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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

Robyn Dobson, Author

All content by Robyn Dobson
Graphic made using Canva, Picrew

BROOKE’S UHLENBOPS S1E11: Favorite Songs Finale

On the final episode of Brooke’s UhlenBops, Brooke asks another set of editors and staffers what their favorite songs are and why those songs mean so much to them.  RELATED: BROOKE’S UHLENBOPS...

A judge dismissed the U.S. Women's National Team's claim for equal pay on the basis of lack of evidence Friday, May 1. The team has been fighting for equal pay from the United States Soccer Federation since 2016.
Graphic by Brooke Uhlenhop

OPINION: The US Women’s National Team deserves equal pay and denying that is insulting

District Court dismisses team’s claim for pay equality
Robyn Dobson and Brooke Uhlenhop
May 2, 2020

Ruling that there is “insufficient evidence” that the United States Women’s National Team is paid unequally is a giant slap in the face.  Not just to them or female athletes around the world,...

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.

SPORTS PODCAST: Senior pitcher Parker Brahms on Sac State career

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

On this episode of The State Hornet Sports Podcast, senior pitcher Parker Brahms met with State Hornet sports writer Shaun Holkko to discuss Brahms’ childhood, his baseball career, how he got to Sac...

Robyn's grandparents at the dinner table in 2019 celebrating Robyn's grandma's birthday. Photo courtesy of Robyn Dobson

OPINION: Stay home so my papa can get the care he needs

My papa's surgery was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Robyn Dobson, Sports Editor
April 6, 2020

My papa’s kidneys are failing. They are currently functioning at 24%. You wouldn’t know it if you met him though. He is one of the most stubborn and active 87 year olds that I have ever met. He’s...

Graphic made using Canva, Picrew

BROOKE’S UHLENBOPS S1E5: In Defense of Country Music

Brooke Uhlenhop, Robyn Dobson, and Robbie Pierce
April 1, 2020

On this episode of Brooke’s UhlenBops, host Brooke Uhlenhop is joined by sports editor Robyn Dobson to discuss their love of the one of the most-hated genres: country music. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7wxaa7YkOzPsD6akP4kBtu?si=Itjk6ZvJRWmOUOwBcWFkOA Music:...

Sac State sophomore shortstop Shea Graves picks up a ball against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The NCAA voted Monday to extend eligibility for spring season student-athletes whose seasons were cut short by the COVID-19 outbreak.

NCAA grants spring athletes extra year of eligibility due to coronavirus cancellations

Schools to make decision on how much aid they award
Robyn Dobson, sports editor
March 30, 2020

The NCAA announced Monday that council members voted to grant spring sport athletes an extra year of eligibility after their seasons were canceled due to coronavirus concerns.  Talks of eligibility...

Sac State senior pitcher Parker Brahms throws a pitch against the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee at John Smith Field on Friday, Feb. 21. Sac State announced Wednesday that all spring sports would be canceled through the end of academic year.

Sac State cancels sports through end of academic year amid coronavirus outbreak

Big Sky and WAC joins growing list of conferences canceling seasons
Robyn Dobson, sports editor
March 18, 2020

The Sacramento State Athletics Department announced Wednesday that all spring sports are canceled for the remainder of the academic year.  The Big Sky Conference and Western Athletic Conference joined...

Sac State senior guard Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’afa dribbles the ball down court against Weber State on Wednesday, March 11 at CenturyLink Arena. Sac State spring sports teams' seasons have been suspended indefinitely due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Sac State spring sports teams’ seasons suspended amid coronavirus fears

Play may be reinstated later this spring
Robyn Dobson and Shaun Holkko
March 12, 2020

Amid coronavirus fears and a shift to online instruction, all Sacramento State spring sports teams’ seasons have been suspended indefinitely.  The Athletics Department announced Thursday evening...

Sac State junior pitcher Stone Churby throws a pitch against Santa Clara on Sunday, March 1 at John Smith Field. The Athletics Department announced Wednesday it would be implementing new policies to limit attendance at all future home athletic events.

Sac State to limit attendance at athletic events amid coronavirus concerns

All games will continue to play as scheduled
Robyn Dobson, sports editor
March 11, 2020

The Sacramento State Athletics Department announced Wednesday new policies would be implemented to limit attendance at all future home athletic events until further notice amid coronavirus concerns.  All...

Sac State senior forward Osi Nwachukwu high-fives teammates during pregame introductions before playing UC Davis on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 at the Golden 1 Center.

SPORTS PODCAST S2E6: One-on-one with Osi Nwachukwu

Ian Edwards, Robyn Dobson, and Robbie Pierce
February 27, 2020

For this week’s episode of The State Hornet Sports Podcast, men's basketball beat writer Ian Edwards recorded a one-on-one interview with Sacramento State senior forward Osi Nwachukwu from inside the...

The Sac State softball team celebrate senior catcher Jessica Scott's home run against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The Hornets defeated California Baptist 6-0.

SPORTS PODCAST: Sac State softball season starter

Robyn Dobson, Paola Yepez, and Robbie Pierce
February 20, 2020

The Spring 2020 softball season started Feb 7., and on this week’s episode of The State Hornet Sports Podcast, sports editor Robyn Dobson sat down with softball beat writer Paola Yepez to discuss the...

Former Sacramento State receiver DeAndre Carter is a member of the Houston Texans. Carter previously spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers during his NFL career.

SPORTS PODCAST: Man-to-man with Sac State football alumnus DeAndre Carter

Ian Edwards, Robyn Dobson, and Robbie Pierce
February 13, 2020

On this week’s episode of The State Hornet Sports Podcast, sports writer Ian Edwards phoned in 2015  graduate Sac State wide receiver DeAndre Carter, who currently plays for the Houston Texans. The...

Screenshot from Planters Super Bowl LIV "Baby Nut" commercial.

SPORTS PODCAST: Super Bowl commercial review

Robyn Dobson, Brooke Uhlenhop, Luis Platero, and Robbie Pierce
February 6, 2020

For this week’s State Hornet Sports Podcast, sports editor Robyn Dobson and writers Brooke Uhlenhop and Luis Platero discuss the funniest, weirdest, most confusing and most Baby Nut-involving Super Bowl...

An illustration of Kobe Bryant. Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash Sunday. "NBA Finals 2009 on ABC" by Adomas Jazdauskas is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

SPORTS PODCAST: Kobe Bryant inspired a generation

Robyn Dobson, Nijzel Dotson, Jordan Parker, and Robbie Pierce
January 30, 2020

This week on The State Hornet Sports Podcast, sports editor Robyn Dobson sat down with State Hornet sports writer Nijzel Dotson, opinion writer Jordan Parker and Sacramento State junior and semi-pro basketball...

Sac State sophomore point guard Milee Enger attempts to box out Southern Utah junior forward Jessica Chatman for a rebound against the Thunderbirds on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Nest. Enger had three rebounds, two points and two assists in the win.

SPORTS PODCAST: Giving the play-by-play on Sac State winter basketball

Robbie Pierce, Shaun Holkko, and Robyn Dobson
January 23, 2020

On this episode of The State Hornet Sports Podcast, The State Hornet sports editor Robyn Dobson sat down with women’s basketball beat writer and former sports editor Shaun Holkko to go over, game-by-game,...

According to Forbes, the average female athlete is paid $71,635 compared to male athletes being paid on average $6.4 million. 
Graphic by Kelly Kiernan

OPINION: Women athletes should receive the same treatment as men

Robyn Dobson
December 11, 2019

When I tried out for my high school softball team my freshman year, I was pleasantly surprised by the mediocre but freshly-dragged dirt infield and yellowish-green outfield.  In my defense, it was...

Sac State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis hits the ball against Montana State on Thursday, Nov. 28 at the Nest. The Hornets were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Tournament by the Bobcats.

Sac State volleyball team ends season in upset loss to Montana State

Hornets eliminated in quarterfinals of Big Sky Championship Tournament
Robyn Dobson
November 29, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team was defeated in the first round of the Big Sky Championship Tournament by Montana State University Thursday night at The Nest.  The loss was the first time the...

Sac State sophomore setter Ashtin Olin poses for a photo Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Yosemite Hall. Olin has been named second team all-Big Sky Conference in consecutive seasons (2018-19).

‘This is where I’m meant to be’: Sac State volleyball player sets team up for success

Robyn Dobson
November 27, 2019

Sacramento State sophomore setter Ashtin Olin stood at the net during a rotation waiting for Utah State University to serve the ball during the first preseason match of 2018. To those in attendance,...

Sac State sophomore setter Ashtin Olin poses for a photo Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Yosemite Hall. Olin has been named second team all-Big Sky Conference in consecutive seasons (2018-19).

‘This is where I’m meant to be’: Sac State volleyball player sets team up for success

Sophomore setter Ashtin Olin has 1,158 assists this season
Robyn Dobson
November 25, 2019

Sacramento State sophomore setter Ashtin Olin stood at the net during a rotation waiting for Utah State University to serve the ball during the first preseason match of 2018.  To those in attendance,...

Sac State junior libero Michelle Taynton prepares to bump the ball against Weber State on Thursday, Nov. 14 at The Nest. After being defeated by Portland State and Northern Colorado on the road, the Hornets begin the Big Sky tournament at The Nest on Thursday, Nov. 28 against Montana State.

Sac State volleyball team swept on road trip to close out regular season

Hornets lose grip on early leads in both matches
Robyn Dobson
November 23, 2019

Although they held leads in both matches, the Sacramento State volleyball team lost the final two games of the regular season while on the road. Despite having more kills than Portland State University...

Sac State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis spikes the ball against Idaho State on Saturday, Nov. 16 at The Nest. As the lone senior, Davis had a match-high 17 kills in the win over the Tigers.

Sac State volleyball team defeats Idaho State on senior night

Lone senior Sarah Davis posts match-high 17 kills
Robyn Dobson
November 16, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team swept Idaho State University in a decisive three sets at The Nest on Saturday night during their last home game of the regular season.  Lone senior and co-captain...

Sac State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis spikes the ball against Weber State on Thursday, Nov. 14 at The Nest. Sac State lost to the Wildcats in three sets.

Sac State volleyball team swept by second place Weber State

Hornets swept at home in conference for first time since 2014
Robyn Dobson
November 14, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team was swept at home by a Big Sky Conference opponent for the first time since 2014 in a three-set loss to Weber State University. After a dominant three-set sweep...

Members of the Sac State volleyball team celebrate a set win against Idaho on Thursday, Oct. 31 at The Nest. The Hornets went 1-1 on their recent road trip and now have a record of 13-14 (8-6 Big Sky Conference) headed into the final two weeks of the regular season.

Sac State volleyball team goes 1-1 on the road

Hornets suffer first sweep against Big Sky opponent
Robyn Dobson
November 9, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team suffered its first three-set sweep by a Big Sky opponent against Northern Arizona University as the opener to their two-game road trip Thursday night. However, the...

After seeing the devastation left in the wake of the fire, Mary Persons heard that most of the public schools and the local library in Paradise burned down. Persons reached out to Sac State communication sciences and disorders professor Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin to organize a book drive for survivors.

Sac State student organizes book drive for Camp Fire victims

Robyn Dobson
November 7, 2019

Mary Persons, a Sacramento State communication sciences and disorders major, was riding her bike to campus like any other morning when she noticed thick smoke cloaking the sky. Later, she would discover...

Volleyball coaches Ed Jackson, Ruben Volta and Sarah Chlebana pose for a photo before practice Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Yosemite Hall. Jackson, Volta and Chlebana were all student athletes at Sac State, earning national and conference championships.

Volleyball coaches’ careers come full circle at Sac State

Coaches are alumni with national and conference championship wins
Robyn Dobson
November 3, 2019

At one point, every current coach of the Sacramento State volleyball team was a student athlete at the university, juggling volleyball training sessions while attending classes in the very halls where...

Sac State junior middle blocker Cianna Andrews (left) and freshman outside hitter Kayla Subbert barely miss blocking against Eastern Washington at The Nest. Andrews had a total of nine successful blocks during Saturday's loss.

Eastern Washington upsets Sac State volleyball team in 5 sets

Hornets drop to a tie for fourth place in the conference after home loss
Robyn Dobson
November 2, 2019

Last-place Eastern Washington University defeated the Sacramento State volleyball team in the Hornets’ 11th five-set match of the season at The Nest Saturday afternoon. After a big five-set win over...

Sac State freshmen Kayla Subbert and McKenna Smith prepare for their comeback on Thursday, Oct. 31, against Idaho at The Nest. The Hornets took set five 15-11.

Sac State volleyball team recovers from 2-0 deficit to defeat Idaho

Senior outside hitter Sarah Davis records 1,000th career kill
Robyn Dobson
October 31, 2019

Senior outside hitter Sarah Davis recorded her 1,000th career kill in Sacramento State’s 3-2 win over the University of Idaho at The Nest Thursday night. The Hornets (12-12, 7-4 Big Sky Conference)...

Sac State sophomore middle blocker Sarah Falk prepares to spike the ball Thursday, Oct. 24, against Montana at The Nest. The Hornets won the match 3-1.

Sac State volleyball team defeats Montana 3-1

Hornets now tied for second place in Big Sky
Robyn Dobson
October 25, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team defeated the University of Montana 3-1 at The Nest Thursday night.  The Hornets’ (11-11, 6-3 Big Sky Conference) win over the Grizzlies (2-18, 1-8) pushed Sac...

Sophomore Setter Ashtin Olin in the podcast booth with State Hornet volleyball beat writer Robyn Dobson. Olin was awarded Big Sky Volleyball offensive player of the week this month.

SPORTS PODCAST: Chatting with Sac State volleyball setter Ashtin Olin

Robyn Dobson, Will Coburn, and Shaun Holkko
October 22, 2019

Listen to Hornet volleyball team setter Ashtin Olin explain her role on the team, her adventures traveling and how Motley Crue amps her up before games. Olin said she wasn’t excited the first time...

Sac State softball head coach Lori Perez throws the ball during practice Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Shea Stadium. Athletic Director Mark Orr announced Oct. 2 that Perez and Sac State agreed to a five-year contract extension that will keep Perez at the university through at least the 2024 season.

Sac State softball head coach builds players into winners

Robyn Dobson
October 21, 2019

About 20 years ago, you could have found current head softball coach Lori Perez in her first year at Sacramento State as a softball player, fielding grounders at Shea Stadium. Today, you can still find...

Sac State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis prepares to serve the ball against Northern Colorado Thursday, Oct. 17 at The Nest. Davis had a game-high 20 kills in the loss to the Bears.

Sac State volleyball team loses to first-place Northern Colorado

Hornets’ 4-game winning streak snapped
Robyn Dobson
October 18, 2019

In a matchup between the top two teams in the Big Sky Conference, the Sacramento State volleyball team lost in four sets to the University of Northern Colorado at The Nest Thursday night. The loss snapped...

Sac State softball head coach Lori Perez throws the ball during practice Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Shea Stadium. Athletic Director Mark Orr announced Oct. 2 that Perez and Sac State agreed to a five-year contract extension that will keep Perez at the university through at least the 2024 season.

Sac State softball head coach builds players into winners

Lori Perez receives five-year contract extension
Robyn Dobson
October 17, 2019

About 20 years ago, you could have found current head softball coach Lori Perez in her first year at Sacramento State as a softball player, fielding grounders at Shea Stadium.  Today, you can still...

Sac State junior outside hitter Macey Hayden spikes the ball against Portland State Tuesday, Oct. 15 at The Nest. Hayden scored 9 kills against Portland State during the match.

Sac State volleyball team sweeps Portland State in 3 sets

Hornets combine for 10 aces in the match, first sweep of season
Robyn Dobson
October 15, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team swept Portland State University in three sets Tuesday, extending their win streak to four games.  Coming off a two-game road trip, the Hornets (10-10, 5-2 Big Sky...

Sac State sophomore setter Ashtin Olin sets the ball against Southern Utah Thursday, Oct. 3 at The Nest. The Hornets lost to the Thunderbirds in five sets.

Sac State volleyball team loses to Southern Utah following month-long road trip

Senior co-captain Sarah Davis records career-high 28 kills
Robyn Dobson
October 4, 2019

In their first home game since Aug. 31 following a month-long, 12-game road trip, Sacramento State’s volleyball team lost to Southern Utah University 3-2. The Hornets (6-10, 1-2 Big Sky Conference)...

Senior outside hitter Sarah Davis poses for a photo before practice on Monday, Sept. 23 at The Nest. Davis is the co-captain and lone senior on a young Sac State volleyball team.

Sac State volleyball player exhibits exceptional leadership as team’s lone senior

Sarah Davis began season being named MVP of the first tournament
Robyn Dobson
October 3, 2019

Sacramento State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis decided to try out for her high school volleyball team with some friends on a whim after playing softball for most of her life and deciding it was time...

Sac State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis prepares to serve against Nevada Saturday Aug. 31 at the Nest. The Hornets return home from a season-long road trip Thursday against Southern Utah.

Sac State volleyball team recaps their month spent on the road

Hornets now in Big Sky Conference play after September trip
Robyn Dobson
October 1, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team concluded their month-long twelve-game road trip with a 3-2 loss at the University of Idaho Saturday.  The Hornets (6-9, 1-1 Big Sky Conference) spent all of September...

Senior outside hitter Sarah Davis poses for a photo before practice on Monday, Sept. 23 at The Nest. Davis is the co-captain and lone senior on a young Sac State volleyball team.

Sac State volleyball player exhibits exceptional leadership as team’s lone senior

Sarah Davis began season being named MVP of the first tournament
Robyn Dobson
September 28, 2019

Sacramento State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis decided to try out for her high school volleyball team with some friends on a whim after playing softball for most of her life and deciding it was time...

The Sac State Women's volleyball team comes together right before their last matchup of the tournament against Nevada. The Hornets won the tournament despite losing to Nevada.

SPORTS PODCAST: What do Hornet volleyballers do before games?

Robyn Dobson, Shaun Holkko, and Will Coburn
September 24, 2019

In this episode of The State Hornet Sports weekly podcast with sports editor Shaun Holkko, Volleyball reporter Robyn Dobson chats with Hornet voleyball captain Sarah Davis about her pregame rituals. For...

Sac State junior middle blocker Cianna Andrews attempts to block UC Davis sophomore outside hitter Mahalia White on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at the Pavillion. The Hornets began their 12-game road trip with a 3-1 loss to the Aggies.

Sac State volleyball team unable to hold lead at UC Davis

Hornets fall in four sets
Robyn Dobson
September 4, 2019

The Sacramento State volleyball team opened a month-long 12-game road trip Tuesday night with a three-sets-to-one loss to rival team, the University of California, Davis Aggies. Fresh off winning the...

Sac State senior outside hitter Sarah Davis spikes the ball on Saturday, Aug. 31, against Nevada at the Nest. Davis was named tournament MVP and to the All-Tournament team.

Sac State volleyball team wins Sacramento State Invitational

Hornets begin season with 2-1 record
Robyn Dobson
August 31, 2019

The Sacramento State women’s volleyball team lost the final game of the Sacramento State Invitational to the University of Nevada in four sets Saturday but were still able to capture the tournament title. Sac...

#SacStateSays: ‘What does Mother’s Day mean to you?’

#SacStateSays: ‘What does Mother’s Day mean to you?’

Robyn Dobson
May 12, 2019

In celebration of Mother’s Day this Sunday, we asked Sacramento State students what Mother’s Day means to them. Share with us how you celebrate your mom and what Mother’s Day means to you on social...

"Avengers: Endgame" made its debut on Thursday night.

REVIEW: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is a love letter to Marvel’s biggest fans

Robyn Dobson
April 27, 2019

This review contains spoilers for “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” 21 movies and 11 years later, the long-awaited conclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Infinity saga is...

#SacStateSays: ‘Do you have any theories or expectations for Avengers: Endgame?’

#SacStateSays: ‘Do you have any theories or expectations for Avengers: Endgame?’

Robyn Dobson
April 25, 2019

Warning: This story contains spoilers for “Avengers: Infinity War.” The long-awaited conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, “Avengers: Endgame,” officially hits theaters...

Softball player Suzy Brookshire voted Sac State’s ‘Best Female Athlete’

Softball player Suzy Brookshire voted Sac State’s ‘Best Female Athlete’

Robyn Dobson
April 11, 2019

Just weeks after Sacramento State junior softball player Suzy Brookshire set the program record with her 36th career home run, she was voted “Best Female Athlete” in the State Hornet’s third annual...

Sac State senior right-handed pitcher Savanna Corr threw the second perfect game in the program's Div 1 era against Fairleigh Dickinson University on March 10.

Sac State pitcher throws second perfect game in program history

An inside look at Hornet starting pitcher Savanna Corr
Robyn Dobson
March 27, 2019

Sacramento State senior right-handed pitcher Savanna Corr was in the middle of what she thought was a no-hitter against Fairleigh Dickinson University on March 10 when she realized the game actually may...

Professor Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin and Sac State communication sciences and disorders major Marisa Dix sit on the floor at Folsom Hall counting and sorting through book donations. Dix has been helping Roseberry-McKibbin for about a year after hearing about Roseberry-McKibbin's Love Talk Read program during one of her classes.

Sac State student organizes book drive for Camp Fire victims

Robyn Dobson
March 12, 2019

Mary Persons, a Sacramento State communication sciences and disorders major, was riding her bike to campus like any other morning when she noticed thick smoke cloaking the sky. Later, she would discover...

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