2-18-2021

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

CEDAR FALLS, IA

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 34

NISG DEBATE

TALLCORN JAZZ

MEN’S BBALL

NEWS PAGE 3

CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 4

SPORTS PAGE 6

NISG presidential and vice-presidential candidates debate prior to election.

UNI bounces back in Sunday’s game against Valparaiso.

The historic Tallcorn Jazz Festival will take place via Zoom Friday, Feb. 19.

NISG presidential candidates

Bennett and Struck Butt and Hussain ELIZABETH KELSEY Issues such as sustainability, diverNews Editor

Samantha Bennett isn’t running for NISG president in pursuit of fame or fortune. For this third-year actuarial science major with a French studies certificate, the position is all about the chance to better others’ lives.

sity/equity, NISG transparency and expanded course offerings, among others, are prominent. Each prong includes several action items and one particular goal which the pair will prioritize during the first half of their term.

Struck and Bennett emphasized the time they dedicated to creating

ELIZABETH KELSEY News Editor

As candidates for president and vice president of Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG), Muhammad Shamir Butt and Bilal Hussain say they bring “an approach which is different but real” to the race.

“We want to start a movement… which brings together all of UNI,” the pair wrote in an email to the Northern Iowan. “Both of us have a resolve, which is to bring the left and the right together in its true sense.”

Butt is a senior majoring in political science, while Hussain is a sophomore studying finance and computer science. The two believe that they have the skills necessary to tackle what they see as UNI’s greatest challenge: a sense of “divisions and groupings.” “(Division) prevents us from learning from each other and keeps us

They also plan to promote on-campus events attracting students from many different majors and interests.

“We will strive hard to bridge gaps and end divides,” Butt and Hussain wrote. “We realize that this problem is like an equation. If we are to equalize it, both sides have to be considered, and let there be no second thoughts, we will consider both.”

Another important aspect of the pair’s platform is mental health, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To address this issue, they hope to make mental health counseling more accessible on campus by making it available within student housing facilities.

Finally, they hope to deliver expanded hours from UNI’s dining options.

“We are also planning to consider the possibility of providing a space on a campus which is open 24/7 to satisfy your 3 a.m. cravings,” they wrote.

BENNETT AND STRUCK/Courtesy Photo

Candidates Samantha Bennett and Alisanne Struck are campaigning to be NISG president and vice president.

“Whether it be on a personal or a systemic level, I aim to do as much good as I can,” she wrote in an email to the Northern Iowan. “I have learned a lot from the UNI community, and it is a community that has brought me many joys. I would like to do the same in return.”

Alisanne Struck, a second-year student studying public relations and political science, is Bennett’s running mate. She said the two are eager to get to work.

“Samantha and I truly want to help students and make their lives at this institution better,” Struck wrote. “Our platform is centered around students and finding ways to help them grow through our service to UNI.” Bennett and Struck’s three-pronged platform emphasizes “Advocacy, Accessibility and Academics.”

According to their campaign website, they intentionally “pared down” their platform to keep it realistic.

“We felt it important to stay grounded and not make students promises we cannot keep, because they deserve leaders who follow through and achieve just what they said they would set out to do,” Bennett wrote.

their platform.

“I want students to know how seriously we take this campaign,” Bennett wrote. “We did not take this decision to run lightly, as we understand how much good is capable of being done if this role is carried out effectively, and UNI deserves leaders of quality. Thus, we have gotten to work by meeting with campus leaders, department heads, and deans to ensure our platform is realistic and signed off on by the very people whose collaboration we will need to help get these proposed initiatives realized.”

The two believe the most important issue currently facing UNI students is student well-being and mental health.

“Students are under a remarkable amount of stress, so it is important that UNI does what it can to alleviate and not contribute to that,” they wrote.

“This means making sure our mental health resources are readily and easily accessible, that there are not barriers to students utilizing accessibility services and that the credit/no credit option remains available for the remainder of the pandemic.”

Candidates Muhammad Shamir Butt and Bilal Hussain join the NISG presidential and vice-presidential race.

See BENNETT AND STRUCK, page 2

See BUTT AND HUSSAIN, page 2

BUTT AND HUSSAIN/Courtesy Photo

confined to our own cocoon of familiarity,” they wrote. “The entire point of college is exposure, to open your mind, and see. To learn and to be progressive. We want to remove the obstacles that hinder this process.”

To do so, Butt and Hussain propose a platform which emphasizes connection among diverse groups of students. One of the key points of their platform is the formation of a committee to “bring us together as a community of students who look eye to eye and be the seeds that grow up to challenge the norms of this world.”

“If not that, we would try our level best to extend the hours of Biscotti’s.”

Both Butt and Hussain bring campus involvement and leadership experience to the NISG presidential and vice-presidential race. Butt has been on the Model UN debate team, served as the Philanthropy Director for Kappa Sigma and interned with the Panther Initiative for Environmental Equity and Resilience (PIEER). He is currently serving as president of the nonprofit group Helping Hands on campus.

PAGE 2

FEBRUARY 18, 2021 |

NEWS

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

Cold temps cancel classes, close campus

A stretch of subzero temperatures coupled with bitterly cold windchills caused the cancellation of in-person classes for the third time this spring.

Tuesday, Feb. 16.

The campus also functioned on reduced operations on Tuesday morning.

Classes resumed as normal on Tuesday afternoon.

In total, UNI students have missed three full days of in-person classes (Jan. 26, Feb. 4 and Feb. 15), in addition to evening classes on Jan. 25 and morning classes on Feb. 16, since the spring 2021 semester began.

Much of eastern Iowa, including Black Hawk County, broke local records for the coldest Valentine’s Day in history on Sunday, Feb. 14, as even the day’s high temperatures remained below zero degrees.

The frigid temperatures were part of a larger winter storm system which swept the Midwest and Great Plains regions, bringing unusually cold and snowy conditions to areas as far south as Texas and knocking out power to millions of people.

Assembly Required improv comedy troupe.

Struck has been involved in organizations including Panther Marching Band, Dance Marathon, Asian Student Union and Summer Orientation Staff, among others. As an NISG senator, she has served on committees such as Course Fees and Organization & Finance.

While they believe their various accolades have prepared them for the challenges of leading NISG and the student body,

Struck noted that titles and memberships are only one part of the role.

“I believe that leadership is more than a title, and I am more than ready to take on the responsibility of serving my peers through this role,” she wrote. “I have an open mind, an ear ready to listen, and a hunger for change.”

For more information, visit bennettandstruck.com or follow their campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Hussain, for his part, has been a member of the American Marketing Association and Entrepreneurship Club on campus. Like Butt, he is also involved with PIEER, where he is currently working on projects related to environ-

mental sustainability, equity and social justice.

Since their platform places so much emphasis on connection among diverse campus groups, Butt and Hussain are confident that their own diverse experiences will give them the tools to succeed as president and vice president.

“We would like students to know that your student body representatives might be different than you, but they realize what you go through and will always be accessible whenever you need them,” the duo concluded their email. “Their thinking is not confined, and they will not let you down.”

NORTHERN IOWAN

EDITORIAL STAFF

PRODUCTION STAFF

GABI CUMMINGS

KARLA DE BRUIN

ANTHONY WITHEROW Campus Life Editor witheaab@uni.edu

GABI CUMMINGS Production Graphics

ELIZABETH KELSEY News Editor

Persistent cold temperatures once again led UNI to cancel more than a day’s worth of face-to-face classes this week.

Citing “extremely cold

temperatures and strong winds,” the university on Sunday announced that all in-person classes for Monday, Feb. 15 would either be cancelled or held virtually. Later on Monday, the same decision was made for all classes starting before 10 a.m. on

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GABI CUMMINGS/Northern Iowan

BENNETT AND STRUCK continued from page 1

The two will use their experience in student government and other organizations to achieve these goals.

Bennett has recently served as the NISG Director of Sustainability and is a desk assistant in Lawther Hall. She is also a member of Student Sustainability Engagement Committee, Actuarial Science Club, Green Project and Some

BUTT AND HUSSAIN continued from page 1

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EMMA’LE MAAS Executive Editor maase@uni.edu 563.210.8768

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COLIN HORNING Sports Editor chorning@uni.edu ERIN KAMP Copy Editor kampe@uni.edu ELIZABETH KELSEY News Editor kelseye@uni.edu

Webmaster Graphic Artist

CIRCULATION DESIREE CHANEL Circulation Manager

ELIZABETH KELSEY News Editor

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 34

NISG election: more information NI STAFF

Voting for the 2021 NISG election will take place from 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24 on My UNIverse.

In addition to the presidential and vice-presidential candidates profiled on p. 1, students will have the chance to vote for senators to represent their respective colleges.

The current list of senatorial candidates is as follows: College of Business and Administration Sam Ferguson

The Northern Iowan is published semi-weekly on Monday and Thursday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications.

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The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees.

A copy of the Northern Iowan grievance procedure is available at the Northern Iowan office, located at L011 Maucker Union.

All material is © 2020 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.

College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences Jonah Eldridge Micaiah Krutsinger Muhammad Raza Salima Diallo Turner Sperry College of Social Behavioral Sciences Caroline Christensen Nawal Rai Rocio Castrejon

and

For more information on the 2021 NISG elections, visit https://nisg.uni.edu/ nisg-elections., and check out p. 3 of this issue for coverage of the Feb. 17 NISG debate.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to maase@uni.edu.

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Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.

Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to have it featured.

PAGE 3

NEWS

EMMA’LE MAAS Executive Editor

FEBRUARY 18, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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VOLUME 117, ISSUE 34

NISG presidential candidates tackle diversity and COVID-19 EMMA’LE MAAS

Executive Editor

With the NISG presidential election less than one week away, the two presidential nominees debated Wednesday evening covering topics of student advocacy, diversity and involvement.

The debate, which is normally held in person, was a Zoom event that premiered on NISG’s facebook. Although titled as a debate, the video was pre-recorded by both teams, taking a more traditional town hall style instead of back and forth responses.

Each team answered the same questions, and were given one minute to respond. They could work singularly or as a team, while NISG Supreme Court Justice Bekah Bass moderated.

The first section was given to Samantha Bennett and Alisanne Struck. Bennett emphasized the collaboration between her vice president running-mate, “Make no mistake about it this campaign is just as much Alisanne as it is me.”

Bennett recalled their first meeting, and their friendship and bond created ever since as well, “We really bonded over our shared love of sustainability documentaries and coffee…

It was really clear to me this was an individual with great ambition and shared drive to do

on the project to ensure student wellness and food security.

When asked about their skills with working with those who disagree with them, Bennett responded, “Not everybody is going to agree with the decisions being reached, but what we can do is make sure everybody understands how these decisions are being reached.”

Concerning what they feel is the greatest issue on UNI’s campus, Bennett said, “Student wellness is critically important, especially during this current pandemic.”

She continued,

It is so

important

that UNI is doing whatever it

can to allieviate

that stress

whenever possible and not contribute

to it.

Bennett promised to take down barriers in place currently between students and those resources, stating “It is so important that UNI is doing what it can to alleviate that stress whenever possible and not contribute to it.”

In a year of division, Bennett

Courtesy

NISG Candidates Muhammed Shamir Butt and Bilal Hussain discuss their platform on NISG’s Facebook live.

at UNI aren’t asking for much…

I hope I can help diverse students feel seen, heard and valued.”

She also connected back to their platform, citing “we are planning to have equity based work.” Struck expanded, “Ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge to easily report and receive support after instances discirmination, bias and unfair practices.”

Struck concluded, “I definitely hope to improve and accurately represent students of color in this position, and lift their voices to the fullest of volumes.”

Opposing candidates Mummed Shamir Butt and

Courtesy

NISG Candidates Samantha Bennett and Alisanne Struck discuss their platform on NISG’s Facebook live.

good on campus.”

Their sustainability cause is present in their campaigns as well as their hearts, with their initiative to grow fresh produce through a garden on campus that’ll feed students.

Bennett, who has been a part of the garden since her first year, has already begun work

and Struck tackled diversity on campus as well.

Struck spoke about her own findings, “UNI truly has amazing students at this school.

However I would be lying if I said I haven’t seen tokenism and discrimination and racism during my time on campus.”

Struck continued, “Students

Bilal Hussain took a different approach to this question during their portion, instead citing division amongst political parties.

He continued, “We want everybody to look at each other the same.”

Butt stated, “I would like to stress on both the right and left

to take astep back and welcome each other with open arms.”

The political party division is a hallmark in their platform, and was considered one of the three most important issues they find with UNI today.

Butt continued,

It is the campaign’s greatest goal to make the entire student body come together, and not only come together but come together wholeheartedly.

Butt and Hussain have a bond “like brothers” which brought together in their cause, “We believe in brotherhood and we believe in advocacy.”

Butt also spoke on mental health advocacy, and talked about his hope to bring services closer to students.

“Mental health problems are arising, and for that very reason we want everyone to have access to a mental health counselor within the quads and dorms.”

The Student Health Center does currently offer 24/7 hotlines, as well as a counselor on call through their website, although not housed in the dorms.

Butt and Hussain also had a different approach to conflicting views, Butt stating, “It is my staunch belief that it a quality of a great mind to be able to entertain the thought without accepting it,” Butt then addressed his runnningmate in

saying, “I like to think that we have great minds.”

Addressing involvement on campus, Butt stated, “Students need to implicate a sense of confidence in themselves, which is why we will promote organizations like the United Nations and Model UN Club.”

Regarding COVID-19 guidelines, the pair believe with proper rules instated events can and should take place.

Butt states, “We do believe we want to keep students engaged, we do want to do events on campus because it is our staunch belief that an idle mind or a life with little or no engagement at all is a Satan’s workshop.”

He continues, “We will strive to throw many events on campus, but mind you we will want everyone to wear a mask and we want everyone to follow social distancing guidelines.”

Both candidates had lasting impact hopes. Struck said, “More than any measurable goal that Sam and I hope to achieve is we hope to lead and empower other students.”

Bennett added, “I know personally when I’ve had my low points during my time at UNI it was because I was missing a sense of belonging.” She continued, “Once I did and found that sense of connection, I felt truly good about my time and my decision to attend UNI. That is such a beautiful feeling that cannot be understated and I want every single student to be able to experience that.”

Butt kept his response short, “To live an inclusive, actively diverse and a mentally healthy campus.”

NISG results will be released on Feb. 24 at approximately 7 p.m. and all students are encouraged to take part in the voting process.

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ANTHONY WITHEROW

CAMPUS LIFE FEBRUARY 18, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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Campus Life Editor

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 34

Patti Pace Festival to address racial equality TEHYA TOURNIER Staff Writer

The 21st annual Patti Pace Performance Festival will have a different look from previous years, taking place virtually on Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20.

The festival will aim to create and expand the connections of community members and students through the art of performance.

The festival is typically hosted by a group of different schools with a performance arts studies program. Each year it rotates with what school is the host.

In the past, Louisiana State University, Xavier University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University and more have all hosted the festival. UNI has tried to be a part in the past and give students involved with the arts a chance to create an experience with the Patti Pace event.

Due to COVID-19, it was looking like the festival might not be held, but

the Interpreters Theatre’s Artistic Director Danielle McGeough and colleagues decided that this festival is needed, and UNI will host for the first time this year.

The theme “Meeting the Movement” is dedicated to keeping the festival experience just as active and inclusive with these rapidly changing times.

“Giving the context and what is happening in the world, we think it would be useful to hold this virtually under the saying ‘Meeting the Movement’ to explore the role of performance intending to address all that has happened the past year or so and especially the racial injustices in our country,” McGeough said.

Opening remarks will kick off the event Friday morning at 10 a.m. The festival will consist of keynote speakers, workshops and performances of many artists around the country.

World famous poet Dr. Jaavon Johnson will

be speaking on race and gender theory of his first collection of poems “Ain’t Never Not Been Black” and performance ethnographer Dr. D. Soyini Madison will be performing on cosmic energy and radical beauty.

Although the festival has been face-toface which leads to more hands-on activities and personal connections through performances, McGeough said it being virtual still allows these important elements to be shown and for more students to be involved.

“Performance can offer a lot of insight. It can be a creative way to process and make sense of the things that are happening in our world right now,” she said.

McGeough believes that this festival is going to engage many of the racial tensions that we have been experiencing as a country. “(The festival) will offer theoretical research and really creative ways to meet those moments critically and thoughtful-

Tallcorn Jazz Fest goes virtual CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN Staff Writer

The 66th annual Tallcorn Jazz Festival, hosted by the brothers of the Beta Nu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, will take place online Feb. 19. The festival will feature online workshops, video performances, guest artists, UNI jazz faculty and a showcase concert free for all to watch.

Over 50 bands have submitted videos for the festival. Participating bands will receive video feedback from one of five New York based jazz musicians: drummers Carl Allen and Matt Wilson, trumpeter Dave Douglas, trombonist Ryan Keberle and pianist David Berkman. The bands will also engage in an interactive Zoom clinic from a UNI jazz faculty member.

A virtual concert will be held Friday at 7 p.m. featuring pre-recorded tracks from UNI Jazz Bands One and Two. Although this year’s festival will be uncompetitive, outstanding bands chosen by the panel of New York jazz musicians will be featured during the virtual concert. The concert will be streamed on the UNI Jazz

NI Archives

The Tallcorn Jazz Festival will be taking a virtual approach this year due to COVID-19.

Studies Facebook page and the School of Music web page.

Although the format of the festival may be different due to COVID-19, professor of jazz studies Chris Merz believes the event will still be just as beneficial for students.

“We could never afford to bring five musicians of this level to campus at the same time, so that is a definite plus,” he said. “Since we are one of the few festivals in the state to adopt an online model, we were able to go forward where many other festivals could not. I believe these two factors together account for the high number of bands

participating, even though rehearsal schedules have been severely compromised

by COVID and the harsh weather.”

Merz is appreciative of the hard work people put in in order to put on the festival this year.

“I am both proud and grateful to the membership of the Beta Nu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia for helping realize this virtual festival. Hats off to my great colleagues also, and to Tom Barry for his always excellent work on our audio recordings and to Jasmine Aquino for the video work.”

For more information on Tallcorn Jazz Festival, visit www.tallcornjazzfest.com.

Courtesy Photo/Patti Pace Performance Festival

All are encouraged to attend the virtual Patti Pace Performance Festival this weekend.

ly and give a different perspective than we’re used to in our own community,” she said.

The 2021 Patti Pace Festival will be free and

open to the public. All information is on the Patti Pace Facebook page and all questions can be directed to pppfvirtual@ gmail.com.

CAMPUS LIFE

ANTHONY WITHEROW Campus Life Editor

PAGE 5

Top 10 best films of 2020 FEBRUARY 18, 2021 |

HUNTER FRIESEN Film Critic

For the past two years, I’ve led this article by saying how crummy the year had been. Well, 2020 doesn’t even deserve to be joked about. It was such a terrible year that I’m glad it has passed, even though I don’t have much hope for 2021.

Even with the pandemic shutting down theaters and several tentpole films being delayed indefinitely, there were still quite a few movies worth celebrating. In an effort to give praise to those that deserve it, here is my list of the 10 best films of 2020.

Honorable Mentions: “Possessor” “Tenet” “The Truth” “On the Rocks” “Let Them All Talk” 10. “Ammonite” What can be considered dull to some is romantic to others. Set in 1840’s England, writer/director Francis Lee tells the story of a forbidden lesbian romance between a lonely fossil hunter and a young woman burdened by a loveless marriage. “Ammonite” has all the tropes of the romantic drama genre but none of its clichés. Lee avoids these traps by trusting his leads in Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, who are a winning combination as they give amazing performances with little dialogue. Everything comes from just a look or a glance, enough to describe a whole scene and carry a film.

9. “One Night in Miami” After many successful years in front of the camera, Regina King proves she’s just as skilled in the director’s chair. What could have been an overly stagey experience is turned into a fiery character drama featuring some of the most influential figures in history: Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke.

Screenwriter Kemp Powers takes these four larger-thanlife figures and brings them down to Earth to connect their lives to the present day African American expe-

rience. Special praise goes to the performances by Britishborn Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X and “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom Jr. as Cooke, as well as his contribution to the song “Speak Up.” 8. “The Prom”

The cinematic equivalent of a sugar rush, director Ryan Murphy assembled an all-star cast for his Netflix adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The story of a lesbian teen who is denied the ability to take her girlfriend to her conservative town’s prom is told exuberantly through flashy song and dance numbers.

While it does have its cake and eat it too, the guilty pleasure that this film brings is in the wonderfully campy performances from its main troupe and earworm-inducing tunes.

7. “Wolfwalkers” Hailing from Ireland, this fantasy adventure beat Pixar’s “Soul” to be the best animated film of the year.

Aspiring adventurer Robyn stars as our hero as she befriends a free-spirited “wolf walker” named Mebh, who has the power to become a wolf at night and defends the ever-shrinking forest.

Beautifully animated in various styles and boasting a great lyrical soundtrack, “Wolfwalkers” also touches our minds with its authentic philosophical message about deforestation and the bridging of cultural differences.

6. “The Nest” Similar to the calculated and observational style of Stanley Kubrick and Yorgos Lanthimos, Sean Durkin’s newest feature is a drama/ horror tale about the dangers of greed and ambition.

Jude Law and Carrie Coon each give career-best performances as a couple that is forced to come to terms with their increasingly meaningless lives. With the gap between the haves and the have-nots becoming wider every day, this social critique is timely in the present, and I suspect it will continue to be in the future.

5. “First Cow”

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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VOLUME 117, ISSUE 34

“First Cow” is the most gentle “bro movie” out there. Writer/director Kelly Reichardt calmly guides us through this frontier-set story of friendship and opportunity. As unpredictable as it is gorgeous, Reichardt balances various genres as the film eventually spins itself into a heist film with high tension and stakes.

Even with all these changing elements, Reichardt never loses the emotional connection with her characters. I’m still hoping Evie the cow can get an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

4. “The Trial Chicago 7”

of

the

The words, “The whole world is watching!” still ring in my head even six months after seeing Aaron Sorkin’s newest Netflix film. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is a nostalgic old-school courtroom drama bolstered by strong modern filmmaking and terrific performances from its cast. The timeliness and importance of its message make it a must-see as our nation faces a turbulent path of healing after a disastrous year.

3. “Nomadland” With “Nomadland,” writer/director/editor Chloé Zhao has crafted something special, something that pulls you in and never lets you go. Many times you catch yourself just basking in the imagery. Between the plains, the mountains and the natural landscapes; It doesn’t feel like just a movie.

It feels more like a feeling that just carries you all the way through. With a terrific lead performance from the legendary Frances McDormand and a supporting turn from the reliable David Strathairn, Zhao combines so many complex things to create a true piece of art.

2. “The Vast of Night” Amazon’s “The Vast of Night” is a director’s showcase for Andrew Patterson.

With long takes and tracking shots that are near Cuarón level, Patterson fully immerses us in this 1950’sset small-town alien inva-

Tribune News Service

Film critic Hunter Friesen gives us his top 10 favorite films released in 2020.

sion mystery. Spookier than any conventional horror movie and brimming with an abundance of talent from its cast and crew, “The Vast of Night” is a startlingly wellmade debut that will surely lead to fruitful careers for all those involved.

1.

“Never Rarely Sometimes Always” Written and directed by indie darling Eliza Hittman, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” is an authentic and

upsetting coming-of-age story. Taking place over a trip to New York City to abort an unwanted pregnancy, Hittman did an impeccable job of exuding sympathy and connecting me to a process I am biologically unable to relate to. The title of the film comes full circle near the end in a scene that left me with no dry eyes.

Newcomer Sydney Flanigan is a star in the making with her lead performance. Her career will certainly be one to watch.

Follow our Twitter accounts for quick news updates on the go!

News:

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PAGE 6

SPORTS FEBRUARY 18, 2021 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

COLIN HORNING Sports Editor

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VOLUME 117, ISSUE 34

MEN’S BASKETBALL

CarterandBerhowleadUNIinbouncebackwin

NICHOLAS SCHINDLER Sports Writer

The UNI men’s basketball team took on Valparaiso University last Sunday in the second matchup of the weekend series. The Panthers were coming off losing four of their last five games, looking to bounce back against the 8-13 Valparaiso team. With UNI in control for most of the game, they were able to pick up the 74-60 victory.

The game started off going back and forth, trading baskets for the first 12 minutes. The Panthers then went on a 15-9 run to close out the half and lead at the break 39-33.

To start off the second half, UNI kept things going with their offense efficiency while still holding Valpo to low scoring. The Panthers shot 60% in the first half

and 50% in the second half as opposed to Valpo shooting 50% in the first and then 38% in the second half, respectively.

Forwards Trae Berhow and Noah Car ter each scored 17 points in the game, to lead the Panthers in scoring, while true freshman Nate Heise scored 15 points on the night. Carter also led the team in rebounds with nine, and Austin Phyfe was second on the team in rebounds with seven boards.

The Panthers limited Valpo to four for 20 from the three point arc on Sunday, much improved from Saturday ’s game where the visitors shot 11 for 24 shooting from beyond the arc. This was a key par t of this past weekend’s victory.

Nor thern Iowa also was perfect from the free

throw line, making all 10 of their foul shots.

Some standouts from Valparaiso were B en Krikke, Sheldon Edwards and Donovan Clay. Krikke scored 12 points on the night to go along with five rebounds and one assist, Edwards scored 11 points with two rebounds and one steal, and Clay scored 10 points with two rebounds and one steal.

UNI’s nex t game is Wednesday, Feb. 17 in the McLeod Center against the Drake Bulldogs. This will be the final home game for the Panthers this season. UNI will be on a nine day break following the game and their final two regular season games will be next Friday and Saturday at Illinois S t a t e.

Th e Missouri Valley Conference tournament begins March 4 in St. Louis, Mo.

Toni Fortmann/Northern Iowan

Junior Austin Phyfe led the Panthers in rebounds with seven in Sunday’s contest against Valparaiso.

VOLLEYBALL

UNI splits with Missouri State in five-set thrillers DAVID WARRINGTON Sports Writer

On Sunday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 15, the UNI Panthers volleyball team played host to the Missouri State University Bears for a pair of Missouri Valley Conference volleyball matches. The Panthers entered the matches with a record of 2-5 on the year, coming off of two straight wins against Evansville. The Bears entered 8-1. What resulted was the teams trading victories in two thrilling volleyball matches, both of which took all five sets to complete.

In the first match of the series, the Panthers got off to a fast start, finishing the set on a 9-2 run to win it 25-15 and take a 1-0 lead.

What followed was more of the same, with the Panthers looking dominant throughout most of the second set. The Bears managed to keep it a little closer, but UNI still got the set win 25-19, moving to a 2-0 lead and needing one more set to clinch the match victory.

Throughout most of the third set the teams traded runs of dominance, with one team taking a few points in a row, followed by the other team doing the same. The Panthers eventually found themselves leading 22-18, needing just three more points to win the match. However, the Bears

Toni Fortmann/Northern Iowan

Opposite hitter Carly Spies had 10 kills and two blocks for the Panthers in Monday’s matchup against Missouri State.

won the final seven points to win the set 25-22 and stay alive. MSU followed this up with a fairly dominant fourth set, winning 25-19 and setting the stage for a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, this one only played to 15 points, the Bears got off to a early advantage, taking an early 6-1 lead, before UNI got back into it, cutting the Missouri State lead to 7-6. Ultimately, the Panthers fell just short, with the Bears’ Brooklyn Cink scoring the final two points via a kill and a service ace, giving Missouri State a 15-11 set victory and a 3-2 match

victory.

Sophomore Emily Holterhaus finished with a team-high 16 kills, while junior Baylee Petersen was the leader in digs, finishing with 15. Freshman Tayler Alden led the Panthers with 46 assists. She was also named MVC freshman of the week for volleyball.

The Panthers were back at it the next day, looking for revenge after letting a 2-0 lead slip away the day before. UNI came out cold in the first set, never leading and ultimately falling 25-18. Things turned around in the second set,

with the Panthers using a run of three straight aces

by Kaylee Donner to provide a spark that would ultimately turn into a 25-17 set victory for the Panthers.

UNI fell behind early in the third set, trailing 7-3 before turning things around and coming out victorious 25-23. The fourth set was the closest of the day, with the Bears eventually winning 27-25, forcing yet another fifth and final set. The Bears burst out to a 9-5 lead in this decisive set. However, the Panthers scored 10 of the final 12 points to win the set, 15-11,

Toni Fortmann/Northern Iowan

UNI libero Baylee Petersen makes a play on the ball. The Panthers split with Missouri State in their two games.

and win the match, 3-2.

The Panthers were led in kills by Kaylissa Arndorfer, finishing with 16. Tayler Alden again managed a high assist total, this time finishing with 57.

After splitting the series, the Panthers move to 3-6 on the season. They will now hit the road, traveling to Carbondale, Ill. for games against Southern Illinois on Sunday, Feb. 21 and Monday, Feb. 22, before returning home to the McLeod Center for games against Indiana State on Sunday, Feb. 28 and Monday, March 1.

KARLA DE BRUIN Managing Editor

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