Photo Courtesy / YouTube Sky News Australia
Torch Photo / Kyler Fox
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Quavo Huncho
St. John’s University Prepares for Election Season
A joint effort between departments attempts to get more student voters.
The St. John’s University Library and Vincentian Institute of Social Action (VISA) organized a voter registration drive for students on Oct. 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the D’Angelo Center (DAC) living room and coffeehouse.
The New York City Board of Elections set up a table at the event where students could ask questions about registration information, such as absentee and mail-in ballots. Students also had the opportunity to register to vote on-site, qualifying them for a “Johnnies Vote” cookie upon exit.
“As an agency, we do outreach missions to make sure we are in communities where we can register as many people as possible,” said James Groenier, a representative with the Board of Elections in the City of New York.
Gronier’s goal is “to make sure we’re getting as close to people as possible and that they can register [and] participate on the whole scale of our democracy.”
Benjamin Turner, the academic outreach and engagement librarian at St. John told The Torch that the University invited the Board of Elections to come at this time because of the fast-approaching registration deadline in three weeks.
Turner spoke of the challenges that come with convincing students, especially in New York, to vote.
“Students can be apathetic about it [elections], especially in New York State,” Turner said. “They feel like their vote doesn’t really matter, since it’s not a swing state.”
“What I have to try to get them to understand and think about is that
when you vote, the election can really go anywhere. You’re also voting for different levels of government.”
He explained that while New York is a solid blue state when it comes to Presidential elections, there are still swing congressional districts, which votes can affect.
“I think [the drive] is really important because it gives more opportunity for students to learn more about voting rights,” said senior marketing major Ariana Rolon.
Alexia Dolamakian, the assistant director of social justice at the Vincentian Institute for Social Action, explained that the work at her department is one reason why she is pushing voting efforts at the University.
“I feel that a big part of the democracy we live in requires participation, and a lot of the mission of the University relates back to Catholic social teaching,” Dolamakian said. “One of the items of this is that we, as humans, are meant to participate and advocate for those who are vulnerable in our community.”
Dolamakian also explained that she has noticed some students continue to feel discouraged to vote.
“There’s still a lot of voter suppression in many different ways,” Dolamakian said. “And there’s still this spectrum of perspectives of people that feel like it doesn’t make sense to vote.”
While more voter events are not yet confirmed, the Board of Elections states that they are coordinating with the University for a potential second tabling event before the elections.
SJU to Offer Free GrubHub+ Membership to All Students
The extension allows students to use Flex Dollars to order locally.
Malak kasseM | Oct. 4, 2023 Olivia seaMan | Oct 3, 2024
St. John’s University students now have access to a free GrubHub+ membership, per an email sent to the University community on Oct. 3. The new addition also allows students and staff to use flex dollars — money added to Storm Cards — on the app to order food from local restaurants.
The email, sent by executive director of conference and auxiliary services Scott Lemperle, said that students can utilize “unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders through graduation with the membership.”
The membership normally runs for $9.99 monthly with free delivery for orders over $12 at GrubHub+ eligible restaurants.
To access the service, the email provided a step-by-step guide.
Download the GrubHub app and make an account with your University email. After signing in, go to the “campus dining” tab on the account page, select your campus and add your Storm Card as a payment option to access the flex dollars.
In addition to well-known chains like McDonald’s and Popeyes, a variety of local favorites are eligible for GrubHub+ discounts. These include Bagel Oasis, known for its fresh bagels and breakfast options, and Go Detox Juice Bar & Grill, a popular spot for healthy meals and
smoothies. Other local establishments may be added over time, expanding students’ dining choices without the need to leave campus or incur additional delivery costs.
Premium service for food carrier apps was one of the promises the current Student Government, Inc. executive board ran on.
The initiative brings advantages to students while also supporting local establishments in the Queens community.
Photo Courtesy / YouTube The Rideshare Torch Photo / Sara Kiernan
‘For the Culture Party’ Celebrates Black Heritage
The event celebrated
a night of culture and community.
nichOlaS St cyr | Sept. 29, 2024
The Caribbean Students Association (CSA), Haraya, African Students Association (ASA) and SJU NAACP worked together to present the annual “For the Culture Party” on Sept. 27 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. The event, which celebrates Black culture and heritage, was located in Marillac Terrace and included food, music and live performances for St. John’s University students.
The evening began with an array of dishes that celebrated the global diversity represented at the event. Guests were treated to diverse food and drinks from various cultures, including Jamaican patties and empanadas. For attendees like sophomore Bailan Fagan, the dishes were not just a meal, but a reminder of home.
“I used to eat food like this for
breakfast all the time back home,” Fagan, a Dominica native, said.
The event also featured student performances from Step Ya Game Up and Live Dance Crew which provided a fiery end to the performance segment of the event.
The event’s DJ then began to play a mixture of African, Caribbean and American music, while the crowd was encouraged to show off their flags and dance to represent their culture.
The event’s primary purpose was for Black students on campus to showcase and share their diverse cultures within a shared space.
“Parties are a strong part of the diaspora’s culture,” said Jeneé Raymond, president of Haraya, St. John’s University’s Pan-African students coalition. “A lot of
Black people can have a common ground to find a place to express themselves.
The event symbolized a sense of community. At a University where over 50% of its student population identifies as Black, Indigenous and people of color, these events provide a platform for students to come together and actively work to cultivate and maintain community for students on campus.
“Being on campus can be difficult for Pan-African students, and it’s important to find a place for community,” Raymond said.
The “For the Culture Party” is just one of the many initiatives hosted by these student organizations that work to create safe and inclusive spaces for SJU students.
Quavo to Perform at 2024 Red Storm Tip-Off
Quavo, artist and member of the now defunct rap group “Migos” will perform at Red Storm Tip-off on Oct. 18. St. John’s Red Storm took to Instagram to deliver the news today.
The annual Tip-Off event marks the official start of the 2024-25 basketball season.
Quavo, known for chart-topping hits like “Bad and Boujee” and “Walk It Talk It,” has earned six Grammy nominations over his career, including nods for “Album of the Year” and “Best Rap Album.”
Quavo follows in the footsteps of previous Tip-Off headliners, including 2 Chainz and Blxst, who performed in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Tip-Off is at Carnesecca Arena on Oct. 18.
Fall Fest Combines Seasonal Activities and Alcohol Awareness
Students enjoy fall activities while learning about safe drinking practices.
St. John’s University kicked off the fall season with its annual Fall Fest on Oct. 6 at the Residence Village. The event, hosted by St. John’s Office of Residence Life, Resident Student Association and Student Wellness Center featured autumn activities and giveaways in an attempt to get resident students engaged on campus.
Educational resources promoting alcohol awareness were available at Student Wellness Center-ran tables. These resources aimed to encourage responsible decision-making by providing information on the effects of alcohol consumption. They also offered strategies for managing social situations involving alcohol.
Resident Assistant Andrew Giordano, a junior government and politics major, highlighted the event’s dual purpose, noting both the enjoyment and educational aspects.
“It’s all about relaxing and hanging out with fellow residents,” Giordano said. “But it’s also
about educating students on alcohol awareness, like ‘what is too much to drink and how to stay safe while drinking.’ We know that Halloween can be a fun time, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe.”
Darya Mason, a junior finance major, worked the event with the Student Wellness Center and highlighted the importance of addressing alcohol-related risks during this time of year.
“Alcohol dangers are at a high during the fall semester,” Mason said. “This event allows students to learn in an engaging way rather than to just have information dumped on them.”
“As RA’s, it’s important for us to keep it engaging and maintain student retention while on campus, especially within the first two months,” said Sydnee Watt, a senior criminal justice major and Resident Assistant. “It’s very common for freshman students to feel a sense of homesickness if they don’t see active things happening on campus during that time.”
Sophomore marketing major Sydney Whitehall expressed how she believes events like this have benefited her personal experience on campus.
“You get to meet people on campus, especially people in RA positions or other people in authority,” Whitehall said. “I feel like that helps make the school community much more inclusive.”
Mason agreed, pointing out that the event brings people together while also providing an opportunity to address a crucial topic.
“It is a nice way for our campus community to get involved and come together,” said Mason. “We also know that some students may partake in alcohol consumption, and with this event, we just wanted to push out any awareness we can about the dangers students could potentially face.”
Isabella athanasIou | oct. 7, 2024
Olivia Seaman | Oct. 8, 2024
Majors in the Minority: Humanities Students Share Their Path to Success
The
often untold stories of
underrepresented humanities majors are revealed.
The first days of a new semester are marked by icebreakers. Questions about favorite foods, hometowns and summer experiences are common topics professors use to bond the class and get to know their students.
Undoubtedly, the most asked question to all college students is: “What is your major?”
This is sensible, allowing professors to understand where the newly formed classes’ interests lie. Some responses are significantly more common than others, however. According to the US News Report based on 2022 St. John’s University graduates, 26% of students obtained a degree from the Peter J. Tobin College of Business. Other popular fields of study include biological and biomedical sciences (15%), homeland security and related protective services (8%) and communications and other related programs (7%).
Meanwhile, majors such as English, History, Math and Philosophy, subjects that dominate the University’s core curriculum, did not crack the top ten. Students in these majors are few and far between.
Interestingly, humanities students were once significantly more common. Between 2012 and 2020, there was a 25% decrease in students graduating with such degrees. Despite this current underrepresentation, their experiences and interests are just as essential to the academic success and diversity of the University as the more prevalent majors.
The Torch spoke to students in these under-
represented majors to learn what led them to their program and give advice to future students.
Sophomore history major Natasha Mungai chose her major because of her “love” for it.
“I’ve always had a great time in my history classes since elementary school,” Mungai said. “I guess I’ve never really seen it as a subject. Instead, to me, it’s always been a class where stories were shared and I love stories.”
Mungai also shared that she is “aiming for a career in law” and that “majoring in history provides a strong foundation for [her] career.”
Freshman English major Olivia Nedrick described the link between her passion for writing and her academic pursuits.
“What drew me to my major was my love for writing. I love to write, but I used to do it as just a hobby. I never knew I could make it into a career until my sophomore year of high school.”
Nedrick also highlighted the connections to the professional world the University offers. “There are a lot of opportunities for an English major, like going on Career Treks to different publishing companies.”
She further revealed the seemingly limitless career opportunities available to students in the program, sharing that she has a “plan to pursue a career in writing as an author” or to “go into editing or journalism.”
It is crucial to get involved and utilize the resources the University offers, junior English
major Sarah Martineau advises.
“I would encourage applicants to pick the major if they are willing to start getting involved from day one. Join organizations and clubs related to the major. Connect with professors and maintain them from semester to semester; networking with professors can go a long way.”
Although studying a more popular major seems to offer a wider array of experiences at first glance, Mungai reveals that the intimate class sizes “provide a more comfortable learning environment as opposed to crowded classes.”
Martineau agrees with this sentiment, suggesting that the smaller major may actually be an advantage: “Since the major is so small, you get to know the other students and professors more than someone in a school like Tobin [College of Business].”
This does come with its challenges, however. As a junior who has taken many English courses, Martineau believes that “the classes tend to be redundant or repetitive at the elective level.”
She ultimately does not regret her choice, since the major’s versatility, as Nedrick previously suggested, allows her to choose between a large selection of careers. Martineau is currently interested in education and law.
The stories of these humanities students emphasize that although their fields of study are in the minority at St. John’s, they are bound to achieve major levels of success.
AlexAndrA Prettitore | SePt. 26, 2024
Photo Courtesy / YouTubeLaura in the Kitchen
Photo Courtesy / Unsplash Iñaki del Olmo
Media Literacy: A Conversation With Dr. Elisabeth Fondren
Journalism faculty provides tools for young voters.
When false headlines go viral in seconds and deepfakes blur the line between truth and deception, media literacy has become a survival skill — especially during election season. Understanding how to sift through an overwhelming flood of information is crucial to making informed decisions at the polls.
Media literacy refers to the ability to critically evaluate, analyze and interpret the information we encounter across various media platforms, enabling informed decision-making and responsible media consumption. Its use has become more important than ever, with studies showing only 40% of young people were taught how to understand media messages.
The Torch spoke with Dr. Elisabeth Fondren, associate professor of journalism at St. John’s University, to discuss the rising importance of media literacy. She shared key strategies to identify misinformation and emphasized the role young voters can play in countering its spread.
Much of Fondren’s research is based on propaganda and the history of journalism. This year, she’s particularly focused on helping students understand how their media consumption can be important decision-making tools.
“News literacy relates to this idea that we want our students to be engaged. We want them to take part in the democratic process, and we want them to participate and make their opinion heard. Mass media is one important way that we learn about politics,” she said.
“There’s that dynamic that we want to participate in democracy, but we need to know how to do it. And then media often gives us this imperfect picture of our reality.”
Media Literacy Strategies
In her classes, Fondren asks students about what she calls the “news diet.”
“I ask them, ‘What do you read? Where do you get your news?’ I think it comes down to developing some sort of awareness, or training to become critical thinkers and use information in a way that sometimes rejects what senders of a message want to say,” she said. Her biggest advice when consuming news is to “investigate the source.”
“Make sure that whatever piece of informa-
Olivia Seaman | Oct. 8, 2024
tion about politics you’re looking at comes from a source that has a reputation for accuracy. If you’re unfamiliar with an organization or a news outlet, you can always look on the website or social media on the about section. If they’re interested in providing quality information or journalism, they would have information about who is behind the stories.”
Fondren also advised readers to always keep their guard up.
“Just because your friend or family member shares information with you via social media, that doesn’t make the story true,” she said. “Trying to take that kind of personal element out of investigating the reliability of information is important because the way that disinformation and misinformation campaigns are designed is to engage the audience.”
Spotting Misinformation
Fondren spoke about the “markers of quality journalism,” and how people can scan any story to decide for themselves.
One of her biggest points was to see if an article is news or opinion. She finds much of the misinformation online are opinion pieces “disguised” as news articles.
“Is this written to promote a certain candidate or a certain policy? Or is this hard news and just facts?”
Another marker is sensational headlines, commonly known as dramatic or clickbait titles. They often feature exclamation points, something not commonly used in news stories.
She also warned of artificial intelligence (AI) images and videos, increasingly used in the media.
“That type of media contact gets incredible traction online. So people look at it, they share it.”
Aside from larger markers, Fondren acknowledges the simplicity of scanning these pieces.
“You should have a clear name [of the writer] and be able to click on it and see, okay, is this somebody that you trust, or, is this information presented as just a visual.”
She lastly differentiated news as a means to inform, rather than a product.
“Journalists want to inform and influencers or AI bots want to sell something — whether that’s a message or product. Information is not
really their top concern. Their concern is, ‘Am I getting advertising dollars? Are you actually paying to buy this product or donate to this campaign?’”
She encourages students to utilize tools like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact and Snopes to factcheck and indicate media bias in news.
Navigating Election Season as a College Student
While it can be difficult for young people to interact with others politically and stay informed, Fondren offered advice for students.
“Talk to friends, classmates and roommates about how you engage with political information. It doesn’t have to be heads-on.”
She encourages young voters to take part in University initiatives, like voting drives and watch parties.
“For many first-time voters, it comes down to very basic information. ‘How does voting work? Where do I go? Do I have to bring anything,’” Fondren said. “This is even more preliminary than ‘Who will I vote for?’”
While social media can be a tool for misinformation, it can also be “democratizing.” Fondren illustrated voters’ roles as gatekeepers — the power audiences have in shaping which news stories gain prominence.
“We can research, investigate and make up our minds so we have unlimited choices in how we really assess information.”
“One point that comes from political communication research suggests that when we look at the way people use their phones to read about politics, we see that phones have increased access to political information and political learning. But at the same time, research suggests that we learn less from our phones when we engage with political news.”
Fondren encourages students to view news on bigger screens, to open numerous tabs to maximize the way they get information.
“You don’t have to pick up an actual newspaper anymore, but actually looking at your phone and engaging in this lateral cross-checking of information is important.”
The 2024 Presidential election is on Nov. 4.
The Unspoken Rule to Being a Tradwife
There is no “escaping the labor market” when you are working for your husband.
The infamous tradwife. She steps out of the 1950s with rolled hair, a poodle skirt and carrying a steaming apple pie fresh from the oven. She lives off of the land that her husband pays for and never has to worry about rent or the cost of groceries. Like many of her kind, she is more than someone who stays at home, she’s a homemaker.
The “traditional wife” subscribes to the ideology that this is not only her destiny but the God-given destiny of every woman maturing into adulthood. She is going back to her roots and escaping the often debilitating labor market, with a catch.
The tradwives of TikTok are gaining momentum — using the platforms they have on social media to sell audiences an idealized lifestyle.
The most famous TikTok tradwife is Nara Smith, a former model, mother and wife. At just 22, Smith has garnered 9.7 million TikTok followers from her from-scratch recipes and family vlogs. She, and women like her, create a world where women don’t have to go on terrible Hinge dates or consider selling an organ to afford their degree. Women can consistently have fresh food in their refrigerators and a roof over their heads, a nice one at that. There’s just one little thing they have to do first, completely submit to their husbands.
Tempting, right?
This is the largest and most confusing difference between a tradwife and a stay-at-home parent. Stay-at-home parents might stay in the household because of childcare costs. That, or
| Sept 26, 2024
they simply want to be at home and raise their children. It comes with the same criteria that one would consider before choosing any career path. Can I live off of the income that is coming in? Is this something that I would enjoy? It also can foster a relationship of equals among the stay-at-home parent and their spouse. Whereas becoming a tradwife involves subscribing to a certain set of ideals reminiscent of Christian patriarchy.
Take TikTok’s Hannah Neelman, more famously known as “Ballerina Farm.” The groundbreaking article by Megan Agnew details this distinction in detail. Neeleman and her husband Daniel are strict Mormons and use Christianity, and Daniel’s own ambitions, to guide them toward a traditional lifestyle. They have eight children because that’s what God intended.
They make everything from scratch — to the point where Hannah is bedridden for a week due to exhaustion — because their faith calls them to. They are CEOs of a meatpacking business because, well, because that’s what Daniel wanted for them. More importantly, the Neelemans’ profit off of a social media presence curated by Hannah herself, adding to the complexity of the lifestyle that they sell. Religion asks women to stay at home, but the tradwives can make a career and profit off of selling the traditional, Christian homemaker ideology that they are so known for.
Staying at home takes on a whole new meaning when it involves mimicking a time when
women did not have financial rights. Women could not have a credit card or take out loans until the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974. Women lacked the resources necessary to consider options beyond homemaking and they certainly could not jump on TikTok, make videos and create a separate source of income.
The tradwives we watch are fostering a dangerous illusion. An illusion built on play-acting but catering to an alt-right male audience. The dangers of pretending to fully rely on a husband and biblically “submit” to him spiritually and financially lie not with the women consuming the media, but the men. Men that will prevent their wives from developing a separate source of income, thus cutting them off financially from the rest of civilization. Men that will push these agendas into classrooms and family life. Men that will use this as an excuse to demand obedience from women in general.
Wear a poodle skirt. Bake a pie and serve it to your family. Go to Church every Sunday and practice traditional gender roles that make you feel comfortable and secure. If you want to become the Duggar family and have over twenty children, it doesn’t matter much to me. But do not push an agenda that validates financial and marriage inequality in the home. Do not show a lifestyle that is inaccurate to the realities of being a tradwife. When you are a tradwife, the labor market becomes your own home.
Carlyann Carey
Torch Illustration / Megan Chapman
Will ‘Swifties’ Swing the Election for Kamala Harris?
Can a celebrity significantly alter the trajectory of an electoral campaign?
On Sept. 10, global sensation Taylor Swift stole headlines after officially endorsing Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz for the upcoming general election. She took to Instagram for the announcement, citing that the current vice president “fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.”
The announcement came immediately after the presidential debate, a contest most believed Harris performed well in. And to the untrained eye, Harris’ night only got better, as over 400,000 people were drawn to the Vote. org website Swift promoted in an Instagram story that corresponded to her initial post. Swift’s statement surely added more fuel to the fire. It’s not totally absurd to assume that her announcement and similar ones from other celebrities will bring significant amounts of new voters for Kamala Harris. While an endorsement from anybody with a strong following surely won’t hurt a campaign, we can look at instances of other celebrities making endorsements and learn that this assertion is a misguided one.
No one can doubt the reach of Taylor Swift. According to The Economic Times, her “Eras
MiCah GraySon | Sept. 29, 2024
Tour” has the highest tour gross ever. She recently became the most awarded artist ever at the American Music Awards and is the holder of 118 Guinness world records. That, along with her social media presence, shows that there really isn’t a bigger star in the world of music today, and few ever. But this also isn’t the first time she’s formally endorsed a political candidate.
The first instance came in 2018 when Swift endorsed the then-Democratic Senate nominee in Tennessee, Phil Bresden. Much like with the Harris endorsement, she took to Instagram and said that recent life experiences had convinced her to get more involved in politics. Swift wrote that Marsha Blackburn, the incumbent Republican candidate, misrepresented “Tennessee Christian Values” and promoted a “fear-based” extremist platform. Despite these remarks and more, Blackburn still defeated Bresden by a comfortable 11 percentage points.This was a congressional election, a contest that takes less voter mobilization to swing, yet the pop icon’s efforts still ended unsuccessfully.
However, Tennessee is a historically Republican-leaning state, and two years later she en-
dorsed the winning Presidential candidate, Joe Biden. That’s why one must look at the actual data and tendencies of Swift fans to truly gauge her influence.
In a survey published by the Statista research department in March 2023, 55% of “Swifties” already identified as Democrats, compared to the 23% of them that identified as Republicans.
Celebrities haven’t, and will most likely never, have significant political influence. Those who come out and open up about their leanings simply do so because they truly believe in the cause/candidate they are advocating for. And however much impact it will have, big or small, is good enough. Every human recognizes their limitations in how they as an individual can influence anything, whether it’s in a political context or not. But when a broader coalition is created, bringing people from different backgrounds and struggles together, elections can be won.
Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike all enjoy music and entertainment; and Americans broadly have learned to follow the phrase, “separate the art from the artist.”
Op-Ed: Eric Adams’ Associations Tell You Everything About His Character
The NYC Mayor proves that you are who you know.
When I was younger and hung out with peers that I knew weren’t good people, my parents would tell me, “You are who you know.” It seems like Eric Adams failed to take this advice.
Every day, new information comes out about New York City’s mayor and his administration. Earlier this month, former NYPD commissioner Edward Caban stepped down after federal agents seized his phone. Records showed that he was getting paid in exchange for favors for nightclubs in the city.
His chief legal advisor Lisa Zornberg also resigned. Federal agents have raided the homes of others in his administration.This was done in the ongoing investigation on charges brought against Adams for bribery and fraud when given gifts in exchange for the mayor to use his political influence to help Turkey.
Adams has a long history of making friends with questionable characters. For example, he
gave his former police boss Tim Pearson unchecked authority over a municipality that resulted in four sexual harassment lawsuits against him. He even made an anti-gay preacher his faith advisor and made Jeffrey Maddrey, a cop accused of punching a coworker who accused him of sexual assault, chief of the NYPD.
As we watch the first indictment of a NYC mayor in history, it’s important to remember who exactly Eric Adams is. He’s a man who does not see homophobia and violence against women as a reason to break longstanding ties.
According to Politico, Adams said in 2022: “Yes, I’m going to talk with people who have stumbled and fell.”
But he has done this his whole professional career. A pastor who described the mayor as a mentor was recently sentenced to jail for theft of a parishioner’s mother’s retirement savings. What this tells Americans who are watching this case unfold is that Adams does not care
about the crimes these people have committed, because he is just as bad. Rape, sexual harassment, antisemitism and homophobia are not dealbreakers for Adams because his corruption knows no bounds.
The people that he has built his career have built their own careers on the backs of marginalized groups.
His friendships, his behavior and his own list of indictments make this concept more true than ever. Do not be surprised if over the next few months, more information comes out about Adams himself and his administration, and remember that as a politician he failed the LGBTQ+ community and women everywhere. No amount of apologies or pleas for New Yorkers to allow him to defend himself will cover up or make right over 30 years of political scandal.
Enough is enough for Adams and his criminal friends.
Carlyann Carey | Sept 30, 2024
‘To Mend the Heat:’ Exploring Healing Through Art at SJU
This installment is an opportunity for students to
learn.
Located right on St. John’s University’s Queens campus in the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, the Yeh Art Gallery is currently home to an exhibition entitled “To Mend the Heat.” Opened on Sept. 17, this exhibit features a collection of mixed media that explores themes of alternative healing methods, both as they existed in the past and as they’ve evolved presently.
When curating this collection, gallery director Max Warsh drew a lot of inspiration from Milford Graves, who was born and raised in Queens. Graves, most known for his work as a drummer and percussionist, was also an acupuncturist, herbalist, sculptor and martial artist — among many other trades.
One of the original ideas for the gallery was to be solely focused on themes of martial arts, but Warsh found that to be too rigid. In addition to and sometimes in tandem with his percussion, Graves analyzed heart rhythms and how different herbs affected the body throughout his career. This attraction to and self-identification as a healer opened up the theme of healing through art in this exhibition.
The collection features several talented artists, some more localized than others. Damali Abrams in particular is even an adjunct professor at St. John’s University. Apart from teaching at the University, Abrams is also a certified Reiki healer, which clearly translates through much of the work featured.
A major theme in her work is finding power in all materials. Arguably one of the most alluring pieces shown is a tapestry made up of many different materials, including scraps from archives and even Abrams’ own diary.
Another artist featured in the exhibition is Guadalupe Maravilla, whose work is particularly pow-
erful when familiar with his backstory. Originally from El Salvador, Maravilla lived in the United States undocumented until he went to graduate school and was diagnosed with cancer. Much of his art reflects both Indigenous healing methods and current technological advances in cancer treatment.
The exhibition’s name comes from a painting of the same name by the artist Koyoltzintli. The serene piece near the gallery’s entrance, “To Mend the Heat” contains instructions for a ritual meant to be performed over water, just another example of beauty portraying alternative medicines.
This reflection contributes to a wider theme weaved through the gallery: the coexistence of modern and alternative medicines. While advancements are made in science every day, there’s still a lot to be learned from traditional practices as well. Many of these pieces exemplify that alternative healing methods are equally as important.
With many other paintings, collages, sculptures, videos and even an instrument made to be held, this exhibition is a glimpse into the world of healing through art. According to Warsh, this is only a sample of the numerous artists finding and communicating healing in this way. There’s so much further research that could be done on the subject.
This gallery is meant to be a brief introduction to the concepts of healing through art in a way that’s both engaging and understanding. Especially with the opening of the St. Vincent Health and Sciences Center, this exhibition is a great way for students to learn about different opportunities and expressions of medicine.
Open until Dec. 7, “To Mend the Heat” is certainly an experience not to be missed.
‘The
Lighthouse:’ A Beacon
for Women’s Rights
Celina Mullady | OCt. 2, 2024
Stevie Nicks, former frontwoman of the iconic band Fleetwood Mac, released her newest single “The Lighthouse,” on Sept. 27. Nicks takes listeners through an in-depth journey, invoking emotions and deep thoughts about women’s rights in the United States after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
The single begins harboring an eerie sound, with a dark production and distinctive melancholy vocals. Nicks sings, “I have my scars you have yours, don’t let them take your power.” As the song advances, the production is filled with booming drums and guitar, creating feelings of rage and fear. The track quickly changes from a melancholy reflection of women’s lost rights to an anger-filled anthem, imploring women to fight for those rights lost.
Nicks pays homage to the women’s rights activists who came before, singing, “Because everything I fought for long ago in a dream is gone.” In the pre-chorus, she sings, “I wanna tell ‘em this has happened before. Don’t let it happen again,” highlighting the journey of women in the United States since the first instance when women began to fight for rights.
She urges women to imagine their future with the disastrous outcomes as a result of reproductive freedoms being revoked in the United States. Nicks sings, “Try to see the future and get mad. It’s slippin’ through your fingers, you don’t have what you had. You don’t have much time.”
An emotional music video accompanied the release of the single, portraying Nicks in a lighthouse with stormy conditions surrounding her. The images featured in the music video showcase women from diverse backgrounds, all fighting for the same cause.
As a well-known activist for women’s rights, Stevie Nicks has previously made political statements through both songs and social media. In 2020, Nicks released “Show Them The Way,” which called for peace during an election season filled with hate. She most recently endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on her Instagram, signing her post off as a “childless dog lady,” alluding to J.D Vance’s previous comments on “childless cat ladies.”
This single is quintessentially Stevie Nicks. It fits her well-known “witchy” aesthetic, but the single’s main draw is its meaning. Nicks urges women to fight for their rights for themselves, for the future and for preserving the legacy of previous generations.
Highlighting women’s strength when fighting together, “The Lighthouse” is a love letter to all women and an emotional cry for action.
Molly Downs | oct. 2, 2024
Torch Photo / Molly Downs
102ND EDITORIAL BOARD
Olivia
Kyler FOx/ MANAGING EDITOR
malaK KaSSem
iSabella
iSabella CauterO
MEDIA MANAGER
iSabella aCiernO OUTREACH MANAGER
niChOlaS DiagOStinO BUSINESS MANAGER
Carter KiZiK BUSINESS MANAGER
SuZanne CieChalSK ADVISER
Queens, NY 11439
coNTrIBUTIoNS
Alexandra Prettitore
Nicholas St. Cyr STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
EDITorIAL PoLIcY
Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the tOrCh. Columns and other content are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the tOrCh Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administration of St. John’s University. All contents are the sole responsibility of the editors and the editorial board and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of St. John’s University unless specifically stated.
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Mastering the Perfect Fall Makeup Routine
With summer transitioning into fall, it is the perfect excuse to try out new products. This time of year is great to try a bold lip and glowing bronzer. A dewy makeup look incorporating warm tones is the key to mastering your fall makeup. Check out these five fall cosmetic recommendations to transform your everyday routine.
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
To set the base of your toasted fall makeup look, a hydrating skin tint is the way to go. The Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint provides a dewy, light-coverage finish that is perfect for all skin types. This skin tint is the key to the no makeup, makeup look.
With 12 inclusive shades, your skin will be refreshed and glowy. Glossier sells this product for $28, and you can get it directly from their website or any in-store location. And guess what? This product is vegan and cruelty-free!
Saie Dewy Bronzer
To look extra glazed this fall, a dewy bronzer is your best friend. Bronzer is the secret to adding dimension and warmth to your skin. No matter where you put it or how you use it, it will always look good. The Saie Dew Soft Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer has a lightweight and buildable formula that softly sculpts your face.
Apply this product on your temples, forehead and the bridge of your nose to give your skin a bronze glow. This bronzer costs $25 and comes in six different shades!
Rhode Toasted Teddy Blush
Hailey Beiber’s products have been rising in popularity.
Founded in 2022, Hailey has proven to her fans how much good skincare means to her — so it is no surprise the launch of her
pocket blushes was a success. This product comes in six colors, but the toasted teddy shade is a fall must-have!
This terracotta-colored blush is perfect for incorporating fall tones into your makeup looks. With its creamy application, this product gives your cheeks a long-lasting color. It is made with portable packaging making it great to carry for touch-ups throughout the day!
The Rhode Toasted Teddy Blush is $24 and is definitely worth the hype.
Too Faced Brown Mascara Brown is the new black! Try something different this fall with a brown mascara.
This mascara not only gives you long, wispy lashes but adds with it a delicate touch. Instead of the deep mascara you are used to, try a more natural look that will draw attention to your eyes!
The Too Faced Better Than Sex Brown Mascara lengthens and hydrates lashes for an all-day hold. For $29, this product is key to your soft, fall look.
Clinique Black Honey Lip Balm
The cherry on top of your fall makeup look is the Clinique Black Honey Lip Balm.
Lightweight and pigmented, this lip product provides a sheer red finish to your lips. This product could be worn alone or layered with your favorite gloss and lip liner. The best thing about it is it uses your natural lip shade and accentuates it.
This lip product costs $25 and you won’t regret buying it. By incorporating these products into your fall makeup routine you’ll be ready to enter the new season!
Madison Coombs
Micah Grayson
‘Megalopolis:’ An Incomprehensible Disaster
Coppola returns to the industry with one of the worst films of the decade.
After over 40 years in development hell and $120 million of his own money fronted for the film’s production, Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” was finally released into theaters on Sept. 27.
The plot of this self-described “fable” follows a vast ensemble of characters as they navigate the power struggle that will define the futuristic city of New Rome. Architect Cesar Catalina (Adam Driver) wishes to mold the city into his own perfected utopia but is opposed by Mayor Frank Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito) who wishes to maintain the status quo. A forbidden, Shakespearean-esque relationship between Cicero’s daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Cesar begins to blossom, leading to even more aggressive animosity and causing dangerous repercussions throughout the city.
Coppola’s vision for this story began in the early 80s; right after the release of “Apocalypse Now” and “The Godfather” duology, three of the greatest films of all time. Since then, Coppola had been unsuccessfully pitching “Megalopolis” to anyone who would listen and the identity of the film became almost an urban legend.
But the now 85-year-old Coppola decided to take matters into his own hands and fund the film himself, selling his wine business and mortgaging his farm to pay for the massive $120 million budget and cover marketing costs as well.
The result is a shameless, self-destructive dumpster fire with nothing of real substance to say about its many themes — justifying why no one wanted to make this film for decades. The film lacks any of the nuance or finesse that made Coppola’s earlier masterpieces so impres-
sive, it is even devoid of any of the style seen in his other films like 1992’s “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”
The script is as transparent as glass and as flimsy as a piece of paper in the wind. There’s no depth to any of the characters and every conversation is an odd amalgamation of ancient Roman jargon, Shakespearean language or modern-day lingo.
The star-studded and talented cast tried their best to make this work but failed to add any reason to care about any of these characters. The behind-the-scenes acting process was “experimental” and “theatrical” according to Driver, allowing for many instances of improvisation and a collaborative effort between writer and actor to develop a character. With this much improv and input from actors, every performance is vastly different from the next and feels very disjointed.
Driver delivers a truly baffling lead performance, having some of the oddest acting choices and line deliveries of his career. There is also some solid chemistry that Emmanuel and Driver have, their scenes together have potential but the relationship has no room to develop and in turn has an unsatisfying conclusion. On the other hand, Aubrey Plaza’s “Wow Platinum” is a breath of fresh air and the best part of the film. She is clearly having the most fun out of anyone on set and she does an impeccable job of harnessing the chaotic energy of such a dysfunctional film, delivering an infectiously silly performance.
Coppola wished to cast “canceled” actors in hopes that this film wouldn’t be a “woke Hollywood production,” adding names like Jon Voight, Dustin Hoffman and Shia LaBeouf
to round out the cast. Voight and Hoffman’s roles are limited but they both have some of the most shocking and unintentionally funny moments. LaBeouf has much more screen time than his “canceled” co-stars, leading to one of the most annoying and bothersome performances ever seen in a big-budget film.
LaBeouf’s Clodio lends way to some very onthe-nose commentary about celebrity politicians which is indicative of a larger problem. There are so many themes and social commentary being thrown around, none of it has any time to say anything substantial.
This film wraps discussions of love, time, media manipulation, political corruption, messianic figures, utopias vs. dystopias and much more altogether. With so much to talk about, there is no focus on any of these themes or messages, making it very unclear what this film was attempting to say about anything.
The script also doesn’t deliver any satisfying conclusions due to the amount of characters and subplots that are juggled around. Another 45 minutes could’ve been added to help solve these inconsistencies or 30 minutes could’ve been cut out to eradicate pointless plot lines that end in confusion.
The technical aspects are also very sloppy: the visual effects are an eyesore, the editing is pure insanity and whiplash-inducing, but Osvaldo Golijov’s score is a tense and welcome addition to the film.
It would be a compliment to call “Megalopolis” a mess. One of cinema’s most iconic and important filmmaker’s swan song will forever be remembered as a cautionary tale for the hubris of one’s own creativity.
James Williams | Oct. 1, 2024
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Lionsgate Movies
SPORTS PHOTOS
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Torch Photo / Sebastian Zelaya
Torch Photo / James Williams
Torch Photo / Anthony Sissons
Torch Photo / Anthony Sissons
Junior forward Miguel Diaz dribbles past Villanova defenders in the teams 2-1 victory on Sept. 28.
Senior defender Thomas Lamaille prepares for an offensive push against Villanova on their Sept. 28 match
Three women’s soccer players celebrate after a goal in 3-3 draw to UConn on Sept. 22.
Senior midfielder Athina Sofroniou sets up to pass against Seton Hall on Sept. 29.
Erin Jones sets up freshman middle blocker Kya Harris in their Sept. 18 match against Fairfield.
Junior ride-side hitter Erin Jones preparing to smash the ball towards the Fairfield defense on Sept. 18.
Coach Masur Gets 400th Win in Men’s Soccer Comeback Against Villanova
The Red Storm got their first win in five games.
Head Coach Dr. David Masur led the St. John’s Men’s Soccer team to a victory at home against the Villanova Wildcats for his 400th career win on Sep. 28th. In his 34th season, Masur became the seventh Division I head coach in NCAA history to reach this milestone with a single institution.
This historic victory for the University’s soccer program did not come without adversity. The weather played a role in the matchup as high winds and rain plagued the players for 90 minutes.
The Red Storm out-possessed and forced five saves from Villanova’s freshman goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev in the first half. The Wildcats fought back with quick counterattacks leading to a powerful strike by graduate student midfielder Michael teDuits, which was saved by junior St. John’s goalkeeper Alec McLachlan. Despite momentum being on the Johnnies’ side, Villanova’s captain and graduate student
Nicholas st cyr | sept. 29, 2024
Jorge Garcia captured a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute. His third goal of the season followed a handball in the box from senior defender Antonio Biggs.
St. John’s entered halftime leading in offensive statistics with 10 shots to Villanova’s three and won four corner kicks to the Wildcats’ zero. The Johnnies faced an uphill climb, given they had yet to win a game when trailing at the break all season.
Second-half dramatics began following the reviewal of a potential penalty after a suspected handball from a Villanova defender, but nothing was issued by referee Aaron Rawlins. The Johnnies would get back on track in the 65th minute when sophomore midfielder Martin Kozak played a beautiful cross to senior forward Miguel Diaz who squared it to redshirt freshman Tyler Morck. The midfielder easily finished the move for his second goal of the season, tying the score atone apiece.
The game didn’t stay even for long when junior midfielder Jackson Gould burst down the wing and delivered a tidy low cross to Kozak. His near post shot gave St. John’s the lead and earned him his second goal of the year.
The high intensity fixture mixed with the gloomy weather created some chippiness between the competitors on the field. There were 18 total fouls given out through the course of the game.
Garcia, Villanova’s graduate student midfielder Jason Bouregy and St. John’s sophomore defender Camron Boumsong all received yellow cards.
The Red Storm controlled the rest of the game. St. John’s took more shots than the Wildcats in the second half, 14-3, and 24-6 overall. The Johnnies also won more corners during the game (9-2). The rainy evening victory marked the teams first win since Sept. 1.
Late Comeback Spoils Women’s Soccer Senior Day
Nine seniors were ceremoniously honored before the 2-2 draw.
The St. John’s Women’s Soccer team fought through heavy rain to earn a 2-2 draw against the Seton Hall Pirates in their annual senior day game on Sept. 29. The Johnnies’ record drops to 5-2-4 but remains undefeated at home with a 4-0-3 record in Belson Stadium.
Forward Jordyn Levy, midfielders Jailene DeJesus, Athina Sofroniou, Alex Taylor and Lauryn Tran, defenders Nicole Multer, Alyssa O’Brien and goalkeepers Malene Nielsen and Megan Sical were all honored in a ceremony honoring the team’s nine seniors before the afternoon game.
Levy has been the top scorer for the Johnnies this year with five goals and ties DeJesus for the most points on the team with 10. Nielsen has anchored the Red Storm’s back line with 26 saves, fifth place in Big East goalies. The loss of both veteran leaders will surely impact the team next year.
Tran and DeJesus have been the two most consistent players on the team, creating a lethal midfield. They’ve both made appearances in every game this season and entered this game with two goals each.
DeJesus quickly added on a third and fourth goal as she broke through the Pirate’s defense in the 18th minute and scored an unassisted goal to give St. John’s an early 1-0 lead, just seven minutes later DeJesus scored her second to push the lead to 2-0.
Rain continued to be a factor in the first half but it did not phase St. John’s junior goalkeeper Kayla Bower. She tallied three saves in the half off of three shots on goal from Seton Hall, compared to Prawer’s zero saves.
The Johnnies entered the locker room with a comfortable 2-0 lead as both teams missed chances to score in the rest of the first half. Both teams had even offensive stats at halftime with seven shots and one corner kick.
Both sides played sloppily and combined for 27 fouls in the first half, the Johnnies tabbed on the second most of their season with
2024
16.
Seton Hall put themselves on the board thanks to freshman midfielder Olivia Beauvois’ first career goal in the 63rd minute. It seemed as if the Johnnies would hold on to narrowly escape with a win but another Seton Hall freshman scored their first career goal. Forward Megan Twomey tied the game at 2-2 in the 85th minute, stunning St. John’s in a game that could have been a sure win.
Seton Hall’s electric second half propelled them to wins in all major statistics. The Pirates led with 18 shots to St. John’s 10 and finished with four corners against the Johnnies’ one.
James Williams | oct 1,
Torch Phtot / James Williams
Torch Photo / Sara Kiernan
Torch Photo / James Williams
Torch Photo / James Williams
Big East Conference Releases St. John’s Women’s Basketball Schedule
The Johnnies finished 11-7 in conference play last season.
The Big East Conference released the 2024-25 Women’s Basketball schedule on Sept. 25, which includes all conference matchups ahead of the season’s November start.
After 11 non-conference competitions, the Johnnies will start their Big East campaign away from home against fellow 2024 Big East Tournament quarter-finalists Villanova on Dec. 21. The team will host their conference home opener a week later against No. 23 Creighton at Carnesecca Arena.
College basketball powerhouse UConn, led by 2024 Big East Player of the Year Paige Beuckers and 11-time National Champion Coach Geno Auriemma, comes to Queens on Jan. 15. The reigning 2024 Big East Champions enter the season third in the AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll. St. John’s lost to the Huskies last season in a 49-92 blowout at UBS Arena, where Beuckers shot a season-high 88.9% from the field.
Following a home game against 2024 WBIT finalist Villanova on Jan. 18, the Johnnies will travel to Washington, D.C. to face Georgetown on Jan. 22. The team will
Villanova University on Dec. 21
Creighton University on Dec. 28*
Providence College on Jan. 1
DePaul University on Jan. 7*
Xavier University on Jan. 11
University of Connecticut on Jan. 15*
Villanova University on Jan. 18
seek revenge for their 44-53 loss in the first round of the Big East Tournament at the hands of the Hoyas last year.
The loss of last season’s top scorer Unique Drake will force the Red Storm to rely on new leaders to fill the hole left by their former captain. Head Coach Joe Tartamella used a mixture of transfer students and recruiting to make six additions to the roster for his 12th season as the Red Storm’s coach.
St. John’s added experience with a sizable group of transfers – graduate student forward Jade Blagrove, senior guard Lashae Dwyer, junior forward Kylie Lavelle and graduate student guard Ariana Vanderhoop. These adds will help provide a fresh start to the new season.
Blagrove was a member of the Manhattan Jaspers last season and where she had one of her best games at Carnesecca against St. John’s, scoring 16 in a losing effort. The Netherlands native averaged 8.4 points and 7.4 rebounds last season.
Dwyer had her best scoring season last year after three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes. The Canadian averaged 6.7 points and
Women’s Soccer’s 2-1 Loss to Marquette Shows a Larger Team Problem
The St. John’s Women’s Soccer team remains winless in Big East play, due to an uninspiring offensive showing against the Marquette Golden Eagles. The loss was the team’s first defeat at home this season as their record drops to 5-3-4 (0-2-2 in conference play).
Despite only being down by one goal the entire game, the Red Storm’s offense couldn’t keep up with the Golden Eagles. Marquette hounded the St. John’s back line, having nine of their 13 shots being on goal. They were able to hold on to the ball and run out the clock for almost the entirety of the second half, the Johnnies didn’t even get a shot off in this half.
1.5 steals in her junior season. Lavelle scored nine points and pulled down four rebounds when she faced the Red Storm last season with Penn State. The Pennsylvanian averaged 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds and assisted the Lions to a semi-finals run in the WBIT.
Vanderhoop comes off a season with the Monmouth Hawks, where she earned Third Team AllCAA honors. The five-foot-nine guard averaged 10.6 points last season and had 11 on Nov. 23 against St. John’s.
St. John’s added two freshmen: four-star guard A’riel Little and forward Janeya Grant. As a member of ESPNW Top-100, Little is the program’s highest-ranked recruit since 2018.
The 2022 season was one of the Red Storm’s most successful in recent history, where they punched a ticket to the NCAA tournament and were ranked as high as No. 24 in the AP Poll. Last year, the program made it through the first round of the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) after an 18-win season.
St. John’s Big East Conference Schedule:
Georgetown University on Jan. 22
Seton Hall University on Jan. 25
Providence College on Jan. 29*
Xavier University on Feb. 2*
Marquette University on Feb. 5
University of Connecticut on Feb. 12
Butler University on Feb. 16*
Creighton University on Feb. 19
Seton Hall University on Feb. 23*
Georgetown University on Feb. 26*
Depaul University on Mar. 2
*Home Games
Without the senior midfielder duo of Lauryn Tran and Jailene DeJesus, the team would have been shut out for the second time this season. DeJesus is currently tenth in the Big East in shots, leading to her placement on Sept. 30’s BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll.
These poor offensive performances of late can be attributed to the complacent play of the team’s most impactful players. For more complete offensive performances, other crucial playmakers need to get involved to help DeJesus and Tran.
Tran has assisted DeJesus on goals in the last two games and DeJesus has carried the team with three goals in the last two games.
More offensive cohesion would also help alleviate the pressure put on the defense. The Johnnies have found gold with the goalkeeping tandem of senior Malene Nielsen and junior Kayla Bower. They have combined for an impressive 51 saves on the season.
Blown leads like the 3-3 draw to the University of Connecticut and a 2-2 tie to Seton Hall can be attributed to a tired and overworked defense. UConn’s offense put up a monster 24 shots against the Johnnies in this game, compared to a measly six for SJU. St. John’s led 3-0 in the first half but due to a content offensive output after their third goal, UConn possessed the ball for the rest of the game and harassed the defense until the final whistle.
Marquette’s similar strategy of wearing down the defense should be a wake-up call for St. John’s. If the team continues to not shake up play calling then they risk falling down the Big East standings even further.
Nicholas st cyr | oct. 8, 2024
James Williams | oct. 6, 2024
Torch Photo / Sara Kiernan
SPORTS
First Big East Match St. John's Volleyball Claims
The St. John’s Women’s Volleyball team (12-3) defended home court on Sept. 28 against the Seton Hall Pirates (6-6) in their first Big East match of the season. The Johnnies entered the match 4-0 in their non-conference slate after defeating Fairfield and sweeping Iona, LIU and Bryant in the 10th Annual Jack Kaiser Volleyball Classic.
Erin Jones continued her monsterous junior year campaign with 16 kills, 18 digs and a 36.7 percent clip, leading to 19 definitive points for the Red Storm. Jones also tacked on six assists, two blocks and two aces throughout the match.
Seton Hall started out on a 4-2 run in the first set that was met with a 7-1 scoring stretch emphasized by Giorgia Walther. The senior outside hitter picked up four consecutive kills to bring the Johnnies lead to 9-4. The teams exchanged scoring runs throughout the set, but Seton Hall put down two kills to break through the 23-
23 tie and take the first stanza.
St. John’s did not let up from there as Walther and senior setter Wiktoria Kowalczyk combined for four kills to bring the lead to 1410 in the second set. The Pirates once again caught up with the Red Storm and tied up the score at 14all. Digging deep, the Red Storm pulled through the rest of the set and closed the frame on a 4-1 run. Junior middle blocker Magda Stambrowska put down the final kill to take the second set and officially shift the momentum for the Johnnies.
St. John’s led in all statistics following the second set with 29 kills, a 17.3 attacking percentage and 36 digs. Seton Hall went into the third with 19 kills and 28 digs. That momentum led directly to the third set as St. John’s opened up the frame with a 14-3 scoring stretch — led by six combined kills from Stambrowska, Walther and junior outside hitter Lucrezia Lodi.
Lodi picked up the immediate kill to start the set and grabbed 10 digs, five kills and three aces to finish the match as a whole. Walther led the set with five kills for the Johnnies as the team held on to a significant lead throughout its entirety and went up in the match 2-1.
The Red Storm cruised through an 8-0 scoring run in the fourth and final set with Lodi in the service position. The Italian native’s service game propelled St. John’s into a 10-3 lead in the fourth and final set to pick up the win for the Red Storm. Seton Hall’s attempts at climbing back were cut short as St. John’s would go on another scoring run to further extend their lead. Walther finished the set with seven kills and an impressive 50 percent conversion rate.
The final set scores were 25-23, 25-19, 25-12 and 25-14.
St. John’s put together an allaround team win as big-name players put up big-time numbers.
Kowalczyk ended the night with 40 assists, eight digs, four blocks and two kills. She was paired with Jones on the Big East Honor Roll this past week after winning tournament MVP at the Jack Kaiser Classic.
Sophomore libero Rashanny Solano Smith once again defended the backcourt and impressed with 16 digs in the match. Stambrowska finished with eight kills, five blocks and two digs. Walther led all attackers with 22 kills, seven digs and a block in the first Big East match of her senior campaign.
St. John’s continued Big East action in Carnesecca Arena on Sept. 29 as they swept the Georgetown Hoyas in straight sets, 3-0. They will return to Queens after traveling to Xavier and DePaul for a match against Marquette on Oct. 11.
Isabella Cautero I sept. 28, 2024
Torch Photo / Anthony Sissons