Now ranked 1st, Mock Trial team edges out win over Rio Americano despite unusual verdict

Date: Feb. 22

Score: Won 464-457 as prosecution

Leading scorers: Seniors Shriya Nadgauda (52/60  points) and Jaelan Trapp (152/180 points)

Opponent: Rio Americano High School

Coach Wayne Strumpfer’s quote: We went up against a well-prepared team, and they were a great challenge. Although we are 4-0 and ranked first, we all know we need to keep improving to win the competition.”

Inside info from senior Shriya Nadgauda: “It was definitely the hardest round we’ve had so far. During the trial we had some issues with our timing, but our witnesses and attorneys did a great job of making the right points when we had very little time left.”

Trial highlights: Surprisingly, the verdict of the trial was not guilty, as the verdicts for this case are usually the opposite.

The following day, some teammates said that they believed that Rio would win because of this verdict change.

The Rio team used the Atticus Finch quote about “not understanding someone until you walk a mile in their shoes” that senior Jaelan Trapp has been using in all of his closing arguments this year, according to sophomores Gabi Alvarado and Blake Lincoln. Rio used it in their beginning, forcing Trapp to quote them in his closing.

Next round: Prosecution against St. Francis High School on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9 a.m. at the Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse.

Record: 4-0

By Chardonnay Needler

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