican actor Carlos Diehz, who plays the gentle Cardinal Vincent Benitez. Although Benitez spends most of the flm in the background compared to the other cardinals, brief scenes showcase his compassion and wisdom. After Benitez is voted pope — in a moment the movie presents as a spiritual revelation for the cardinals — he reveals to Lawrence that he is intersex in one of the movie’s controversial highlights. His exact circumstances are changed from the book to make it more realistic, and Diehz’s portrayal of Benitez as a man captured between two worlds is remarkable for it being his frst feature flm. At all times, “Conclave” leaves audiences stunned with its steady and patient pacing, vibrant shots and a thrilling soundtrack composed by Academy Award winner Volker Bertelmann. It masterfully transfers all the beauty and scholarship of the book to the big screen, presenting the characters as concrete human beings with desires, faults and virtues. It is a love letter to faith more so than to the Catholic Church, with careful attention to detail that inspires awe and contemplation. Fans of “Conclave” will be disappointed to miss out on what exactly will take place in the Sistine Chapel starting May 7 when the College of Cardinals meets to choose Pope Francis’ successor. One can only hope that the upcoming election is as exciting as its representation and that the real Dean of the College of Cardinals is not as anxious as his fctional counterpart, even if it makes for great cinema.

By Michael Morales Staff Writer

Read online at paisano-online.com

Roadrunners best Bluff City Tigers

UTSA takes series over Memphis, remains perfect in conference play

By Rylan Renteria Staff Writer

UTSA baseball swept the University of Memphis 12-2, 17-7, 6-5 over the weekend at Roadrunner Field.

The Roadrunners (33-10, 15-3 AAC) took the opening game thanks to a balanced offensive output at the plate and a standout performance from the team’s ace on the mound. The ‘Runners locked up the series in game two after run-ruling the Tigers (16-25, 4-12 AAC) in walk-off fashion, then secured their sixth sweep of the season on Sunday.

Game one

Memphis took an early 1-0 lead off a solo shot from outfelder Chase Nixon before being outscored 12-1 over the ensuing fve innings. Six different Roadrunners put runs on the board across the middle innings; senior outfelder James Taussig and junior infelder Ty Hodge each had four RBIs. With the team’s Friday-night starter — junior pitcher Zach Royse — on the mound, UTSA only needed seven innings to defeat the Tigers. Royse lasted six innings and tossed nine strikeouts — a total he’s reached three times this season.

“Tonight, I thought [Royse] had his best stuff,” Coach Pat Hallmark said. “Which is saying something because he’s usually 93 miles-per-hour. Great job by Royse.”

Game two

UTSA took a sizable lead in the middle innings of game two. Memphis never led but kept chipping away at its defcit in the seventh and eighth frames.

Sophomore utility Diego Diaz drove in an RBI double down the left-feld line in the bottom of

the eighth frame before Taussig called game with a three-run blast 438 feet over center feld.

“I was just looking for a fastball,” Taussig said of his walk-off home run. “Late in the game, kind of a big score, I know they’re trying to get ahead of me. I got a pitch up [in the zone] which I like to hit, and [I] was just able to get to it.”

Game three

It took the ‘Runners 11 innings to close out the series on Sunday. UTSA trailed entering the eighth frame before RBIs from Hodge and junior catcher Broc Parmer tied the game fve-all. Hodge nearly walked-off Memphis in the ninth, but a diving catch from Tigers outfelder Cade Greer pushed the game into extra innings. Hodge got his opportunity again with the bases loaded in the eleventh. This time, he delivered.

“I kind of thought he was going to go fastball just because it was bases loaded with the winning run on third,” Hodge said of his approach in the fnal at-bat. “Fastball is [the opposing pitcher’s] best pitch, so I fgured he’d go fastball. So, I was just ready to hit that.”

Hodge registered 12 RBIs across the series, and his six RBIs against Memphis on Saturday are his season-best. Taussig had himself an impressive series as well, launching home runs over the left, right and center feld walls across the weekend. Junior pitcher Connor Kelley had the best performance on the mound, tossing three scoreless innings in the fnale to help secure the sweep.

UTSA will next face the bitter rival Texas State University Bobcats at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Bobcat Ballpark.

utsa db zah frazier selected in the fifth round of the 2025 nfl draft by the chicago bears

Jordyn Jenkins signs c ontract with the Las Vegas Aces

Jordyn Jenkins continues to make UTSA history, becoming the frst Roadrunner to sign with a WNBA team after agreeing to a training camp contract with the Las Vegas Aces. Her signing marks not only a milestone for her own career but a breakthrough moment for UTSA women’s basketball, which has been steadily building toward national recognition. For Jenkins, this opportunity represents the next chapter of an already decorated college career that has earned her respect at every stop.

Jenkins’ path to the professional ranks was paved with record-setting production. After transferring to UTSA from the University of Southern California, she immediately became the program’s centerpiece, winning Conference USA Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors in the 2022-23 season while setting a school record with 659 points.

Despite a knee injury that sidelined her for much of her senior year, Jenkins returned to lead the American Athletic Conference in scoring in the 2024-25 season, averaging 18.8 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting nearly 48% from the feld. Her consistent scoring, tough rebounding, defense and effciency made her one of college basketball’s most dynamic players, culminating in her being named the 2024-25 AAC Player of the Year — the second conference Player of the Year honor of her collegiate career.

Although Jenkins was not selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, her signing with Las Vegas is no coincidence. The Aces, back-to-back WNBA champions in 2022 and 2023, are one of the premier franchises in the league, led by head coach Becky Hammon. A former San Antonio Spurs assistant and a Hall of Fame inductee, she has deep ties to San Antonio, where Jenkins built her college legacy. Before the Aces relocated

to Las Vegas, they were the San Antonio Silver Stars, a team Hammon once starred for as one of the franchise’s defning players. Hammon helped turn the Silver Stars into a contender during her playing career, and her connection to San Antonio adds another layer of signifcance to Jenkins’ signing.

That connection grew even stronger in January when Hammon attended a UTSA game at the Convocation Center, where Jenkins put on a 21-point performance against the Wichita State Shockers, helping open the door for this opportunity. Hammon’s presence at the game and subsequent decision to bring Jenkins into camp shows a belief in her potential and a willingness to help a player from her former basketball home take the next step.

Bringing Jenkins into camp is a smart move for the Aces. With stars like A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Lloyd already in place, Las Vegas does not have many open roster spots, but Jenkins’ ability to create offense, attack the boards and compete on defense could give her a real shot to earn one. In a camp where performance in every practice matters, her skill set and work ethic will be her biggest assets.

Even if she does not make the Aces’ fnal roster this season, Jenkins’ signing sends a powerful message. She has elevated the Roadrunners women’s basketball program onto the professional map and inspired a new generation of players at UTSA and beyond. Her story refects the growing opportunity for women’s basketball players nationwide as the WNBA continues to gain momentum.

Jordyn Jenkins’ arrival at the professional level shows that excellence at UTSA can lead to the biggest stages. Now, with a chance to learn under one of the game’s sharpest minds in Hammon and compete alongside some of the league’s best, Jenkins’ journey is only beginning.

Track and Field takes on the Texas Invitational

Eight different Roadrunners earn top-five finishes in Austin

By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor

UTSA Track and Field vied for top-three fnishes on Thursday and Friday at the Texas Invitational at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Day one:

Estonian sophomore Edlin Laur served as the shining light among the Roadrunners on an otherwise gloomy day. Between practice, weather delays and resumption of the competition, Laur managed to return and outperform those around her, including junior Madelen Sveinungsen, to take frst place in high jump.

Despite earning her gold-medal fnish, she was humbled by the rain and the cold weather, convinced that it was the factor keeping her from achieving her goal of reaching a new height: 1.80 meters.

“I’m happy because this season, high jump has not gone as well as freshman year,” Laur said of her frst-place fnish. “I’m satisfed even if the result wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to get over 1.80, but I’m so happy that I’m progressively getting better.”

Norwegian sophomore Ida Breigan — known for her success in long jump at UTSA — faltered as she fell to ffth place after consistently holding the frst-place title through her frst two longjump attempts. Fellow Norwegian freshman Mia Lien — who has been steadily improving her longjump game since the 44 Farms Team Invitational — surpassed Breigan to stake a claim for third place with a 6.15m distance during her second round.

Despite recording personal and season bests, track athletes dropped to last place across the board

in events such as the women’s 200m, men’s and women’s 3000m steeplechase and the women’s 5000m race. Most notably, freshman Zane Hodges surrendered his frst-place lead in men’s 400m hurdles after tripping on the secondto-last hurdle.

Day two:

Thursday’s loss became Friday’s win for sophomore Martin Kouyoumdjian. The Chilean native did not start his scheduled race on Thursday but set a personal best the following day with a time of 46.70 seconds in the men’s 400m.

Italy’s Olympic representative — junior Fatoumata Kabo — lived up to the title and fnally fnished top three in her event for the frst time during the outdoor season. Raking in a time of 53.46 seconds, Kabo took third place in the women’s 400m race.

An additional frst for the season arose when freshman Mifri Veso, competing for the frst time in outdoor this season, found success during her second try at triple jump. She came out on top with a distance of 12.33m to close out her event and take home fourth place.

Among the 35 UTSA athletes who competed, a meager eight secured top-fve fnishes in events featuring more than fve competitors. The Roadrunners have continuously struggled in long-distance running events since entering the outdoor season, coming in last place against big universities. Few women participating in feld events have posted winning scores this season while the men have claimed tailend results.

UTSA will return to College Station to compete in the Alumni Muster Saturday at E.B. Cushing Stadium.

UTSA softball huddles prior to the team’s opening game conference matchup against

‘Runners rout Golden Hurricane

UTSA picks up first American Athletic Conference series win

By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor

UTSA softball closed its fnal home series of the season by winning two of three against the University of Tulsa 4-3, 2-1, 5-0 at Roadrunner Field.

Game one: Friday’s close-knit contest between the two AAC opponents was settled in extra innings. UTSA scored three runs unanswered before Tulsa managed to even the score at 3-3 in the seventh inning.

Senior utility Crislyne Moreno opened the game the same way she closed it: with a home run. Moreno took her frst journey around the bases when she shot a ball over the left feld fence during the frst inning. Her efforts during the eighth inning earned her cheers from the dugout, setting the tone for their fnal stand at home. Moreno pushed her fnal at-bat over the highest peak of the center-feld fence to fnish the game in a true walk-off fashion, earning two RBI’s in the process.

Senior outfelder Lindsey Davis and senior infelder Camryn Robillard

knocked in runs of their own in the ffth inning that helped UTSA gain an edge over Tulsa.

Game two:

The ‘Runners dropped the second game of the series by one run. The lone run was scored by the team’s premiere backstop, sophomore Kalee Rochinski — who smashed a solo home run in the bottom of the second, posting the frst and only run of the game.

“We would have fought anyway. We would have given 100% no matter what,” Davis said of their Saturday loss. “None of the calls were going our way. Nothing was falling our way. But we gave 100% regardless.”

Game three:

In a thrilling series fnale that began with back-to-back homers in the frst inning, the Roadrunners shut out the Golden Hurricane and proved that they can look adversity in the face and come out stronger on the other side. Although their season has yet to conclude, the ‘Runners’ energetic approach to Sunday’s game put them ahead of Tulsa in the AAC rankings.

Seniors shone during their last bout at Roadrunner feld, as Moreno and Davis knocked out home runs in the frst and fourth innings, respectively. It was the efforts from an underclassmen that helped hold the Golden Hurricane

Texas sweeps UTSA in spring showdown

Offensively inclined Roadrunners drop their final spring match due to defensive errors

By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor

UTSA volleyball closed out its spring campaign against The University of Texas at Austin with a 3-0 loss on Friday at the Convocation Center.

Similar to last April, the Roadrunners played the Longhorns in sell-out fashion where fans witnessed an energized game played on both sides. Through three sets, the two teams not only traded points but traded leads as well, tying up the match 19 times before the ‘Runners fell 26-24, 25-22, 25-20. Defensive errors got the better of UTSA as Texas began to take control offensively in the second set.

“I like the response back from them when Texas was going on two, three point runs,” coach Carol Price-Torok said. “I love the positive touches, but they run a way faster tempo than we run in our gym, so it took us a minute to fgure that out. Then we got caught up by them just staying fast, but it’s really great to see that they’re responding in point production from the service lines ourselves.”

The tides began to turn when senior middle blocker Alicia Coppedge tipped the ball to gain a 2-point lead midway through the second set, but that was the last time the ‘Runners led the game during that set. Though, due to 11 kills, seven of those coming from junior opposite hitter Mia Soerensen, UTSA tied up the match two additional times after initially dropping their lead. The Roadrunners lost the set by three points due to the Longhorns fnding success placing the ball in the center back zone; a tactic they continued to carry out in the third set.

UTSA suffered its biggest setback of the match after allowing the Longhorns to score four points unanswered, but through kills from the front line — senior outside hitter Caroline Krueger, Coppedge and sophomore outside hitter Isabella Arroyave — the ‘Runners shrunk the defcit down to two.

scoreless.

Through the frst fve innings, freshman pitcher Ava Eldridge kept Tulsa from scoring a single run or registering a single hit, retiring every batter.

“Coming into the past couple of games, Ava has been dominant,” Davis said. “It’s not because she didn’t have the skill set, it’s the mentality of, ‘I’m so bad.’ But focusing on getting the girls in the dugout on the feld takes the pressure off of her.”

Coach Vann Stuedeman has nearly completed her second season at UTSA and has come up shy of a winning season for the second year in a row, yet the positivity and the culture she has established since entering Roadrunner Field has bordered on triumphant. She has increased her win total from her frst season, and the women on the team have refused to turn away from the feld after home losses with anything but smiles on their faces. In her upward trajectory, one can only assume that every season will be better than the last.

UTSA will play its fnal series of the year against University of South Florida at 3 p.m. Friday at USF Softball Stadium.

“Isabella did a really great job on the outside, and Krueger got going at the end as she continued to play, same with Mia,” Price-Torok said. “In the second set, [Mia] really picked it up and started producing for us. The biggest thing was that we couldn’t get the ball to the middle as much as we wanted to.”

Defensively, the Roadrunners struggled to pick up tips and attacks on the cusp of the attack zone and back zone. Because of this, they recorded two kills during their third set despite narrowly trailing by fve points as the Longhorns closed the match.

Tied at 25-25 in the frst set, Texas took the 26th point when the ball nicked sophomore middle blocker Caroline Tredwell on its way out of bounds. In an offensive effort to stop the Longhorns from gaining a 2-point lead, they needed to win the frst set. Krueger hit her ball too far to the left and placed it inches outside the court as Texas took set one.

“We’ve been working with new personnel, and we have been working through the spring on ball placement, so it’s really fun to see that come to fruition,” Price-Torok said. “I think these games give us data about what we’re doing well and what they want to concentrate on in the summer. It’s been really encouraging for the girls to play in these last two games. To play against really physical, powerful teams that made deep runs in the NCAA tournament, it’s encouraging because we know we can play at that level.”

UTSA’s volleyball season will begin when the fall semester commences.