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The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Kai Arellano

Kai Arellano, Visuals Staffer

(he/him)

Kai Arellano is a senior journalism major in his second semester on The State Hornet. He was a sports staffer and currently is in visuals as a staffer. He enjoys baseball, boxing, and MMA. He currently is in Combat U as a boxer and MMA fighter.

All content by Kai Arellano
Graphic made in Canva by Evan Patocka

Swarm Report: Sac State football falls short against UC Davis, volleyball brings home Big Sky Championship

Mateo Davis, Kai Arellano, and Aaron Lofton
December 6, 2024
Mateo Davis, Kai Arellano and Aaron Lofton return to talk about the latest in Sac State sports, discussing football’s loss against UC Davis and volleyball taking home the Big Sky Championship.
Combat U boxer Austin Melendez lands an uppercut on Air Force Academy boxer Justin Bonilla Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Melendez was the first Sacramento State boxer of the night and earned the team’s first win.

GALLERY: Sac State victorious in inaugural Causeway Boxing Classic

Combat U saw wins from 5 of their 6 fighters
Brionna Woody and Kai Arellano
November 26, 2024
Sacramento State’s Combat U had one win and one loss in two bouts against UC Davis.
Sacramento State huddles around head coach Aaron Kallhoff during a timeout against Long Beach State Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. The Hornets lead the Big Sky Conference with a 4-1 record.

[Photo] Stacking Days: Backcourt helps Hornets secure second spot in conference over first two weeks

Adam Camarena, Sports Editor
November 20, 2024

Redshirt freshman guard Sofia Alonso runs the offense against Long Beach State Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Alonso averaged 15 points and four assists over the course of the week.

Redshirt freshman guard Sofia Alonso looking for an open teammate against Long Beach State Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Alonso finished with 17 points and five assists.

[Photo] Heartbreaking loss at the buzzer snaps Sac State’s win streak

Adam Camarena, Sports Editor
November 18, 2024

Redshirt freshman guard Sofia Alonso looking for an open teammate against Long Beach State Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Alonso finished with 17 points and five assists.

Graphic made in Canva by Evan Patocka

Swarm Report: Sac State women’s soccer become Big Sky Champions, Hornet football’s regression in latter half of season, men’s and women’s basketball’s exciting start

Mateo Davis, Aaron Lofton, and Kai Arellano
November 15, 2024
Mateo Davis, Aaron Lofton and Kai Arellano return to talk about Sac State women’s soccer winning the Big Sky Championship tournament and the exciting start of men’s and women’s basketball seasons. They also speak on other fall sports trying to make a run in their postseason.
Graphic made in Canva

Theater Rats Ep. #2: Wake up! It’s the ‘Monster House!’

Mateo Davis and Kai Arellano
November 13, 2024
Join Kai Arellano and Mateo Davis as they review the 2006 film, ‘Monster House,’ on the second episode of Theater Rats! They discuss their favorite scenes from the movie, give awards for the best performances and where it ranks as a fall film.
Graphic made in Canva by Evan Patocka

Swarm Report: Sac State women’s soccer’s prospect in Big Sky Tournament, Hornet football needs rebound in conference, preview of men’s and women’s basketball

Kai Arellano, Mateo Davis, and Adam Camarena
November 1, 2024
Mateo Davis and Kai Arellano are joined by Adam Camarena to talk about the remaining weeks of Sac State’s fall sports and their postseason hopes. The trio also gives a preview of the upcoming seasons for men’s and women’s basketball.

[Video] The State Hornet Broadcast: Multi-use stadium, fee increase, La Bienvenida and sports updates

Welcome to The State Hornet Broadcast. Multimedia staffers Sharmarke Holif and Skylar Findlay share news that happened at Sac State. We’ll also be joined by podcast editor Evan Patocka and visuals staffer...

Junior midfielder Madelyn Dougherty looking for a teammate against Montana Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. The Hornets went on to draw against the Grizzlies 0-0.

[Photo] Hornets come short of swarming Grizzlies and Lumberjacks

Alex Wong, Staffer
October 23, 2024

Junior midfielder Madelyn Dougherty looking for a teammate against Montana Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. The Hornets went on to draw against the Grizzlies 0-0.

Graphic made in Canva by Evan Patocka

Swarm Report: Sac State’s current conference play outcomes and future prospects, San Francisco 49ers recap, Sacramento Kings preseason results

Aaron Lofton, Kai Arellano, and Mateo Davis
October 18, 2024
Mateo Davis, Kai Arellano and Aaron Lofton return to review Sac State sports, talking about the beginning of conference play, the 49ers win over the Seahawks and the Sacramento Kings preseason.
Sac State senior outside hitter Bridgette Smith jumps up for the kill against senior middle blocker Kendall Robertson and opposite hitter Sophia Wadsworth of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. The Hornets had 56 kills compared to the Lumberjacks’ 42.

[Photo] Hornets chopped down Lumberjacks but get mauled by Bears

Kaitlyn Riley, Staffer
October 16, 2024

Sac State senior outside hitter Bridgette Smith jumps up for the kill against senior middle blocker Kendall Robertson and opposite hitter Sophia Wadsworth of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Thursday,...

Graphic made in Canva

Theater Rats Ep. #1: Kai and Mateo are batty for ‘The Batman’

Mateo Davis and Kai Arellano
October 15, 2024
In this inaugural episode of Theater Rats, Mateo Davis and Kai Arellano review the 2022 film ‘The Batman.’ The two cover their favorite parts of the movie, discuss the need for change in the superhero genre and preview the future of Batman movies.
Two gallery attendees view four portrait pieces in the University Union Gallery Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Guests were able to attend a special opening ceremony of the “For the People” photo gallery.

[Photo] ‘For the People’ photo gallery provides a new lens into Sacramento community

Chris D. Johnson, Staffer
October 11, 2024

Two gallery attendees view four portrait pieces in the University Union Gallery Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Guests were able to attend a special opening ceremony of the “For the People” photo gallery.

New Pride Center Coordinator, Hei Fok, in the University Ballroom on Sep. 8. 2024. Hei Fok does a ‘stingers up’ gesture to celebrate being a Sac State alum and now coordinator of the expanded center.

[Photo] Queering the Way: kicking off the fall semester with Sac State ‘pride’

Emilie Jocson and Rodolfo Piste Lara
October 9, 2024

New Pride Center Coordinator, Hei Fok, in the University Ballroom on Sep. 8. 2024. Hei Fok does a ‘stingers up’ gesture to celebrate being a Sac State alum and now coordinator of the expanded center.

Sac State senior midfielder Axel Ramirez shifting away from his defender against UC Riverside Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Ramirez had an assist to give the Hornets an early lead.

[Photo] Sac State split results to start Big West conference play

Jose Diaz, Staffer
October 8, 2024

Sac State sophomore forward Donovan Sessoms fighting for a ball against UC Riverside Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Sessoms went on to score twice which helped Sac State win the match, 2-1.

Graphic made in Canva by Evan Patocka

Swarm Report: Sac State sports begins conference play, a look into the Sac 12 initiative, A’s last game in Oakland

Aaron Lofton, Mateo Davis, and Kai Arellano
October 4, 2024
Mateo Davis is joined by Kai Arellano and Aaron Lofton as they review inter-conference performances from Sac State’s fall sports, Sac State’s potential future endeavors for their conference and the A’s last game in Oakland
Senior outside hitter Bridgette Smith leaps in the air to spike the ball against Montana State Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 at the Nest. The Hornets won the game 3-1.

[Photo] ‘Trying to get our revenge’: Hornets begin Big Sky title defense

Kaitlyn Riley, Staffer
October 1, 2024

Senior outside hitter Bridgette Smith leaps in the air to spike the ball against Montana State Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 at the Nest. The Hornets won the game 3-1.

[Video] La Bienvenida: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with community

Serna Center takes over the library quad with Banda Orgullo and cultural dancing
Kai Arellano and Jonathan Santiago
October 1, 2024
La Bienvenida allowed new and incoming students to experience Latino culture and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Students gave their opinions on what the event meant to them.
Artist reception for the exhibit of ‘Don’t mind if I do,’ in the Sac State library gallery on Sept. 12, 2024. The exhibit is centered around a self-serve restaurant style conveyor belt where the plates of food are replaced with small art pieces meant to be picked up and explored by the participants.

[Photo] Take a seat for a tactile treat: Exhibit explores accessibility in modern art

Michael Pepper, Staffer
September 27, 2024

Artist reception for the exhibit of ‘Don’t mind if I do,’ in the Sac State library gallery on Sept. 12, 2024. The constantly circulating belt at the center of the exhibit is surrounded by a variety...

The crowd sings along to different R&B hits that DJ Seanny Sean plays Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. On stage, a variety of other DJs and their crews hype up the attendees present.

[Photo] Sacramento’s soulful goodbye to summer: R&B in the Park

Ismael Martinez Castillo, Staffer
September 26, 2024

From the back of the stage, the DJs and their crew perform their setlist Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Cesar Chavez Plaza was packed with guests of all ages who enjoyed the diverse R&B music selection.

Iranian percussionist Nariman Assadi accompanied by a dancer, whose dreamlike spinning and whirling movements mesmerized the crowd at the University Union Ballroom Sept. 10. 2024. Traditional Iranian percussionist music was featured as a SWANA cultural display.

[Photo] SWANA Center opening ceremony celebrates vibrant regional culture

Emilie Jocson, News Staffer
September 24, 2024

The University Union Ballroom filled with attendees on Sept. 10, 2024. Students and faculty gathered to celebrate the SWANA center’s grand opening with speeches that praised the resilience of the SWANA...

Vincenzo Rodriguez y Asher Franco-Carreño platican con estudiantes de la Universidad Estatal de Sacramento durante la Bienvenida Queer en el salón de baile de la Unión Universitaria, el 6 de septiembre, 2024. Rodríguez y Francro-Carreño dijeron que aprovechan de muchos recursos en Sac State incluyendo el Pride Center.

[Photo] La Bienvenida Queer celebra un nuevo año escolar

Rodolfo Piste Lara, Staffer
September 17, 2024

Vincenzo Rodriguez y Asher Franco-Carreño platican con estudiantes de la Universidad Estatal de Sacramento durante la Bienvenida Queer en el salón de baile de la Unión Universitaria, el 6 de septiembre,...

Senior outside hitter Bridgette Smith going up for the kill against Northridge on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Sac State won the match 3-0.

[Photo] Hornet volleyball defends The Nest in Sac State Invitational

Kaitlyn Riley, Staffer
September 9, 2024

Senior outside hitter Bridgette Smith going up for the kill against Northridge on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Sac State won the match 3-0.

Redshirt senior Evan Gibbons releasing a fastball at John Smith Field against Tarleton Friday, April 26, 2024. Gibbons is the only pitcher this season to pitch in a complete game.

A return to prominence for Sac State in Arlington

Hornets regain momentum after series win against the Mavericks
Kai Arellano, Staffer
May 10, 2024
Sac State travels to Arlington, Texas to win two out of a three-game series over the University of Texas at Arlington.
 La Asociación de Estudiantes, Inc. organiza una fiesta de resultados para las elecciones del gobierno estudiantil en la Terrace Suite en The WELL el jueves 11 de abril de 2024. La familia y amigos de los candidatos pudieron asistir al evento y mostrar su apoyo.

[Photo] Votantes apoyan el segundo término del presidente de ASI con 13% de participación electoral

Angelica Brito and Michael Pepper
May 7, 2024

La recién elegida Junta Directiva de la Asociación de Estudiantes, Inc. posan para una foto de felicitación en la fiesta de resultados de las elecciones en The WELL, Terrace Suite, el jueves 11 de abril...

Senior right fielder Cesar Valero sliding into third base after running from first in the second inning at John Smith Field, against Tarleton State University Friday, April 26, 2024. Valero scored after a single by senior third baseman Jorge Bojorquez.

The lows of baseball present themselves to Sac State again

Hornets get swept at home by Tarleton State in WAC play
Kai Arellano, Staffer
May 1, 2024
Sac State lost to Tarleton State University by a sweep in their comeback series at John Smith Field.
 Redshirt senior pitcher Evan Gibbons and sophomore catcher Jacob Cortez celebrating with the team after getting the final strikeout of the inning while walking into the dugout against California Baptist University on Friday, April 5, 2024. Gibbons has a total of 40 strikeouts currently this season.

Another weekend sweep for Sac State baseball in Irvine

Hornets snag dominant wins over USC and Santa Clara
Kai Arellano, Staffer
April 26, 2024
Sac State defeats USC and Santa Clara in a clash in Irvine, California.
Students gathered at the ASI Election results party in the Terrace Suite of The WELL Thursday, April 11, 2024. Student government leaders for the 2024-2025 academic year were chosen through the election, which saw a 13% voter turnout rate.

[Photo] Sac State’s ASI elections unveil student apathy and representation concerns

Micah Yip, Staffer
April 23, 2024

Students gathered at the ASI Election results party in the Terrace Suite of The WELL Thursday, April 11, 2024. Student government leaders for the 2024-2025 academic year were chosen through the election,...

Junior catcher Elie Kligman taking a lead at first base at John Smith Field against California Baptist University Friday, April 5, 2024. Kligman is the second player on the team who can switch hits along with senior shortstop Gunner Gouldsmith.

Sac State left seeing red in Stanford

Hornets lose a competitive one-off game to the Cardinal
Kai Arellano, Staffer
April 19, 2024
Sac State traveled to Stanford and lost a competitive game 12-8 to Stanford University
Senior third baseman Jorge Bojorquez getting ready to swing against California Baptist University on Friday, April 5, 2024. Bojorquez holds the school record for the most runs by a player in Sacramento State with 143 runs.

Sac State leaves some angry birds in Bellevue

Hornets make a statement by defeating the Redhawks in a sweep
Kai Arellano, Staffer
April 16, 2024
Sac State travels to Seattle University and leaves with a three-game sweep in the WAC.
Senior shortstop Gunner Gouldsmith gauging the pitcher’s timing against California Baptist University on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Gouldsmith is one of the two batters that can switch hit along with junior catcher Elie Kiligman.

Sac State gets in some fowl-play in Oregon

The Hornets tack on an impressive win against the Ducks in two midweek games
Kai Arellano, Staffer
April 12, 2024
Sac State played against the University of Oregon in two midweek non-conference games
The Associated Students, Inc. holds a results party for the student government elections in the Terrace Suite of The WELL Thursday, April 11, 2024. Family and friends of the candidates were able to come out to the event and show support.

[Photo] Voters support second term for current ASI president with 13% turnout

Michael Pepper, staffer
April 12, 2024

The newly elected Associated Students, Inc. Board of Directors pose for a congratulatory photo at the election results party in The WELL, Terrace Suite Thursday, April 11, 2024. The selected candidates...

Senior shortstop Gunner Gouldsmith hitting a line drive against California Baptist University Friday, April 5, 2024. Gouldsmith had no hits in his three at-bats but would induce one walk.

Sac State learns hard lesson against California Baptist University

A walk-off in the final game changes the Hornets’ perspective
Kai Arellano, Staffer
April 9, 2024
Sac State baseball lost their weekend Western Athletic Conference series to California Baptist University 2-1.
Redshirt freshman center fielder Brett Ott sliding into third base on a close play against the University of San Francisco Monday, April 1, 2024. Ott went one for four and scored two runs against the USF.

Sac State regroups after a tough weekend in Phoenix

Hornets struggled against Grand Canyon University but rebounded at home
Kai Arellano, Staffer
April 5, 2024
Sac State played a series against Grand Canyon University and two one-off games against the University of San Francisco and the University of Nevada
Senior shortstop Gunner Gouldsmith making a jumping play against UC Davis Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Gouldsmith extended his hitting streak to 18 to tie him with former Hornets Derek Brown and Blake Crosby for the seventh-longest hitting streak in school history.

Sac State falls in Causeway Rivalry rematch to UC Davis

The Hornets offense was a step behind against the Aggies
Kai Arellano, Staffer
March 28, 2024
Sac State baseball was unable to find a win in their rematch against UC Davis losing 3-2.
Sophomore first baseman JP Smith swings and misses against Fresno State at John Smith Field Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Smith went one for three against the Bulldogs with one single and one walk.

Sac State’s rematch ends in vain against Fresno State

The Hornets are changing their strategy after loss to the Bulldogs
Kai Arellano, Staffer
March 15, 2024
Sac State loses the rematch to Fresno State in a close game. The Hornets’ defense has faltered to a point where changes need to be made for them to have more success in the conference.
Sac State mimics the celebration of sophomore first baseman JP Smith after his home run against Utah Valley on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Smith went three for five and scored three times against the Wolverines in the third game of the series.

Sac State wins their first conference series against Utah Valley

The Hornets finish their first series in dominant fashion
Kai Arellano, Staffer
March 12, 2024
Sac State plays Utah Valley in first WAC series and wins 2-1.
 (L-R) Senior shortstop Gunner Gouldsmith and freshman second baseman Cameron Sewell react to the umpire’s call  Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Acosta would lead UC Davis in hits and have the most hits and runs going three for four and scoring three runs.

The Causeway Rivalry ends in devastation for Sac State

UC Davis dominates Sac State in last game before conference play
Kai Arellano, Staffer
March 8, 2024
Sac State drops the Causeway rivalry to UC Davis 10-5 in a game where they were outmatched.
 Senior shortstop Gunner Gouldsmith preparing to throw out a runner at first against the University of Minnesota  March 1, 2024. Gouldsmith has the most assists at 35 outs on the team.

Through rain and shine Sac State breaks even

Sac State goes 2-2 through battles with mother nature
Kai Arellano, Staffer
March 5, 2024
Sac State plays UC Berkeley, the University of Minnesota and the University of the Pacific this week to have another week record of 2-2
Junior infielder Jose Ruiz dives after a throw in an attempt to make a play Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. Ruiz ended the night with two assists.

Sac State experiences highs and lows in an even weekend

Take a look at the Hornets’ journey through a gallery of their four games
Kai Arellano, Staffer
February 27, 2024
Sac State baseball went 2-2 with a one-off against Fresno State and a series against UC Santa Barbara this weekend. They are now 3-4 as they get their season going.
Sophomore outfielder Ryan Christiansen swings at an oncoming pitch in the first game against Loyola Marymount Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Christiansen had 8 plate appearances in the double-header.

Sac State gets plunked in opening day doubleheader but finishes with walk-off win

Hornets move to 1-2 after their first series
Kai Arellano, Staffer
February 21, 2024
Sac State baseball lost a doubleheader on Friday and a win on Sunday with a walk-off against LMU in the opening series. In match-ups that featured junior outfielder Matt Masciangelo making headlines for unusual reasons.
Junior outfielder Matt Masciangelo up to bat on Friday Feb. 16, 2024 against Loyola Marymount University at John Smith Field. There’s an 87.5% chance Masciangelo was hit by a pitch in this plate appearance.

Sac State outfielder hit seven times in eight plate appearances

Matt Masciangelo has more HBP than the rest of Sac State combined
Joey Aguirre and Kai Arellano
February 17, 2024
Sac State’s Matt Masciangelo’s seven HBPs in Friday’s doubleheader were more than any MLB player has ever had in a doubleheader.
Junior guard Austin Patterson takes a jump shot against Pacific Union on Tuesday Nov. 14. Patterson scored 17 points and made five three-pointers.

Sac State makes finishing touches for Portland State and Idaho

Hornets are conditioning aggressively ahead of Big Sky matchups
Kai Arellano, Staffer
February 2, 2024
Sac State plays Portland State and Idaho in mid-season Big Sky Conference play
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