The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor

Alex Daniels, Author

All content by Alex Daniels
[ARCHIVO] La outfielder de segundo año de Sac State, Suzy Brookshire, celebra con la entrenadora Lori Pérez después de marcar un home run contra la Universidad de Dakota del Norte en el Shea Stadium el 28 de abril de 2018. Brookshire dijo que sus experiencias en el equipo la hicieron sentir como si ella y otras jugadoras no estuvieran en Sac State por “cualquier razón que no sea softball”.

[Photo] ‘Ya es suficiente’: Entrenadora de softbol de Sac State enfrenta acusaciones

[ARCHIVO] La outfielder de segundo año de Sac State, Suzy Brookshire, celebra con la entrenadora Lori Pérez después de marcar un home run contra la Universidad de Dakota del Norte en el Shea Stadium...

Sac State pitcher Parker Brahms prepares to throw a pitch during his sophomore year against Santa Clara University at John Smith Field on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Brahms is currently a senior and inactive due to the cancellation of spring athletics.

[Photo] SPORTS PODCAST: Senior pitcher Parker Brahms on Sac State career

Robyn Dobson, Shaun Holkko, and Robbie Pierce
April 24, 2020

Sac State pitcher Parker Brahms prepares to throw a pitch during his sophomore year against Santa Clara University at John Smith Field on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Brahms is currently a senior and inactive...

The home of Sac State junior outfielder Kayla Grubert, a Paradise native, was one of three left on her street following the Camp Fire in November.

‘My whole childhood is lost:’ Softball player’s community destroyed by fire

Kayla Grubert
Alex Daniels
November 7, 2019

Sacramento State junior outfielder Kayla Grubert was walking to class when she got a call from her brother telling her there was a fire back in her hometown of Paradise, California. Her brother —...

The Stinger Esports team faces Rocklin High School in Overwatch during the Bear Cup Collegiate Tournament July 28 at Cal Expo Fairgrounds. The club received a cease and desist letter Oct. 17 for violation of SO&L guidelines for membership, including representing Sac State at tournaments.

Sac State esports team competes in California State Fair tournament

Hornets face off against funded esports teams
Alex Daniels, Sports editor
July 28, 2019

The Stinger eSports team was eliminated first in the Overwatch Collegiate eSports Tournament during the California State Fair at Cal Expo after a 2-0 loss to Rocklin High School Saturday. Overwatch,...

The home of Sac State junior outfielder Kayla Grubert, a Paradise native, was one of three left on her street following the Camp Fire in November.

‘My whole childhood is lost:’ Softball player’s community destroyed by fire

Kayla Grubert’s house one of few left standing following Camp Fire
Alex Daniels, Opinion editor
December 3, 2018

Sacramento State junior outfielder Kayla Grubert was walking to class when she got a call from her brother telling her there was a fire back in her hometown of Paradise, California. Her brother —...

VIDEO: Sac State needs to be more cost-friendly towards electric vehicles.

Alex Daniels, Opinion editor
September 6, 2018

With Sac State’s current price of parking for me and other Hornets with electric vehicles, it seems to discourages drivers from driving electric than being more environmentally-friendly and cost-friendly...

Enough is enough, Sac State. Let us electric car drivers charge our cars  for free.

OPINION: Sac State needs to be more cost-friendly towards electric vehicles

Alex Daniels, Opinion editor
September 5, 2018

Gas vehicles are so 2002. It’s time for Sacramento State to accommodate for my fellow Hornet electric car drivers, and time for more of my fellow Hornets to go electric. As technology grows and...

#SacStateSays: “What are your experiences with taking summer classes?”

#SacStateSays: “What are your experiences with taking summer classes?”

Alex Daniels, opinion editor
August 22, 2018

Students looking to take summer classes face financial obstacles when deciding whether or not to take a summer class. We asked students about their own experiences with taking summer classes on campus....

Under improbable odds, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2018 NBA Finals. How could you miss it!?

OPINION: An update after your two-week nap: the Cavs actually won!

Another year, another NBA Finals lead blown by the Warriors.
Alex Daniels, Opinion editor
June 7, 2018

Did you just wake up from a roughly two-week nap from under a rock? You missed a lot. It’s June 17, 2018, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship after coming back from being down 3-0...

Sacramento State junior outfielder James Outman, right, celebrates with Sac State coach Reggie Christiansen, left, after Outman hit a home run against Seattle University on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at John Smith Field. Outman was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft

Three Sacramento State baseball players selected in MLB Draft

Outman, two seniors to continue baseball careers with MLB team
Alex Daniels, Opinion editor
June 6, 2018

Three Sacramento State baseball players were selected in the MLB Draft that lasted Monday-Wednesday. Junior outfielder James Outman was selected with the last pick in the seventh round and 224th overall...

Sacramento State sophomore infielder Josh Urps, left, prepares to catch the ball as Hornets freshman infielder Keith Torres, back, backs up the throw to second as University of Arizona freshman outfielder Donta Williams, right, slides in safely on Monday, May 14, 2018 at John Smith Field. The Hornets lost to the Wildcats 5-2.

Home runs hurt baseball team in 5-2 defeat to University of Arizona

Hornets fall to 28-23 overall
Alex Daniels
May 14, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team lost 5-2 to the University of Arizona on Monday at John Smith Field. The Hornets (28-23, 14-7 Western Athletic Conference) finish the season with a 4-5 record against...

The Sacramento State softball team celebrates with sophomore outfielder Suzy Brookshire, right, after she hit a home run against the University of North Dakota at Shea Stadium on Saturday, April 28, 2018. The Hornets defeated North Dakota 4-1.

Softball team earns NCAA Regional bid after winning Big Sky Championship

Alex Daniels
May 13, 2018

At the beginning of the school year, the coaching staff of the Sacramento State softball team had written “2018 Big Sky Champions” on the whiteboards in the locker room. Nearly eight months later,...

The Sacramento State baseball team celebrates after senior outfielder Andrew McWilliam, center, hit a home run against UC Davis at John Smith Field on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Aggies 5-2.

Baseball team sweeps season series against UC Davis after 5-2 win

Alex Daniels
May 9, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team defeated UC Davis 5-2 in the Causeway Classic on Tuesday at John Smith Field to sweep the season series. The Hornets (27-20, 13-5 Western Athletic Conference) defeated...

Sacramento State right-handed sophomore pitcher Parker Brahms prepares to deliver the baseball to the strike zone against Santa Clara University at John Smith Field on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Brahms was named to the Western Athletic Conference first team last season.

Parker Brahms voted 2018 ‘Best Male Athlete’ at Sac State

Alex Daniels
May 9, 2018

For the second year in a row, a baseball player has won ‘Best male athlete’ after Sacramento State sophomore pitcher Parker Brahms won the award in The State Hornet’s second annual Best of Sac State...

The Sacramento State baseball team celebrates after junior outfielder James Outman, far left, hits a home run against Seattle University at John Smith Field on Friday, May 4, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Redhawks 5-1.

Brahms ties strikeout record as baseball team wins series against Seattle University

Alex Daniels
May 6, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team won two out of three games against Seattle University over the weekend at John Smith Field. Sophomore pitcher Parker Brahms, who started game three of the series,...

Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Keven Aleman sprints past Sacramento State freshman midfielder RJ Moorhouse and sophomore midfielder Matt Carnefix during a scrimmage game at Hornet Field on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Sac State won 3-2.

Republic FC to play U.S. Open Cup match at Sac State

Alex Daniels
May 3, 2018

Sacramento Republic FC will play its second-round U.S. Open Cup match at Hornet Field on May 16, the Sac State men’s soccer team announced on Twitter on Wednesday. Republic FC, a local United Soccer...

Left to right, Sacramento State senior second baseman Zamari Hinton, senior pitcher Celina Matthias and senior third baseman Marissa Maligad prepare to finish their collegiate careers together as Hornets. The senior trio began playing softball together when they were 8 years old for the Lady Magic travel ball team in Sacramento.

Childhood softball teammates wrap up collegiate careers together

Alex Daniels
April 29, 2018

Back when they were all 8 years old, Sacramento State third baseman Marissa Maligad, second baseman Zamari Hinton and pitcher Celina Matthias played travel softball together for the Lady Magic. Now,...

The Sacramento State softball team celebrates with sophomore outfielder Suzy Brookshire, right, after she hit a home run against the University of North Dakota at Shea Stadium on Saturday, April 28, 2018. The Hornets defeated North Dakota 4-1.

Softball team moves into first place in Big Sky after series win over North Dakota

Alex Daniels
April 28, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team won two out of three games against the University of North Dakota in its final home series of the year on Friday and Saturday at Shea Stadium. The Hornets (27-16,...

Sacramento State sophomore outfielder Suzy Brookshire and her teammates perform the Universitys signature stingers up hand sign after she hit a solo home run against Southern Utah University at Shea Stadium on Saturday, April 21, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Thunderbirds 2-1.

Walk-off hits help lead softball team in sweep over Southern Utah

Alex Daniels
April 21, 2018

A pair of walk-off hits helped the Sacramento State softball team sweep Southern Utah University on Friday and Saturday at Shea Stadium. The Hornets (25-15, 10-5 Big Sky Conference) had their first...

Sacramento State sophomore first baseman Mo Spieth stretches for the ball as Saint Mary’s College freshman outfielder Kimiko Zapanta reaches safely at first base at Shea Stadium on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. The Hornets lost to the Gaels 1-0.

Softball team swept by Saint Mary’s in doubleheader

Alex Daniels
April 18, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team was swept in its doubleheader against Saint Mary’s College on Wednesday at Shea Stadium. The Hornets (22-15, 7-5 Big Sky Conference) — which fell to the Gaels...

Sacramento State freshman infielder Steven Moretto sprints to first base as Northern Colorado senior first baseman Brett Minnick readies to catch the ball at John Smith Field on Saturday, April 14, 2018. The Hornets lost to the Bears 5-2.

Baseball team takes 2 out of 3 games against Northern Colorado

Alex Daniels
April 15, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team continued its early success in Western Athletic Conference play after taking two out of three games against Northern Colorado over the weekend at John Smith Field. The...

Sacramento State sophomore catcher Jessica Scott tags out Santa Clara University junior second baseman Kelsie Barnard at home plate at Shea Stadium on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Broncos 3-1.

Timely hitting leads softball team over Santa Clara 3-1

Alex Daniels
April 11, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team defeated Santa Clara University 3-1 thanks to timely hitting on Wednesday at Shea Stadium. The Hornets (21-11, 6-3 Big Sky Conference) — which have now beaten the...

Sacramento State senior catcher Raul Ortiz prepares to catch the ball as University of the Pacific sophomore third baseman Carter Hayes slides into home plate at John Smith Field on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. The Hornets were defeated by the Tigers 14-7.

Baseball team blown out 14-7 against Tigers

Alex Daniels
April 11, 2018

After winning seven straight games, the Sacramento State baseball team was blown out 14-7 to the University of the Pacific on Tuesday at John Smith Field. The Hornets (16-15, 5-1 Western Athletic Conference)...

Sacramento State freshman infielder Steven Moretto, far left, celebrates with his teammates following his first career home run in a 6-0 win against the University of Washington at John Smith Field on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The Hornets open the 2019 season against North Dakota State on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Baseball program turns season around as WAC play is in full swing

Alex Daniels
April 8, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team, which struggled to begin the season, is beginning to show signs of improvement as Western Athletic Conference competition has approached. The Hornets (16-14, 5-1...

The Sacramento State softball team celebrates as sophomore outfielder Suzy Brookshire, middle, approaches home plate after hitting her second home run of the game against Santa Clara University at Shea Stadium on Saturday, March 17, 2018. The Hornets defeated Santa Clara University 7-1.

High-powered offense leads softball team to success

Alex Daniels
April 8, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team has built off its record-breaking season last year with a high-powered offense in 2018. The Hornets (20-11, 6-3 Big Sky Conference) are coming off a 2017 campaign...

Sacramento State freshman second baseman and Hawaii native Keith Torres, middle, celebrates behind his teammates as they hold up the Shaka sign after he hit his first career home run against Chicago State at John Smith Field on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Cougars 13-1.

Hornets sweep Chicago State in 3-game baseball series

Alex Daniels
April 8, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team swept Chicago State in a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday at John Smith Field. The Hornets (16-14, 6-1 Western Athletic Conference) were originally supposed...

The Sacramento State softball team congratulates sophomore designated player Alexxiss Diaz, middle, after she hit a walk-off home run against Portland State at Shea Stadium on Thursday, April 5, 2018. The Hornets defeated the Vikings 1-0 in extra (8) innings.

Sac State softball team sweeps Portland State

Alex Daniels
April 7, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team swept the Portland State Vikings in a three-game series on Thursday and Saturday at Shea Stadium. The Hornets (20-11, 6-3 Big Sky Conference) were originally supposed...

Students look on at the first Hackathon at Sacramento State. The second annual HornetHacks begins April 6 and runs through April 8.

HornetHacks opens door for all majors in upcoming Hackathon

Second annual HornetHacks Hackathon hopes to learn from first year and expand
Alex Daniels
April 5, 2018

Representatives of the second annual HornetHacks Hackathon at Sacramento State hope to bring more diversity to the event than it had last year, with students of all majors being welcomed to participate. According...

Senior Amanda Pascual will be featured at an art gallery named Home at the R.W. Witt Gallery in Kadema Hall starting April 2. Pascual said she wants people to see her understanding of home and also show what its like to be a Filipino-American through her art.

Student brings taste of ‘Home’ to upcoming gallery exhibition

Alex Daniels
March 29, 2018

“Home,” an exhibit featuring art created by Sacramento State senior Amanda Pascual, will be on display at the R.W. Witt Gallery in Kadema Hall starting April 2. It will be Pascual’s first solo...

Sacramento State senior pitcher Celina Matthias won the Big Sky Conference Pitcher of the Year award during her sophomore season in 2016. After struggling through her junior year, Matthias made a vow to never make the same mistakes in the pitching circle again.

Senior out for redemption in the pitching circle

Alex Daniels
March 26, 2018

As a high school senior trying to decide where she would go to college, Celina Matthias was attending a softball camp in Fullerton when her father yelled for her from across the field. “Congratulations,...

The Sacramento State softball team celebrates as sophomore outfielder Suzy Brookshire, middle, approaches home plate after hitting her second home run of the game against Santa Clara University at Shea Stadium on Saturday, March 17, 2018. The Hornets defeated Santa Clara University 7-1.

Softball team completes 4-game sweep in NorCal Challenge

Alex Daniels
March 18, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team finished 4-0 in the NorCal Challenge — which held games at both Sac State and UC Davis — following wins over Fairleigh Dickinson University, Santa Clara University...

Sacramento State mens tennis coach Kevin Kurtz, right, oversees sophomore Hermont Legaspi, left, as he forehands the ball back to a teammate during practice at the Sacramento State Courts on Wed., March 7, 2018.

Men’s tennis team struggles under first-year head coach

Alex Daniels
March 12, 2018

The Sacramento State men’s tennis team hasn't gotten off to the best of starts this season under first-year head coach Kevin Kurtz. Kurtz, who began as a volunteer assistant in the spring of 2006,...

Sacramento State sophomore shortstop Josh Urps tags out Santa Clara University senior infielder Joe Becht during a steal attempt at second base at John Smith Field on Sunday, March 11, 2018. The Hornets defeated Santa Clara 4-1.

Baseball team loses 3 out of 4 games to Broncos

Alex Daniels
March 11, 2018

Despite scoring a season-high 10 runs in the first game and having the lead in the ninth inning of the third game, the Sacramento State baseball team lost three out of four games against Santa Clara University. The...

Sacramento State junior outfielder Matt Smith slides into second base safely against Gonzaga University at John Smith Field on Monday, March 5. The Hornets lost to the Bulldogs 6-3.

Baseball team falls 6-3 to Gonzaga to conclude 4-game series

Alex Daniels
March 5, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team lost 6-3 against Gonzaga University on Monday at John Smith Field. The game was a part of a makeup series for the Hornets (5-7) as they were originally supposed to...

Sacramento State redshirt sophomore Matt Smith dives back to first base safely following a pickoff attempt against the University of San Francisco on John Smith Field Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. The Hornets lost to the Dons 2-0 after 11 innings.

Baseball team falls to San Francisco in extra innings

Alex Daniels
February 24, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team was led by solid pitching, but the bats were kept quiet as the Hornets fell 2-0 in extra innings against the University of San Francisco on Friday. The Hornets (2-3)...

Sacramento State senior second baseman Zamari Hinton dives for a ground ball against Stanford during game one of a doubleheader on Thursday, Feb. 22 at Shea Stadium. The Hornets defeated Stanford 1-0 in game one of the two game series.

Softball team splits doubleheader against Stanford

Alex Daniels
February 23, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team split its doubleheader against Stanford with the Hornets winning the first game but failing in the second. Game one of the doubleheader was scoreless for most of the...

Sacramento State senior first baseman Vinny Esposito catches a ball at first base to record an out on freshman Jonathan Schiffer Sunday, Feb. 18 at John Smith Field. The Hornets defeated the Washington Huskies 6-0.

Hornets split 4-game baseball series against Washington

Alex Daniels
February 19, 2018

The Sacramento State baseball team split a four-game series against the University of Washington from Friday to Monday to open the 2018 season at John Smith Field. The series split against the Huskies...

Foreground: Eagle Pose by Alessandro Gallo, an artist from Helena, Montana; background: Innards, a mixed media piece by Oakland artist Arthur Gonzalez. The Library Gallerys latest art installation, “Concurrent/Conventions: A Spectrum of Contemporary Ceramics, will open Feb. 15.

Students help artist Shay Church bring ceramics installation to campus

Alex Daniels
February 14, 2018

The Library Gallery at Sacramento State will hold a reception on Feb. 15 for the opening of its latest art installation, “Concurrent/Conventions: A Spectrum of Contemporary Ceramics.” The exhibit...

Sacramento State sophomore catcher Jessica Scott is thrown out at first base on a double play against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018. The Hornets lost to the Gauchos 8-4.

Sac State softball falls to 1-3 following Capital City Kickoff

Alex Daniels
February 11, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team finished the Capital City Kickoff 1-3 following a win against Santa Clara, two loses to UC Santa Barbara and a loss to Cal at Shea Stadium. The Hornets, which competed...

Sacramento State softball coach Lori Perez looks upon the softball field before the start of practice on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Shea Stadium. Perez enters this season in her fifth year as head coach after spending multiple years as a player (1999-2002) and assistant coach (2005-13) at Sac State.

Perez looks to take softball to next level after nearly 2 decades with program

Alex Daniels
February 6, 2018

During her first day as an assistant coach at Sacramento State in 2005, Lori Perez had lunch with then-coach Kathy Strahan and was asked what her five-to-10 year plan was. Perez said she responded with...

The Sacramento State softball team celebrates a home run by sophomore third baseman Mo Spieth against Northern Colorado April 29 at Shea Stadium. The Hornets will open their season in the Capital City Kickoff from Feb. 9-11 at Sac State.

Softball team begins season looking for ‘revenge’ with powerful lineup

Alex Daniels
February 6, 2018

The Sacramento State softball team aims to improve from its third-place regular season finish and is looking for revenge after falling in the semifinals of the Big Sky Conference Tournament. The Hornets...

Sacramento State sophomore Sofia Gulnova prepares to hit the ball back in her doubles match with junior Sofi Wicker against their Nevada opponents Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Sacramento State Courts.

Sac State women’s tennis edged by Wolf Pack 4-3

Alex Daniels
February 3, 2018

The women’s tennis team fell to the Nevada Wolf Pack 4-3 on Saturday afternoon at the Sacramento State Courts. The Hornets (1-3, 1-0 Big Sky Conference) began the day losing their doubles matches...

Sacramento State junior Mikus Losbergs backhands the ball during a singles match against Cal Poly Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Sacramento State Courts.

Despite early season struggles, men’s tennis ‘hungry’ for Big Sky success

Alex Daniels
January 22, 2018

Coming off a semifinal loss to Idaho in the Big Sky Conference Tournament last year, the Sacramento State men’s tennis team is excited for the possibilities of this season with a new head coach. The...

Senior Kelly Buckland delivers her argument for the negative team about how college tuition should not be free at CSUs during the Public Debate Associations fall public debate on Nov.16 at Sacramento State. The negative won the debate that students should pay for tuition.

Despite a ‘modest’ budget, debaters still find ways to succeed

Alex Daniels
November 24, 2017

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, the Sacramento State Speech and Debate Team gathers to sharpen its argumentation skills, which have been incredibly effective against multiple first-place debaters,...

6 cant-miss events in November

6 can’t-miss events in November

Alex Daniels
November 1, 2017

Here are some exciting events coming to Sacramento State in November. If you’re a music lover, then you’re in luck. Check out the calendar slideshow below: [su_carousel source="media: 37693,37719,37694,37697,37720,37698,37695"...

Sacramento State freshman defender Antonio Andres works to gain control of the ball as UC Santa Barabara sophomore defender Mateo Restrepo Mejia persues him Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Hornet Field.

Sac State men’s soccer clinches playoff berth after blasting Mustangs 5-1

Alex Daniels
October 21, 2017

The Sacramento State men’s soccer team clinched a playoff spot in the Big West Conference after defeating Cal Poly 5-1 on senior day Saturday at Hornet Field. Sac State (8-7-1, 4-3-1 Big West) started...

Sacramento State sophomore outside hitter Sarah Davis, left, and junior middle blocker Lana Brown, right, go for a block against Southern Utah Thursday, Oct. 12 at Colberg Court.

Sac State volleyball unbeaten in Big Sky after win over NAU

Alex Daniels
October 15, 2017

The Sacramento State volleyball team defeated Northern Arizona University 3-1 to remain a perfect 8-0 in the Big Sky Conference Saturday at Colberg Court. The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (7-12, 3-5...

Sacramento State junior cross country runner Amy Quinones has placed first among team members in each race this season and in the top 20 overall at each event.

Junior cross country runner pushing for all-conference honors

Alex Daniels
October 14, 2017

Last season, Sacramento State junior cross country runner Amy Quinones was one spot and one second away from an all-conference finish in the Big Sky Conference. Quinones, 19, said this year she’s...

The Washington Redskins kneel during the national anthem before a game against the Oakland Raiders.

OPINION: Athletes taking knees are exercising their freedom of speech

Alex Daniels
October 10, 2017

Taking a knee during the national anthem became popular when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick did it before a preseason game in 2016. Over the past year, more NFL players, and other...

Former Sacramento State linebacker Darnell Sankey has spent time with the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers,
Minnesota Vikings and the Indianapolis Colts in his two-year career in the NFL.

Sankey battles ‘at any time, you can be cut’ nature of NFL

Alex Daniels
September 27, 2017

Every week, athletes in the NFL fight for the undetermined opportunity to play in the country’s most popular sport — former Sacramento State All-American linebacker Darnell Sankey faces this uncertainty...

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