Argumentative and driven, the forensics team competed at California Community College Forensics Asociation for the state championship with all its members taking home a medal.

There was a short break for the team after the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensics Association Spring Champs, but no time was wasted, as debaters practiced on campus.

“Practice, practice, practice,” Juan Victorio, senior debater, said.

“We practice structure, arguments and certain theories. There’s always room for improvement.”

First-year debater Lillian Cavalieri, “The Machine,” political science major, won three silver medals; one for impromptu speaking, one for extemporaneous speaking, and one for the National Forensics Association Lincoln-Douglass debate (NFALD).

“We did really well,” Maria Batasch, political science and public relations major, said.

“My partner, Vivian Amezcua, brought home the only gold medal in extemporaneous speaking,” she said.

Debating partners Jose Crespo and Victorio won silver medals in parliamentary debate.

“This was a successful tournament because everyone came home with a medal,” Victorio said.

The next competition is Phi Rho Pi Nationals, which will take place in Chicago, Illinois April 12-20.

“I cannot wait to go to nationals,” Victorio said.