THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper
Week of October 23, 2019
Vol. 45 Iss. 7
FUSA Hosts First Annual Pride March
@FairfieldMirror
Follow us!
FairfieldMirror.com
Violent ProTrump Video
By Julia Crews News Editor
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, students gathered in the Lower Level of the John A. Barone Campus Center to begin a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community for Fairfield University’s first Pride March hosted by the Fairfield University Student Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Board, the Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and Fairfield Alliance, LGBTQ+ Group. The event was originally supposed to include a walk throughout campus that would end at the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola, but it was moved to the rain location due to the inclement weather. Father Tunney makes The event featured spoken word poetry, speakers and free t-shirts, and was organized by the FUSA’s Diversity and Inclusion Board. The Pride March’s organizer, Aarushi
Opinion Questioning media’s role in politics. Page 5
Field Hockey Wins Again
Lexi Thimble/The Mirror
an impassioned speech about the Catholic perspective and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Vijay ‘22, director of diversity and inclusion for FUSA, spoke on its importance. “When I joined this position, I had this thought that I wanted to do something for the LGBTQ com-
Lexi Thimble/The Mirror
Lexi Thimble/The Mirror
Students pick up free t-shirts that each have a design of a FUSA logo with a rainbow.
munity,” said Vijay. “A lot of people from FUSA and outside of FUSA have come together to help us, the SDMA and Alliance.” “And I feel like, being a Jesuit university, it is important for us to specifically show support for LGBTQ+ groups,” said Vijay. Students in attendance could get a free t-shirt, bracelet and rainbow flag upon arrival. As students arrived, music played and food was available as attendees mingled and awaited the speakers. Attendees were also given poster boards and markers with which they could design their own pride posters. Senior Eleanor Sgaramella, the vice president of Fairfield’s Alliance, said, “Walking into the BCC, it almost made me want to cry just hearing the music…When I got here [my first year], I was so worried about being supported so when I actually got here and got to see that [Alliance had] built a community and it’s bled out into other people furthering the community, it literally makes me tear up.” The first of the speakers, Tobenna Ugwu ‘22, assistant director of diversity and inclusion Continue Reading Pride On Page 2
Sports Coach Kane picks up 200th career win. Page 8
Joanne Gleason
Vine Singer and actress to perform at the Quick. Page 16
Panelists Explore Democracy a Year From 2020 By Mimi Loughlin Contributing Writer
On Thursday, Oct. 17, the Open Visions Forum “American Democracy a Year from 2020: Reeling or Resilient” took place at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts as part of the Common Ground Lecture Series. Philip Eliasoph, Ph.D., the creator of the Open Visions Forum, welcomed the audience to the event. Richard Greenwald, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, introduced the speakers Miles Rapoport, E.J. Dionne and Heather McGee. Heather McGee is a distinguished senior fellow at Demos, the public policy firm. McGee is also an NBC news analyst. She is currently writing a book about the economic, social and personal effects of racism. E.J. Dionne is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, an independent, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. Dionne is a professor at Georgetown and a visiting professor at the Kennedy School at Harvard University. Dionne is also a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post. Miles Rapoport is a fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Kennedy School at Harvard. He was the president of Common Cause, and the head of Demos for 13 years. Rapaport was Connecticut’s Secretary of State from 1995-2005. Each panelist presented their own perspective on the future of democracy in the United States. “Who gets to be an American? Can a multiracial
democracy thrive?” McGee asked the audience. “We are a nation of ancestral strangers,” McGee said. She then listed several of the areas of contention of our time: birth rates are at their lowest, the number of refugees entering the US is at its highest and climate change is a problem of our own making. Even so, in the future, McGee hopes to see a true democracy of the people forming with ties to every part of our globe. “If democracy is not destroyed…I see a revival of democracy,” E.J. Dionne said. Dionne explained that democracy is the most educational form of government because people can listen to and learn from opposing viewpoints through healthy arguments. “We don’t Panelists on the Quick Center stage have real arguments
anymore,” Dionne said. There are many people who do not want to listen to views that are so different from their own. In order for a revival of true democracy to begin, people must listen Continue Reading Panelists On Page 2
Julia Crews/The Mirror Mimi Loughlin/The Mirror
discuss the potential downfall or revival of democracy.
News
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Page 2
Fairfield Shows Pride for LGBTQ+ Community
Julia Mirror Lexi Crews/The Thimble/The Mirror
Aarushi Vijay, director of diversity and inclusion for FUSA, introduces the event with a spoken-word poem. Continued from Page One
for FUSA, introduced the event and outlined its purposes and was followed by Vijay, who recited a prepared spoken-word poem, “10 Things People Should Know About Pride.” Following that, Niall Brennan, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and a member of the women, gender and sexuality studies steering committee, introduced his portion of the talk by encouraging students to shout out responses to questions he would pose. He spoke first about the communication differences of coming out from when he was speaking to his family about it in the late 1980s and early 90s, and the options we have today. He contrasted the long process he went through writing a coming out letter to his family and gathering the courage to send it with the multitude of technological options we have today to achieve the same goal. Brennan heard from students about potential ways they could come out now, citing “Facetime,” “text” and “email” as potentially viable ways for LGBTQ+ youth to communicate about their sexual and gender identities. “There is a sea of new ways to communicate with other people about a multitude of things, including gender and sexual identity,” he said. “And it seems to me that we have come a long way in the means by which we communicate with each other about something that’s so personal and so life-transformative.” Brennan also spoke to the power dynamic between heteronormative society and those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, encouraging students to not confine themselves to spaces or “bubbles” where everyone fully understands who they are. Brennan closed by stating, “I would encourage all of us, LGBTQ+, queer, queer-conscious, supportive members of our community, to keep in mind that that world out there, which understands less about us, it’s important that you include that world in your awareness, in your consciousness, as you negotiate who you are and where you are, and your family, and your friends.” After Brennan’s speech concluded, Vijay introduced Alana Coscia, Psy.D., postdoctoral fellow and Lisa Arnold, clinical director of the Collegiate Recovery Program from the Counseling and Psychological Services, who were
LGBTQ+ community on campus. “Lexi and I are both seniors, and we’ve been in Alliance since the beginning of our time at Fairfield,” Sgaramella stated. “So seeing this event put on by FUSA...it’s really so wonderful to see something of this scale put on on campus... to have someone else come to us and say that they wanted to promote visibility and pride on campus was just really wonderful.” Father Michael F. Tunney, S.J. then stepped up to the podium. The central focus of his remarks surrounded connections that he drew between the LGBTQ+ community and Jesuit values, especially emphasizing how the two identities can coexist. “Some of us are people of faith, and all of us are people of good will. Those of us with faith believe that we are made in God’s image and in God’s likeness and all of us, even those of us who don’t believe for a moment in God, we do believe that our humanity is suffused with dignity,” Tunney said, affirming the validity of those present who were with and without a faith. Tunney went on to explain that, “as humans, as LGBTQ [people] we are sinful and we are in need of forgiveness for our sometimes wrongdoings; that is a fundamental flaw that comes with being a human being. All of us share that trait, and equally fundamental, specifically in our God-given, naturally spun, culturally shaped, sexual orientations...we are also beloved and lovable, and we are made and we are here for lives of love and sacrifice and service.” Junior Eddie Nicolas said about Father Tunney’s speech that, “It was really cool to see how a priest could talk about how Catholic and queer identities aren’t mutually exclusive. I’m not a Catholic but it was still cool to see.” After the Pride celebration had concluded, Vijay was satisfied. “Me and Toby [Ugwu] and Jeremy [Kaler]... planned what we wanted, who we wanted as speakers, did we want an actual march and if so, from where to where? And I really wish that march would have taken place but I think this was good enough.” Freshman Mason Saye, commented on what the event could mean to fellow first year students: “It’s nice to know that there’s a community waiting for you and people that aren’t afraid to be out, that there are people who care about you and want to be your friends.”
accompanied by Ricochet the therapy dog. Coscia spoke to the “range of services” offered by the Counseling and Psychological Center, highlighting the individual sessions that can help with students struggling to navigate their identity among other stressors. Arnold added to Coscia’s comments by emphasizing how underutilized as a resource counseling on campus can be, and how that resource can specifically aid LGBTQ+ students. “Oftentimes with all of the things we see at counseling… infused in so many of those issues are gender identity struggles, and challenges that students have on campus with their identity and coming out, or having already come out and finding your place,” she said. “It’s really important that Editor’s Note: Lexi Thimble ‘20 is the Editor-in-Chief you know that there is a lot of understanding in our departand Tobenna Ugwu ‘22 is the Coffee Break Editor of The ment, and we are willing to take on that challenge with you Mirror. at any time.” Following Coscia and Arnold, representatives of Fairfield Alliance spoke to the importance of the event for the members of their club. Senior Lexi Thimble, president of the group, and Sgaramella took turns giving their remarks on how crucial they felt the event was at increasing Lexi Thimble/The Mirror the visibilStudents make and decorate multicolored signs to celebrate pride and show their support. ity of the
The State of American Democracy Continued from Page One
attentively to opposing viewpoints, Dionne concluded. “American society has been extremely resilient,” Rapoport said, explaining the basis of his perspective for the future of democracy. According to Rapoport, activists have taken action to remedy issues of gun safety and climate change. Genuine efforts to suppress the vote has taken place, but the process to register to vote has become easier over time, Rapaport said. Overall, things are getting better. After each panelist spoke, Dean Greenwald and Eliasoph began asking the panelists questions. Dean Greenwald asked, “How do we teach the new generation to disagree with each other constructively?” “After a presidency that issues a direct challenge to facts, in the information ecosystem where echoes of lies continue to be heard long after they are uttered, I think it will take decades,” McGee said. Eliasoph then asked about the influence of Facebook
in the 2020 election. In response, Dionne said, “Facebook…seems to think of itself as a telephone, with no responsibility for its conversation, but I think it is more like a publisher, who should take responsibility for everything that is published on its platform.” “The Russians are not going to take people by surprise in the 2020 election,” Rapaport said. A member of the audience asked, “Is tribalism is a good thing to enforce the vision of democracy or is it something that detracts from democracy? In response, Dionne said that too often, one division reinforces another, and these divisions are compounded. Following that, Rapoport posed the idea of universal national service, such as the Peace Corps, to help people in the U.S. break down the barriers formed by tribalism. “National service is the one place where you are required to be with people who are different from you,” Rapoport said. McGee then noted that humans have instincts towards both bridges and walls.
“People of color are being killed by police in ways that would never happen if they were white…There are also so many white people in the United States who see demographic change as a threat,” McGee said. “What unites us as a country is leadership.” Sophomore Magdalena Dutkowska, an international studies major and humanitarian action minor, commented on the panel. “I really liked how Heather McGee opened up the discussion with her question, ‘Who gets to be an American?’ Being a Polish immigrant and a U.S. citizen, it’s really exciting to see how the definition of “who gets to be an American” is becoming broader,” Dutkowska said. Senior Alana Hubbs, a political science major, said that the panelists made her reflect on the diverse perspectives of the world that she does not always get to hear. “One thing that stood out to me the most is what E.J. Dionne said, how the first word of the constitution is “we.” And we don’t say it enough…” Hubbs noted. “We need to remember that we are one country.”
News
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Page 3
The Mirror Reflects on this Week in Social Media
Compiled by Julia Crews Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.
10/17 9:30 p.m. Smell of gas in Faber Hall kitchen stove. Fairfield Fire Department was contacted and the area was evacuated. Southern Connecticut Gas was summoned for repairs. 10/18 8:58 p.m. Three students were issued citations by Fairfield Police for possession of narcotics in the Village. The students were referred to student conduct. 10/19 12:06 a.m. The Department of Public Safety observed a male student carrying a schedule sign taken from Alumni Hall. The student was identified and was referred to student conduct. 12:07 a.m. Public Safety observed a male student walking with a Bud Light neon sign taken from the Levee. He was identified and referred to student conduct. 12:12 a.m. DPS observed a student standing on the roof of the Kelley Center. The student was identified and referred to student conduct. 11:39 p.m. A non-student backed up and struck a student’s parked vehicle. The non-student appeared intoxicated and Fairfield Police was summoned. A criminal trespass notice was issued. 10/20 2:56 a.m. A clogged toilet resulted in flooding in the basement of a townhouse unit. The furnace was shut down and a plumber was called for repairs. 10:03 a.m. DPS reported a stop sign missing at the Mahan Road intersection. The incident is under investigation.
THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977
Lexi Thimble, Editor-in-Chief Katherine Klima, Executive Editor Julia Monteleone, Managing Editor Editors Sheila McCombs, Chief Copy Julia Crews, News Catherine Santangelo, Opinion Gracianne Eldrenkamp, Vine Molly Lamendola, Abroad Columnist Julia Lanzillotta, Sports Tobenna Ugwu, Coffee Break Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Michael Hoffman, Director of Finance Advisor Dr. Tommy Xie Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com The Mirror is the recognized student newspaper of Fairfield University. Opinions and ideas expressed herein are those of the individual student authors, and not those of the Fairfield University or its Board of Trustees
News
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Page 4
FUSA Senate Confirms New Associate Justice By Danielle Sondgeroth Contributing Writer
in FUSA elections. After his speech, Senator Bradd Cyr ‘20 proposed voting with a “secret ballot,” citing past elections and the social A Fairfield University Student Association Senate ramifications caused by a transparent, public vote. Speaker meeting was called at 6:32 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 by Heffern then opened the floor for debate over the proposed Speaker Tyler Heffern ‘22. The meeting focused on a vote on “secret ballot,” sparking a 15 minute long debate between the the confirmation of Associate Justice candidate Jakob Matala Senators. Senator Cyr claimed that a transparent, open vote ‘22, into FUSA Court as well as other pressing issues among would be akin to “low-level corruption,” as a result of the the Senate’s various committees. Senate’s supposed inability to separate their personal feelings Following a discussion of updates from the Senate’s about the candidate from their individual votes. smaller committees, Matala’s confirmation began with The senator went on to say that, in past elections, sena recommendation from Senator Vincent Gadioma ‘22. ators may have felt pressured to vote for a candidate during Gadioma “highly recommended” Matala for his leadership a public vote so as to not hurt his or her feelings and to preskills, honesty and adherence to FUSA law. Matala was vent other senators from reacting badly. He asked the senate then asked by Heffern to speak briefly about his experience if they remembered what had happened last year in a similar enforcing rules and regulations, as well as making decisions situation without giving specifics on the incident, and nods and judgement calls. After explaining his credentials as a and words of agreement passed through the tables. Senator current resident assistant in Jogues Hall, the former Vice John Stalzer ‘22 seconded Senator Cyr’s proposal, calling the President of Gonzaga Hall’s Residential Housing Association proposed vote a “transparent secret ballot.” and an experienced gymnastics coach, Matala advocated for Senator Cyr did not respond to requests to comment a more transparent and coherent election process for future on his proposal for a “secret ballot.” potential candidates and increasing accessibility for voting Throughout this debate, President Claire Monahan paced the floor and openly called for a transparent vote. According to President Monahan, FUSA prides itself on transparency and honesty to the student body. The Senate proceeded to vote on Speaker Heffern’s proposed motion to end the debate over the ballot, with a vote of 15 to 1 in favor Danielle Sondgeroth/The Mirror of ending the debate. Speaker FUSA members convene in the Lower Level BCC and argue over the proposition of a secret ballot.
Heffern then called for a vote for the “secret ballot,” the senators voting 8 to 6 in favor of the ballot with 2 abstentions. However, this ballot won’t be standard procedure for all following votes within FUSA. “This was a one-time motion and its approval does not mean that future nominees will be voted on in this way,” said Speaker Heffern. The senators proceeded to vote on Matala’s confirmation. Matala received 14 votes for confirmation, 2 votes for denial, and 2 abstentions. Matala was confirmed as an Associate Justice following the vote. “I hope with my confirmation to FUSA Court and my position as Associate Justice, I can improve FUSA elections’ voter turnout, assist with the understanding and importance of FUSA elections and help create a more transparent student government for the Fairfield University community,” Matala said. According to Speaker Heffern, “The Senate Special Committee on Appointments found him to be qualified and highly recommended his confirmation by the entire Senate. After a short round of questioning, the Senate voted to confirm him by an overwhelming majority. We are excited to see what the new Associate Justice accomplishes with the Court.” Matala previously applied for the position of Associate Justice three separate times in the past year and is excited to be confirmed. The rest of the meeting focused on the various other committees in the Senate and their current projects, including a proposal by Senator Stalzer to survey the student body about their satisfaction with Fairfield’s current meal plan, placing an emphasis on the removal of meal swipes at The Stag. President Monahan also discussed meal swipes with Fairfield’s Board of Trustees, focusing on gathering swipe information and the possibility of redistributing unused student meal swipes each week to prevent food insecurity among students. Speaker Heffern also opened the floor for feedback from the gallery. A few students came up to address their concerns, including Colin Townsend ‘21 who asked why his band won’t be featured at the upcoming Red Sea Madness concert. Heffern also announced that Senator Ryan Gazzo ‘20 resigned from the Senate as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, and an immediate special election will be held within 30 days of his resignation.
Students Leave-A-Leaf to Build-A-House By Colleen Vann Contributing Writer
anticipation and excitement to deliver the leaf cards to the home and start getting to know some of the residents and staff that they will be working alongside for the remainder of the year. The students have plans to do an activity in the winter with Christmas cards to spread holiday cheer in the halls of the Cambridge nursing home. They also shared their goals of hosting bingo nights and a senior prom for the residents as well, during which students from Fairfield would volunteer to spend some time making the senior citizens feel acknowledged and special. “Our goal is to have people consistently going throughout the
semester,” Sarantopoulous said. When asked if they had anything else to say in regard to their hopes and inspiration for the Stags 4 Seniors organization, the three students agreed that Sarantopoulos covered it all well. “We’re all just happy to be here, and to be doing this,” said Flynn. The students who stopped at the table for just a few minutes to write a card left with smiles on their faces knowing they did something that will make someone else’s day. This is the goal of Stags 4 Seniors, so be on the lookout for information about their next event.
The On Friday, Oct. 18 starting at 4:30 p.m., the Stags 4 Seniors Build-A-House organization hosted their first event of the semester, Leave-A-Leaf, at the bottom of the Daniel and Grace Tully Dining Commons stairs in the John A. Barone Campus Center. Students stopped by the table and wrote out autumn greetings on leaf shaped paper. The four students who make up Stags 4 Seniors will go deliver the cards to the Cambridge Rehabilitation Center in Fairfield and hang them up on the walls. “It made me happy,” Kyra LaSpina ‘22 said after she made a card. Another student, Kristen Oliger ‘22, agreed, adding, “It’s a very sweet gesture.” The four juniors who created this Stags 4 Seniors Build-A-House group are Olivia Sarantopoulous, Anna Silvia, Lauren Flynn and Emma Short. According to the University’s website, “Junior and Senior residents are invited to apply to create their own Living and Learning experience through the Build-A-House Program! Build-A-House themes can be campus related, local community related, national, or global in scope. The goal of each house is to raise awareness of important concerns, to build community by bringing neighbors together, and to create a positive impact not only at Fairfield but far beyond campus borders as well. Houses are selected on their ability to articulate their vision to raise awareness, create impact, and promote civic responsibility.” Students have to apply, go through interviews and put together presentations for their proposed ideas. Sarantopoulos explained that presentations were conducted last week, so this is the Stags 4 Seniors first event. Sarantopoulous explained that many of the Build-A-House groups work with organizations on campus, so the girls were excited to bring their service off-campus and into the wider Fairfield community. “Several of us have grandparents in nursing homes and we see people who don’t ever get visitors,” Sarantopoulos said of the group’s inspiration for their service. “They are the generation that paved the way for us, and they often get overlooked now,” she continued. The Stags 4 Seniors leaders have not yet been to the Cambridge Rehabilitation Center, but they Colleen Vann/The Mirror have been in contact with the activity coordinator via email for weeks now. They each expressed their Students gather around the Leave-a-Leaf table in at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the Tully Dining Hall on Friday, Oct. 18.
Opinion
Opinion
Page 5
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Editor Catherine Santangelo» catherine.santangelo@student.fairfield.edu
Violent Trump Video Shows How Polarized the News Media Has Made Us By Jack Martorano Contributing Writer
A violent meme video was played at a pro-Trump event on Oct. 14, 2019 in Miami, Florida that stirred controversy in an already polarized nation, as reported in an NBC News article. In the video, President Donald J. Trump’s face was superimposed onto actor Colin Firth during a scene from “Kingsman: The Secret Service” in which he massacres people in a church. The parishioners being gunned down in the video were shown as political opponents of the president and even entire media organizations like CNN and The Huffington Post. Comedian Kathy Griffin, who was condemned in May 2017 for posing with a severed head that looked like President Trump, jumped to criticize the creation of such a disturbing clip, as reported by USA Today. I find it hilarious that Griffin believes that she has the moral high ground on this issue. After all, the type of political violence portrayed in the video is an inadvertent result of her actions. Griffin undeniably contributed to the toxic environment in which this video was created, so I think that she should stay silent on this topic so as to avoid exposing her hypocrisy on this issue. Griffin surrendered her right to comment on political issues when she revealed herself to be a dangerously intolerant individual. However, this is not to say that the violent video is in any way justified. Though I do not believe that it is tantamount to Griffin’s actions, it is certainly
not right. American Priority, the group that hosted the proTrump event, claimed that they never saw the video before it aired at the event. They mentioned that there was a portion of the event devoted to the condemnation of political violence, as reported by NBC News. Regardless, every American should find something wrong with the idea of killing political opponents for personal or political gain, whether it’s intended as a joke or not. I think that this video speaks to the current state of American politics and the extent to which we are polarized. This particular video comes at a time that Democrats and the mainstream media have effectively teamed up to take down the president. Though they have been doing this for far longer than you might have imagined, it has just recently become glaring. For example, ABC recently aired a video from a Kentucky gun range and told viewers that it showed the outbreak of war between
Turkey and the Kurds, as fact-checked by Snopes. The showing of this fake video by ABC attempts to turn voters against the President’s decision to withdraw troops from Northern Syria. Perhaps this was simply human error, but it shows the lack of vetting within the media when it comes to issues that damage the president. As aforementioned, the media has been assisting Democrats in a takedown of Trump using the impeachment inquiry. The media continues to report speculation as facts, exuding brutal disregard for the true purpose of the media and directly contributing to political polarization in America. They continue to peddle obvious falsehoods to Americans, but I’d like to debunk some of these falsehoods about the TrumpUkraine controversy. President Trump did not ask the Ukrainian President for a “favor” to investigate Joe Biden. There was no clear “quid pro quo” according to the transcript of the call. President Trump did not mention Biden eight times during his call to the Ukrainian President. If Trump’s actions were that shameful, why can’t the media just report the facts and allow the American people to decide whether his actions were wrong? The violent video that was played at a pro-Trump event never should have aired at that event, as it was highly inappropriate. But instead of simply condemning it, I think that we ought to analyze why anyone would make such a video and whether the media is to blame for the problematic state of political relations today.
Photo Courtesy of @realDailyCivil Twitter
"The Hopes for Peace Can Dwindle" If We Can't Be Kind to People with Differing Opinions By Gabrielle Arlotta Contributing Writer The Dallas Cowboys recently had an unlikely duo spectating their Sunday, Oct. 6 home game. Ellen Degeneres resided in a private suite with wife Portia De Rossi on her left, and former U.S president, George W. Bush, on her right, according to Fox News. The talk show host and comedian received serious backlash, as a shot of them from the game showed Degeneres and Bush laughing and enjoying each others company. The shot that aired during the Dallas game which fueled the backlash Degeneres received caused many to be disappointed in Degeneres. Bush, a conservative Republican, goes against what Degeneres stands for, especially as Degeneres is a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, the backlash surrounded the question, “Why is a gay Hollywood liberal sitting next to a conservative Republican president?” As the backlash came from various media outlets, on Oct. 7, Degeneres fought back against the negativity on Twitter. She shared a clip from her talk show where she addressed the situation with her familiar charm. Degeneres stated, upon invitation to the game, that she was aware those surrounding her would be people with many different views and beliefs. The comedian sarcastically joked that the reference wasn’t about politics, but the fact that she was a secret Packers fan. Her humor, lighthearted manner and poise in addressing the situation was no surprise. In fact, it takes a great amount of strength to be that composed under immense scruinity. While people were voicing their frustrations on Twitter, Degeneres also decided to present a light hearted post from @Mathew_Oooo that stated, “...Ellen and George Bush together makes me have faith in America again,” which was also included in her Twitter video clip. On the other hand, People referenced a tweet that stated, “So quirky and fun to see George Bush out with Ellen at a Cowboys game after his terrible foreign policy decisions killed thousands of innocent people.” Like any political figure, Bush’s past leaves many American citizens troubled. In this case, it seems these citizens are not ready to let past mistakes go. What Bush’s opponents don’t comprehend is, while Degeneres accepts Bush as a friend, it does not mean Degeneres is succumbing to Bush or allowing her values to be diminished. I would consider this to be her taking the high road. Photo Courtesy of @WtxNews Twitter
Editorial Board "You're My, My, My, My Lover" Julia Monteleone Managing Editor
I have to say it and say it proudly: I love Taylor Swift. I know, I know. She can occasionally be problematic. Maybe she really did have that feud with Kanye for publicity, maybe she really is a snake, but I can’t help it. I think it’s because she got to me when I was young and impressionable, and now I simply can’t get rid of her music’s effect on me. Either way, I am an unashamed fan. Snake or not, she has been a part of my life since I was a preteen. She always had a song for every occasion, and I still believe that is true. Crying because my middle school crush didn’t like me back? “Teardrops on My Guitar.” Angry at that one mean girl who simply won’t leave me alone? “Mean.” Ner-
After all was said and done, according to Fox News and Degeneres’ Twitter clip, she stated, “Here's the thing: I'm friends with George Bush. In fact, I'm friends with a lot of people who don't share the same beliefs that I have." DeGeneres continued, "We're all different and I think that we've forgotten that that's okay that we're all different...but just because I don't agree with someone on everything doesn't mean that I'm not going to be friends with them." Degeneres also received support from British singer Elton John as he spoke out on the ordeal. According to Fox News, John told NPR on Monday, “Unfortunately, what our democracy has become now is that it’s not okay to have different opinions than yours and that is not healthy,” The singer further stated Bush, himself and Degeneres have all made mistakes. While they were bad decisions the former president made, it was made by Democratic and Republican presidents too. John and Bush both admired Degeneres for standing up and saying what she did. Degeneres received The Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 according to NBC News, which is the nation’s highest civil honor. The White House statement said, “In her work and in her life, she has been a passionate advocate for equality and fairness.” This is where Degeneres’ fellow Americans get stuck. A citizen of such high stature, standing for equality by befriending Bush, who has represented the opposite of this at times, is rattling for Degeneres’ followers. It may be easy to consider her weak and contradictory in doing so, but if she opted out of this friendship or simply chose to change seats, she would be going against her own character. With fairness, as Degeneres stands for, comes the freedom to speak your mind and be entitled to your own opinion. If she can’t stand to tolerate that, then the hopes for peace can dwindle. The only way to have peace in a world of disagreements, is agree to disagree peacefully. While this situation is a small instance on a Sunday enjoying America's favorite pastime, it can be a model for larger situations worldwide. Degeneres closed her statement provided by Fox News and Twitter stating, “When I say, 'Be kind to one another,' I don't mean only the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone. Doesn't matter." With that, kindness can help make seeing eye to eye in this divided world a little more clear. Her powerfully moving statement as a whole relates to all audiences. Opinions may be different, but we are all the same; we are all humans. While we may reject certain opinions, as it is our right to do so, we don't always need to reject the person who holds it. Photo Courtesy of @WtxNews Twitter
vous to start high school? “Fifteen.” I can still give you a good song for every situation. I even sang “You Belong With Me” for my fifth grade talent show and “Jump then Fall” in seventh grade. In high school I finally saw the Red Tour in concert, and I cried through the whole thing. I always felt that the media crucified her too much, and defensive brace face Julia was always quick to defend her. In her early 20’s she dated just like all of us do, and they called her a slut and a man eater. Had she been a guy, this would have never happened. She would have been labeled a hot commodity worth chasing; a playboy with charm. On her latest album “Lover,” she strikes back with “The Man.” My favorite
lyrics are “What's it like to brag about raking in dollars/ and getting bitches and models/ and it’s all good if you’re bad/ and it’s okay if you’re mad.” She finally stood up for herself, and for a long time it seemed like she has bit her tongue when it came down to it. From the wistful days of “Speak Now” to the pop power anthems of “1989” and “Reputation,” I will probably always be a fan. I will most likely be a fan when she is on her twentieth album and she is old and gray with blonde, blue-eyed babies she has with Joe Alwyn. My only complaint will ever be: can tour tickets be less expensive? Sincerely, Taylor Swift Lover
Page 6
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Opinion
Letter to the Editor
Young Leaders are the "Change That We Seek" By Stephen Blinder Contributing Writer
Creative Commons/ Wikimedia Commons
Dear Editor, A recent contentious opinion published in The Mirror entitled “Religious Values Are Rooted in Hypocrisy” gets several key issues wrong while demonstrating bias. It accuses the Archdiocese of Indianapolis of hypocrisy for requiring the firing of a teacher involved in same-sex marriage. Hypocrisy and wrongdoing are serious accusations and in this case, entirely baseless. Many points are made in trying to persuade the reader that the Archdiocese are wrongful hypocrites, yet none hold up to scrutiny. It is assumed that marriage is a personal act and that the Archdiocese does not fairly enforce the teaching on divorce or other personal matters. However, marriage is a loud public declaration. It is affirmed by the State. It is not something that can be ignored or hidden. Therefore it is not intrusive, assuming or judgemental to uphold a teaching concerning such a matter. Mistaking marriage for a private act devoid of communal consequences is a major error. Divorce is a public matter as well, unlike other issues mentioned in the article. That is why this accusation of hypocrisy holds more weight concerning the seeming lack of actions taken on divorce. The problem is that divorce is endemic now and has been historically. It is a crushing and widespread issue not unlike the tragedies of contraception and abortion. As far as any Archdiocese administering pastoral decisions concerning divorce, it is assuredly a complex matter for them. The opinion assumes it is dealt with unreasonably, without providing examples. So therein lies the bias, negative assumptions without examples. The teacher conveyed a message by his public action that is irreconcilable with Catholic teaching, which is of great antiquity. It is not only legal but it is also righteous for Catholic institutions to remove their moral examples that undermine the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Just the other day I was canvassing in my hometown of Wilton, Conn. in advance of the upcoming municipal elections. I was going door to door and speaking with so many people from so many different walks of life, and not just those with whom I agree politically. I can’t help but think that it’s these types of doorstep conversations, constructive and meaningful discussions about core issues, that have gone missing during such a divided time. I recently attended Ambassador Samantha Power’s forum and was struck by her claim that the biggest threat to our world is polarization. Although I can’t deny the historically divisive time we’re in, I remain more optimistic than ever about our pros-
pects to stem the tides. I realize it’s only a small sample, but when I knock on doors, the vast majority of people are excited and willing to engage with me. Even when we disagree, we find some common ground. Even in the most heated of conversations, I walk away with a renewed perspective on the world we live in. So often I speak with people who tell me it’s not worth discussing politics, no less being actively involved in it. Even more frequently, I receive puzzled looks when I walk into crowded rooms and discuss my deep involvement politically as a 19 year old. I know that I alone can’t change the political landscape we’re in, but I also can’t rely on others to stand up. If we choose to sit back, resigned to the status quo, not just as young people or as older adults but as the American public, we will face se-
vere consequences for our inaction. If nobody steps off the sidelines, who do we think will lead the way? This is why the time to step up is now, the time to engage your community in conversation is now and the time to make your voice heard is now, more than ever. It may seem difficult, it may seem like a risk not worth taking and while I can’t promise that every word you say will be heard like it deserves, I can promise that our community has never needed your perspectives more. In times like these, the public needs young leaders to step out of the shadows. Relying on the actions of others isn’t an option. In the words of President Obama, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” So I ask you, who’s next?
Sincerely, Matthew Breton ‘20 Creative Commons/Pixabay
NYPD Banned Festival Performers for a Good Reason: Better to Be Safe than Sorry By Grace Gelep Contributing Writer The traveling hip-hop music festival Rolling Loud made a stop in New York City on Oct. 12-13, where big-time artists like Travis Scott and Meek Mill performed. What you may not have noticed is that five rappers who were on the original line up were not in attendance. This is because of a specific request from the New York City Police Department. On Oct. 9, according to The New York Times, the NYPD sent a letter to the festival organizers asking that they remove artists 22Gz, Casanova, Pop Smoke, Sheff G and Don Q from the performing line up due to a public safety concern. The police department’s concern came from the rappers’ “recent acts of violence citywide,” which led them to believe that there would be a higher risk of violence at the festival if these artists were to perform, as The New York Times also reported. The Rolling Loud festival had “no choice but to comply,” according to a statement on Twitter from festival co-founder Tariq Cherif. The police have every right to do this, especially in today’s world. Unfortunately, mass shootings and public violence have become far too common in our society, and the police should do everything they can to avoid any more tragic deaths. If the NYPD thinks even for a second that violence could occur due to these rappers performing, it is in everyone’s best interest that they do not take the stage. I do, however, wish the police department explained their choice to ban these specific five rappers and their involvement in recent violence in New York City. The NYPD failed to give any reasoning behind banning these performers, leaving the public to speculate about each of their criminal pasts. The New York Times reports that Casanova served prison time for robbery charges, and was named in a federal testimony by 6ix9ine as being a part of the Bloods gang and involved in a shooting between rival crews. 22GZ was charged with murder in 2017, but the charges were dropped once the police identified a different man as the killer. Pop Smoke, Sheff G and Don Q have all been involved in weapons charges with the police. After discovering the criminal history of these rappers, I longed for an even more detailed explanation from the NYPD about why they banned the artists from performing. Any breaking of the Pictured: Rapper PopSmoke who was among the artists requested by the NYPD to not be allowed to perform at Rolling Loud Photo Courtesy of @realpopsmoke Instagram
law is a bad thing, but to me these crimes do not immediately seem like they make the rappers extremely dangerous and promoting of violence enough to be banned from performing. I’d like to know more on how the police department came to their decision. Some of the rappers expressed confusion and frustration on social media. Casanova wrote on Instagram, “It’s unfair and unfortunate that my past, which I’ve dealt with legally and personally, continues to stigmatize me and my career as a recording artist.” Don Q claimed that the police have been misinformed, and stated, “I love my city and I [sic] never been in any gang activities or never had issues at any of my previous shows,” as reported by CBS News from Don Q’s since deleted Instagram post. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to have your past mistakes follow you throughout your life, especially when you are in the public
Photo Courtesy of @rollingloud Instagram
eye and the public won’t let you move on. In this case, these men’s past mistakes are keeping them from doing their jobs and what they love. But, a big responsibility comes with having a large platform or fanbase, and any violence or gangs that these rappers have been affiliated with, in a way, promotes that kind of lifestyle to their fans. All in all, it is not the end of the world that these five artists out of many others in the line-up could not perform. Banning these rappers is a severe action that I trust the NYPD made for a good reason. In our world today, you can never be too careful to protect the public from violence, since mass shootings are so prevalent. It is unfortunate that these men are being judged on past behaviors that they feel they have resolved, but the police department must do everything in their power to keep the people of New York City safe.
The Vine
arts, entertainment, features
Editor Gracianne Eldrenkamp gracianne.eldrenkamp@student.fairfield.edu
Joanna Gleason To Come
"Out of the Eclipse" Photo Contributed by The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts CreativeCommons/Pixabay
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
The Vine
Page 8
Joanna Gleason To Perform at the Quick By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor Chances are you know who Joanna Gleason is, even if the name doesn’t initially ring a bell. She most famously played the Baker’s Wife in the original 1987 production of “Into the Woods.” Gleason also acted in a variety of television shows and films including “Boogie Nights,” “Crimes & Misdemeanors” and “The Wedding Planner.” Sitting down with Tony award winner and Fairfield resident Joanna Gleason, I was a bit starstruck. I quickly found out, however, just how down to earth the actress, singer and director is. She genuinely wanted to know who I was, and I found it so easy to talk to her. She spoke about her show, “Out of the Eclipse,” which is coming to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., and her process creating it. “Out of the Eclipse” isn’t your usual cabaret performance. It’s a 70 minute narrative story Gleason will be performing with three backup singers called The Moonstones as well as four musicians. The performance centers around the lives and personalities of Gleason’s parents. It’s a continuation of her cabaret show, “Into the Light.” “Out of the Eclipse” was birthed after her parents passed away two years ago and she was given the opportunity to perform at Feinstein’s/54 Below. After consulting with her music director about the story she wanted to tell, she decided to write about her parents. “Losing [my parents] happened at the same time there was a total eclipse of the sun, and it was like I went dark,” Gleason said. Although the show was created after a tragedy, Gleason assures that it’s more about her parents’ lives and how funny they were. Gleason believes she truly got to understand them in a way that she couldn’t when they were alive while developing “Out of the Eclipse.” Gleason’s show will exhibit a variety of music types. From “Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us” by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss to Yiddish music to Rodgers and Hart arrangements, there isn’t one genre Gleason is confined to. Because the show is so centered around her parents, Gleason was able to create a book that has variety and which does not completely break the flow of the performance. “I use music like narrative,” Gleason said. “I sing part and I tell a story and I sing the rest of it and I tell the rest of the story. It’s not just a list of songs I like.” Although she wrote the book with her parents in mind, she doesn’t mention them by name. In order to move the audience and make it more personal to each individual, she decided to tell their stories without their recognizable names. That way, the audience could go through the whole show thinking about their own relationship with their parents. It’s a show that’s going to be funny and eclectic and emotional, and it’s something you should definitely consider getting tickets for. Tickets are $5 for students on the Quick Center website. “It’s just really honest, and sometimes a little raw and people kind of like that because it’s a Photo Contributed by The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts way of saying it’s not all shiny,” Gleason said. “We’re not all shiny people.” Gleason poses for "Out of the Eclipse" promotional material.
CW's Nancy Drew Needs to Get a Clue
There’s a lot to unpack with this show. To begin, this Nancy Drew is unbelievably edgy. Too edgy at times. I understand wanting to take a different approach to the usual chipper teenager, but I think that the show takes it too far at times. A lot of times Nancy is unreasonably pessimistic and has random outbursts. Not to mention her romance with Ned Nickerson goes way too fast. I think it would’ve been more eventful to have them gradually get together rather than put the two of them together in the pilot. Alas, they’re speeding up this trainwreck in the making. I have a lot of issues with the characters themselves. For example, Bess and Ace aren’t supposed to be bright characters for comedic reasons, but I don’t think the writers know how to make them funny. Besides that, I don’t think there is a lot of depth to the characters. Granted, it’s only the first two episodes, but even if it’s too soon you’re supposed to have something to keep you hooked to these fictional characters and I feel nothing for them. The only character at the moment that I can say has any sort of substance is George, but even then there isn’t a lot. As for Nancy’s father, Carson Drew (Scott Wolf), he is the blandest character of them all. First, he’s a terrible father. When he’s first introduced you learn that he and Nancy have drifted apart since her mother’s death, but for what reason? It’s pretty unclear. I feel as if the writers just wanted to add drama so they also made Nancy happen to hate her father for dramatic effect. Not only that, but the writers complicate him even further by making him have an unnecessary romance with his deceased wife’s best friend while simultaneously giving him a mysterious past. I also don’t think the actor does a good job portraying Carson either, especially for the kind of character he’s supposed to be. Freddie Prinze Jr. was originally supposed to play Carson, which, in my opinion, would’ve been 10 times better. Something about this version of Carson Drew feels forced and unlikeable. He’s a Corn Flake in a sea of Froot Loops. This show, like “Riverdale” and “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”, keeps up with an oldtimey aesthetic, including the old 50s styled cars the characters drive or the overall aesthetic of a 1950s style dinner they work in. It feels like the writers are trying to match a Stephen King theme with the show taking place in a fictional town in Maine, and it deals with the supernatural. I think that is something that definitely works for the show and makes it likeable. I do feel as if this show fit way too much into the first two episodes. At times, it feels as if there is too much drama happening, and it’s somewhat hard to follow. If they cut down a lot of it or spread it out, it would make the show a lot more engaging instead of tryPhoto Courtesy of @cw_nancydrew Instagram ing to stuff a ton of drama into only two episodes. I will give the show some props; the drama isn’t dull. Everyone has their secrets, and I’m Kennedy McMann plays Nancy Drew in the show. intrigued as to where the plot plans to go. If the writers pull through, it may be an actually entertaining show. They just need to do it right. However, as someone who has very little faith in the CW, By Katherine Klima we’ll see about that. Executive Editor This mistrust also comes down to the fact that the CW is tarnishing the good name of not Looking for an edgy new show to watch this fall? Well, look no further. On Oct. 9, only “Nancy Drew” but other beloved classics like the Archie comic series and even “Sabrina the Teen“Nancy Drew” premiered on the CW. Just in time for Halloween, this show is the third time television age Witch”– despite it being a Netflix show, “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” is still created by has adapted America’s favorite sleuth to the screen. Nancy Drew is a beloved literature icon; however, the same people who birthed the hot-dumpster fire known as “Riverdale.” These are shows that have despite that, this new show does not give this teen hero the justice she deserves. interesting characters and a good aesthetic, they just need better writing. In this version, Nancy is 18 years old and taking a gap year after losing her mother the year Look, I will give “Nancy Drew” this: it’s better than “Riverdale.” Almost all of the characters prior to pancreatic cancer. She’s working as a waitress at a local restaurant, “The Bayside Claw,” as she are awful human beings in “Riverdale,” but I think the characters of “Nancy Drew” have a lot more tries to figure out her next move. At the same time, Nancy must deal with her old high school nemesis potential. I think it can go somewhere if they choose to do it well– especially if the Hardy Boys happen and now boss– George Fan, mysterious co-worker Bess Marvin, stoner dishwasher Ace and secret ex- to make a guest appearance (just saying, CW). convict boyfriend, Ned “Nick” Nickerson. However, these five teens find themselves wrapped up in a So, that’s why, for my first reaction of the first two episodes, I’m going to give the series a ghostly murder mystery when they’re pinned as the suspects. 4/10. Could do better, but not the worst thing I’ve ever seen.
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
The Vine
Page 9
Fantastic New Films for Fall By Tyler Zikias Contributing Writer
Similar to last year, a number of great movies came out all within a few weeks of each other, movies that deserve to be shared and earned a glowing recommendation from me. The past few weeks of releases have been nothing short of great. Some are going to be in the thick of Oscar consideration while others are simply very well-made movies. These are four films that have been released in the past few weeks that need to be seen. “Dolemite is My Name” is Eddie Murphy’s comeback to the big screen, paying homage to blacksploitation movies of the 1960s and 70s. Murphy walks in the footsteps of real-life musician, comedian, actor and director Rudy Ray Moore, who takes on the stage name of “Dolemite.” The film follows a strikingly similar story structure to “The Disaster Artist,” another movie about a man’s pursuit of makm ing a movie that everyone knows ra tag s is awful except for him. The In vie o first half of the movie was what m se u I found the most engaging, mainly beo hth lig cause of Murphy’s electric performance. This f@ o is vintage Eddie Murphy in a role it seemed sy rte u like he was born to play. His rise from poor reCo to o cord shop clerk to a comedy sensation was easily Ph the most interesting part of the film. Once it starts to dive into the making of the “Dolemite” movie, the film starts to feel very familiar. It feels scene-for-scene like the second half of “The Disaster Artist,” which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just feels less engaging then it could have been. “Dolemite is My Name” is a solid little movie that you should check out when it comes to Netflix on Friday, Oct. 25. Grade: B“Jojo Rabbit” is the next quirky comedy from rising director Taika Waititi. This is a sweet, heartbreaking and hilarious satire of Nazi Germany, as well as a story about spreading a positive message of love. The way comedy is infused into the setting of Nazi Germany is pitch-perfect, especially considering how poorly this is an idea could have gone. Watiti is excellent as an exuberant and ridiculous Adolf Hitler, which is definitely something I
never expected to write. The whole cast does a brilliant job without a single weak link. My one flaw would be that the film feels a lot longer than it is or needs to be. I was fully immersed in the world this film sets up until it overstays its welcome by repeating its message over and over again. Regardless, I had a blast with “Jojo Rabbit” and think it is one of the year’s best films. Grade: A“The Lighthouse” is an utterly insane film that certainly won’t be many people’s cup of tea, yet I was totally riveted by it. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe deliver two of the strongest performances of the year as two men going insane working at a lighthouse. The film takes its time setting up its story, which was where I was a little disconnected at first. But, once a certain scene with a seagull happens, I was locked in for every second. I did not want this film to end and could have totally watched another hour of Pattinson and Dafoe in the strangest, most uncomfortable and often hilarious confrontations. The movie is beautifully shot with excellent production design and, if it wasn’t so weird, would probably nominated for a few Academy Awards. This movie is fantastic and you should definitely see it if you’re up for a slow burn that is totally nuts. Grade: A The latest film from mastermind filmmaker, Bong Joon-Ho, “Parasite” is a stunning thriller that will have you holding your breath for its entire 134 minute runtime. I had no idea what this movie was about and I am so happy I didn’t because of how many twists and turns the story takes. All of the performances are stellar and the writing is so close to perfect. The way he chooses to unveil certain revelations and keep plot points hidden until they are necessary is the work of a genius. This movie is designed to grab your attention and never let it go. There are one or two scenarios that go a bit too far, but the whole movie is insane, so these moments don’t stand out too much. “Parasite” is by far the best thriller of the year and is one of the year's best. Grade: A
Photo Courtesy of @jojorabbitmovie Instagram
Taika Waititi and Roman Griffin Davis star in "Jojo Rabbit." Seagulls terrorize the seamen in "The Lighthouse."
Heard It Through the Grapevine: David Augustyn By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor Senior David Augustyn is a biology major and resident assistant on the fourth floor of Regis Hall. You can often catch him walking between classes with headphones plugged into his phone as he jams out to his favorite hits. Since we’re in the middle of midterm season right now, he’s curated a short, eclectic playlist of songs perfect for cracking your textbooks and studying. When it comes to music, Augustyn often loves songs for their meaningful lyrics, but when it comes to studying music, he doesn’t like music that requires too much of his attention. However, this doesn’t mean he avoids lyrics entirely. “A lot of songs I like because they’re introspective as well as have mellow beats,” he said. “Music is the spice of life. It’s a good way to express human emotion.”
“Bloom,” The Paper Kites “If you’re going through distress you can kind of listen to this song and think that there’s someone who will ideally be for you when the chaos is over. It reminds you that you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be about romantic relationships either. “
“Peace of Bone,” Mantaraybryn “What’s great about this song is while it’s lively and upbeat, the beat’s consistent throughout. You can kind of get into a focused state with the rhythm of the song. It gets you motivated to start working.” “Tin Man,” America “If you’re doing something like philosophy, this helps you get into the right state of mind, so you can put a little more thought into it. It definitely the kind of song that gets you thinking.” “Sheep,” Mt. Joy “This song’s talking about how we should all be feeling the pain when people in our society aren’t being treated equally, but if you don’t listen to the lyrics, it’s still a great soft rock hit. I like how the sound of the music makes you feel good and the meaning of the lyrics makes you think.” “Down in the Valley,” The Head in the Heart “It’s basically talking about working towards some type of constancy to keep you going in your life. I feel like that message put behind a banjo-y acoustic feel definitely centers me when I’m studying.” “Silver Moon,” Roo Pains “It’s got a lot of nature imagery, and it has a calming, comfort food kind of feeling. Instead of being under terrible artificial lights looking at a screen, it transports you to a natural atmosphere with the sun and trees surrounding you. It brings me to my happy place.”
Photo Contributed By David Augustyn
CreativeCommons/Pixabay
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
The Vine
Page 10
Soul Flower Grows Sustainable Clothing By Sabrina Trueheart Fashion Columnist
environmentally responsible. If “hippie” clothing isn’t your style – not to worry! Soul Flower makes basic tees, leggings, pants, skirts and dresses. Over the years, I have bought many pieces from Soul Flower and some of the pieces I bought over five years ago are still holding up! Here are a few of my favorites from this amazing company:
As a young teenager who had a passion for fashion and was starting to become passionate about saving the environment, I decided to Google “hippie clothing stores” Organic Cotton Classic T-Shirt to find a company that made sustainable and cute clothing. One of the first webThis is probably my favorite piece from Soul Flower. Although it is a sites that appeared was soul-flower.com, basic, it can be dressed up or down – I have worn this top for Christmas and when I clicked, I found a company that dinner, and now I wear it as one of my gym shirts. The best part: did it all – sold beautiful clothing, used organI bought this top in 2014, and it still holds up to this day! ic and recycled fibers and had an incredible blog with cool pictures, recipes and styling tips. After all Plant Flowers Recycled T-Shirt these years, I still buy much of my clothing from Soul Flower. This company was environmentally-conscious beThis piece holds a very special place in my fore many others in the fashion industry realized they had to heart. Soul Flower’s tireless commitment to susbe. While many fashion companies promote body positivity and intainability is showcased by wearing this beauticlusion, we must also remember how important sustainable fashion is. ful shirt. Not only it is made of recycled fibers With all the unsettling news regarding environmental issues and organic cotton – it displays a great message! lately, you may have heard that buying new clothing is not very susSadly, the original product that I own has been tainable, and that the fashion industry is in major trouble regarding discontinued, but a very similar piece sold right how environmentally-friendly their fashion practices are. Creating new now at Soul Flower can still be bought on their clothing requires using an excess amount of water, chemicals and enersite. gy. Although many companies have turned to more sustainable ways to create clothing, the planet’s ever-growing population continues to Tie-Dye Leggings buy more and more of it. This causes companies to have to constantly create new clothes to keep up with the amount of people I’ve bought three of these pairs of legbuying them. In recent years, thrifting has become increasingly gings in my life, and I loved all of them! Since popular due to its more sustainable approach to style. However, they are tie-dye leggings, each pair is unique, many people still enjoy the thrill of buying new, unworn clothmeaning there is not one pair that is exactly like ing. another. Wear these funky leggings to any yoga or Soul Flower is one of the fashion companies making exercise class and you’ll be a star. Tip: If you buy sustainable strides. If you look at Soul Flower’s Eco Guide, these, you can request certain colors be used in the tiePhoto Taken from @soulflowerbuds Instagram you will see that the company makes a great effort to create dye process – I’ve had pairs of green and yellow tie-dye, eco-friendly clothing by using organic cotton, recycled fi- Model shows off Soul Flower's apparel. sky blue and orange tie-dye and now I’m on a pair of bers, low-impact dyes and hemp. Much of Soul Flower’s clothing is also made in the United purple and blue tie-dye! States and is fair trade certified, meaning you can be assured that the people who make the clothes earn a living wage and that the production process is socially, economically and
The Mirror Abroad: Just a Moment with Molly By Molly Lamendola Abroad Columnist I legit love Fergie. Her song “London Bridge” was just the perfect thing to listen to 75 times on my 3 hour flight from Rome. The thing to get me in the mood for all things London had to give me. In other words… ya girl’s in London! So this week I’m on Fall Break. Meaning, a week of midterms has been relieved by a full week off. This allows for all of those abroad to experience the full continent they’re on. Me, the Anglophile I am, who illegally watches the “Great British Bake Off ” a full year before it’s released in the U.S., was dying to head to Fergie’s great love. We started with Abbey Road. Though a passive fan of the Beatles (I know all of their names, but not their stories), I was still looking forward to it. What makes it is all the people attempting to recreate the Beatles Abbey Road cover. It really makes you wonder if any of the Facebook likes are worth the near car accidents? But whatever, they’re probably influencers. A couple of incorrectly taken buses or Tube lines later and we were standing in Selfridges. The perfect store to make you feel a new level of poor. Who, honestly, is a $3,000 dress for? Not anyone I know! Any who! What I was really looking for was the Christmas decorations. Same with Liberty, I almost started crying I felt so freaking festive! I could smell the Christmas spice around me, it’d make even the most emotionally stunted drop a tear. A pub crawl and a long sleep-in later and I was standing in front of Marcel Duchamp's famous “Fountain” at the Tate Modern. Though the original was lost at some point, this copy is just stunning! It was lovely to see a lot of people scrolling around and looking at everything. The Tate’s setup between Modern and Contemporary art is also just so cool. Usually, art museums separate modern art from contemporary art, as they’re actually two different categories often incorrectly used interchangeably. As Modern Art and Contemporary Art might look similar in their style or aesthetics, Contemporary Art refers to an artist that’s still living and working today. It’s an interesting comparison to be made while walking through any of the many free galleries the Tate Modern has to offer. Our mind-blowing experience was immediately followed by just glimpsing Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. To be honest with you, I’m not one of those travelers that feels the dire need to check things off a bucket list. “Oh I went to London Bridge, Buckingham Palace and the Tower London.” I’ve just loved walking around and peeking down and around areas that my friend and I find of any interest. One of the best areas of this type of exploring was Camden, a perfect thrift location where I didn’t buy any of the American apparel that they were up-selling. But, I did buy a couple of cute freaking coasters. I don’t even need coasters for my Fairfield dorm. The microfridge just doesn’t deserve it! But I vibed with the lady making them, and they were all either of Amy Winehouse or said a British curse word. How could I say no at that point? Amy Winehouse is simply someone we have to worship at this point. What a freaking legend.
Molly Lamendola/The Mirror
Graffitti covers the Abbey Road Shop sign.
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
The Vine
Inkwell Spotlight Peace in Reality By Maeve Nowak Co-Editor-in-Chief at The Inkwell
CreativeCommons/Pixabay
The wood scrapes my skin And I know who I am.
So I clutch a branch And I count every leaf
The cold burns my lungs And I know where I am.
I draw in in the Fall And My heart slows it’s race
When
Because I know, When
Thoughts are like poison And The avalanche goes
The bark bites my hand And It patterns my palm
I tear at the words And I rip up the fear
I know who I am, And I find, I can breathe
Just shreds still remain But They won’t disappear.
The breeze brings me home And I finally stand
I’m Choking on “what ifs” and Things that won’t happen
I know where I am And It’s here, I am free.
Page 11
Waterparks Widens Pop Punk Music By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor Pop punk band Waterparks has been gaining traction in the genre ever since their first full length album, “Double Dare” was released in 2016. On Oct. 11, they released their newest album, “Fandom” and the album has already reached 32 on the Billboard charts. First of all, as a person who doesn’t often listen to pop punk music anymore, much less contemporary pop punk, listening to this gave me extreme cognitive dissonance. On one hand, the songs were just traditional enough that I enjoyed them and they gave me nostalgia for a genre I no longer actively listen to. On the other hand, the songs have a modern quality about them that’s so unfamiliar and innovative that it’s as if you took all my favorite songs from high school and threw them in a blender. It’s not bad, just something I’m not used to but I’m very interested in it. I wouldn’t call this your classic pop punk album. There’s certain songs that definitely follow that sort of genre, but often times, they’re just playing alternative rock music with the classic higher pitched, nasal, pop punk vocal stylings. There’s a thin line between rock and pop punk and Waterparks rides right down that line. One of the best songs on the album is “Easy to Hate.” It’s one of the most pop punk songs on the album with sounds similar to Walk the Moon’s popular “Shut Up and Dance.” It’s fun, toe-tapping music, and I find it nearly impossible to be upset while listening to it. The mix between the strong high-hat from the drums and the reverberated guitar riffs is downright addictive. “Easy to Hate” is an earworm you won’t be mad about singing all day long. “I Miss Having Sex But At Least I Don’t Want To Die Anymore” may have the most emo title you’ve ever seen, but it’s actually one of the songs on
the album that pushes the genre in a new direction the most. It’s unbelievably bouncy and energetic. It sheds a new light on what pop punk can be if not forced to stay stagnant in one stop. The lyrics on this one, although seemingly dramatic and ridiculous, are incredibly introspective and thought-provoking. The song talks about the pressure of romantic relationships and insecurity and it’s veiled behind an attempt to keep it light. “Turbulent” follows the footsteps of Ghost Town’s older music. They use a lot of electronicallymade music and voice alterations to give the music an eerie quality. There’s a naturalistic quality to the music from the frank and vulgar lyrics and fun guitar arpeggios. It’s a completely different take to the genre that I absolutely adore. All in all, I think “Fandom” is definitely worth a listen for pop punk fans and even those who don’t gravitate towards that type of music. I think the genre has expanded over the past few years, and Waterparks has created a sound that is far less divisive than the pop punk of just a few years ago.
The Perfect Pumpkin Cookies By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor Fall is the season of pumpkin-flavored everything, and a million recipes highlighting the popular ingredient. Now, pumpkin is a pretty dividing flavor, so chances are if you make classic pumpkin cookies only some of your friends are going to want to grab one. The good thing about these cookies is that the flavor of pumpkin spice isn’t overbearing in the slightest. It’s mostly just delicious with a hint of that classic fall flavor. This recipe is one my mom insists on baking for anyone and everyone during the fall season, and I’m obsessed. I ate way too many over fall break and, with the huge batch she sent with me back to school, I’m sure I’ll be stress-eating them while studying for midterms. But if you didn’t come back from break with delicious fall goods, don’t worry! These cookies are so simple you can bake them even on a busy weekday. The Perfect Autumn Cookies 1 box of Duncan Hines French vanilla cake mix (My mom swears by this brand. In fact, she recently tried it with a different brand only to get somewhat disappointing results) 2 teaspoons of cinnamon 1/2 teaspoons of ground ginger 1/2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg 1 15 oz can of pure pumpkin Mini chocolate chips-semi sweet is best for this Mix together all ingredients. Drop a spoon size of dough on a cookie sheet (use an ice cream scoop if you have one!) and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-13 minutes depending on their size.
Gracianne Eldrenkamp/The Mirror
Coffee Break
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Page 12
Coffee Break Editor: Tobenna Ugwu tobenna.ugwu@student.fairfield.edu
Who Gobbled up the turkeys? Veteran Stags began the Fall 2019 semester questioning the numerous changes and transformation that the university has underrgone. Some of these changes are great, some others not so much. One of the changes is the reduction in the population of turkeys seen around campus. Multiple students have voiced concerns about the depleting turkey population, so the Coffee Break Team set out to solve the mystery of the missing turkeys. “I think Sodexo is kidnapping the turkeys and serving them at the Tully for dinner on Thurdays,” said Chelsea Machenster, a sophomore animal husbandary major. A couple of students are planning to boycott the Tully since these accusations were made. Clairelle Mocha, a zoology major said, “I think the Office of Admissions sold the turkeys to pay for the construction of the prestigious new Dolan School of Business.” The Coffee Break Team has not been able to substantiate any of these claims but we are leaning towards the suggestion from Jeremiah Macchiatto, who said that the turkeys died from construction-related accidents that were covered up by the university.
Creepy Crossword for the Spooky Season Across 2. I love to make potions in my cauldron 5. The main character of “Nightmare before Christmas.” 6. What was Jack Terrence’s job in Stephen King’s “The Shining”? 7. Name of the cat from Hocus Pocus 8. In everything from coffee to candy to decor this time of year Down 1. This Halloween candy goes “meow” 3. This Disney channel movie starred Debbie Reynolds 4. The creature that supposedly haunts Dolan Hall 7. If this animal walks past you, you will have bad luck CreativeCommons/DiscoveryEducation
Sports
SPORTS Sports Editor: Julia Lanzillotta julia.lanzillotta@student.fairďŹ eld.edu
Page 13
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
This Week in Sports: What You Missed
In Case You Missed It: Wednesday, October 16th -Women's Soccer won against Marist, 2-0 -Men's Soccer lost to Marist, 2-1 Friday, October 18th -Field Hockey won against Rider, 2-1 Saturday, October 19th -Men's Golf placed sixth in Towson Fall Invitational Round 1 -Women's Soccer tied with Rider, 2-2 -Men's Soccer won agaist Marist,
Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk
Senior Landon Taliaferro and Jesus Cruz '23, of the Fairfield University men's basketball team were recognized by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference as the conference announced its annual preseason teams. The two were named to the 2019-20 MAAC preseason honors based on last season's performance. In the 2018-19 campaign Taliaferro averaged 12.3 points per game, making him his team's top scorer and ranking him 14 among MAAC scoring leaders. He registered 90 three-pointers throughout the season and had a .432 three-point field goal percentage. Cruz had an outstanding sophomore year, at the top of the pack leading Fairfield in scoring (averaging 9.4 points per game), assists (42) and steals (24). Taliaferro and Cruz are slated to begin their 2019-20 run at Webster Bank Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 5 against the Bucknell University Bison. The game will begin at 7 p.m.
3-1
Upcoming This Week: Friday, October 25th -Men's & Women's XC,
Photo Contributed bySports Information Desk
Fairfield University women's basketball's Lou Lopez-Senechal '22 had a remarkable rookie season in the 2018-19 year when she recieved an abundance of conference honors. She led the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with four rookie of the week awards and was the programs first MAAC rookie of the year since 2004. She also led Fairfield in scoring, averaging 11.8 points per game, despite an injury that kept her out for the first nine games. Lopez-Senechal was named to the preseason All-MAAC second team. In addition, the MAAC preseason coache's poll came out and chose the Stags to finish in sixth, 14 points behind Monmouth University.
CCSU Mini Meet 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM Saturday, October 26th -Men's & Women's Swim and Dive vs Monmouth, 1:00 PM -Volleyball at Quinnipiac, 1:00 PM -Field Hockey at Merrmack, 2:00 PM
In this week's issue... - Volleyball Remains Untouchable in MAAC, 12-0 (Pg. 14) - Women's Soccer Stumps Conference Foes (Pg. 15)
- Stags Split Even During the Week (1-2 L, 3-1 W) (Pg.15) - Field Hockey Flourishes in Overtime (Pg. 16)
Sports
Page 14
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Volleyball Remains Untouchable in MAAC, 12-0
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk Rookie Morgan Doll recorded 13 digs in three sets as a libero on Saturday, Oct. 19 against Niagara University. Ahead of her, with 15 digs to the match, was senior Manuella Nicolini.
By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The volleyball team at Fairfield University remains undefeated 8-0 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, marking the halfway point in conference play. They go 14-4 overall succeeding a pair of conference games this past weekend at home with a home-court advantage. They flaunted their skills during Alumni and Family Weekend in front of crowds of excited friends and families. They started out the two-game run on George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall on Saturday, Oct. 19 where they dominated Niagara University (6-12, 5-3 MAAC) in three sets. After that, they repeated their quickly attained victory on Sunday, Oct. 20 versus Canisius College (9-12, 6-3) with another clean sweep, 3-0 which protracted Fairfield’s win streak to 12. Against Niagara, the Stags claimed the first three sets 25-8, 25-16 and finally 25-18. Fairfield’s back row acted as a formidable force. Senior Manuela Nicolini, Morgan Doll ‘23 and Jamie Calandro ‘20 reached double digits in digs, tallying 15, 13 and 11 respectively. Offensively, Nicolini grew her MAAC-leading average of 10.52 helpers per set when she
Weekly 4x5 Because we have witty things to say ... Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor
Lexi Thimble Editor-in-Chief
amassed 42 assists on Friday. Additionally, Mayda Garcia ‘20 lead her team in kills (13) while Kaylie Butts ‘21 and Laura Seeger ‘23 tallied 10 apiece. First year Joelle Battles trailed behind with six. Calandro joins Nicolini at the top of the MAAC’s radar, this time in aces with .55 per set. The Canisius Griffins proved to be more competitive than Fairfield’s adversaries the night before, but still their efforts were no match for the home team. Fairfield claimed the first three sets 25-18, 25-23 and 25-18 once more. Again, Garcia shone among the pack. She registered a double-double comprised of 11 kills and 11 digs. Battles went neck and neck with Garcia, equaling her kills record with 11 of her own. The Stags accounted for a season high of 11 service aces, a feat that was accomplished due to efforts from Doll, Nicolini, Sonja Radulovic ‘20 and Maddy Jerdonek ‘23, who all delivered two winners. Doll excelled at libero, leading both Canisius and Fairfield with 17 digs in the trio of sets. The Stags are slated to challenge inter-state rivals, Quinnipiac University (8-11, 4-6 MAAC), at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Hamden, Conn. The Bobcats are sure to seek revenge after falling to the Stags 3-0 earlier this season in September.
Your 2019-2020 4x5 Columnists:
Julia Lanzillotta, Lexi Thimble, Katherine Klima and Julia Monteleone
Is Hallo-weekend the The World Series is right around the corner, who's go- weekend before or the weekend after? ing to win it all?
Thoughts on Fetty's appearance here this weekend following a recent arrest?
What is your favorite scary movie?
Pumpkin picking or apple picking?
I'm still grieving the Yankee's loss. The weekend after, case closed. End of discussion.
It doesn't phase me much- I sold my ticket anyway!
The Shining is my favorite, but the most scary ones are The Conjuring movies.
You can't make jack-o-lanterns out of apples, can you?
I'm saying this with no knowledge The weekend after!! Can we agree of who's actually in the running: on this so I don't look like an idiot wearing a costume on November Go Sox (?) 1st???
As long as he shows up and puts on a good show I don't really mind to be completely honest.
Re: the October 2nd issue, I have never enjoyed a horror/scary movie in my life :)))))
Apple picking for sure; I have so many happy memories from picking apples back in the day.
Let's make it both weekends– the more Halloween the better.
I forgot to buy a ticket so doesn't bother me too much.
The Monster Squad. It's not technically a scary movie but it's from 1987 and terribly made. The film is buck wild and on Hulu– check it out.
Pumpkin picking!!! We love a good jack-o-lantern!
AFTER DAMMIT IT IS AFTER. Kat we can't have it both weekends because my head will explode by trying to come up with more clever costume ideas!
His PR team is probably very happy that he is doing something as wholesome sounding as performing at a Jesuit university following getting arrested.
The Haunting of Hill House series. I know its not a movie but its so much better than any other horror movie.
Pumpkin picking. It just feels more fall to go on a hay ride and pick out a pumpkin.
We'll say the Nationals– D.C is Katherine Klima pretty cool...and I know nothing Executive Editor about sports.
I don't care for baseball. I don't
Julia Monteleone think I have ever been able to sit Managing Editor through a game. Sorry!
Sports
THE MIRROR | Week of October 23, 2019
Page 15
Women's Soccer Stumps Conference Foes By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The Fairfield University women’s soccer program held their own against two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference combatants. During the week on Wednesday, Oct. 16 they shut out Marist College (68-1, 3-3-1 MAAC), picking up a 2-0 victory at home on Lessing Field. They then visited Rider University (7-3-4, 4-1-2 MAAC) in Lawrenceville, NJ. Neither teams were able to secure a win, and after two periods of over-time, the two yielded a 2-2 draw. Fairfield’s record currently stands as 6-8-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the MAAC. Fairfield fought past the less than ideal weather on Wednesday when they took down Marist College. In the pouring rain, they held off the Red Foxes with ease. Fairfield accrued 20 total shots, 13 on goal, while Marist only tallied half of that with 10, and seven on-target. In the first half, Fairfield made 11 shots while Marist failed to count any. Marist’s goaltender Natalie Kelchner held off the Stags, and accounted for their stealth play which got often past the Red Fox’s defence. Kelchner allowed only two goals and made 11 saves in her 90 minutes in the cage. On the other end of the field, Aytana Muschajew ‘22 was a brick wall, making seven saves, which is her season high. Sophomore Stephanie Tsangaris and Nicole Stryjek ‘21 were credited with the only goals of the af-
ternoon. Their performance resulted in Fairfield’s seventh shutout of the 2019 season. Tsangaris’s goal was her sixth of the season, a feat that lands her among the most elite athletes in the conference. She ranks in second place in the conference for goals scored, tied with her teammate Liz Dumas ‘21 who has six of her own. Stryjek trails only one goal behind, with five on the season. After the 2-0 sweep, Fairfield was tasked with taking down Rider. The first half was quiet for Fairfield. Rider scored off of a rebound 13 minutes in. Fairfield took about 35 minutes after the first point to respond with a goal of their own. The Stags were purely lucky, as the ball deflected off of a Bronc defender and into the box, evening the score 1-1. Rider continued the back-and-forth pattern that had been established, and broke free of the draw, scoring from a penalty kick. Sophomore Brooke Hernon was dynamite on offense, wracking up seven shots. She directed a free kick in Jenn Wahlig ‘20’s direction, who capitalized on the opportunity and scored Fairfield’s equalizing second goal. When regulation time ran out, the teams were forced into two periods of overtime, where no progress was made and a 2-2 draw was settled. Fairfield returns to the field on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at home versus the Iona College Gaels (5-102, 2-4-1 MAAC) at 7:00 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Jenn Wahlig's equalizing goal pushed the stags into overtime with Rider.
Stags Split Even During the Week, (1-2 L, 31 W)
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Diallo Simon- Ponte '21 tallied one goal in each of the week's MAAC games, which were his first two of the 2019 season. Santiago Gonzales also picked up a pair of goals, both against Monmouth.
By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The Fairfield University men’s soccer team braved two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponents in the past week. They first challenged the Marist College Red Foxes (5-6-0, 2-2-0 MAAC) on Wednesday, Oct. 16 in Poughkeepsie NY, but dropped the ball in overtime, 2-1. This was Fairfield’s seventh game to go into over-time in the past 11 contests. Later in the week, they hosted the Monmouth University Hawks (1-10-2, 1-4-1 MAAC) on Saturday, Oct. 19 where Fairfield picked up their first win, 3-1, since Sept. 24. The Stags’ overall record currently stands at 3-5-4, and 1-2-2 in the MAAC. The scoring action was split between two halves. The two teams were fairly even in strength on Wednesday afternoon, when Marist only lead Fairfield in shots 12-5. Of those recorded, five were on target for the Red Foxes
while Fairfield tallied one less at four. Marist claimed the first 45 minutes, beating Fairfield to the board 21 minutes and 32 seconds into regulation tim,e although each team delivered an equal five shots toward goal. It took Fairfield almost 50 minutes to answer back and knot the score at one. The goal was credited to Diallo Simon-Ponte ‘20. He found the back of the net after he was able to take control of a helper from Daniel Raimondo ‘23. The Stags looked to keep the momentum going, but failed to edge Marist out with a lead. Marist dictated the action in overtime, managing three shots. Fairfield was put on the defense and failed to resist the Red Fox’s pressure. At the 97 minute of the game, Marist claimed the win when Antek Sienkiel found the far right corner of the goal. Fairfield returned to Lessing Field, hoping that the familiarity of their home-turf would yield better results
than the previous match. Again, Simon-Pointe made a notable showing with his second goal of the week which established a lead that Fairfield was able to sustain. The final two goals were credited to midfielder Santiago Gonzales ‘22, whose accuracy was instrumental in earning the Stags a mark in the win column. They were both in the second half, the first recorded at 46 minutes and 14 seconds, and then the second at 77 minutes and 12 seconds. Rookie Joseph Lozowski started for the first time in his college-career and was Farfield’s best kept secret. He had a hand in all three of Fairfield’s goals and drove Fairfield to their first MAAC win of the 2019 season. The Stags look for a repeat of this weekends success as they gear up to host the Manhattan College Jaspers (3-8-0, 2-3-0 MAAC) in Riverdale, NY on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports
Week of October 23, 2019
fairfieldmirror.com
SPORTS 16
Sports Editor: Julia lanzillotta » julia.lanzillotta@student.fairfield.edu
Field Hockey Flourishes in Overtime By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The Fairfield University field hockey team lengthened their win streak to five following a dramatic pair of weekend games, both decided in overtime. The Stags kicked off competition on Friday, Oct. 18 in a Northeast Conference matchup on their own University Field in Fairfield, Conn. against Rider University (9-4, 3-1 NEC). They narrowly upended the Broncs, 2-1 after 66 minutes and six seconds of play. Next, on Sunday, Oct. 20, they travelled to Conshohocken, PA where they picked up another 2-1 overtime win against Villanova University (6-1) in a non-conference game. Fairfield improved their overall record to 12-2, 3-0 NEC. Fairfield out-shot Rider 14-2, nine of which were on target. The first quarter was quiet from both ends, where not a single scoring attempt was recorded. The second 15-minute period was where Fairfield applied some pressure to Rider. Despite two shots made by Males Iglesias ‘22, the first half came to a scoreless Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk close. Just six minutes and 46 seconds after Against Villanova University, Persiehl scored her third game-winning goal of the season and has had a hand in four overtime wins this season. halftime, Rider capitalized on a penalty corner drawn just a minute earlier, and just like that East competitors at Villanova University. The contest yielded the same results as the one they held the first lead of the afternoon. prior, and Fairfield amassed their fourth triumph of the 2019 campaign in overtime, conThe Stags were thirsty for a victory, and their offensive surge made that clear in the fourth quarter, where they tallied four shots while disallowing Rider an opportunity to tributing to a 4-0 overtime performance. Matlach was on fire, accounting five shots. One made it past Villanova’s defense make any scoring efforts. and to the net early in the game at 13 minutes and five seconds. The point was made posRookie attacker Julianna Kratz fired a rocket to the upper corner of Rider’s net sible when Kratz took possession of the ball and dished it out to the forward. Unlike their with 40 seconds of regulation time. Her relentless efforts are the reason why she is one previous performance, the Stags promptly established a dominant tempo, which put them of the team’s top scorers, as she has chalked up a season total of 16 points (five goals, six in a more comfortable position to win. Unfortunately, the Wildcats pulled a move similar assists). The play that kept Fairfield alive was set up by Danielle Profita ‘21 (six to Fairfield’s on Friday when they made it to the scoreboard late in the fourth (54:29). Neigoals, six assists to the season), whose backhanded pass was redither team managed to secure another lead but Persiehl ended the game, securing her third rected by Kratz. Her equalizer sent the match into extra time. Finally, Emma Matlach ‘21 finished off the game with winning-goal of the season. She played a part in all four overtime wins, and continues to be the lucky charm for the Stags when they need it most. a goal assisted by Luzi Persiehl ‘22, building up the Stags Fairfield’s win over Villanova marked coach Jackie Kane’s morale as they continued their weekend stint of competi200th career victory over her incredible 25-year tion career here at Fairfield. Additionally, this Rider goalkeeper Lena Vandam managed to season with 10 or more wins, record seven total saves to Friday’s game, however Fair- is Kane’s seventh which is a testament to her enduring success. field’s Zoe Rosen ‘21 was protected by the redshirts’ defensive forces and didn’t need to make a single save. Two days later, Fairfield took on Big
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Coach Jackie Kane recorded her 200th career win during her 25th campaign a part of the Fairfield University field hockey program. This milestone was reached on Sunday, Oct. 20.