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Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s note: Players will be referred to by their gamer tags.

Mason’s Valorant team defeated Butler University 2-0 in a best-of-three series on Oct. 2. The following day, Mason defeated the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights 2-0 in a best-of-three series on Oct. 3. 

In Mason’s first matchup, the team achieved a lopsided victory winning 13-6 on the Valorant map, Haven, and securing a 13-5 victory on Sunset.

The attacking side’s goal was to get the spike down onto any map sites, while the defending side’s goal was to prevent the spike from being planted on any of the sites. Agents are characters that the players pick to play in the game. The agents’ abilities are used to get into the site to plant the spike, stop the spike from being planted or take down the opponents.

While Butler planted spikes during their attacks on both maps, Mason retook the site with their agents’ abilities. 

In round eight, Mason’s Soji got an ace after retaking on B site Haven. He used Neon’s ultimate overdrive ability, zapping lighting out of her finger. In round 10, Soji and Mason’s Blaze retook Heaven site C, clutching a 2v4. In the next round, Soji clutched a 2v1, isolating each fight against Butler. 

On Sunset, Blaze got an ace to give Mason a boost.  In round six, Blaze got two Butler players in the Sunset market and two in B main. To get his ace, he used Sova’s hunter’s fury ultimate on Butler’s Omen, planting a spike on A site. 

Mason beat Butler University 2-0 in the best-of-three series. 

Mason hosted a watch party for fans at the Student Involvement Office during their match against UCF, providing free pizza and drinks for Mason fans to enjoy.  

In their final match, Mason won 13-1 on Sunset. Mason’s Ktran, who played as Breach, led the way with 16 kills, 4 deaths and 12 assists as Initiator. Alongside Ktran, Mason’s Coco played as Cypher with 15 kills, 3 deaths, and 3 assists as  Sentinel.

Mason won 13–3 on Bind. Soji led the way as Raze with 17 kills, 6 deaths and 5 assists as a duelist. Blaze played as Viper and got 16 kills, 7 deaths and 5 assists as a controller. In both games, Mason out-killed UCF 137 to 55.

Mason won their second straight game with a 2-0 victory in the series. 

Amelia Jane Sand/Fourth Estate

BY BARRETT BALZER, STAFF WRITER AND AMELIA JANE SAND, STAFF WRITER

On Oct. 9, Students for Justice in Palestine at Mason held a “1 year of genocide, 1 year of resistance” protest on Wilkins Plaza during their “Week of Rage” events. 

In an Instagram post by SJP Mason, the “Week of Rage” is described as a week of demonstrations “against the zionist entity & its brutal genocidal campaign upon Palestinians.” The events, taking place from Oct.7 to Oct. 10, included “art-building, poster making, and reflections & discussion,” a screening of “TRT’s Holy Redemption” and an absentee prayer.

During the protest on Wednesday, organizers started with a prayer, consisting of two rows. The prayer was led by one male organizer, leading both rows of men and women each. All prayed northwest towards Mecca.

Amelia Jane Sand/Fourth Estate

The protest featured heavy chanting, shouting, “we will not be pushed aside, put an end to genocide,” “from the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever,” and “Bil Rouh, Bil dam, nafdika ya falasteen,” which translates to “with our soul and blood we will free Palestine.” Members of SJP took turns beating a drum to the rhythm of the chants.

“I have a message for the leaders of George Mason University. The purpose of a university is to be a champion for the truth, and despite the nonstop barrage of misinformation from Netanyahu and Biden, and despite the shamefully timid coverage in the news industry, we know the truth,” Associate professor Tim Gibson said. “We must stop it now. If you can hear my voice in Horizon Hall, in the Johnson Center, all around campus, join us, do not be afraid of repression.”

Other speakers included members from SJP, as well as one Lebanese speaker, addressing the attacks in Lebanon.

During the protest, two counter-protestors arrived. The pair shouted, “America first,” and played unintelligible music from a JBL speaker. The counter-protestors were quickly told to stop by members of SJP and other protestors. Another individual stepped in and said, “they have a right to be here.” After the exchange, one protester sat down with the pair to hold a private discussion. 

In an Instagram post, SJP explained that the efforts of the rage week are to “continue to wield our power within our institution, holding George Mason university accountable.” 

“We will not stop, we will not rest,” wrote SJP. “For Gaza, we will continue to rise no matter how long it takes.”

Photo Courtesy of Cuesta-McAulay Press Office

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, STAFF WRITER

On Thursday, Oct. 3, Student Government collaborated with the First-Gen+ Center to launch a “how-to” website. Catered towards first-generation and migrant-origin students, the site gives a comprehensive guide on navigating college.   

The launch kicked off in Merten Hall, with Spanish top hits welcoming attendees. Mason Student Body President Maria Cuesta announced the collaboration with First Gen+ Center Assistant Director Rommel Aguilar. Aguilar shared that the website’s goal is to be “first-gen ready” and “promote undocufriendly spaces.”   

The website, “How To Guide: A Navigation Tool for First-Gen College Students and/or Students from Migrant-Origins,” provides various resources such as links to connect with student services, scholarship opportunities and more. Additionally, the website introduces students to the Mason community and provides a list of clubs and organizations surrounding identity and Greek life.

Photo Courtesy of Cuesta-McAulay Press Office

Though it doesn’t include every registered student organization (RSO), Undersecretary of Website Management Jake Dillenburg shared that “the [guide] is updateable. It is a living website.”  

The “Tips + Student Testimonials” page offers perspectives from current and alumni Mason students who may have felt “lost” or “uncomfortable” about receiving higher education. “It alleviates the pressure of getting an education,”  Cuesta said.  

Cuesta was elected as Student Body President in the Spring 2024 election. “On top of being a first-generation, I’m also an international student,” Cuesta said. “At Mason, I understood and saw the need of people being able to understand how to navigate college.” 

Cuesta credits her involvement with various student organizations and departments on campus for expanding her view on the different needs within Mason’s community. Cuesta shared that any efforts to enhance the experience of certain communities is an attempt to bring the community together. 

“It did start from a first-generation and immigrant background, but it’s not limited to that. It serves all students,” Cuesta added. 

Students can access the full guide on the official student government website.