Brianna Diaz
  • Criminal Justice and Theology
  • Class of 2016
  • Joliet, IL

Brianna Diaz of Joliet Helps Lewis University Mock Trial Team Win

2011 Oct 26

Brianna Diaz of Joliet recently contributed to the Lewis University Mock Trial team's victory. The team opened the season by winning the championship Oct. 22 at the 8th Annual Quincy University Mock Trial Invitational at the Adams County Courthouse in Quincy, Ill. The two-round tournament was hosted by Quincy University's Political Science and Pre-Law Program.

The Lewis team is comprised of two teams. The first team significantly defeated all of its opponents and finished the tournament undefeated to earn first place. Team members include: Liucija Balciunaite, Martell Khattab, Sara Morgan, Cassandra Myers, Michael Park, Nicole Tucker, Tiffany Wasilewski and Kevin Whelehan.

The second team is comprised of rookie members and finished in 14th place. Team members include: Josie Alonso, Mary Bradley, Vilius Butauskas, Kelly Casey, Amanda Davalos, Brianna Diaz and Anthony Scorzo.

Lewis team members earned more individual awards than any other school in the tournament. Kevin Whelehan earned perfect scores in each of the categories to win Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness. Cassandra Myers and Michael Park won Outstanding Attorney Awards. Sara Morgan won Outstanding Witness in her first collegiate tournament. Myers, Park and Morgan missed perfect scores by one point each.

The Lewis team is hosting the Fantastic Flyer Invitational Nov. 5-6 on the Lewis University Romeoville campus. The tournament is open to the public and free of charge. Contact Dr. James Houlihan at houlihja@lewisu.edu or 815-836-5313 for more information.

Dr. James Houlihan, professor and director of the Pre-Law program at Lewis University, is the head coach of the team. Brandi Sanders is the witness coach and a Lewis graduate student. William Rock of Block Klukas & Manzella Law Firm in Joliet is the attorney coach. John Senese of the Peter Francis Geraci Law Offices in Chicago is also a coach.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.