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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec



San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec
Amber Salas

Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer

Amber is a fourth-year journalism student from San Clemente, California. This is her second year writing and reporting for The Daily Aztec. She hopes to one day share the stories of athletes as a sideline reporter covering the NHL or NFL. Amber is a big fan of the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Angels. She loves following all of college football as well. Amber is also a member of the SDSU Cheer team where she has competed three times at the UCA College Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Follow her on Twitter @ambersalass.

All content by Amber Salas
Senior Farewell: Amber Salas

Senior Farewell: Amber Salas

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
May 5, 2021
San Diego State mens basketball head coach Brian Dutcher gives instructions to a player during the Aztecs 69-67 win over Nevada on Jan. 9, 2021 at Viejas Arena.

An offseason day in the life of Brian Dutcher

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
April 16, 2021
Bryce Cregan was an assistant coach on the University of Pittsburgh staff since 2018.

Men’s soccer adds Bryce Cregan as new assistant coach

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
April 13, 2021
San Diego State mens soccer head coach Ryan Hopkins runs down the touchline shouting instructions at his players during the Aztecs 2-0 upset over No. 4 Washington on March 28, 2021 at the SDSU Sports Deck.

Seeking inclusivity, Hopkins joins Clive Charles Diversity Hiring Initiative

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
April 10, 2021

[Video] Houston and Tezino return to the Mesa with hopes of second chance in NFL

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
April 1, 2021
San Diego State mens basketball senior forward Matt Mitchell guards Syracuse sophomore forward Quincy Guerrier during the Aztecs 78-62 loss to the Orange during the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2021 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Syracuse upsets Aztecs in first round of NCAA Tournament

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
March 20, 2021
Then-junior forward Matt Mitchell pulls up for a mid-range shot during the Aztecs 73-60 win over Air Force in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West tournament on March 5, 2020 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Column: One year later, it’s special for the Aztecs to be back

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
March 8, 2021
San Diego State mens soccer freshman defender Bryson Hankins faces a Stanford defender during the Aztecs 1-0 loss to the Cardinal on Feb. 27 at the SDSU Sports Deck.

Aztecs drop home opener to No. 4 Stanford in extra time

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
March 1, 2021
San Diego State mens basketball senior forward Joshua Tomaić passes the ball after getting double-teamed by two Brigham Young defenders during the Aztecs 72-62 loss to the Cougars on Dec. 18, 2020 at Viejas Arena.

Men’s basketball preparing for conference showdown against Boise State

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
February 24, 2021
San Diego State softball then-junior pitcher Marissa Moreno fires a pitch during the Aztecs 4-3 over New Mexico on March 17, 2019 at the SDSU Softball Stadium.

Softball eager to be back in action for 2021 season

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
February 18, 2021
Sophomore forward Keshad Johnson finishes a one-handed slam during the Aztecs 77-55 win over San José State on Feb. 10, 2021 at Viejas Arena.

Column: Are offensive struggles a concern headed into tournament season?

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
February 13, 2021
Former Virginia assistant coach Ryan Hopkins (left) instructs a player along the sideline during Hopkins tenure as the Cavaliers head coach. Hopkins was hired as the new head coach of San Diego State mens soccer in January 2020.

Men’s soccer to return in 2021 with new mindset

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
February 3, 2021
Senior forward Matt Mitchell attempts a dunk during the Aztecs 98-71 win over Wyoming on Jan. 31 at Viejas Arena.

Three observations: Men’s basketball routs Wyoming, takes series with 98-71 win

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
January 31, 2021
Then-freshman forward Hunter George dribbles down the wing during the Aztecs 4-0 loss to California on Oct. 10, 2019 at the SDSU Sports Deck.

Men’s soccer 2020-21 season schedule unveiled

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
January 26, 2021
The San Diego State mens basketball team celebrates after a play during the Aztecs 69-67 win over Nevada on Jan. 9 at Viejas Arena. Senior forward Joshua Tomaić (left) looks on with freshman guard Lamont Butler, while he celebrates with his arms around sophomore forward Keshad Johnson.

Aztecs rout Air Force on road in team’s fourth conference win of season

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
January 23, 2021
Junior cornerback Darren Hall intercepts a pass during the Aztecs’ 29-17 win against Colorado State on Dec. 5 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Football update: Aztecs withdraw from bowl consideration, conference honors and more

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
December 16, 2020
Then-sophomore forward Nathan Mensah goes up to the basket during the Aztecs 59-57 victory over San José State on Dec. 8, 2019 at Viejas Arena.

Column: Welcome back, Nathan Mensah

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
December 11, 2020
Sophomore quarterback Carson Baker drops back and prepares to throw a pass during the Aztecs 28-17 loss to San José State on Nov. 6 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

Column: Aztecs need to find consistency at quarterback position

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
November 27, 2020
Then-sophomore forward Nathan Mensah attempts a shot over a Texas Southern defender during the Aztecs 2019 season opener against the Tigers on Nov. 5 at Viejas Arena. The game resulted in a 77-42 SDSU victory.

Nathan Mensah returns to action following health issue

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
November 25, 2020
Junior running back Jordan Byrd celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the Aztecs’ 34-10 win over the Rainbow Warriors at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Nov. 14.

Column: Aztecs in need of improvement on special teams

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
November 17, 2020
Then-junior safety Dwayne Johnson Jr., then-junior linebacker Andrew Aleki and then-senior linebacker Kyahva Tezino combine for a tackle against a Central Michigan ballcarrier during the Aztecs 48-11 win over the Chippewas in the New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Column: SDSU defense remains among best in nation in 2020

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
November 5, 2020
Sophomore forward Mallory Adams (left) and then-junior guard Téa Adams (right) each dribble the ball up the court during the Aztecs 55-45 win over Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 17, 2019 at Viejas Arena.

Mallory Adams and Téa Adams send open letter to student-athletes regarding 2020 Election

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
November 3, 2020
Senior running back Greg Bell points his finger to the sky after scoring a touchdown during the Aztecs 34-6 win over UNLV on Oct. 24 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. Bell finished the game with 111 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Column: Greg Bell helps the Aztecs’ ground game emerge

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
October 30, 2020
Members of the 2019 SDSU football team pose in celebration with the Old Oil Can trophy after the Aztecs’ 17-7 victory over Fresno State on Nov. 15, 2019 at SDCCU Stadium. The win over the Bulldogs marked the first time the Old Oil Can was in SDSUs possession since 2016.

How SDSU football made it to an October 24 season opener

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
October 22, 2020
Then-junior safety Dwayne Johnson Jr. lays a hit on a BYU receiver during the Aztecs’ 13-3 victory on Nov. 30, 2019 at SDCCU Stadium. With the help of former SDSU cornerback Ron Smith and his sister, Johnson Jr. started a GoFundMe page called the Building Connections Project Fund, assisting low-income families with online learning resources.

Dwayne Johnson Jr. assists families in need of resources for virtual learning

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
October 19, 2020
Then-sophomore midfielder Arturo Chavez looks to cross the ball into the penalty area during the Aztecs 1-0 overtime loss to Oregon State on Oct. 24, 2019 at the SDSU Sports Deck.

Pac-12 Conference postpones fall sports through end of year, affecting SDSU men’s soccer

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
August 12, 2020

Quarantine Preplay episode 3: Casey Schmitt drafted 49th overall by San Francisco Giants

by Amber Salas and Reese Savoie
June 22, 2020
SDSU alumni Rachel Hanson (second to left) and Tory Brown (second to right) pose with their fellow dance instructors during the Black Lives Matter Master Class fundraiser on June 13.

Former SDSU dancer hosts virtual dance fundraiser to support Black Lives Matter

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
June 21, 2020
Softball head coach in waiting Stacey Nuveman Deniz adjusts her visor during the Aztecs 3-0 win over Brigham Young on Feb. 15 at SDSU Softball Stadium.

Stacey Nuveman Deniz named softball head coach in waiting

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
June 3, 2020
SDSU womens soccer senior forward Veronica Avalos (left) and redshirt sophomore midfielder Abbie Rieder (right) are on their way to deliver groceries for the nonprofit Leave It To Us whose San Diego chapter was started by Rieder.

Unable to make assists on the field, Aztecs’ Rieder starts nonprofit assisting seniors

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
May 7, 2020

[Video] Five Aztec football stars head to the NFL: Quarantine Preplay episode one

May 2, 2020

[Video] Matt Mitchell to test NBA draft process

by Kyle Betz, Assistant Sports Editor
April 26, 2020

[Video] Four Aztecs signed as undrafted free agents to NFL rosters

by Kyle Betz, Assistant Sports Editor
April 25, 2020

[Video] Aztecs’ Malachi Flynn forgoes senior season, enters NBA Draft

by Breven Honda, Staff Writer
April 17, 2020
Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher picks up commitment from another grad transfer guard for the second year in a row. Last year, it was KJ Feagin.

Grad transfer guard from CSUN commits to San Diego State

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
April 7, 2020
Junior guard Malachi Flynn drives left during the Aztecs 81-68 victory over Boise State in the Mountain West tournament semifinal on March 6 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Flynn becomes first Aztec to be named John R. Wooden All-American since 1984

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
April 2, 2020
The Aztec bench celebrates during its 73-60 win over Air Force in the Mountain West tournament quartfinal at the Thomas and Mack Center on March 5.

The time ESPN was supposed to visit SDSU’s campus following Selection Sunday

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
April 1, 2020
Junior pitcher Maggie Balint gets ready to throw her next pitcher during the Aztecs 3-0 loss to BYU on Feb. 13 at SDSU Softball Stadium.

Aztec softball ‘heartbroken’ after NCAA cancels season

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
March 24, 2020
Then-junior forward Matt Mitchell holds up a piece of the net after the Aztecs defeated New Mexico 82-59 on Feb. 11, claiming the Mountain West regular-season title at Viejas Arena.

[Video] NCAA cancels tournament, school suspends spring sports

by Daniel Guerrero, Kyle Betz, Jason Freund, and Aaron Tolentino
March 12, 2020
Aztecs assistant coach David Velasquez (middle) puts his head down in disappointment during the Aztecs 59-56 loss to Utah State on March 11 at the Thomas and Mack Center.

[Video] Aztecs will play first NCAA tournament game without fans due to coronavirus

by Cristian Alvarez, Senior Staff Writer
March 11, 2020
Junior outfielder Alexa Schultz celebrates as she scored the walk-off run to give SDSU the 3-2 victory in the eighth inning against Cal State Fullerton on Feb. 14 at SDSU Softball Stadium.

Softball walks off to complete two-game sweep in doubleheader, Balint notches save and win

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
February 15, 2020

[Video] The Daily Aztec Live — Feb. 7, 2020

by Jack Molmud, Live Producer
February 8, 2020
In two seasons at Oregon, Maggie Balint went 28-4 with a 1.51 ERA and 214 strikeouts against 53 walks in 185 innings.

Oregon transfer set to star in Aztecs’ pitching staff

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
February 6, 2020
Sophomore forward Michael Pellegrino against Washington on Nov. 2 at the Joan Kroc Center.

Hockey reaches 20 wins for first time in program history

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
February 4, 2020
Sophomore goalie Nick Ilvento looks to protect his net against Long Beach State on Dec. 6 at Lakewood Ice in Long Beach, California.

Nick Ilvento stepping up as lone goalkeeper for Aztecs

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
December 13, 2019
Senior defender Devyn Taras leads the pack of players looking to gain possession of the puck during SDSUs 4-2 win on Dec. 6 at Lakewood Ice in Long Beach, CA.

Hockey continues dominance against Long Beach State, improves to 19-3-1

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
December 9, 2019
Senior forward Aaron Mayer controls the puck during the Aztecs 8-1 win over Long Beach State on Nov. 23 at the Joan Kroc Center.

Hockey routs Long Beach State 8-1

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
November 27, 2019
Junior Reece Breuckman (left) skates next to senior Adrien Wisch (right) during a stoppage of play in the Aztecs’ 6-1 win over Washington on Nov. 1 at Joan Kroc Center.

SDSU’s comeback falls short in loss to Arizona State

by Amber Salas, Staff Writer
November 13, 2019
SDSU senior forward Aaron Mayer (9) attempts to take the puck away from a Washington player in the Aztecs’ 6-1 win over Washington on Nov. 1 at Joan Kroc Center.

Club hockey secures consecutive wins over Washington

by Amber Salas, Contributor
November 6, 2019
Sophomore midfielder Tristan Weber (19) attempts to dribble the ball past the Marshall defender during the Aztecs’ 5-1 loss to Marshall on Oct. 18 at the SDSU Sports Deck.

Aztecs stumble in second half, fall to No. 21 Marshall

by Amber Salas, Contributor
October 23, 2019
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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Amber Salas