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On the cover:
A group of protesters walks along 10th Street on their way to the State Capitol during the March in March protest in Sacramento, Calif. on March 12, 2026. Photo by Abraham Elizalde.
According to the latest Academic Senate meeting, Pierce College, along with other community colleges, have faced a decrease in funding.
To help with finances, Pierce should open a petting zoo to encourage the community to come to campus, help students advance their hands-on education, and funds can be raised through ticket sales.
The campus already has about 200 acres of farmland for livestock, which includes sheep, cattle, horses and goats. Hosting a petting zoo allows for agricultural students to get more experience and another source of income from fellow animal lovers. The college would benefit from not only the ticket charges but also from food vendors, drink stations and students leading workshops about the animals.
Moorpark College has a five acre teaching zoo filled with more than 150 animals, such as tigers, primates and eagles. It’s open to the public on the weekends with ticket prices from $10- $12.
It’s operated by the students in the exotic animal training program and features trainers, wildlife shows and close-up animal encounters.
According to the Moorpark College Zoo, “Students put what they learn on paper into practice with all the creatures that serve as teachers at The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College.”
Cal Poly University not only hosts a petting zoo but they grow and sell vegetables and fruits. The petting zoo has piglets, goats, cattle, sheep, horses and donkeys. Visitors pay an entry fee and have the option to pay for a feeding cup.
According to Cal Poly’s news outlet CPP News, the university partnered with a nonprofit petting zoo owner, Danny Gott, who had lost a zoning dispute with county officials. The partnerships established a location and animals and Danny’s Farm would provide staff members.
Chair of the Animal & Veterinary Sciences department Broc Sandelin told CPP News, “We’ve wanted to have a petting
farm on campus, but we didn’t have the manpower. They had the labor resources but didn’t have a place to put it.”This partnership is pretty much a win-win.”
The student club sponsored the petting zoo while Animal Health Science & Technology Association student volunteers cared for the animals during the petting zoo hours.
In Gainesville, Fla., Santa Fe College owns a 10-acre
zoo. According to the Santa Fe College Zoo, they are the only zoo on a college campus licensed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). A petting zoo would involve the community in caring for the school’s resources. And extra funding would help Pierce and the experience would better the education for agricultural learners.
Column:Paving the way for the future of women
By Emily Garcia Newsletter Editor
Throughout history, women have frequently been the underdogs. Women’s History Month is set to recognize the contributions of women over centuries who have created social movements that paved the way for others. It became an official national observance by
President Jimmy Carter in 1980 when he extended women’s week to women’s month in March.
In 5th grade, I had to choose from a list of scientists to write an essay. Of that list, three out of the 50 names were women. I chose to do my essay on Marie Curie. That assignment taught me about a French physicist and chemist who discovered radium and polonium. She was the first woman to win two Nobel prizes for two different fields.
Throughout Curie’s life, she experienced sexism from colleagues and was limited educationally due to a conservative society. Despite these obstacles, Curie conquered the world of science and cleared the way for future women in STEM.
Although I did not pursue science as a field of study, Curie’s act of bravery caused me to recognize the impacts
of women straying from societal norms.
In this generation, women in many male-dominant fields have become normalized because of women such as Susan B. Anthony, who fought for voting rights and gender equality, or Lilly Ledbetter, who fought for pay equity.
Women such as Patsy Mink, the first woman of color in the U.S House of Representative and first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress, co-authored the Higher Education Act, which banned gender discrimination in educational programs.
She also promoted bilingual education, special education student loans and federal child care. She was inspired to advocate for these programs because she had been discriminated against in federally educated programs for being a woman of color.
Women’s History Month does stop with Curie, Anthony and Mink.
The next generation of girls will write essays about environmental activist Greta Thunberg, educational activist Malala Yousafzai or the first Latina on the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor.
These important figures have paved the way for the future of others. Now women have the freedom to get an equal education, equal salary as their male coworkers and the right to vote. The national holiday is celebrated to recognize the women who stood up for themselves and went against society’s rules, because well-behaved women don’t make history.
I’m certain that girls in the future will have more women to choose from for their essay choices.
Art major Alaina Snyder kisses Mushu the sheep at the petting zoo during the Financial Aid Awareness Day event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 16, 2025.
File photo by Dominic Borja / Roundup News
Should companies get involved with politics?
PRO: Companies should avoid taking sides in political issues.
By Elizabeth SantanaZavala Reporter
In an era of political polarization, companies are increasingly pressured to take public positions on political issues. These actions are often framed as moral, courageous or socially responsible, but the reality is far more complicated.
reinforces this point, showing nearly half of Americans find it wrong for companies to take a stance on political issues. Gallup also revealed that 60% of employees prefer their employer to not take a political stance.
CON: Companies should make their political stances clear
By James Mondares Reporter
Today,and the app.
Research shows that business political activism frequently undermines brand trust, alienates customers, widens the political divide between people and exposes companies to unnecessary risk. Rather than doing good, corporate political engagement can deepen tensions and divide Americans even further.
Customers can become uncomfortable when companies show political bias, and many people simply won’t spend their money on a brand they believe is supporting a cause they see as morally wrong. This hesitance shows up in everyday life through boycotts and public backlash.
According to an article by Ipsos, 1 in 3 Americans are putting this into practice and taking their buying power elsewhere.
According to CNN Bud Light lost approximately $1.4 billion in sales in 2023 because of its ad partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. According to Forbes, a recent example comes from
Many argue that companies should use their platforms as an opportunity to signal ethical values, but ethics vary from person to person.
A Pew Research Center poll shows the political divide clearly. According to the survey, 72% of Republicans view Democrats as immoral, while 63% of Democrats view Republicans as immoral.
When basic moral judgments differ so sharply, it becomes nearly impossible for a company to take a political stance without alienating a huge portion of its customer base.
Public opinion data has consistently shown that many consumers do not want corporations to take political stances.
A recent Gallup poll
Tesla. The company’s share price has dropped about 40% since last December. Which is a $500 billion decrease in company value
While many factors contribute to a company’s stock prices, political controversies have played a role in public perception and investor confidence.
Most larger corporations may survive the fallout, but smaller businesses could face even more severe repercussions.
Ultimately, the evidence suggests that political neutrality is not a lack of morality or cowardice, but prudence and professionalism. In an already divided society, companies serve the public best by focusing on making quality products and reliable services, rather than getting swept up in divisive politics.
corporations are more than just companies. With the inclination of politics and the ubiquity of capitalism, it’s important for consumers to know who they’re investing their time and money into. Whether it be because they support a certain politician or donate to particular causes, it’s in the best interest of the people to know who they’re buying from or supporting.
That’s why companies should make their political stances clear. It helps consumers make a decision on whether or not to support them and creates transparency among sellers and buyers.
Recently, TikTok signed a deal with Oracle Corporation Co-Founder Larry Ellison to hand over US data and algorithms to Oracle (along with MGX and Silver Lake Technology Management, L.L.C.). Ellison is a noted supporter of President Donald Trump and Israel. In 2017, Ellison donated $16.6 million dollars to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces: a nonprofit for the Israeli military.
Similarly, many people have begun boycotting several companies as a result of their support for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Boycott Citizens posted on their website a list of companies that have or still support ICE including Amazon, Apple, HBO Max and Spotify.
Another movement, the “Resist and Unsubscribe” boycott, started by American academic and author Scott Galloway, echoes the same sentiments, urging people to protest and boycott these companies with accompanying instructions.
ChatGPT is also highlighted by Resist and Unsubscribe as a donor to
Ellison aims to push Artificial Intelligence (AI) onto the forefront of daily life, idealizing a surveilled society.
The New York Times reports that Ellison told Oracle investors, “Citizens will be on their best behavior, because we’re constantly recording and reporting everything that’s going on … It’s unimpeachable.”
As for TikTok, many people who are aware of this development decided to boycott the app due to not wanting to support Ellison. Companies should make these developments clear as it allows app users to act accordingly based on their personal beliefs. Those who do not want to support Ellison and Oracle’s TikTok involvement in the United States can delete their account
Trump, “ChatGPT is Trump’s biggest tech donor and a facilitator of ICE. Enough said.”
Resist and Unsubscribe endorsed “QuitGPT,” a movement that protests ChatGPT because of its involvement with ICE and Trump.QuitGPT said, “In Trump’s Super PAC, MAGA Inc.’s latest filings, OpenAI president Greg Brockman and his wife gave $25 million, more than any other group in the report by $5 million.If transparency is already the standard for these companies, consumers would have an easier time navigating options that align with their beliefs. Furthermore, if a company’s main purpose is to provide services for the people, they should also provide the service of clarifying their politics,especially in a time of such political unrest.
Is there a company you don’t stand with for moral reasons? Why or why not?
“I am boycotting Starbucks because I know that there’s a bunch of monetary support they’re sending to Israel.”
JustinBrubaker— PoliticalScienceMajor
“I haven’t shopped on Amazon because most of their products are cheaply made and mass produced, and they don’t support small businesses.”
KavinduIllanga— Undeclared
“I’m boycotting Spotify because I heard they don’t support their artists, and one of my favorite bands doesn’t upload on Spotify because of that.”
DestineeDuarte—DataAnalyticsMajor
“I haven’t gone to Target in a while because of the whole thing regarding DEI. If I do find any companies that are supported by AIPAC or Israeli government officials, I stay away from that.”
AlexKim—Pre-nursing
Interviews by Joy Mellk
by Javier Ramirez
Photos
Music students join John Storie for a masterclass in jazz
Students receive performance critiques, play along with former Pierce professor
By Anthony Adams Reporter
TheMusic Department hosted a jazz music masterclass by former Pierce College Music Professor John Storie for students and faculty on Friday, March 13, in Room 3401 at Pierce College.
During the two-hour masterclass, there were student performances throughout, some that were accompanied by Storie on guitar. After each performance, Storie gave a critique on how each performer could improve their jazz performance. He also spoke on the importance of melody while performing, key selection, song structure, arrangement, and timing.
The event was organized by Music Department Chair Wendy Mazon.
Storie who was a professor at Pierce from 2017- 2025 is currently assistant professor of Jazz Studies at University of Oregon.
He expressed the importance of hosting masterclass for students at Pierce.
”Oh, it’s so great. I love
being back at Pierce,” Storie said.”This place has a long history of jazz education. Actually, with the great Sammy Nestico, who taught on this campus. It’s fun to come back and hear the students. Everybody, sounds great.”
Music professor Charlotte Wilkins shared what a great opportunity it is to have a masterclass with Storie for the students.
“I “Its such a great opportunity for them to work with a professional and to hear other students.”Wilkins said. “Just to have a collaborative learning experience and the performance opportunity. It’s great to have John Storie back. It’s a great experience.for the students.who maybe didn’t. get to work with him while he was here.”
Storie stated during his masterclass that jazz music is oral tradition music.
Jazz guitar student Jackson Wilson shared why it was important for him to attend Storie’s masterclass this afternoon.Wilson was also one of the student performers who got to play with Storie during the masterclass. They played “Autumn Leaves,” by Joseph Kosman.
“Well, I’d heard of professor Storie’s involvement in AMP but he left before I was able to attend,” Wilson said. “ He was always a big name and I was really stoked to see what he would be doing today. And not only that, but to be a part of it. So, I got the chance to play with him. He’s an amazing player and even better teacher. I enjoyed every
Storie emphasized that jazz music does not exist unless you’re playing with other
He highlightted while speaking the necessity of individual practice. Also, the essence of jazz is collaborative and ensemble skills are imperative.
Some key themes Storie addressed were rhythmic feel during vocal performances. Melodic development in solos within ensemble performances. The importance of listening while performing with soloists or other musicians. Effective practicing habits to have as a jazz musician. Also, how to approach non-functional harmony while playing as an ensemble.
There was a Q&A during the masterclass when students got a chance to ask Professor Stories questions taking a brief break from student performances.
Music student Isa Navas shared why it was important to come and support Storie’s masterclass and perform with him during it.
“It means a lot. John is a previous professor of mine,” Navas said. “ He’s also been a mentor. I trust his guidance a lot and anytime he’s at Pierce. I want to come see him. He just has so much knowledge to share.”
Jake Gregory / Roundup News
Professor of Jazz Studies John Storie performing on guitar with students during the Jazz Masterclass in Building 3401 on Pierce Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif. on March 13, 2026.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica coming to Pierce College
Elizabeth SantanaZavala Reporter
College will host the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica & Mobile Education Center, also known as The Wall That Heals, through March 1922.
In 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) unveiled a replica of the memorial to bring the Wall to communities across the country.
The memorial in Washington, bears the names of more than 58,000 service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
The VVMF states, “The traveling exhibit provides thousands of veterans who have been unable to cope with the prospect of facing The Wall to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.”
The visit is organized by The Wall That Heals Woodland Hills Committee. The committee includes the Jewish War Veterans
Post 603 Committee and the Los Angeles Pierce College Committee.
Dean of Student Engagement
Juan Carlos Astorga spoke about why participating in this event matters for the Pierce community.
“As Pierce College, we are an institution of higher education. We create critical thinkers, but we also want to have opportunities where moments that are really significant, for us to be in community with each other,” said Astorga.
Co-Chairperson and Budget Chairperson for the committee, Charles Feistman is an Army veteran who became involved through the Jewish War Veterans Post 603. He said he hopes the Wall That Heals will spread awareness to those who have never been in the military.
“Today, less than 2% serve and so a vast majority have not been in the service, and they should understand and know what we do. What we potentially sacrifice to keep the United States a free country,” Feistman said.
The exhibit will officially open with a Welcome Home Ceremony featuring veterans
and a Gold Star son as speakers on Thursday at 6 p.m.
The Wall That Heals will remain open 24 hours a day till Sunday at 2 p.m., when it will depart with a Closing Ceremony. The event is free to attend, and free parking will be available on campus throughout its stay.
Education Chair for the Jewish War Veterans Post 603 Committee Wendy Shmaeff said she believes the exhibit provides an
important opportunity for remembrance.
“Having The Wall That Heals is a chance for other servicemen and women that are still here to remember their fallen heroes,” Shmaeff said.
“It’s a chance for family members to memorialize and honor their family that passed. It’s a very moving visual remembrance of so many people that fought so hard for our country to give us all the freedom that we deserve.”
crimes were reported between the dates of March 9 and March 15.
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News
Pierce President Ara Aguiar and members of The Wall That Heals program waving at the Equestrian Center in Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 17.
International Women’s Day celebrated by sweets and sentiments
ASO spreads cheer and appreciation during Words 4 Women on The Mall
By Gisele Donan Reporter
Incelebration of Women’s Appreciation Day, the Associated Student Organization (ASO) held an event called Words 4 Women on March 9, at The Mall, in Pierce College.
From a wide assortment of cards to choose from, the event encouraged passersby to stop for a moment to write a card for any special women in their lives in honor of Women’s History Month as well as Women’s Appreciation Day.
Melody Hernandez, a biochemistry major and ASO Senator, said that she hoped the event would encourage people to recognize the importance of women in all aspects of life through cards and chocolate.
recognized in our community and give thanks to people in everyone’s lives.”
March 8 honors Women’s Appreciation Day, internationally as
committee celebrates through more intimate and connective ways such as making personal messages to the women in their lives.
Angela Nazaryan, a political science major and ASO Senator, said that while Women’s History month focuses on historical events and figures, it’s just as important to emphasize and celebrate the women of today.
“Words 4 Women is for people to come up and make cards that they can write and give chocolate to any woman that they love in their life,” Hernandez said. “We’re hoping that we can have women feel appreciated and
women are globally acknowledged for their achievements, presence and ever cultural significance.
The first time the holiday was celebrated was in 1911 where a protest was held for better working conditions and rights. Now, The ASO
“During this month, we often look at history a lot, we should also appreciate what’s in front of us, because that’s what changes our life,” Nazaryan said. “My mom changes my life every day, So it’d be nice to write I love you and give her a chocolate heart.”
For some students, the most important women in their lives are in their family. Mothers, sisters and best friends were included in cards and as examples as people to commemorate and uplift in daily life.
Sina Sauileone, a
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News
Biology major Mardeeliden Alipil writes a card during the Words 4 Women event hosted by the Associated Student Organization (ASO) at The Mall in Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 9, 2026.
psychology major, said that there are many ways to support and uplift the women in society, most of which come from being mindful and present. She also recognized women not only as important figures, but as foundations for the world around her.
“Women are the pillars of society, because everyone
comes from a woman. A lot of changes happen because of women,” Sauileone said. “There’s a lot of ways to support them like listening to their interests, paying attention to what they like, taking notes of what they’re saying, learning from them and enjoying their presence.”
Watering the seeds of tradition to celebrate Persian New Year
By Mia Greer Reporter
PierceCollege’s Multicultural Center hosted an event on March 10, from noon to 1 p.m. to celebrate the arrival of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Students planted tiny wheat sprouts that will soon grow into sabzeh, a symbol of renewal and new beginning.
Nowruz is the Persian New Year, it is a 13-day spring festival celebrating rebirth and renewal on the vernal equinox, around March 2021. It is celebrated by more than 300 million people across Central Asia and the Middle East, by hosting family gatherings, decorating a Haft-sin table, and visiting nature.
Senior Administrative Assistant in Student Services Nazanin Bahrampour spoke at the beginning of the event, explaining to the attendees the significance of Nowruz.
“Persian New Year is all about new beginnings, rebirth, growth,” Bahrampour said. “I was very happy to help out with this event, Nowruz is
probably the most important Persian holiday.”
One of the traditions of Nowruz is the Haft-sin, which is an arrangement on a table of seven symbolic items with names starting with the 15th letter in the Persian alphabet, “س”. Sabzeh, the sprout, is one of the first things that are prepared for the haft-sin because it takes time for the sprouts to grow. Sabzeh symbolizes things like rejuvenation, new life, and renewal.
Julia Ramirez, an American Sign Language major said she came to the event to make her own sabzeh to take home despite not celebrating the holiday. She said participating in the activity gave her the opportunity to learn more about the traditions her Iranian friends celebrate.
“We made a plate with cotton balls, wheat, and water, and eventually it’ll grow a plant for the new year,” Ramirez said. “I have a lot of Iranian friends, I think their culture should be celebrated everywhere.”
Students from different cultural backgrounds attended the event, many curious to learn
about the traditions associated with the Persian New Year. While some attendees were familiar with Nowruz, others were being introduced to the celebration for the first time. The workshop allowed students to learn about the holiday’s cultural significance while sharing the experience with classmates from across campus.
Multicultural Center Coordinator Tatevik Melkumyan, who organized the event, said that it’s a workshop to introduce students to the traditions and culture of Nowruz. She said the Multicultural Center regularly hosts cultural events to encourage students from different backgrounds to learn from one another.
“There may already be Persian students coming, this is a Nowruz event, but it’s open to the entire campus,” Melkumyan said. “The point of the multicultural center is to expose students to one another. Their traditions and their cultures connect in the center.”
Jake Gregory / Roundup News Pierce College Child Development Major Mahboubeh Mousavi makes Sabzeh during The Nowruz (Persian New Year) event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 10, 2026.
Faculty and students rally for affordability and equity
/
AFT 1521 President James McKeever speaks to participants of the March in March protest outside of the State Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on March 12, 2026.
TOP RIGHT: Southwestern College student Toshikis Stanislaus leads protesters to the State Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on March 12, 2026. Stanislaus stated that he was encouraged to be one of the leaders of the protest by his professor at Southwestern College. “I’m taking a constitutional law class, and my teacher told us that it is our First Amendment right to address our grievances within the state, within the federal government, about problems and issues that were happening within our nation and our Capitol,” Stanislaus said. Photo by Abraham Elizalde.
BOTTOM RIGHT: President of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges Sarah Thompson speaks to the participants of the March in March protest outside of the State Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on March 12, 2026. Thompson emphasized the importance of education during her speech. “Your education is a gift to your broader community,” Thompson said. “Know your worth and claim the education that will have you giving back for the rest of your life.” Photo by Daisy Aguinada.
By Daisy Aguinada Editor-in-Chief
Communitycollege students, faculty and labor leaders gathered in Sacramento on March 12 for the annual March in March advocacy day, calling on lawmakers to strengthen support for higher education and address issues affecting students across California.
The day began at Southside Park, where participants attended workshops and training sessions designed to prepare them for advocacy efforts at the state Capitol.
Tristan Brown, legislative director for the California Federation of Teachers, led a session focused on student advocacy and navigating the legislative process.
“When students come here and talk directly with lawmakers, those conversations can lead to real change,” Brown said. Workshops included nonviolence education for protests, guidance on petition organizing and practice for the chants students would later use during the march.
A check-in table distributed blue March in March T-shirts, which many participants wore during the rally.
Students were also encouraged to speak out about issues important to them, including concerns about immigration policies and broader social justice issues.
After the workshops, participants marched through downtown Sacramento to the west steps of the California
Abraham Elizalde
Roundup News
State Capitol, where students, faculty and union leaders delivered speeches about education access and student rights.
Student leaders played a visible role during the march.
Ashley Mendoza, a student intern with AFT 1521 and president of the Associated Student Organization at Mission College, served as the frontline marshal where she led the line of students and guided chants as the group made its way toward the Capitol.
“I’m here today to protect student rights and advocate for students who are housing insecure, food insecure or struggling,” Mendoza said.
“We’re here to make sure their needs are heard.”
Faculty members said the rally highlighted the connection between educators working conditions and students learning environments.
Angela Belden, a professor of psychology and statistics at Pierce College and the faculty chapter union president, said March in March brings students and educators together around shared goals.
“Our working environments as faculty are students’ learning environments,” Belden said.
“When we stand together, our voices are stronger.”
James McKeever, president of the AFT 1521 Faculty Guild, said protecting access to education remains a key priority for both students and educators.
“No one’s going backwards in giving up their rights to an education,” McKeever said. “That’s what we’re here fighting for today.”
At the Capitol steps, speakers also highlighted the role of classified staff members who help support students on campuses.
Andrea Edwards, president of the AFT 1521A Classified Guild, told the crowd that the rally represented a collective effort among different groups within the education system.
“I don’t come up here just advocating for classified,” Edwards said. “We’re here with your bus drivers, your cafeteria workers, your registrars, the people who make you walk through the door. It’s not a faculty fight, it’s not a student fight. It’s a human right.”
Edwards also emphasized the power of education as a tool for empowerment. “Students come to school to break cycles of poverty, and you help them do it,” she said. “You are here to get educated, to liberate your minds and to become your own leader.”
TOP: A group of protesters walks along 10th Street on their way to the State Capitol during the March in March protest in Sacramento, Calif., on March 12, 2026. Photo by Abraham Elizalde.
BOTTOM: AFT 1521 Coordinator Coraima Martinez practices the chants with the other participants prior to the March in March protest at the Southside Park in Sacramento, Calif., on March 12, 2026.
Photo by Abraham Elizalde.
Despite close game, Brahmas baseball secures victory over Raiders
By Gisele Donan Reporter
Pierce
College Brahmas faced off against Moorpark Raiders on Saturday, March 14 with the Brahmas winning 6-4.
Pitcher Brayden Briscoe played eight innings with Pitcher Dylan Adams closing the game during the last inning.
Briscoe attributed the win to a lively team as well as keeping a strong mindset ready to push through and battle the eight inning stretch.
“My mindset is just going out there and attacking every pitch, getting after every hitter and trying to think that they can’t beat me and I can’t beat myself either,” Briscoe said. “Defense helped me out a lot as well and the bats came alive at the end to get us back over the top which overall led to a great team win.”
Head coach Bill Picketts recognized a difference in the team’s pitching compared to other years, noting not only good consistency but execution on the field.
having a strong approach whether it’s playing out on the field, stealing bases or getting ready to be at bat. As he flew through the field under the pitcher’s nose the most important thing to him was to remain present and focused.
“The approach is a game plan. It’s a mental plan you have against the pitchers.
I’m more of a fastball hitter so my approach is to stay on the fastball and lay off anything that’s slow,” Fagfoomsintu said. “Especially when I was in two strikes at that point, I’m seeing the ball up, making sure I’m batting anything close, and thankfully, I got the pitch to hit and I was able to cash it.”
“Our pitching is a lot deeper than it was last year with most of the games being pretty close and consistent,” Picketts said. “We have a lot of guys that can execute, like today we had three hits and runs that were executed properly, and that always helps when we do that.”
Briscoe closed his time on the mound with eight innings pitched, five hits, four runs and five strikeouts.
The Brahmas started off fighting 1-2 with the Raiders but picked back up during the bottom of the third inning with shortstop JJ Fagfoomsintu and utility player Braden Sellz making it home.
Continuing the streak during the fourth inning, outfielder Carlos Macias was able to score off of Fagfoomsintu’s single as well, giving them a strong 4-2 lead.
Fagfoomsintu believes in
Sellz moved to right field during the top of the seventh inning after scoring during the earlier innings. A foul ball traveled to the far right of the field and he rushed to dive and catch it, landing right at the tip of his glove and marking the second out of the inning. Sellz appreciated the moment as an action that pushed the team forward as well as a challenge that forced him to think fast and take charge.
“The biggest moment for me was I made a diving play in the middle part of the game, and I think that gave our team some momentum and some energy to build off of,” Sellz said. “When I saw the ball in the air, I just ran over, and I heard someone say they had room so I went all out and did whatever I could for the team to win and it was awesome.”
Towards the end of the game, the field became tense as the Raiders came back during the top of the eighth inning with two players scoring, closing the gap in the scoreboard 4-4.
The Brahmas, who were determined to contain their victory, came back to score two runs with Jeremy Jones and Dylan Simon both scoring. Marking an exciting 6-4 victory at their home field.
While the win is exciting for the Brahmas, Picketts believes there’s much more
to learn from the game and accomplish for the future.
“I’m never going to be completely satisfied with ‘winning a game’. It’s great, but we do need to clean some things up,” Picketts said. “We go up there and we don’t put a good bat together, and it carries over to the next guy, so we need to be able to be more focused, not just in the dugout, but at the plate.”
The Brahmas intend to continue their streak and walk off with another win as they prepare for their encounter at home against Cuesta on Thursday, March 26, at 2 p.m.
LEFT: Pierce College pitcher Brayden Briscoe (#16) winds up for a pitch against a batter from Moorpark College during a game at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 14, 2026. Photo by Nick Crabtree.
MIDDLE: Pierce College Infield Anthony Castro (#24) hits a single in a game against Moorpark College at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 14, 2026. Photo by Nick Crabtree.
RIGHT: Pierce College head coach Bill Picketts congratulates his team, and gives critiques to work on going further into the season after a win against Moorpark College at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 14, 2026. Photo by Nick Crabtree.
Nick Crabtree / Roundup News
Pierce College pitcher Brayden Briscoe (#16) throws a pitch towards a batter from Moorpark College at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in the Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 14, 2026.
