To raise money for ASB, seniors Kimberly Marquez and Aftin Jaramillo sell carnations to students near the ampitheater in spirit of Valentine’s Day, Wednesday. PHOTO/VIRGINIA TANG

Volume 41 February 13, 2009Number 22 WWW.PAWPRINTSWEEKLY.COM

Glen A. Wilson High School Hacienda Heights, California 91745

the INSIDE story

New policy allows sashes for more organizations

SIGN ME UP - Senior Heidi Tseng signs up for the computer literacy test in the Guidance Office, yesterday.

Clubs to raise money through food fundraiser

EDITORIAL | While offering free video-sharing over the Internet, YouTube also breeds cruelty among users. pg 3

Computer literacy sign up

PHOTO/FION LING

SPORTS | Girls basketball defeat crosstown rival Los Altos, sweeping the season series and the team will advance to CIF. pg 8

By VICTORIA SUNSTAFF WRITER

Compare the usual teriyaki rice bowl to Flame Broiler and magic sauce. Now pick one.

The Associated Student Body (ASB) will be hosting the second club food fundraiser of the year. Events such as these give groups a chance to raise money for future events and other causes.

Clubs that are planning to sell food must complete a form stating what food they plan to sell and its nutritional value. The items must have no more than 400 calories and cannot exceed 35 percent from fat and 10 percent from saturated fat. Entrees may only have four grams of fat per 100 calories. Foods are also limited to 35 percent sugar by weight.

“We have to be diligent,” said ASB adviser Elizabeth Orth. “Nothing can be homemade since we are regulated by the school district.”

Restrictions on the number of calories are enforced in accordance with SB 12, a state law enacted in July 2007. The law puts limits on fat, sugar content and portion size. Foods sold in vending machines, school stores or as part of a school fundraiser are controlled.

“The rules are here to keep kids healthy,” said Orth. “I see the value; we’re too used to eating fast food and junk food. And we don’t want to contribute to the obesity of children.”

Some students think the restrictions ruin the fun and tradition of club food day. “The rules have really limited our choices,” said senior Michelle Wang. “Food day is

about variety and eating stuff you can’t get for lunch everyday.”Others side with lawmakers. “I like the rules. It gives students healthier food options

[outside of regular school lunch.] Subway is always a favorite of mine,” said sophomore Claudia Rodriguez.

Organizations can pick up food fundraiser request forms in the ASB office and must submit them by Feb. 17. Club Food Day is set for Feb. 19.

By JACOB EWALDSTAFF WRITER

Although organizations can no longer enjoy the previous freedom in designing sashes, more groups have been allowed this privilege.

The graduation sash policy has been modified to accommodate a wider range of clubs.

The previous policy only allowed nationally recognized organizations such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Associated Student Body (ASB), National Honor Society (NHS) and California Scholarship Federation (CSF) to award sashes to their members.

According to Principal Elena Paul, some smaller organizations and student-created groups expressed interest for granting sashes to their participants, but the

vast number of these small organizations and the varying levels of club membership made giving sash privileges to all of them illogical.

“Some graduates would look like peacocks with 14 sashes because they were in so many clubs, while others would not be wearing any. It would not look uniform,” said Paul.

In order to create a more effective, up-to-date sash policy, teachers and faculty discussed their views and reached a compromise.

A wider variety of organizations now have permission to award sashes, but student-created clubs still cannot do so.

The clubs that have qualified to grant sashes were chosen based on their impact on the school and community.

“The sash has to mean something. It has to reflect the

significance of the student’s contribution,” said assistant principal of activities Jamie Millan.

CSF and NHS will continue to use the standard sash or cord that they have traditionally awarded. IB and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) are allowed sashes with the color and trim of their choice.

Performing arts, publishing and community service groups are required to use gold sashes, which will be distinguished by the color of trim on their sashes. Each organization within a group will further identify itself by choosing the color of the lettering on its sash.

To show dedication to an organization, a student must have participated in the group for at least three years to obtain a sash. IB and AVID both

require four years. Link Crew has been allowed to reduce the time required to two

years because it was recently established. This reduction will only be in effect this year.

NewsFebruary 13, 20092

Leaders explore future hopes with children

Beat LA Rally

Schools to offer seminar on modern day parenting

Registration for next year’s classes will begin this month. Each class will be divided into small groups to discuss their credits and transcripts with their counselors, providing opportunities for students to ask questions and gain information on prospective classes as well as the graduation requirements they have to meet.

The junior class will begin the registration process first, followed by the sophomore and freshmen. Teacher signatures will be required for anyone planning to enroll in honors or Advanced Placement courses and students must turn in registration forms to their English teachers by March 11.

The U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship Program will once again be providing scholarships to high school students for the twelfth year in a row.

About 30 scholarships of $1000 will be awarded to various high school seniors entering college this fall. Students can apply online by filling in an application through Feb. 28.

Applicants are required to be either an American citizen or a permanent resident. Recipients will be selected randomly and notified through mail by early April 2009.

More information can be found at www.usafunds.org.

COMPILED BY/ YUHUA WANG

U.S. BANK SCHOLARSHIPS

CLASS REGISTRATION

IB REGISTRATION

Prospective students can now apply to join Wilson’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program, an educational curriculum that challenges students academically and ensures that students qualify for universities abroad, as well as at home.

Aside from the regular A-G requirements, IB students are mandated to write a 4,000 word Extended Essay, take a philosophy Theory of Knowledge Class and fulfill 150 hours of extracurricular activities

Freshmen have the opportunity to join pre-IB, while sophomores may apply for IB. Both applications can be found on the IB office door. Pre-IB applications are blue and IB applications are green.

Deadlines are Friday, Feb. 27 for freshmen and Friday, March 10 for sophomores.

THAT’S ‘WASSUP’ - Senior Veronica Paz rallies the crowd in support of the basketball and soccer teams, yesterday in the amphitheater. PHOTO/IRENE CHOU

By LUBINA KIMSTAFF WRITER

Getting a head start on education can never hurt.

Renaissance will be hosting Bixby Day, an event intended to excite and prepare kindergartners for their futures.

Bixby Day was founded last year by Renaissance member graduate Audrey Yonesato. She had contacted the Bixby principal and discussed how the class may help the younger student body. The kindergarten class was found to be the most suitable.

“We are focusing on encouraging the kindergartners to begin their schooling ready and be enthusiastic. Renaissance leaders will assist our future Wildcats on building their teamwork and leadership,” said Renaissance adviser Marisa Walter.

Participating members will leave Wilson during third period and return after fourth.

“Bixby is conveniently right across the street, so we’ll just be walking there,” said Renaissance co-president senior Dianuh Kim.

Each member will be assigned five to eight kindergartners and will interact mutually on team building activities.

“We made up this game called Jellyfish. It’s like tag and Red Rover. It teaches the kids teamwork because they need to work together in order to win,” said Renaissance member junior Billy Cho.

There will also be educational exercises available for the children.

“The kindergartners will draw four squares where they identify what they will like to be when they grow up,” said Walter.

The previous year proved the games to be successful and Renaissance says they will be continuing this annual tradition in the years to come.

“The event is really beneficial and fun to both Bixby and Renaissance. Last year we got to play the Easter egg hunt which was really great. In addition, they all received Wildcat shirts encouraging them to come to Wilson in the future,” said Kim.

Walter says the kindergartners will also be given an “I’m a Star” buttons.

Renaissance member senior Francis Poon says the stars are something the kindergartens can remember them by.

“We want them to know that high school students do care about the little kids,” said Poon.

Bixby Day is set to take place next Wednesday, Feb. 18.

By MELODY WANGSTAFF WRITER

To learn more about their children, parents can now consult the people who see the students as much as they do.

As part of the Parent Education Sessions, a series of seminars from which parents can learn about topics pertaining to students, the Wilson Quad Schools are presenting “The Modern Day Child.”

At the meeting, schools within the district will teach parents how to better understand their child.“The generation gap between parent and child throughout the ages is great no matter what. We

believe it’s not about students being book-smart but also living smart,” said principal Elena Paul.Patrick Shanahan, former assistant principal of the Los Angeles Unified School District, will share

his 30 years of expertise on gang activities and how to bond with and protect a child.“Parents naturally want to support their children but there has to be a balance. They tend to be

blinded by their child than looking at the whole picture,” said Paul.Shanahan will also discuss how to

recognize graffiti, prevent gang activity and identify the signs of drug use.

“This seminar will answer such questions as what kids are doing these days, how to better understand your teen and how kids are using technology and for what reasons,” said assistant principal of discipline Chris Sweet.

Administration says that parents enjoyed the previous seminars.

“We had around forty parents attend previous sessions. We make phone calls to parents and a lot of them are thankful for the Parent Ed Sessions and do ask us questions,” said Sweet.

Parents are encouraged to attend the seminar.

“All teens face having to make hard decisions and they need parent support. We understand that it is hard for some parents to make it to these sessions but this is beneficial information about what teens are going through” said Sweet.

“The Modern Day Child” is set to take place on Feb. 17, in the media center from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Since its creation in 2005, the advent of YouTube has provided individuals with hours of entertainment beyond the usual television show and movie.

The video-sharing website has become one of the prime sources of humor, giving rise to such viral-video hits as “Numa Numa” and “Evolution of Dance.” Users post home-made videos of unconventional situations hoping to elicit a few laughs from strangers—sometimes at the expense of others.

Reports from concerned YouTube users have prompted officials to patrol the website more often, resulting in the removal of disturbingly violent videos. Most recently, the website reportedly removed a video featuring two 13-year old boys torturing a 20-month-old kitten. In the taping, the kitten was thrown against a wall repeatedly, a paper bag over its head. In other news, suspects (Alice Cooper and Kayla Hassell) from a high-profile case in Bartow, FL involving a video-taped beating of a high school peer agreed to respective pleas last Wednesday.

While YouTube has been lauded as a convenient way of sharing creative material, the site has led to the release of video clips that cross the barriers of moral ethics and personal privacy.

One of the website’s first famous viral-video hits, “Star Wars Kid,” featured a fourteen-year-old boy swinging a golf club, mimicking the character Darth Maul from the movie series. As a result of the video, the subject was taunted by friends and classmates to such a degree that he dropped out of school and sought psychiatric care.

Since then, YouTube has transformed any ordinary video-camera-wielding civilian into a sneaky, paparazzi member, ready to expose anyone’s humiliating moments to the world via the Internet. These individuals can be stationed anywhere—at school, at work, or at home. Unlike usual taunts and embarrassing moments, a video of someone’s slip-ups can be endlessly replayed and viewed by complete strangers anywhere. The psychological damage from one mortifying moment is multiplied exponentially into the years, the shame pounded into the person’s mind.

Unfortunately, viewers fail to realize that the ridiculous-looking teen they chortle and mock at on the computer screen may be cringing from humiliation in real life. Not many would find a humorous video offensive; only explicit and violent videos are occasionally reported to authorities. In fact, the only way YouTube is able to monitor videos on the site is through the feedback of its users. Without an effective means of supervising content, innocent individuals will continue to be exploited until users adopt a more emphatic attitude toward those who invade others’ privacy for a shot at Internet notoriety. Until then, one person’s two minutes of entertainment may be someone else’s lifetime of embarrassment.

Website forsakes personal privacy for entertainment

wordon the

STREET

Paw Prints asks:What are some of your favorite videos to watch on

YouTube?

MICHAEL LEON (12) - Any video that will get me laughing! One of my favorites is “Fat Kid Falling Off Diving Board.”

GABY CORTEZ (11) - I just watched “Charlie Bite My Finger!” It was funny and weird at the same time. “The Nail Salon” was hilarious!

TYLER GARDNER (11) - Videos of someone’s failure make me laugh. I also make videos with my friends that are stupid, but funny.

JEFFREY NAGASAWA (10) - I enjoy watching the series Happy Tree Friends because it helps me relieve stress.

MELISSA HO (9) - I like watching amateur singers on YouTube. Also, I like comedians such as Nighiga and KevJumba.

CARLOS CANALES (9) - YouTube has more music videos than sites like Yahoo! Music. There’s also additional videos like interviews.

COMPILED BY STEPHANIE CHANG, HANNY KISHAWI &

PAULLA VANGCHAROEN

Editorial 3February 13, 2009

Number 22©Volume 41

Glen A. Wilson High School16455 E. Wedgeworth DriveHacienda Heights, CA 91745www.pawprintsweekly.com

Alyssa RobertsAdviser

Double EaglePrinting

An open forum, Paw Prints encourages the written opinion of its readers in the form of signed letters to the editor or longer commentaries on topical subjects.

While we recognize the individuality of all forms of expression we reserve the right to edit and / or censor that which we feel necessary in accordance with California Education Code 48907 and standards of good taste.

All communications must be signed. It should also be understood that the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of individual Paw Prints staff members or the policy of Glen A. Wilson.

Billy LinCharles Tsuei Editors-in-Chief

Paw Prints asks:On average, how many hours do

you spend on YouTube a day?A sample of 262 students were polled.

COMPILED BY IRENE CHOU, LUBINA KIM, FION LING, MELANNIE POLIDANO & VIRGINIA TANG

ART/ HOWARD LI

Sabrina DeaAllison Ko

Carey LeungBrandie Wong

EDITORSNEWS EDITORIAL

FEATURE PERSPECTIVES

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS VISUALS

Renee Tang

Howard Li

Charles TsueiChris Chiang

Jennifer ChowMichelle GorSonia Tellis

ASST. FEATUREAlice Wen

< 0.50.5--1 1--22--3> 3

<0.5 hour43%0.5-1 hour

22%

1-2 hours19%

2-3 hours8%

>3 hours8%Stephanie Chang

Advertisements4

With you by my sideLife is an everlasting dream I Love You ! -Eric V.

Happy Sweet 16 Miss Joanne Zhu!I hope you had a lovely one

Love, Chloe

Mitchell, you are the key to my soul. I love you very much! Meet me in front of Mr. Oviedo’s room. (Please Mitchell! Don’t forget k~ )

Micah and JennaHappy Valentine’s Day!!

Love, Mom

Dear Azalea baby, Thanks for making me the happiest woman on this planet I love you forever girlfriend! <3minijuicy

Dear General, I love you... I don’t honestly, but that’ll be our little secret. Tell Charlie Temples Facebook kicks his butt...tell Chuck he should...

Honey, do you love me? If you love me, smile. -The Lumberjack

HVFLMFillssidi Vibe

Mama y Papa:Gracias por confiando en nosotros son los mejores padres en todo el ¡mundo! XOXOXO Rod y Mel

XOXOXO Chief

FOREVER AND EVER: PAUL, CARL & MICOAL

WE LOVE CHURROS! ;)BEST PICK-UP LINE: “I can’t

spell beautiful without u.”

He makes me smileAnd makes school worthwhileMakes the skies more blueAnd that person is you

<3 your dork

Hey, you know Jennifer?Yeah. -JBG

I love Batman.BUT I LOVE ANNA MORE! -Vicki

We 8059Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

JESUS LOVES YOU!Campus Light Christian Club

Tuesdays @ Lunch in F-1 (choir room)

Daisuki da kimi ga daisuki da, Mayuyu! Wasshoi B!

ithebigc

Advertisements 5February 13, 2009

I like giraffes in the park. I want to eat a cat. The giraffe want to have a nice time.

Willis Hsieh

STONRËLLEloves

Stephano Partachuck (s.c.)Gisele Velasco (l.s.)

Racavelli Nevada (r.t.)

Marquella Houston (m.g.)

I LOVE YOU LAUREN HOLGUIN!

~Eric (FIAL)

To a boy who’s over 2,500 miles away from me, I love you. I will never forget you and you’ll forever be in my heart...Love ya Alex

Roses are Red and violets are not to compare with Hillary Clinton you’re pretty Hot.

Mrs. Nicholson,Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope your day is filled with love. From, S.P.

To our awesome freshmen you know who you are, keep being awesome, we love you! You’re almost done with your first year! Love Jerry & Mel

Allison 4045

misses you!-Brandie & Sabrina

Calling out to the following freshmen:Jon Ronquillo | Candra Whitfield

Ashlie Aceves | Lucas Castro | Beverly ChowEdward Fierro | Alexandra Hadley | Kyle Iwamoto

Cynthia Lopez | Armand Navarro | Brianna Plascencia

:) HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! (:you guys are awesomeeeee<3!

Sincerely,Alexis Palacios & Virginia Tang

(Your Link Leaders)

I love you, honey, but I just can’t smile.

ANNA AND JESSICAYour name is the passwordTo boot my machineIt’s your wallpaperOn my monitor The virus of your loveIs all over my systemI am caught in the webOf your affection

I’m watching youJerry Chiu!

But God demonstrates his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Eric, I love your soft curls I love your vibrant smile. When I see your hazel eyes I completely melt. I want to hold you in my arms and never let go.But I need to know

Will you be my Valentine?

I love you Perspectives, Editorial, other Sports, Entertainment, News and of course the Feature Ladies. Sorry for forgetting your names, you people!P.S. You guys haven’t killed me YET. Let’s keep it up. SAD face.

-Pops

I LOVE YOU

MARILYN<3 STAN

I love you Phyllis Liang

(Cutie & Spot)

Happy Valentine’s Day

Steph Lee & Jon Dai

Hanny, do you clean your pants with windex because I can see myself in them. Also, I’m not a weather man but I forecast a couple of inches tonight.

-Love Donald

Howard City in Michigan,

Los Angeles and San Francisco, Elizabethtown or Justin, Texas,Wherever you travel, I will go! :)

Happy Valentine’s from Chowchilla, CA

My love for you is as smooth as the night we drifted Lombard.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Perspectives6 February 13, 2009

Perfection: the new obsession with teens

Hypocrisy used to hide genuine colorsART/VIVIAN HSIAO

By CAROL CIRIACOSTAFF WRITER

In a world obsessed with image, teenagers seem to do everything they can to emulate the idolized celebrities who grace the pages of their favorite tabloids. While teens stress over their physical features and try to achieve the airbrushed perfection the media presents to them, poverty’s hitting the world. While girls try to starve themselves to be the ideal size two, orphaned children in Africa starve without a choice. The amount of money that many girls spend on their physical appearance is ridiculous. No one is perfect, but the television says otherwise, influencing teens to go to great lengths in order to achieve the flawless look. The false image that the media portrays of human beings has twisted the traditional idea that flaws create individuality. According to the media, if enough money is spent, then perfection can be achieved.

By ALEX CHAOSTAFF WRITER

If there is one type of person that everyone has the right to be angry with, it would be a hypocrite.

Simply defined, hypocrisy is when someone goes against what he claims to believe. This wickedness builds on the foundation of trickery and dishonesty.

The person who practices this duplicity would usually be labeled as a wolf in sheep’s clothing or more commonly, a liar.

People go to great lengths to make themselves appear morally superior to others. Pride gets in the way and pushes many to hypocrisy.

This deception begins in the heart. In order to hide the corruption within him, a person has to rationalize against any sort of personal wretchedness.

People crave for others to think more highly of them. In a society where image and status constitute success, some strive to maintain greatness by any means.

Hypocrisy occurs when people try to make themselves appear more virtuous than they really are and when they capitalize on another person’s

flaws in order to marginalize their own failures.

A professing Christian can have his testimony destroyed if he is engaged in

a lifestyle contrary to his beliefs. Some politicians are criticized because their actions conflict with what they promote in their campaigns.

The standard against hypocrisy is not limited to those in high position but instead holds the same weight for everyone.

When a person commits an error or falls short of some standard, he is often quick to point fingers and judge others without examining how he himself lives.

While hypocrisy has personal implications, it can affect other people as well. Marriage, the pinnacle of all commitments, can be destroyed by the intrusion of hypocrisy. The effects of this deception can influence children and give them the

The media brainwashes today’s youth not only with false images, but also with advertisements that campaign methods to reach this desired “perfection.”

If you want smooth and clear skin, use this face wash. For the perfect hair, only this shampoo will do. Forget the cost. After all, your favorite star uses it, so shouldn't you? If no one paid attention to the media’s blasphemy, there would be no problem. The trouble is that too much attention is given to the unrealistic proposals shown in the media. The truth is that it is understandable that the media preys on today’s youth, even if we try to blame the advertisements.

It is the media’s job to focus advertisements on the most vulnerable audience that it can find, and adolescents’ obsession with the media and celebrities makes them the group to target. Teenagers in today’s world don’t understand that their appearances aren’t everything. And although they do carry some weight in society, looks aren't worth what many claim them to be. The obsession with appearance has gotten to the point where teens emulate celebrities and the false images that they provide as a model for their own superficiality. Instead of focusing on their own lives, America’s youths are preoccupied by how Britney Spears spent her

weekend and the n a m e of the hotel she stayed at, hoping

that t h e y

could one day save

e n o u g h to stay at

the same r id i cu lous ly

e x t r a v a g a n t lodge.

It’s time that everyone stopped letting the media control their lives. Americans everywhere should stop paying so much attention to celebrities and focus on the people around them, the things in life that actually mean something. People should learn to

see the world for what it is instead of being tricked

by the media and its unrealistic images and temptations. Sure, life might not be as ideal and

beautiful as it seems in those glossy pages of magazines, but life itself has much more to offer than the media does. To see the true beauty in life one merely has to walk in

the park or look at the stars. After all, it’s the simple things in life that hold the most magnificence. Rather than chase after a false sense of perfection preached by airbrushed women and catchy commercial tunes, Americans should search for some true meaning because “there’s gotta be more to life.”

'Teenagers in today's world don't

understand that appearances aren't

everything.'

impression that if their parents can lie in their lives, then so can they. Relationships need to begin and continue with truth.

In order to be rid of double-living, a person must not glorify himself. Contrary to what some people say, humbleness does not mean weakness. It is an abandonment of overbearing pride.

A humble person does not seek to magnify himself but puts others ahead, even at the cost of his own reputation.

When someone realizes the emptiness of arrogance and cherishes the beauty of meekness, hypocrisy will soon fade away.

People need to examine their lives and strive to make sure that their inward desires remain consistent with how they act outwardly in their profession.

All of these and more are difficulties that I have to struggle with in my own life, so it is my hope that people will be purged from any and all kinds of hypocritical living.

Unless people turn away from this evil, the world will truly become a stage filled with actors wearing masks of deceit.

'When a person commits an error, he is often quick to point

fingers and judge others...'

ART/VANESSA HO

Advertisement 7February 13, 2009

February 13, 20098 Sports

THERE IT GOES! - Jeanet Perla (10) knock the ball away from her Diamond Ranch opponent during Tuesday’s 2-1 loss. After yesterday’s 1-0 loss to Los Altos, the girls finished with a 6-13-2 record.

Kicked away

Ladycats prepare for CIF with LA rout

Last home game ends in 13-12 defeat

By CHRIS CHIANGSPORTS EDITOR

Snapping a two game losing streak, the girls basketball team defeated Los Altos, 39-29, in the final regular match of the season.

“It feels really good to win the last game and to top it off ,it’s against our rival,” said Captain Naijah Calhoun (12).

Beginning the game hot, the Cats took an early 10-2 lead before cooling off and finishing the first quarter 10-7.

The girls, however, picked up the slack and went off on a run, outscoring the Conquerors 21-7 in the second quarter.

Unwilling to call it quits, Los Altos came back in the third with much more energy and chipped away at Wilson’s 14-point lead, until they finally cut it down to three, 21-18, with 4:38 left in the quarter.

“We were confused on offense and we made little, dumb mistakes that let them back in the game,” said Calhoun.

Fortunately, Wilson stepped it up when necessary and built a 17 point lead in the fourth and won by 10.

JONJONLEWSTAFF WRITER

“Why do you build me up, (build me up) buttercup baby, just to let me down?”

NOT THIS TIME! - Sierra Gardner (10) deflects a West Covina shot in the first half of yesterday’s season finale. The Cats lost the game, 13-12, on a goal that came within the last 20 seconds. PHOTO/MICHELLE GOR

There are no better words to sum up the girls varsity water polo game yesterday. The Cats were defeated by West Covina 13-12 after losing to Walnut on Wednesday, 15-5.

Cats lose championship to crosstown rivalsBy HANNY KISHAWISTAFF WRITER

Boys soccer finished the regular season with two disappointing losses to league opponents.

Yesterday, the Cats lost to Los Altos, 2-1.Before entering the field Thursday, the players

say they were optimistic and energized for this meet.

“I know that if we put the right effort and determination, we can take over and dominate,” said Jenkin Chan (12).

According to Coach Ricardo Recinos, the team could accomplish anything with the right spirit and attitude.

However, the team did not possess either quality when they faced the Conquerors.

“We weren’t facing the game like we should; too many of us [the players] were still sleeping through the first 20 minutes of the game,” said Recinos.

The Cats received a similar defeat when they competed against Diamond Ranch, Tuesday, losing 5-3.

Although the Cats ended the first half with a three-point lead, they lacked the momentum to win the game.

“The team thought they had it in control. We weren’t focused enough in the game and didn’t have the right approach,” said Mirra Valdez (12).

However, the team said they are still enthused about placing second place in league. They will be advancing to CIF along with the league champion Los Altos as well as third place finishers Diamond Ranch.

“I know we hit it hard this week, but we gave it our best; I guess the other team wanted first place more than us,” said Chan.

Their first CIF scheduled match is to be determined at a later date.

PHOTO/VIRGINIA TANG

The girls had maintained the lead throughout the entire game only to give up the game-winning shot with twenty seconds left.

From the start, the game had the excitement of a rivalry

matchup with Lindsey Silva (11) scoring thirty seconds in. After the first goal, there was back-to-back scoring on both ends of the pool.

Mia Icaman (12) had several impressive shots from the half-way mark, but the Bulldogs were able to lob consecutive shots over goalie Sierra Gardner (10).

The first quarter ended in a 5-5 tie.

“[The lob] is a tough shot to defend, and even

more so a tough shot to shoot,” said Coach Billy Cavezza.

Thus, the Cats had made adjustments coming into the second. With the help of Isaura Balderrama (12) and Icaman, their team was able to outscore their opponent 3-1. The girls had the lead 8-6 at the half.

Just as the home team had earlier in the game, the Bulldogs improved their defense in the second half. Four consecutive blocks for West. Covina held the Cats to only three goals.

By hindering the offense, the other team was able to focus on outscoring Wilson, 4-3, in third quarter.

The girls went into the fourth quarter leading, 11-10. It was a low scoring quarter with West Covina finally scoring a goal three minutes in, for the tie. Another series of possessions left the teams tied at twelve.

The Cats maintained possession only to turn it over with a minute left. It seemed as if the game was all but

lost. However Gardner made a crucial block to stop the Bulldogs’ attack.

The Cats took a time out to set up for the last shot, but Wilson failed to take the lead. With twenty seconds left to play, the opposing team was able to fire past Gardner. The game was over.

When asked about the contest, Cavezza focused on the positive aspects.

“That was one of the best games of the season. It just would have been better if we won. Our seniors did really well; we only have three of them, so we still have a really young team,” said Cavezza.

The season isn’t over yet for the girls water polo team. Tomorrow they face the rivaling Conquerors.

“Los Altos is a very fast team. They have some players that are three and four year varsity players that the program has built around. We just got to stop their speed,” explained Cavezza.

Two members of the big cat family butted heads Tuesday as the girls took on the undefeated Diamond Ranch Panthers.

Despite a strong effort from the Cats, they were ultimately defeated 58-26.

“We did better than the last time we faced them,” said Captain Lauren Holguin (12). “But we still had trouble adjusting to the game.”

Although the girl lost by a 32 point margin, the team says that they gave it their all and it was a good game nonetheless.

“Diamond Ranch usually beats everybody else by 40 or 50 points, so we came closer than any other team,” said Head Coach Ed Bruyninckx.

The Cats were also without center, Calhoun, who continues to be bothered by her injury.

“She still not a hundred percent. She’s day-to-day,” said Bruyninckx. “Also we don’t want her condition to get worse for playoffs.”

Without Calhoun, Wilson was forced to take more outside shots with the Panther’s defense crowding the inside.

“We should have tried to beat them from the free-throw line, but they made it intimidating to drive in,” said Holguin.

Now that the Cats have finished their final game, they will prepare for CIF. Wilson will find out who they play this Sunday for playoffs.