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Maya Adok and Alexandra Soto were among the five University of North Georgia (̨��swag) Debate Team members who competed in the Soda City Debate in Columbia, South Carolina,  on Sept. 14. The duo placed first, and ̨��swag students also garnered second and third place at the event, hosted by the University of South Carolina (USC).

Adok and Soto, both freshmen, joined the debate team this August and were eager learners at the competition.    

Soto, who is pursuing a degree in accounting, hopes to become a certified public accountant after attending law school.  

"It was an amazing experience," Soto said. "I went into the debate with the expectation to learn and grow, and I was excited that we won. I certainly look forward to competing with this great team in the future."  

Adok, who is pursuing degrees in international affairs and psychology, found the experience eye-opening, as well.   

"We worked together as a team for weeks prior to prepare. I came into this club with no knowledge about debate, but I enjoy it very much and am planning on continuing," the Szeged, Hungary, native said.  

Stephanie Albul and Valerie Romero, also debate novices, earned second place, and Daniel Ortez competed with a student from USC, winning third. Ortez is pursuing a degree in film and digital media and is expected to graduate in the spring.   

Originally from Gainesville, Georgia, Ortez shared this was also his first time traveling with the team out of state and debating.  

"My experience at the tournament was very fun because it was my first time and I learned a lot about how Division I schools debate compared to other universities," Ortez said.   

Stephania Ortez, communication lecturer and forensics director, served as the coach and adviser for the team. She shared that this accomplishment was the result of dedication. 

"These students dedicated multiple days out of their busy schedules to practice and prepare for the tournament," she said. "This tournament was a new challenge for all of them. Yet they made headways for themselves and the team as a whole. This is just the beginning for these remarkable debaters."  

̨��swag’s debate team is currently preparing for its next tournament, the Huber Debate hosted by the University of Vermont, a two-day event set for the weekend of Nov. 9.