Mount Hood

NBA Christmas Day

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The NBA’s 2024 Christmas Day slate delivered a series of thrilling matchups, showcasing seasoned veterans and rising stars. Here’s a detailed look at the standout performances from each game that made this holiday lineup memorable.
New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs
The NBA’s festivities began with the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks protected their home court, securing a close victory with a final score of 117-114. Mikal Bridges’ season high of 41 points led the Knicks to the win, along with Karl Anthony Towns’ 21 points. Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ franchise player, gave a stellar performance, scoring 42 points and racking up 18 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to stop New York.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
In a rematch of the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves faced the Dallas Mavericks. The Timberwolves emerged victorious with a 105-99 win. Anthony Edwards was the standout performer, finishing with 26 points for Minnesota. The Mavericks, playing without their star Luka Dončić due to a mid-game injury, relied heavily on Kyrie Irving. Irving put up 39 points that almost led the Mavericks to a 28-point comeback, but his efforts weren’t able to shut down the Timberwolves’ attack.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
The rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics added another chapter as the 76ers secured a 118-114 victory. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with dominant performances, as Maxey scored 33 points and 12 assists, while Embiid scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Boston’s Jayson Tatum countered Philadelphia with a strong showing, adding 32 points and 15 rebounds of his own, but the Celtics couldn’t overcome the 76ers’ late-game execution.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
One of the most anticipated games of the day featured the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers clinched a 115-113 win in a game that lived up to the hype. Lakers guard Austin Reaves stole the show, scoring a game-winning layup while also putting up a 26-10-10 triple-double. LeBron James also put up impressive stats, with 31 points and 10 assists. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry was exceptional, scoring 38 points and hitting multiple clutch three-pointers to keep Golden State in the game. However, the Lakers’ resilience proved decisive.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns
The final game of the day saw the Phoenix Suns defeat the Denver Nuggets 110-100. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal led the Suns with 27 points each, making up for the lack of their star player Devin Booker, who was out with a groin injury. The Nuggets were led by Nikola Jokić, who put up 25 points and 25 rebounds. Though they put up a valiant effort, the Nuggets struggled to contain the Suns’ dynamic offense, and despite Jokić’s all-around contributions, Denver couldn’t mount a comeback.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Women’s soccer

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s women’s soccer team recently wrapped up their 2024 season, finishing with a solid record of 6-6-8. Under the leadership of a talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, the Wolves proved to be a force in the Great North American Conference, earning respect as a team that never gave up, no matter the challenge. From close victories to standout performances, the 2024 season was filled with unforgettable moments that will stay with players and fans.
California native Lauren Rose, a junior midfielder for the Wolves, was a key factor for the program this season. Since her first year, Rose has been an essential part of the team, and her dedication both on and off the field embodies the spirit of soccer at Western. With plans to return for her senior season in 2025, she remains a cornerstone of the program.
Rose’s love for soccer began at the age of four, and her passion for the game has only grown over the years. When asked why she plays the sport, Rose said, “What kept me in it this long was how much I loved the game. I’ve met so many people through soccer, and it has brought so much into my life.”
A typical day for Rose starts with early morning weightlifting sessions, followed by classes and a mid-day break to recharge before practice in the afternoon. Her evenings are spent with her roommate, cooking dinner, relaxing or catching up on homework.
On game days, her schedule shifts to focus entirely on mentally preparing for the task at hand. Rose’s pregame routine starts by taking a morning walk, partaking in classes and then getting ready by heading into the program’s clubhouse to get hyped up with her go-to tracks, including Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and Drake’s “Headlines.” Rose truly embodies the balance required of a student-athlete. Her daily routine during the season reflects the discipline and commitment it takes to compete at the collegiate level.
Outside of soccer, Rose spends her free time hanging out with family and friends, snowboarding, shopping and staying in shape. “Since I’ve been involved in a sport my whole life, working out is something that just comes naturally to me,” she said. These hobbies give her a healthy balance to the intense demands of her life as a student-athlete.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Rose offered some valuable words of wisdom. “You’re blessed to even have an opportunity to become a college athlete. No matter what level you’re at, you truly get out what you put in. Every opportunity you have to grow — take it.” For anyone seeking to pursue and succeed in their sport at a high level, Rose’s advice should be taken into consideration.
When asked about the dynamic of this year’s team, Rose said, “Our success this season wasn’t just built on talent, it was built on trust and a strong team culture. We prioritize team bonding a lot, spending time with each other on trips and always making an effort to support other teams at (Western) by showing up to their games. At the end of the day, it’s really about building each other up.” This culture has created a sense of family that helped the Wolves push through the ups and downs of their season. From cheering each other on during practices to making memories on the road, it was evident that the team had a close-knit nature.
Senior goalie Sophia Pierce, who also works for “The Western Howl,” contributed heavily to the Wolves’ defensive game this year. Pierce had a breakout season, earning a spot on the all-GNAC Second Team, as well as multiple Defensive Player of the Week Awards. In just six games of play, Pierce was able to rack up an impressive 16 saves and two shutouts, earning her notable recognition throughout the conference. Other standout players on the team include Jada Foster, who was selected first-team all-GNAC, as well as Ciara Garcia and Lula Sadler, who were both selected second-team all-GNAC.
One of the most memorable games in the 2024 season included the Wolves’ dominant win over Saint Martin’s University. Western put on an offensive and defensive clinic, showcasing their ability to control all aspects of the game. Juniors Olivia Johnsrud and Emma Smith each scored a goal of their own, while first-year Kameron Wilmsatt added the final blow with a penalty kick, pushing the score to 3-0 in the Wolves’ favor.
It is safe to say that the 2024 season was a testament to the strength and potential of women’s soccer here at Western. With a roster of talented players and coaches, a supportive team culture, and the return of key leaders like Lauren Rose, the Wolves are destined for even greater achievements in 2025.
While the season is over, the memories, lessons and bonds formed throughout this year will continue to shape the program for years to come. As the team reflects on their journey, one thing is clear — the future is bright for Western’s women’s soccer.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Women’s+ rugby

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s women’s+ rugby team has taken the Cascade Conference by storm this season. Finishing the fall season with an undefeated 13-0 record, the team is dominating on the field.  Representing more than just athletic success, the Wolves have built a program rooted in inclusivity and teamwork.
Western’s rugby team is rewriting the playbook on inclusivity in sports. While rugby has historically been male-dominated, Western’s team is proving that there can be a space for anyone who wants to play. Jaylin Emond-Hardin, a junior on the team who also works with “The Western Howl,” emphasized its unique approach by saying, “It’s a movement for inclusivity. We love the saying ‘rugby is for everyone’ because it’s true. Women’s+ means anyone, whether cis, trans or gender non-conforming, are encouraged to join.” This policy fosters an environment where athletes of all backgrounds can thrive and feel welcome.
While inclusivity is the heart of the program, the team’s athletic achievements are undeniable. Competing as a club sport, the Wolves play in the Cascade Conference along with schools such as Willamette University, the University of Puget Sound and the combined team of Reed College and Lewis & Clark University. Throughout the fall season, Western showed everyone in attendance that they were the team to watch out for.
Behind the Wolves’ success are several standout players who have delivered exceptional performances this fall. Estela Miranda-Aguilar, a senior scrum, plays a role comparable to a quarterback in football, directing plays and orchestrating the offense. Her 14 tries this season highlight her scoring ability, while her leadership also earned her the Back MVP award. Emily Moore, the senior flyhalf, leads the team in tries with 17 this season. Moore’s consistent ability to score and create opportunities for teammates has been an imperative factor in the team’s success. Journey Petry, a first-year prop, came to rugby with a background in high school tackle football, and her defensive skills have transferred smoothly. Petry is known for her hard-hitting tackles, and she has proven to be a reliable presence on the field. Lastly, while being a full-time student and a student employee, Emond-Hardin has found a way to balance rugby, school and her work at “The Western Howl.” This season, she was recognized by her coaches and teammates as the hardest worker. Emond-Hardin credits much of her growth as a player to observing her skilled teammates Petry, Miranda and Moore.
For many players, club sports offer more than just a chance to compete — they provide a sense of belonging. Emond-Hardin spoke about how the Rugby team has shaped her college experience by saying, “Rugby is a great community. It is very open and welcoming, and I have felt a part of the team since I joined freshman year.” Having played sports her whole life, Jaylin was introduced to rugby through a high school ex-boyfriend who played the sport. Since then, she has embraced it as a way to stay active and engaged at Western.
While the fall season has come to a close, the Wolves are already setting ambitious goals for spring. Last year, they achieved a national ranking of 14th, but they’re determined to improve on that in 2025. With their current momentum, strong leadership and dedication, a higher ranking is well within their reach. As the Wolves prepare for spring, they carry the hopes of their university and the broader rugby community. Whether they’re crushing tackles on the field or breaking barriers off of it, Western’s women’s rugby team is a great example of what club sports have to offer. 

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Women’s professional hockey season opener

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

The Professional Women’s Hockey League — PWHL — has kicked off its second season. Founded in June 2023, the league hopes to build off the success of their inaugural season. 

The season opener, which featured games for all six teams, launched a 30-game per team season, up from the previous 24. 

In the 2000s and early 2010s, players were not offered salaries from the existing Women’s Canadian Hockey League, as it was run by a non-profit. In 2015, the Premier Hockey Federation was founded in the United States, expanding to Canada in 2020, with players being offered salaries.

The Women’s Canadian Hockey League was dissolved, but players from the league were quick to found the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association, or PWHPA. From there, they boycotted existing leagues in pursuit of a unified, financially stable league. In 2022, the PWHPA entered a partnership with the Mark Walter Group, the PWHL entered its infancy. 

This season also gives teams their identities. Initially lacking team names and logos, PWHL league executives were in a time crunch to design them so the teams would have them for uniforms and merchandise for the second season. During their inaugural season, teams were referred to by their city name with a PWHL prefix — for example, PWHL Toronto. 

With an influx of college graduates, US Olympians and European players coming into the league, they continue to hope to ride the wave of women’s sports growth in North America. 

“It’s hard to put into words, to be honest. Obviously, the first season exceeded all of our expectations,” vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said. “We always believed. We had a vision for it. But to see it happen as quickly as it did was something that was pretty special.”

With the Minnesota Frost coming off a championship high, other teams have hoped to capitalize on the team’s shaky off-season — the team’s general manager was dismissed following a league review that revealed a rift between her and Frost head coach Ken Klee. 

“For me, it’s just about getting our group back together,” Klee said. “We’re focusing on the future. Pro-hockey, things happen, some unfortunate things and some things out of our control, and we’re just really looking forward and excited to get the season going.”

Most matches will be streaming on The Sports Network and Réseau des Sports, Canada’s top sports service, with select matches streaming on Prime Video and Madison Square Garden Sports. 

Season opener score report:

Boston Fleet v. Toronto Sceptres — 1 – 3

Ottawa Charge v. Montreal Victoire — 3 – 4

New York Sirens v. Minnesota Frost — 4 – 3

Contact the author at howlentertainment@mail.wou.edu

Feminism in sports

Written by: Molly Martinka | Freelancer

Content Warning: This article contains references to sexual assault

“No matter what life throws at you, or how unfair you think it is, never give up. Pick yourself up and go on.” — Megan Rapinoe, soccer player

Since the beginning of time, society has demonstrated the importance of hierarchy. Whether it be women against men, race against race or right against wrong, there has always been a society where divide is a normality. Though many can admit that the adversities that permeate society are harmful to mankind, people seldom take the initiative to make a change. These feelings of hesitancy commonly arise from the idea that one person is not capable of making a difference for a change that must occur by the masses. There are some female athletes, however, that have changed this narrative, and took it upon themselves to make a change in the capacity that they can.

Sports are of great importance in the individuality and collectivism that shapes our cultures, and the idea of an “athlete” manifests in various forms. Such a captivating force is the ideal platform for athletes to make changes in the fabric of society, whether it be miniscule alterations or mass diversion. Female athletes have faced discrimination for centuries, and continue to face adversity today. This, when combined with other social repressions, creates the urge for change to cultivate within some iconic athletes such as Simone Biles, Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe. These three women highlight the importance of feminism in sports, and racial equality in the world. 

Simone Biles is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the Olympic and gymnastics community, but her success did not come without hardship. Biles has demonstrated perseverance, grit and strength that many women take deep inspiration from. Though millions recognize her for her skills and agility, there is far more praise to be given for her role in the women’s movement of female athletes. Not only did Biles express the importance of women’s mental health when she stepped back in the Tokyo Olympics, but she also brought justice to thousands of women by exposing the sexual abuse caused by Olympic doctor Larry Nassar. By demonstrating the fearlessness to speak out on a male perpetrator at such a high profile, Biles reminded society that no matter the cost, justice takes precedence over press. Though she was aware of the negative backlash she could potentially face, she took the step towards change and away from gender inequality. 

Serena Williams also demonstrated feminism and called for change when she spoke out against unequal pay for black female athletes. Her statement, “I’m a black woman in a sport that wasn’t really meant for black people,” in an interview with The Hill emphasizes the social culture historically surrounding tennis. Williams knowingly entered a sport that was often for the highest profile white wealthy families, and became one of the icons of the sports for years to come. 

Williams takes action in many ways, including opening secondary schools in Kenya, representing UNICEF as an ambassador and creating her own venture capital firm which invests in technology companies created and run by African American women. These actions help further the women’s movement in sports in parallel with the Black Lives Matter movement, serving as inspiration to millions. 

Megan Rapinoe is a female soccer player, who took a stance to speak on the hardships of calling for change. She has spoken out fearlessly against systemic racism, homophobia in sports and abuse of women within the industry. She calls for a “paradigm shift,” and encourages other female athletes not to hesitate to speak out against injustices. One of her most prominent actions to further the women’s sports movement is her lawsuit against unequal women’s pay. Her call for change created a ripple effect amongst female soccer players, and the lawsuit ended in a $20 million settlement and a promise for equal pay in the future. 

Though the women’s rights movement will never be complete, and there is still great room for change, one cannot overlook the strength and progress that has been made thus far. These female athletes helped craft a safer future for oppressed athletes all over the world. A call for change has been spoken, and these powerful icons answered that call. Though their work is not done, a newfound courage has been sparked in sports fans everywhere. Together, the fabric of society can change, and these female athletes demonstrated just that. 

The women’s rights social movement will continue to grow and evolve, and sports will remain one of the most compelling platforms for political expression. With the power of these strong female athletes, evolution is inevitable. It takes one match to start a fire, and these women have done just that. 

Contact the author at mmartinka23@mail.wou.edu

Mercedes’ hat trick and Max Verstappen’s dominance

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth World Drivers’ Championship this weekend by finishing one place ahead of championship rival Lando Norris. The Dutch driver is the third driver in the last fifteen years to “fourpeat,” and the second Red Bull Racing driver to “fourpeat.” Former racer Sebastian Vettel holds the first of both of these records. 

In April this year, Norris had said, “Verstappen’s dominance could bore fans.” This, of course, was at the beginning of the season, when Verstappen had still been winning every race. Norris had yet to be a championship contender, and would not be one until May, with his maiden win in Miami putting him in second for the championship for the first time in his career. 

From then on, for Norris to be able to win the championship, he needed to finish each Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen, a feat he has rarely been able to do.

It was the Las Vegas Grand Prix that would make or break Norris and Verstappen’s championship dreams.  

Starting in fifth with rival Norris in sixth gave Verstappen an edge to where he could block him from taking the inside line on corners, as well as allowing Verstappen to block any undercutting from the McLaren driver. Undercutting occurs when a driver pits before the car or cars in front to try and gain a position, a strategy favored by McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella. 

These strategy choices were what allowed Verstappen to maintain his fifth-place position, just one ahead of Norris, and to clinch his fourth championship. 

Las Vegas also meant a hat trick for Mercedes Racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Hamilton and Russell topped all three free practices on Thursday and Friday, giving the pair an edge for qualifying.

While Hamilton struggled to break the top 10 in qualifying, Russell maintained dominance on the track and clinched pole position for Saturday’s race. Starting in pole, or first position, gave Russell an undeniable edge as he was able to lead by a margin of seven seconds.

A one-stop pit-stop strategy brought Hamilton up to second, but with the margin that Russell led by, he couldn’t catch up to his teammate. By the end of the 50-lap race, Russell and Hamilton had maintained their one-two positions, giving Mercedes the double podium.

With the Mercedes double podium, this also meant that the team had clinched a hat trick. With Hamilton and Russell leading in all three free practices, Russell claiming pole position and a Mercedes double podium, the team dominated the Las Vegas Street Circuit. 

Formula One’s last two races of the season are Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, with the drivers traveling to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. While Verstappen has been crowned the World Drivers’ Champion, the Constructors’ Champion — where both drivers’ points combine for a team score — still has yet to be decided. McLaren currently leads with 608 points, with Ferrari just 24 points behind. 

The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will be streaming on ESPN+ and F1 TV. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The worlds of modern entertainment and traditional boxing collided on the night of Nov. 15, 2024. Social media star Jake Paul faced off against Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, in one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent history.
In most people’s minds, Tyson’s name goes hand and hand with the sport of boxing. Born in Brooklyn in 1966, Tyson had a troubled youth but found a purpose in boxing. Under the wing of legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s career began to skyrocket. By age 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, capturing the WBC title in 1986.
Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” Tyson was feared for his brutal knockouts and excessive aggression. His career record includes 50 wins, 44 by knockout and only six losses. Despite his success, Tyson’s journey was followed by controversy, including legal troubles and public meltdowns that negatively affected his reputation. He retired from boxing in 2005 but made a surprising return in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr., which sparked a new interest in the once-retired fighter.
Unlike Tyson, Jake Paul’s rise to fame came from the entertainment industry. Born in Ohio in 1997, Paul gained notoriety as a Disney Channel star and then became a YouTuber before pivoting to boxing in 2018 as a way to expand his name and take on new challenges. His journey into the ring was initially perceived as a joke, but Paul quickly proved himself as a skilled, disciplined fighter. His journey began with a widely publicized fight against YouTuber Deji Olatunji, the brother of famous influencer KSI, which took place on the undercard of the KSI vs. Logan Paul fight. Paul ended up winning the match, which motivated him to pursue the sport even more. He eventually transitioned to professional boxing in 2020, defeating YouTuber AnEsonGib in his debut fight. Paul began taking part in intense training regimes, working with professional trainers and sparring with established fighters. He has since fought and defeated multiple opponents, including former MMA champions, solidifying his position as a controversial yet influential figure in the boxing world. Going into the fight vs Tyson, Paul held a professional record of 10-1.
The announcement of the Tyson-Paul fight in March 2024 sparked debates across the sports world. For fans of traditional boxing, a 58-year-old Tyson stepping into the ring against a 27-year-old social media star was unimaginable. On the other hand, Paul’s supporters praised the fight, egging on the other side.
Initially scheduled for July 20, the fight faced delays due to Tyson’s health issues. The fight was then rescheduled for Nov. 15 and was billed as a professional match. Adding to the hype, Netflix secured exclusive streaming rights, allowing them to broadcast the fight to their subscribers.
With a crowd of 75,000 in attendance and millions watching online, the stage was set for a showdown between past and present. The eight-round match featured two-minute rounds and heavier gloves — a safety measure given Tyson’s age and the nature of the exhibition.
From the opening bell, it became clear that time had taken its toll on Tyson. His once lightning-fast combinations were visibly slower, even though his boxing IQ and footwork stayed the same. Paul was able to capitalize on his youth, using his speed and stamina to control the pace of the fight.
While Tyson landed a few shots, Paul’s consistent jabs earned him the upper hand. The fight ended with a unanimous decision in Paul’s favor, with judges scoring the match 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. Paul went on to celebrate the victory as the “most significant achievement of his career,” while Tyson thankfully acknowledged the outcome.
Days after the fight, Tyson let the world know that he had undergone serious health struggles leading up to the event, including significant weight loss and multiple blood transfusions. This gave context to his performance, showcasing the physical toll boxing takes on aging athletes.
Due to technical issues, Netflix received backlash from fans claiming that there were buffering and streaming glitches. Fans were outraged, and a $50 million class-action lawsuit was filed against Netflix, alleging breach of contract.
Despite its controversies, the fight was a commercial success. Paul’s victory solidified his spot as a legitimate fighter, with his team expressing interest in future matchups against legends like Canelo Álvarez and Anthony Joshua.
For Tyson, the fight marked another chapter in his career, one that emphasized resilience and courage. While some questioned his decision to fight at 58 years old, others admired his willingness to step back into the ring.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

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