SF State’s forensics team snagged a victory this weekend, taking first place in the District Qualifier and Pacific Championship at the University of Southern California.

The tournament, held Sunday, Feb. 21 and Monday, Feb. 22, consisted of five match-ups against Stanford University, USC, Fresno State, Arizona State University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It was the first time SF State’s forensics team won first place in a tournament open to its entire region, and Teddy Albiniak, the director of forensics, was pleased with the outcome of the tournament.

“We had a great weekend!” Albiniak said in an email. “SFSU took the top prize at our tournament.”

Two shining stars at the tournament were Genelle Murray and Aliyah Khadijah Shaheed. The ladies emerged victorious from their matchup after maintaining and defending the argument that the deliberation of the policies made federally in the United States, must start from the viewpoint of black women.

“Using a variety of media, personal testimony, original research, and a unique organic and collaborative form, the two debaters offer a powerful method for reflecting on this year’s topic area – the desirability of U.S. military presence abroad. In a very special moment for black history, this is also the first time two black women have ever won this recognition,” Albiniak said.

Next up for the Gators is the National Debate Tournament, which will be held from March 30 through April 3 at Binghamton University in New York.