September 26th Edition of The Merciad

Merciad THE

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News ................2-5 Features...........6-9 A&E ............. 10-11 Opinion........ 12-13 Sports ......... 14-15 Laker Living ......16

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 6 , 2 01 8

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VOL. 92 NO. 3

Mercyhurst Celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit PAGE 4

Online poll results We asked: How are your classes going this semester?

3: Political Science department registers students to vote

7: Alumni Speaker Series presents first guest 14: Women’s ice hockey honors program alumni

Lots of work, but interesting! (41%) Is it winter break yet? (26%) Can’t complain (18%) I love my classes! (15%)

This week’s

POLL

What is your favorite fall activity?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

NEWS

PAGE 2

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

New research resources at Hammermill

By Donny Bryant III Contributing writer

Over the past several years, Mercyhurst’s Hammermill Library has received many useful and updated resources to help students in research both digitally and in the print collection.

The library has received donations of new print books for students to use, but most of the new additions to the library have been made digitally. The resources are available on the new library website, www.library.mercyhurst.edu.

Darci Jones, Director of University Libraries and Online Learning, describes the website as a “total makeover” from what it previously had been.

The search bar that allows students to look for thousands of resources that the library has to offer remains the same, but there is also a scrolling bar below it that displays the newest releases and titles available through Hammermill.

Students can borrow books in both print and e-book format from Mercyhurst’s library or through interlibrary loan with other libraries in the area.

“Taking advantage of these resources are so useful for students because we have subscriptions to some resources that are behind paywalls online,” said Karen Niemla, Hammermill Reference and Research Librarian. “We have subscriptions for a lot of journals, newspapers, including the Erie

Times-News. Instead of having to pay for that, you can search through the library in the catalogue for free.”

If students are having trouble with their papers or essays, they can utilize the search database in the “find” tab of the website. The new database layout has sources that list from A-Z so students can have an easier time locating what their subject is.

Niemla is available to help students use the new resources that the library has to offer as well as answer any questions about the library and its resources.

“Most of what I do is teach people how to use the databases and answer questions about finding articles and books,” Niemla

said. “I can help students start research as well. They don’t have to do it all on their own.”

The new library website is completely user focused so that students can research and utilize the resources more effectively. Under the FAQ section, students can find answers to common questions along with a place to voice their own questions and concerns.

A YouTube channel, called Hammermill & Ridge Libraries, has also been made for the library, containing videos of other additions that are new this year.

Jones is thrilled to explore new hours for the Hammermill Library to aid students with school.

She and the library staff are exploring adding more weekend

Mercyhurst Rec Center is Now Hiring Students!

hours for the tutoring and writing centers, such as opening at 9 a.m. on Sundays.

One of the routes that the library is exploring is having a testing center for students to take makeup tests. The testing center will help students if they have a sport during their testing time or another reason that requires for them to not take the test at their scheduled time.

The library plans to have complete renovations on the first floor to update style and accessibility in the summer of 2019. Pictures for these new renovations will be released in the next few months for students to get a general idea of the changes to Hammermill for the next school year.

UPCOMING

EVENTS Check out the upcoming events in September and October for the Mercyhurst Music department, MIAC, and National Theatre Live Broadcasts!

Wind Ensemble Sept. 30, 4 p.m., Performing Arts Center Live from Studio Q: Marc-André Hamelin Oct. 5, noon, Walker Recital Hall Akropolis Wind Quintet Oct. 8, 8 p.m., Walker Recital Hall Jazz Ensemble Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Performing Arts Center

Looking for certified student spin, yoga and exercise instructors to teach classes at the Rec! Saturday, September 29, 2018 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mercyhurst University Recreation & Fitness Center 501 E. 38th St., Erie, PA 16546 PRESENTER: Spinning Master Instructor Raquel Schmidt

TO REGISTER Visit: www.spinning.com Call: 800-847-SPIN (7746) For directions to this workshop location, please call 814-824-2000.

The Met: Aida Oct. 6, 12:55 p.m., Performing Arts Center MIAC Live: Pink Martini Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Performing Arts Center

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

NEWS

PAGE 3

Rebecca Dunphy photo

Members of the Political Science department hosted a table in Trinity Green and the Student Union on Sept. 25 to help students register to vote and more.

Poli Sci department helps students exercise the right to vote in midterms

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

On Sept. 25, the Political Science department joined more than 10,000 volunteers across the country participating in National Voter Registration Day. Falling on the fourth Tuesday of each September, National Voter Registration Day is a movement centered on helping Americans register to vote, acquire absentee ballots and become better educated on various voting-related topics.

Since its inception in 2012, the holiday has grown in size dramatically, registering over 750,000 people in 2016 and becoming

endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED).

Though the event has been going on for years, this is the first year the Mercyhurst Political Science department has celebrated in this way, thanks to assistant professor Victoria Rickard, J.D., Ph.D., and sophomore Jessica Witt, Communication major with a Political Science minor.

Witt knew the department would be having an event in general, prompting her to bring the idea of a voter registration drive to her adviser. Rickard helped her organize a private event, resulting

in a stand set up in Trinity Green, and later moved to the Student Union, where students could register to vote or acquire an absentee ballot.

“I think it is really important for voter registration to be made so easily available on campus,” junior Political Science major Alexandra Long said. “College students are the future leaders of America. Everyone should be given the chance to be informed about our political system.”

The rain did not stop the event from being a success on campus as the team handed out candy and pocket U.S. Constitutions as well.

“The turnout was great,” Witt

said. “We’ve had several news crews come, which provides positive publicity. It shows that young people are interested in voting, which may have been a gray area for people, but we’ve generated a lot of attention.”

For Mercyhurst and campuses across the country, the emphasis was on getting young people to vote, as oftentimes this has been an underrepresented group in terms of voter turnout.

“As one of the oldest districts, it’s important for young people to vote because they will be making the change,” Witt said. “With midterm elections coming up, the voting will be affecting the local government, which will have a di-

rect influence on them.”

Freshman political science major Colin Cieslica shared similar sentiments on the importance of voting.

“It helps people define how they want our society to be. It’s our responsibility to chart what they want,” said Cieslica. “It will help the Mercyhurst campus because it expands people’s input and influence on real-world policies, which will benefit them in the end.”

No matter the effect of the weather, this passionate group of students certainly made a difference in helping their fellow students fulfill their civic responsibility.

Sisters of Mercy celebrate Mercy Day

By Kristian Biega

News editor

Ever since their conception as an organization, the Sisters of Mercy have been a tenacious and courageous group of women.

It was because of the faithfilled vision of Catherine McAuley, Frances Warde and Mother Borgia Egan that the Sisters of Mercy have remained an influential, dedicated and strong presence in the world today.

Each year on Sept. 24, the Sisters of Mercy celebrate “Mercy Day” as the anniversary of Catherine McAuley founding the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland. McAuley chose this day to officially open the house so that it would coincide with the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, allowing the two to be cele-

brated each year together.

“It makes me feel wonderful to be a part of the celebration at Mercyhurst,” Sister Kathy Preston, of the Sisters of Mercy, said.

“To know what the sisters had to go through to build the school up to what it is today is amazing.”

Sister Mary Paul Carioty, of the Sisters of Mercy, is always very excited for the festivities of Mercy Day. “It is a big day for all of the Sisters of Mercy around the world,” Carioty said. “Mercy Day represents our life. It celebrates life, mercy and compassion.”

The Sisters celebrated the joyous occasion this past Saturday beginning with a solemn Mass as they renewed their vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service. The vow of service is espe-

cially important for the Sisters of Mercy because they are the only order that takes this fourth vow.

The day concluded with a large dinner in gratitude for the Sisters’ service to Mercy.

“It is wonderful to be a part of something this big and see how the culture of Mercy is within the spirit of the students,” Preston said.

McAuley was imbued with a strong charity toward the uneducated street children and the poor of Dublin during the 1800s. She purchased the House on Baggot Street, an affluent part of the city, with her family inheritance. The House of Mercy opened there on Sept. 24, 1827. From their humble beginnings in Ireland, today there are more than 6,000 Sisters of Mercy all over the world.

“Catherine McAuley was a gutsy lady” Carioty said. “You have to have guts to do what she did.”

Mercy Day is not only a celebration of the opening of the House of Mercy, it is the biggest celebration for the Sisters of Mercy as they commemorate the Sisters’ jubilees. A jubilee is the anniversary of a sister joining their religious order. This year, Sister Carol Ann Voltz was honored for her 60 years of service to the Sisters.

“I love celebrating the jubilees for the sisters,” Preston said. “It makes for a special day because it celebrates the day we were founded too.”

This year also marks a special celebration for the Sisters of Mercy in that they are celebrating 175 years since coming

to the United States. The order of the Sisters of Mercy began with McAuley in 1830, but it was Warde and six other sisters who established the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas on Dec. 21, 1831, in Pittsburgh.

The Sisters’ influence has only grown over the past 175 years. The legacy of Warde in the United States still lives on through the Sisters’ established hospitals, schools and convents in four main locations in Rochester, N.Y., Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Erie. Students in Campus Ministry have been making 175 cards to give to the active Sisters today for the occasion.

“Once you know the history, you know the Sisters,” Carioty said. “We all have that same strength.”

NEWS

PAGE 4

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Merciad IN A MINUTE Find Black Panther Challenge Mercyhurst Student Government is holding a contest for one lucky student to win box seats to see Ruth E. Carter, head costume designer for “Black Panther,” speak on campus on Oct. 1.

How to win: Find the Black Panther cutout from Sept. 26 through Sept. 28 and take a picture with the cutout.

Post and tag @msglakers on Facebook and/or Twitter with #FindBlackPantherMU. The student with the most “finds”/posts wins box seats in the PAC! Tom Hynes photo

Pittsburgh Calls Catholic Women The Catholic Women's Fellowship of Pittsburgh is hosting its 2018 conference, “Overflow: Live in the Abundance of Grace” on Oct. 27.

The day includes a variety of speakers, as well as Mass and adoration. More information about the speakers and the event can be found at http:// www.cwfpitt.org.

If you are interested in attending with Campus Ministry or have any questions, please email Michelle Scully at mahrens@mercyhurst. edu.

Hospitality fall dining Join Hospitality majors in the J.S. and Alice Marriott Café, a state-ofthe-art working classroom in the CAE, for their yearly student-run dining series.

The schedule for this fall began on Sept. 19.

The students plan, prepare and serve both lunch and dinner options.

Dinners are held on most Wednesdays at 5 p.m. ($13, includes tax) and lunches on most Fridays at noon ($10, includes tax).

Students, faculty and staff filled Christ the King Chapel for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 20. The Mass included songs from Concert Choir, a string section, an organist, and a brass quartet.

Filled with the Holy Spirit

By Tom Hynes

Contributing writer

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is the first all-school event of every school year. It fosters a sense of community and fellowship based in Mercy tradition. This year, the Mass took place Sept. 20 and was followed by a community picnic outside of Zurn.

The Rev. Jim Piszker, Mercyhurst chaplain and interim director of campus ministry, was joined by Rev. Msgr. Edward B. Branch, of the Atlanta Diocese, to celebrate the Mass.

Branch has been an influential figure in the Atlanta community, presiding at various colleges and parishes for over 40 years. He has overcome racial adversity in his life and continues to work for a sense of equality and justice for the poor and marginalized.

Branch’s homily was heavily focused on “removing one’s figurative clothing” to remember who we really are. This message was highly relevant to the congregation, which was made up of all different students on the Mercyhurst campus and Erie community.

Those who attended the Mass were not all necessarily Catholic or religious, but came from many different backgrounds.

Piszker expressed happiness to the wide variety and large number of students who attended, and wanted students to take away a particular value from the Mass, whether they are religious or not.

“For students, I think the important thing for them to carry

away from an experience like this is the appreciation that they can call upon the Holy Spirit all the time,” Piszker said. “The Spirit can be a guiding force, a comforting force, a force that offers focus and direction. All we have to do is ask.”

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a yearly tradition for a reason, and it is one that should not be ignored.

The day of fellowship and faith allows faculty, staff and students to lift each other up, bringing the university closer.

“This certainly was not your average Catholic Mass,” freshman Owen Roberts said. “Either way, the message did hit home and all the extra time in Mass gave me a longer time to think about it.”

Beyond the message, however, the relevance to the Mercy tradition of Mercyhurst is clear in that all members of the community are able to find our own place within it, lifting each other up for the good of all.

At the mass, President Michael T. Victor was pleased to note that it was the most heavily attended one yet.

“For me, I think that the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which is of Jesuit origin, speaks to the Mercy tradition in that it resonates with the desires of the Sisters to lift people up, to assist them to see their full potential, to be empowered and to achieve being their best selves,” Piszker said.

The Mass serves as a reminder Kristian Biega photo that no one lives exclusively on their own. We all need a strong The Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated by The Rev. Jim Piszker and Rev. Msgr. Edward B. Branch from the Archdiocese of Atlanta. community for support.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

NEWS

Merciads go digital

By Jack Butler

Contributing writer

Bryan Colvin, the new Mercyhurst University archivist, began his first four months with a huge and lasting project in digitizing old Merciad newspapers.

The project included hundreds of student-written papers from 1929 to 1980 that have been in the library archives for years.

“The reason why I wanted to turn the old prints digital is so that they become more accessible to the community at large,” Colvin said. “Having it put into a database makes it also searchable.

Eventually, each subject heading of the paper will also be able to be searched. So it makes it easier for people who want to do research.”

Colvin faced some technological challenges when he was turning old Merciads into digital form.

“Some of the challenges were figuring out how to get them into

the database and how it was going to work. A challenge still will be getting people to know about the project and how to use the database,” Colvin said.

There is still an issue with the database.

“It is kind of like a more complicated database, it is not as intuitive as you think. So that is a main issue right now,” Colvin said.

The process was not difficult in digitizing the newspapers, and most of them were completed before Colvin took over. Colvin was able to easily pick up where the former archivist left off and plans to have print Merciads from 1981 to present available to students in the coming months.

While Colvin was completing this project, he found some interesting information about the history of the Merciad.

“It was interesting to see how it evolved I think over time,” Colvin said. “I did not know that

the paper started in 1929. So I did look at the first page of every one. And I thought that is was interesting how it evolved from being an all-girls school into coed and adding sports teams.”

There are several ways to read and research using print Merciads from the past.

They will be available through the main archives website at archives.mercyhurst.edu, or through the Mercyhurst University library website, listed under University Archives. There is a link on to the top of the library page to the digital database. By clicking Merciad Digital, interested readers can view any Merciad from 1929 until 1980, with 1981-present coming soon.

The current Merciad editor-in-chief, Lauren Abbott, spoke with Colvin about information going forward, so future issues will be made digital and will not be missed in the coming years.

PAGE 5

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

This weekend’s campus events

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Sept. 13: Controlled substance at 3910 Briggs Ave. Sept. 15: Criminal mischief in baseball press box.

Sept. 16: Criminal mischief in Old Main.

Sept. 17: Theft in Audrey Hirt Academic Center.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

Ask Mia Anyone have a problem that they need help fixing?

Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com ******************* Dear Mia, I thought Hurst Day was going to be today but it wasn’t. I was totally banking on it! What do I do now?

Sincerely, Bamboozled

Dear Bamboozled, NEVER assume Hurst Day will happen.

Hurst Day is a very real thing, the promised land for all Lakers, if I may. But it is unpredictable!

My advice to you would be to expect the worst and hope for the best.

It’s fun to try and guess with your friends what day it will fall on, but don’t count on anything. If you hear rumors of when Hurst Day is, don’t believe them. Don’t believe anything you hear.

Make sure you study up for any exams you have and don’t go out partying the night before unless you’re sure. I’m pretty sure MTV has people that scope out the student body to get a gist of when the students think it will be. Then if they think students have blown their cover, they change the date.

In past years, students have been left at the mercy of this savage practice, but it has shown no remorse and continues to baffle us all.

Better luck next time!

Sincerely,

Mia

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Apply for CD 11 now

By Kristina Croucher Staff writer

The Carpe Diem retreat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all students on campus, literally.

Students have the opportunity to attend this trip once as an attendee and once as a leader.

Due to the significant impact that it has on the students, many cite it as one of the most memorable weekends at Mercyhurst.

“I think every Mercyhurst student should attend a Carpe Diem retreat because it is a great time to meet people that you probably wouldn’t have a chance to meet on campus and see that you’re not all so different,” said Victoria Noker, junior Hospitality Management major.

The retreat welcomes many different people from many different backgrounds. An important part of the retreat is spending time with friends and taking time before finals to relax and enjoy presence with one another.

While it is a retreat, it is not centered around sharing your story if you don’t want to or getting more in touch with your faith if you do not have a strong background.

Nick Woll, a junior Psychology and Religious Studies major, will be a Carpe Diem 11 leader this November.

The retreat is about meeting new friends and finding new people to hang out with that you nor-

mally wouldn’t, Woll said.

Getting more in touch with your faith is another bonus that many will experience.

Vince Marrazzo, Mercyhurst Student Government president and senior Intelligence Studies and Information Technology major, will also be a leader on the retreat.

“I think students should go because it is a unique opportunity to learn about yourself and others in an environment that is unparalleled and supportive,” Marrazzo said.

Students spend the weekend at the Villa Maria Retreat Center doing a variety of different activities.

There are plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors, as well as a chance to bond with a roommate and fellow retreat goers.

Some of the activities include spending time at the indoor pool, playing games in the gym, doing yoga, walking the grounds, relaxing, writing notes, crafting and journaling, and enjoying the huge snack table.

However, the most impactful activities of the weekend are a well-kept secret.

Michelle Scully, a Mercyhurst Campus Minister who graduated in 2016, will also be attending.

“CD is a great way to meet other students on an authentic level rather than how we encounter each other every day,” Scully said.

The Carpe Diem leaders are

very excited to host this year’s group of students. They work very hard in order to be prepared to give testimonies that will impact at least one student on the retreat.

Woll’s reason for signing up as a CD leader was along these lines.

“I really just wanted others to be impacted by this retreat. I wanted to lead this retreat to show others how impactful it can be,” Woll said.

Marrazzo also said that he was so impacted by the leaders from his first retreat that he attended that he wanted to be able to do for others what his leaders did for him, which is why he felt the desire to be a leader this semester.

The upcoming Carpe Diem retreat, known as CD 11, is the weekend of Nov. 16-18. There are still spots available, and students can find an application in the Campus Ministry lounge in the Student Union.

The application is due on Oct. 26, along with a $20 fee for the activities, food and accommodation. The retreat is offered once in the fall semester and once in the spring.

There are many more perks about the retreat, but Campus Ministry likes to keep most of the activities a surprise. Students must attend to experience all of the great activities, bonding experiences and reflection opportunities that CD has to offer.

Lakers to pick names for new amenities

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

The Ryan Hall dining facility has been opened, the retail space is in operation and the pub is in the works. The only thing left for Mercyhurst is to find names for these new spaces on campus.

Mercyhurst Student Government, along with Parkhurst, hosted a naming contest through its Facebook and Twitter accounts to give students an opportunity to name the new campus facilities.

The contest, which ran through Sept. 19, allowed students to have a voice in the new expansions.

Submissions were to be proposed online through the @msglakers handle.

Junior Chemistry major Shawn Titus is excited to have a say.

“Since so many of the other buildings have been named after somebody important in Mercyhurst history, it makes us feel like part of history to have a say in the naming,” Titus said.

Sophomore history major Ethan Wagner also appreciates the value being put on student

involvement and was excited to enter the contest.

“I think that it’s cool that they’re valuing the opinion of students, especially since we are the ones that will be utilizing the new facilities,” Wagner said.

Finalists of the contest have yet to be announced, although students will be given the opportunity to vote on submitted results in the near future.

While there is no physical prize for those who submit the chosen names, there is always the satisfaction of winning.

The name “Grotto Commons” for the Egan dining facility is still yet to stick with some students, as well as the newer addition of the name “Trinity Green,” the former Garvey Park, to campus.

Students were able to submit a name for all three new locations — the Ryan dining hall, the convenience store and the future pub — or only one of these three.

Ideas which have been thrown out include a dining facility name with reference to Luke the Laker or other forms of campus pride,

as well as a name for the pub that draws on Mercyhurst’s Irish heritage.

The idea of a naming contest was initiated by David Myron, vice president for Finance & Administration, who invited MSG to host the competition.

Dean Schoenfeldt, Parkhurst general manager, also supported the idea.

“Having students involved in the process helps with student investment in the dining space,” Schoenfeldt said. “A space becomes more recognizable and significant if students connect with it by naming it.”

Sophomore dance major Caroline Schroer shared a similar sentiment in terms of student input in school decisions.

“I know many students had an issue with the lack of input they have been given in terms of recent developments on campus,” Schroer said. “While it can definitely be argued that naming the new dining facilities is insignificant overall, I think it can hopefully be a step in the right direction of listening to students.”

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 7

Mercyhurst hosts first guest of Alumni Speaker Series

By Marina Boyle

Features editor

A talk and presentation from Kaleigh Vinesky kicked off this year’s Alumni Speaker Series, hosted collaboratively by the Department of Alumni Relations and the Career Development Center.

Kaleigh Vinesky was the first alumna to return to Mercyhurst for her presentation, which focused on the physician assistant profession. Vinesky graduated from Mercyhurst in 2013 with a degree in Biology and Psychology. She then enrolled in graduate school at Daemen College, Buffalo, where she earned a master’s degree as a physician assistant.

Vinesky’s talk focused on the components of a physician assistant job and the path to such a career. Vinesky graduated from Mercyhurst before a physician assistant program had been implemented here.

She described how she chose Mercyhurst regardless of the exact majors she could find here.

“I grew up in Erie, I went to Mercyhurst Prep and I knew that Mercyhurst was the right fit for me,” Vinesky said.

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Mercyhurst now runs a 24-month program so students could go straight into this major. Moreover, the department had a 100 percent pass rate in the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam in both 2017 and 2018.

Vinesky took time to explain the definition and role of a physician assistant , explaining that she is a medical assistant who works with and under other doctors in a variety of fields. She is currently working with OB/GYN Associates of Erie. Her role includes taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, developing treatment plans and treating illness.

In particular, Vinesky’s role in the practice is focused on prenatal care, breast complaints and birth control. Physician assistants do not do surgery.

Vinesky had extensive knowledge on many of the different

specialties that one can go into with a physician assistant degree.

She touched on the fact that one would not have to recertify to change specialty, and the ability to have frequent movement in this profession is one of the perks that keeps it exciting.

Other benefits of the profession were cited as being a competitive salary, less time spent in medical school, a better work/life balance than most traditional doctors and high levels of patient interaction within the job. Vinesky has constant hands-on time with patients and works a four day week.

Currently, there are 115,000 physician assistants in the U.S., with this number growing each year.

The majority are in New York, Texas, California and Pennsylvania.

Physician assistants have a median salary of $100,000 and generally graduate from two- or three-year graduate programs if they do not go straight into an undergraduate physician assistant course.

Vinesky also drew on a report by the U.S. News and World, which stated that the physician

assistant profession was ranked number three in a list of the best jobs in 2017.

Vinesky stressed how competitive it can be to get into a graduate physician assistant program and why students need to stand out to be accepted. For Vinesky, Daemen College was her clear first choice, and it accepted only 30 students from a pool of close to 600 applications.

In terms of grad school applications, she gave advice relating to involvement, interviews and confidence.

“Find a program that fits you well and set yourself apart in it,” Vinesky said. “Finding the right job involves making connections early and asking questions of staff to decide whether or not you are the right fit for them as an organization.”

Vinesky also discussed how she had been highly involved on campus during her time at Mercyhurst, particularly as a student ambassador. She cited school involvement as something that gave her plenty to talk about in inter-

views and built her confidence in her abilities.

During her summers, she had shadowed people in the medical profession to help her in choosing this career path.

“Volunteer and shadow experience is huge,” Vinesky said. “I feel that shadowing is essential for knowing that you want to be a PA and for conceptualizing your future plans. It also helps to get some experience interviewing because this will be so important when wanting to be accepted into schools.”

Vinesky allowed students to speak with her at the end of her talk and provided her email for students to reach out to her.

Raejonna Pascarella, junior Sports Medicine major, learned much from the talk.

“It was exciting and informative to hear more about the physician assistant profession and have it in mind as a career option. I look forward to hopefully reaching out to Kaleigh soon and getting some more experience in my field,” Pascarella said.

Lakers sail against local rivals in Presque Isle Bay contest

By Fez Ur-Rahman Staff writer

On Sept. 15 and 16, Mercyhurst Sailing Club participated in a regatta on Presque Isle Bay against other local schools for the very first time. Mercyhurst took fifth place in this intriguing race.

Mercyhurst, Gannon and Penn State Behrend came together at the Erie Yacht Club to host the Battle of Lake Erie Regatta at Presque Isle Bay over the weekend, as a new way to build community between the local schools.

The competition also hosted the visiting teams of Syracuse University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Buffalo, U.S. Military Academy, Rochester Institute of Technology and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

This was the first nationally sanctioned college regatta in Erie, approved by the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA) of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association and is expected to become an annual event.

The teams sailed in 14-foot Club 420s and used the Erie Yacht Club’s Rickloff Community Boathouse as a base for the race. Mer-

cyhurst finished in fifth from the overall scores of the 12 races that took place on Saturday and four more that took place on Sunday.

The participating students representing Mercyhurst were Jordan Murray, senior Intelligence Studies major; Robert Schneider, freshman Hospitality Management major; Drew Hoover, sophomore Finance major; Kate Lightner, freshman Athletic Training major; and Mary Bauer, freshman Social Work major.

Murray, Schneider and Hoover serve as officers for the Mercyhurst Sailing Club, holding the roles of president, vice president and treasurer, respectively.

Hoover particularly enjoyed the social and competitive aspects of the event.

“It was challenging to be competitive with the high levels of experience from other sailing teams, compared to our club that was founded only a few years ago.

This was Mercyhurst’s first official regatta, and we did really well for our club’s current experience,” Hoover said.

Robert Green, Hospitality Management professor, is the adviser for the Sailing Club.

He took part in the events and oversaw the Mercyhurst effort throughout the competition.

“Presque Isle Bay has some of the best sailing conditions on the East Coast, and the facilities provided by the Erie Yacht Club are phenomenal. We are fortunate to have their support of collegiate sailing in Erie. Mercyhurst’s team did remarkably well for their first outing in a competitive regatta, with the A team finishing 5th and the B team finishing 3rd. The Mercyhurst teams finished 5th overall, just four points behind 4th place Gannon,” Green said. “We’re looking forward to entering more regattas in the MAISA region next year and again co-hosting Battle of Lake Erie with Gannon and Penn State Behrend.”

The regatta was a success and the competing teams had an exciting weekend.

It is hoped that this event will be a good starting point for the Mercyhurst Sailing Club to build on in future years.

“As time progresses, I look forward to building the club by participating with other schools and travelling to other races in the area,” Hoover said.

Contributed photo

Mercyhurst University, Gannon and Penn State Behrend came together at the Erie Yacht Club to host the Battle of Lake Erie Regatta at Presque Isle Bay for the first time this year. Mercyhurst placed fifth overall from the schools that competed in the two-day race.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N FAC E B O O K , I N S TAG R A M & T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

FEATURES

PAGE 8

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

LGBTQ research NEW AT HURST presented at Hurst

By Delvin Ergott

Staff writer

Aaron Qiao photo

Dr. Mahesh Maddumala’s unique qualifications include a certificate in ethical hacking.

New professor brings cyber security expertise to Mercyhurst classes

By Aaron Qiao

Staff writer

This year, Mercyhurst welcomes Mahesh Maddumala, Ph.D., to the Cyber Security department as an assistant professor of Computing and Information Science.

Maddumala has a strong background in cyber security and various mobile technologies.

Maddumala grew up in India during its booming investment in Information Technology. He began his first step toward his career in 2004 by obtaining a degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from Engineering College, India. Following this, he continued his education in Andhra University College of Engineering for his Master of Technology in Computer Science.

From there, he went into the industry as a software engineer for Aricent Group, a multinational software company. Maddumala worked his way up to Senior Software Engineer in the firm.

In 2013, he reentered academia as an assistant professor for Sanketika Vidyaparishad Engineering College in India. For one year, he taught courses such as Cryptography and Network Security.

In 2014, Maddumala enrolled in a Ph.D. course in Computer Science at the University of MissouriKansas City. At the same time, he became a research assistant for the university and began to widely contribute to various conferences, journals, research projects and more.

Maddumala has mostly worked with various phone companies such as AT&T and Sprint, from Austin, Texas, to Bangalore, India. His main research areas are cyber security, network security and information security.

When discussing his projects, he spoke of the importance of pride and enjoyment in work.

“I am proud of any work that I am doing. For now, it is setting up a cyber lab for the students,” Maddumala said.

Maddumala was drawn to Mercyhurst for facility and faculty reasons. “The cyber security program, the cyber lab and especially the Chair of CIS Department, Dr. Afzal Upal, brought me,” Maddumala said. His investment into our cyber security program is much admired and his foremost goal is making the cyber security program a success.

This semester Maddumala is teaching Intro to Cyber Security and Cyber Information Security 501: Probability and Statistic.

Maddumala resides in Erie and spends his free time pondering philosophical questions of life and playing with his kids.

On Sept. 21, Mercyhurst hosted Matthew Capriotti, Ph.D., for a presentation on health disparities in the LGBTQ community.

Capriotti is an assistant professor at San Jose State University and researches LGBTQ health issues.

Matthew Weaver, Ph.D., who is an associate professor of Psychology at Mercyhurst is an old friend of Dr. Capriotti. It was Weaver who helped bring Capriotti to campus for this talk.

For Weaver, this talk had strong social implications.

“Though we have a strong LGBTQ community on campus, members of that community are still underrepresented in many aspects in our culture and in our life,” Weaver said.

Capriotti’s presentation detailed his academic journey from pediatric oncology to behavioral psychology, before exploring his current research on health disparities for the LGBTQ community.

Capriotti began his talk by highlighting many issues within the American health-care system that perpetuate inequalities between the LGBTQ community and the remainder of society.

In addition to the unfair and discriminatory historical treatment of the community, the most important cause of the disparities is the disregard that medical professionals sometimes have for connections between sexual orientation or gender identity and one’s overall health. If doctors fail to note patients’ sexual orientation or gender identity, it could lead to them being ignorant of

what conditions their patients face higher risk of having in terms of physical, sexual and mental health.

One particularly alarming area is mental health disparities. For example, while only about 25 per cent of straight, cisgender men deal with depression, the rate for gay men is more than double that.

The rate of depression in gender minority people is nearly three times this figure. The impact of minority stress, which is the stress among marginalized groups based on society’s treatment of them, is a main cause of this.

“Some of the most discouraging stuff is still the level of active institutional discrimination that we see,” Capriotti said. “This discrimination comes in the form of the notorious bathroom laws enacted by some states, as well as “don’t say gay” laws, which prohibit teachers from discussing LGBTQ topics in schools.”

Rather than simply stating the issues, Capriotti was quick to offer solutions and actions that people can take in order to address some of the issues we see. According to Capriotti, exercising your power to vote against politicians with anti-LGBTQ stances is a key way to help.

He told his audience that while he doesn’t expect anyone to attend a pride rally every weekend, people can help by speaking up against the LGBTQ discrimination they see in day-to-day life, like the use of homophobic and transphobic slurs. He also extended this to showing interest in your LGBTQ friends’ relationships and attending a pride rally for fun once a year.

“Compassion plus speaking up are the keys to helping,” Capriotti

said. “Behave in a way that sends a clear message that anti-LGBTQ sentiment isn’t something you stand for or find acceptable.”

For LGBTQ students at Mercyhurst, his message was, “stay strong and find your community.

Find people who can or want to understand, and want to support you through whatever you’re going through.”

As far as activism and advocacy, Capriotti gave the ideas of approaching whatever group you think might do good advocacy work, to find those that will want to take your passion and turn it into action.

For students who wanted to get more involved in activism after this talk, both Weaver and Capriotti specifically recommended contacting the PRIDE study, which does research into LGBTQ health disparities, and the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, a local LGBTQ advocacy group.

Student feedback on the presentation seemed highly positive.

Fez Ur-Rahman, sophomore Intelligence Studies and Information Technology major, found the talk very useful.

“Dr. Capriotti’s talk was not only informative but also eye-opening for me,” Ur-Rahman said. “I thought he was a pretty great speaker and a pretty great guy. I hope we get more talks like this to raise awareness of how we can act for the benefit of our minorities on campus.”

Capriotti also spoke separately with students from the Psychology department about his research prior to his open presentation, and was speaking at other locations across Erie over the weekend.

Interested in joining the Merciad?

Do you like the content you are seeing in the Merciad?

Would you like to help us out with articles or photographs?

Would you like to earn money for your work?

We are still looking for writers and photographers for this year’s Merciad!

Join us at our reporters’ meetings on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Hirt 103.

FEATURES

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

PAGE 9

Clubs celebrate World Habitat Day

By Gillian Mazur Staff writer

On Oct. 1 the Mercyhurst Habitat for Humanity Club will team with the Mercyhurst International Students Organization (MISO) to host a celebration of World Habitat Day. The event takes place in the Student Union from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

World Habitat Day is also being celebrated in more than 70 countries in which Habitat works.

At the event, students will receive free food and make fun crafts that focus on what World Habitat Day stands for. These crafts will resemble wooden houses as a reminder of what Habitat works for around the world.

Senior Business Management major Morgan Stacey serves as president of the Habitat for Humanity Club.

“The purpose of this event is to bring students from all over campus — different clubs, majors and ethnicities — together to celebrate World Habitat Day and advocate for the global Habitat for Humanity mission,” Stacey said.

In line with the Christian nonprofit values of Habitat for Humanity, World Habitat Day is a time of seeking “to put God’s love into action.”

The day is also a platform for promoting the basic human right of all people to adequate shelter and care.

World Habitat Day takes place annually on the first Monday in October and was declared by the United Nations more than 30 years ago. Habitat currently works in more than 70 countries and has impacted more than 125,000 families with its core mission.

“

MISO is excited to cooperate with Habitat for Humanity. ... As MISO tries to integrate international students into the Mercy mission, it seems fitting that we collaborate with a club that exhibits the best of both Mercy and service.”

Luis Sandoval Flores, MISO vice president

In order to draw on the multinational focus of this day, the Habitat for Humanity Club is teaming up with the Mercyhurst International Students Organization for this event.

Luis Sandoval Flores, International Student Organization vice president and junior History major, is excited about the collaborative aspect of the event.

“MISO is excited to cooperate with Habitat for Humanity,” Flores said. “Habitat for Humanity is known as one of the most productive and impactful service clubs on campus. As MISO tries to integrate international students into the Mercy mission, it seems fitting that we collaborate with a club that exhibits the best qualities of both Mercy and service.”

Habitat for Humanity has long-term plans for this year

that include volunteering at local Habitat builds in Erie, organizing a Hoops for Habitat basketball fundraiser and doing a weeklong service trip over spring break.

For the past four years, the Habitat for Humanity Club has been volunteering in North Carolina each spring and will decide on this year’s service location next month.

Habitat will also be continuing its tradition of Rent-a-Habitator, in which Mercyhurst employees can have members of the club do yard work and other DIY tasks for them in return for a donation to the club.

Any interested volunteers are welcome to take part.

The Mercyhurst International Students Organization has long-term aims that involve service, too, including volunteering at naturalization ceremonies for new Americans.

The club provides a platform for cultural exchange within the Mercyhurst community.

Other MISO events include a $1 textbook sale each semester, trips in the local area, cultural celebrations and an international seniors’ graduation party.

Both clubs are dedicated to providing opportunity for service and involvement with those around us in our daily lives.

Oct. 1 will remind students of how they can come together for a good cause.

“There is certainly much to celebrate, but also farther to go,” Stacey said. “As a club, we want to gain a more established following on campus and give students more opportunity to get involved with Habitat both on and off campus.

“We want to be the voice of the global Habitat Organization on the Mercyhurst campus, as well as an educational outlet for students to come to understand the Habitat

Second Fulbright scholar arrives

By Breonna Bailey Staff writer

The World Languages & Cultures department welcomed another Fulbright Scholar this week from Marrakesh, Morocco.

El Houcine Amouzoun earned his bachelor’s degree in English Linguistics and his master’s degree in Translation from universities in Morocco. He is also qualified with a teaching certificate.

Amouzoun’s first language was French, which is common in Morocco. Amouzoun has done much work in translation between Arabic and French to English, as well as work experience within the classroom. In Morocco, he taught English at a high school level, and taught language classes to adult learners at night.

Amouzoun is one of 38 Fulbright scholars coming to United States institutions to share their language and culture this year.

The Fulbright program is very well known in Morocco, which made Amouzoun aware of the opportunities it could provide for him to study and teach in the U.S. He chose the Fulbright program over others because the opportunity lasts the entire academic year instead of only a semester and has a wide variety of schools.

Under the same program, American students also have the opportunity to apply to go abroad themselves.

The Fulbright Program is ad-

ministered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and Mercyhurst participates by taking two Fulbright scholars each year.

Typically, our visitors come from Russia and Morocco. This year, Amouzoun is joining another Fulbright scholar: Lidiia Novichkova, from Siberia, Russia.

Amouzoun has expressed his excitement for studying and teaching the Arabic language. Considering he is used to only translating it, he looks forward to seeing his native language in a new light and improving his English at the same time.

“I have never taught Arabic before and my interest in the language led me to wanting to teach it,” Amouzoun said. “This experience will be a new, exciting one for me.”

Amouzoun has expressed interest in organizing activities for the Arabic Studies students, as well as getting involved in cultural programming on campus. He wants to share the culture of Morocco with the students and create activities that could involve the whole student body.

Amouzoun has also joined the Mercyhurst International Students Organization, is attending campus events and is hoping to contribute cultural writings to the Merciad.

For him, diversity is central to his mission here.

“As I view it, diversity is the

driving force for both societies and individuals. Not only does it enable the society to benefit from each constituent part of its multiple elements, cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and thoughts push the individual to step outside their comfort zone to meet new people. Diversity means we expect and accept distinct ideas, embrace new horizons and thus make unexpectedly significant changes in our lives,” Amouzoun said.

Furthermore, Amouzoun is exploring American culture and using how it relates to his own to have a positive impact on students here.

“Extraversion and openness to experience new and different perspectives are two essential elements of my culture in Morocco.

These may be unheard of before, which is why I would like to share them with both my colleagues and students at Mercyhurst,” Amouzoun said. “The ‘melting pot’ aspect of the American culture is what I would most like to discover and experience first-hand.”

Amouzoun is excited to be here and immersed in Mercyhurst. He most looks forward to sharing academic skill and forging positive diversity.

He is excited to meet all students and staff who wish to pay him a visit in Preston 207 and learn more about Morocco or his life.

Welcome, El Houcine Amouzoun!

Breonna Bailey photo

El Houcine Amouzoun comes to the U.S. from the city of Marrakesh, Morocco, where he worked as an English teacher for seven years. He looks forward to having the opportunity to teach Arabic here under the Fulbright program.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N FAC E B O O K , I N S TAG R A M & T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

FAC U LT Y R E C I TA L R E V I E W

A budding ‘bow’mance

By Jenny Sabliov

Staff writer

On Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall, Jonathan Moser, violin, and Kellen Degnan, cello, successfully commenced this season’s Faculty Recital series.

The program consisted of alternating duets and solos.

They began the program with Duo for Violin and Cello, H. 157

by Bohslav Martinů.

This was a wonderful piece.

The chords played by Moser in the beginning of the piece evoked a sense of anxiety that put one on edge.

In the first half of the second movement, it felt as if each instrument’s line was telling its own story that intertwined and danced around the other until they met toward the end.

They reached a similar point of tension and then faded together as they closed out the first movement.

The second movement was very frenzied and erratic.

There were points where the cello would seemingly chase the violin into a crescendo until they reached a beautiful harmony together.

The cello solo was beautifully executed.

However, I found it a bit odd that Moser turned the page for Degnan when they had a page turner there.

As the cellist ended his solo with a trill, he successfully passed the “bow”ton to Moser to carry on the melody.

As they neared the end of the piece, they exchanged glances.

When it was time for the second

Photo by Jenny Sabliov

Kellen Degnan, left, and Jonathan Moser pose together after their joint faculty recital on Sept. 19.

piece, Moser stepped away for the cello solo “Seven Tunes Heard in China” by Bright Sheng, which consists of seven movements.

Each movement is attributed to the different provinces of China and their specific folk music.

Degnan described it as the composer having “incorporated Chinese folk tunes into this Western Classic medium.”

The first movement, “Seasons” was a beautiful romantic movement about spring, and it was very light and playful.

The fourth movement, “The Drunken Fisherman,” is Degnan’s favorite because it is humorous.

Degnan used a guitar pick in

this movement, which reminded me of the guzheng.

Degnan explained that the fifth movement is about a train, and he really brought it to life.

The emphasized and robust plucking reminded me of the theme to Robert Downey Jr.’s “Sherlock.”

The sixth movement, “Pastoral Ballade” was absolutely gorgeous, and it gave me chills.

In the brief pause after this movement, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

These were my favorite moments in the recital.

It truly speaks to an artist’s skill when the audience is so enthralled

that they hang on to every note and hold their breath as they wait for the following movement.

Moser then took the stage for a solo performance of Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Each movement in the “Partita” represents a dance from that time period.

This piece is one of my favorite pieces in the violin repertoire.

Before Moser began, he did a little show-and-tell with the “Chaconne” and illustrated how it is technically only a few notes played in variation.

The most notable movement is the “Chaconne,” as it is often ref-

erenced in pop culture.

In “Sarabande,” Moser highlighted the chord progressions beautifully.

Some of the phrasing seemed to imitate the standard folia because it reminded me of Arcangelo Corelli’s “La Folia,” which is influenced by the late folia chord progressions.

An amazing aspect of this piece is how the first movement, “Allemande,” introduces the distinguished melody in a softer and loving manner.

Bach then brings back the melody in a harsher, more biting tone in the “Chaconne,” which concludes the cycle.

The recital ended with “Duo for Violin and Cello” by Erwin Schulhoff.

The two performers mentioned that it was a “wickedly hard piece,” yet they managed to perform it seemingly without effort.

The first movement began very softly and melodically, but then the pace became frenzied.

It finished with the initial slow tempo.

The second movement was said to have been inspired by typical Romani themes.

This included left-hand pizzicato, which was plucking perfect.

The third movement maintained the same artistry and intensity.

Typically, an accompanist looks at the soloist for cues.

As they glanced at each other, it was evident that they were truly accompanying each other.

If this recital is a prelude to the rest of the Faculty Recital series this season, then it is surely something to look forward to.

Liturgical dance team inspires believers

By Megan Lay Staff writer

During Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 20, attendees saw a few dancers in the aisles of the Chapel.

These dancers are a part of the Liturgical Dance Ensemble at Mercyhurst.

Currently, there are 32 members of the ensemble, including one non-Dance major.

The purpose of the Liturgical Dance Ensemble is to give students an opportunity to utilize dance to explore and share their religious beliefs.

Additionally, the ensemble provides performance opportunities to enhance the enrichment of spiritual life on campus and in the community.

Senior Dance major Grace Petron, Liturgical Dance Ensemble co-president, said the most inspiring part of the group, to her,

to their congregations.

Last year, these letters helped the ensemble participate in 25 liturgical dance events.

They additionally participate in campus Masses around four times a year.

A few weekends ago, Petron, along with several other members of the Liturgical Dance Ensemble, attended the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Retreat.

They participated in three worship settings and led two liturgical dance workshops.

Petron said, “The best part of this experience was having the opportunity to dance with the women who attended the workshop Photo by Megan Lay within a service.

“It was powerful watching and The Liturgical Dance Ensemble during ‘Tis the Season, 2017. dancing with women who did not think they could participate in liis to hear how the dancing has person with their worship experiThe ensemble sends about 100 turgical dance and who had such affected spectators. ence encourages me to continue letters to churches around Erie joy while praising God through “To know that it enhanced one dancing in this way,” Petron said. every year, offering to bring dance dance,” she said.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

A day for young musicians

By Jenny Sabliov Staff writer

On Sept. 29, the D’Angelo Department of Music will host its annual Piano and Strings Day. This event brings students in grades six through 12 onto campus to attend seminars and private lessons and perform in a recital.

This is not an introductory camp, and the students should have some form of proficiency on their instruments.

The levels can range from intermediate to advanced.

The cost of attendance is $60.

This includes tuition, the day’s activities, a T-shirt and lunch at the Grotto Commons.

There is also room in the schedule for a tour of campus, but students are allowed to utilize that time to practice for their recital that evening instead.

In previous years, there have been about 16-18 students per session, split between piano and bowed strings.

The violin and cello are the most popular of the stringed instruments.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration.

Group lessons begin at 9 a.m.

The students are broken up into

have dinner, which is not included in the fee.

Recitals begin with the string students around 5 p.m. and then the piano students will begin their recitals around 6:30 p.m.

The recitals will take place in Walker Recital Hall and are free and open to the public.

These will be recorded, and students have the option to purchase a DVD. This program was the joint idea of former D’Angelo Music professor Joe Kneer, D.M.A., and Hess a few years ago.

In Fall 2015, they decided to go for it and held the first Piano and Strings Day. They had about 18 attendees and consider it to have been successful. It is their brainchild and it is currently in its fourth year.

“It is a way to reach out to the community and local middle school and high schoolers.

“It is also a great recruiting Photo by Jenny Sabliov event because we have had atStudents in grades six through 12 who play bowed stringed instruments or the piano are welcome to tendees who enrolled into our deattend Piano and Strings Day, a program now in its fourth year at Mercyhurst. gree programs,” said Hess.

If you know someone who groups that either attend the les- the other group is attending the At 1:30 p.m., the strings will qualifies, they can easily register son or attend theory class and/or theory class. have a masterclass while the piano on the Music department website. an aural skills class.

“The students then switch at students will have a seminar.

To ensure a spot register by the “There may be four or five stu- 10:30,” said Nathan Hess, D.M.A. At 3 p.m., they will switch.

26; however, they will accept apdents in one group lesson while After this, they break for lunch.

Once this is complete, they will plicants until the night before.

Submit to MERCIAD & LUMEN the Lumen

By Samuel Peterson

Staff writer

When asked to describe the Lumen, student editor-in-chief, Michael Mongera, said “The Lumen is a literary magazine showing the colors of Mercyhurst. Its purpose is to let a world of words be heard by students from students.”

The Lumen is now accepting submissions for its 2019 edition, which can be anything under the umbrella of arts.

This includes short stories (up to three pages), poems (up to three separate pieces), photographs, paintings and even dance performances and musical compositions that are available through the online copy of the Lumen.

The bar for entry is nonexistent, with all students encouraged to submit the fruits of their creative passions.

The online companion edition contains everything in the physical magazine but also allows access to additional visual elements and long form stories.

It can be viewed for free on the Mercyhurst website.

The Lumen staff review each submission for inherent quality.

Accepted submissions are

passed along to the English department’s “Editing and Style” class available for students to take next semester.

At that stage, fine details are corrected and the creator is contacted if necessary.

Every year, the Lumen receives extraordinary pieces.

There is care placed into every submission residing inside the Lumen, and current major or year does not matter.

Anyone can have a creative mind, which is all you need to submit to the Lumen.

“We personally believe Lumen is vital to showcase the heart of Mercyhurst,” Mongera said. “It’s important to spread an interconnectivity through mediums such as writing and literature to further demonstrate the Mercyhurst values to be of reflectively aware, and intellectually creative.

“We encourage students to open their own books and showcase their creativity through written and visual language,” Mongera said.

The deadline for the 2019 edition of the Lumen is Nov. 16.

Students can submit content at lumen@mercyhurst.edu.

The Merciad and the Lumen have joined forces.

Submit your poems to the Merciad, which is now an extension of the Mercyhurst literary magazine, Lumen!

Once a week, the Merciad will be taking submissions to be published in the paper.

We will be accepting short poems ( about 75 words or shorter) that will be featured in this space.

Email your poetry to artsmerciad@gmail. com by Sunday at 5 p.m. to be considered for that week’s issue of the Merciad.

Don’t be afraid to show your voice!

Conductors set to make debut

By Bernard Garwig

Sports editor

It’s getting to be that time of year for the Mercyhurst D’Angelo Department of Music.

With the halfway point of the semester rolling around, the various student bands and groups in the department are having their premier performances of the year, with the first of these being the wind ensemble concert.

The concert, to be held Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, is set to feature conducting work by a host of future music educators.

“It’s the music education majors’ concert, so it’s basically a student conductor’s concert,” said Scott Meier, Ph.D., wind ensemble director and music professor.

“They’ve chosen the pieces, they’re doing all of the rehearsals.

“It’s for the experience of the students. They’re doing the program, emceeing.”

Lauren Tucci, junior Music Education major; Rachel Kinlan, junior Music Education major; Emily Zbrzezny, junior Music Education major; Jake Bechter, senior Music Education major; Caitlyn Cressley, sophomore Music Education major; Martin Webster, senior Music major; Stephanie Dowling, senior Mu-

sic Education major; and Ethan Wicker, sophomore Music Education major, are getting their chance to lead a wind band with this concert.

“It shows me how to rehearse, the gestures I need to do, the things I need to say,” said Tucci.

“It helps me listen more (and) helps me listen more attentively.”

Meier listed off several of the selections that audience members can expect to hear.

Those include “Satiric Dances”

by Norman Dello Joio, “Kentucky 1800” by Clare Grundman, “On a Childhood Hymn”

by David Holsinger, “A Tribute to Granger” by Bill Doherty and “The Witch and the Saint” by Steven Reineke.

“All of this is easy high school, middle school music,” said Meier.

The concert begins at 4 p.m.

“It should be entertaining,” said Meier. “It’s an easy concert to listen to if you’re interested in a concert that’s fun and gives your brain neutral gear.”

If anyone is interested in joining the wind ensemble, Meier said, “All you have to do is come play for me.”

Tickets are available from the D’Angelo box office and are $5 for the general public and $2 for faculty, children and students with a Mercyhurst ID.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD Fall Break is finally coming next week!

BAD The Merciad isn’t printing next week ...

WEIRD Someone placed a mysterious trail of jelly beans leading from Old Main to Briggs.

The Merciad Editors Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Kristian Biega Marina Boyle Bernard Garwig Lauren Ganger Anthony Miller Maria Williams Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers

Positions Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor A&E Editor Opinion Editor Copy Editor Ad Manager Adviser

@mercyhurst.edu editormerciad editormerciad newsmerciad featuremerciad sportsmerciad entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad copymerciad admerciad kbowers

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110. Our phone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

What’s good about Hammermill Library have to be very quiet.

The second floor of the library

By Sarah is also great for group projects, as Klein there are the collaboration rooms.

Contributing writer There are also little nooks you can find on that level if you need The Hammermill Library is a to focus, away from other people. great resource.

The Reading Room is ideal for Personally, I utilize the library studying before finals or other frequently for homework because big tests. It is the quietest space it is a space where I can focus in the library, and you can choose and get a lot of work done. from tables and couches for areas I like how there is a variety of to work. spaces in the library for different One of my favorite spots in needs, whether I am working the library is the fourth floor area alone or with a group. right before the skybridge, as There are many different places there are comfortable chairs with within the library you can go to attached desks and it is rarely complete whatever work you have. crowded in the late evening.

I have always liked the Great Despite what I really enjoy Room where you can either go about the library, I wish there was by yourself or with a group of a wider selection of books. friends to study.

Most books in the There is a variety of tables, Hammermill Library are either couches and even computers purely nonfiction or very there for students to use. outdated.

The first floor of the library is For me, someone who likes perfect for meeting with a group to read fiction novels when I for a class project, since that level have the time, my options are has lots of tables and does not extremely limited.

In addition, it can be very difficult to locate specific books within the library.

Also, the Language Lab is in an obscure corner of the second floor, and I believe that that space would be best utilized as a study lounge for students.

I also feel as though not many people know that the lab is located there, and it would benefit the center to be moved to a more prominent spot on campus.

I also wish that the library was open later.

On weekdays it closes by midnight, although many students are still working on homework past that time.

By closing at midnight, it disrupts many students’ studying.

I know the 24/7 Lounge in the Center for Academic Engagement is available for students to use 24 hours a day.

However, it is not as comfortable and, personally, it is very difficult for me to work in that space, especially when I need to focus.

Kavanaugh confirmation now hinges mostly on perception California psychology professor, accused Kavanaugh of pinning

By Delvin her down and attempting to Ergott remove her clothes while he was Staff writer drunk at a high school party in the 1980s.

The biggest controversy Then, on Sept. 23, Deborah surrounding the White House Ramirez, a former classmate of this past week has been the Kavanaugh’s at Yale University, sexual assault allegations against came forward in The New President Donald Trump’s Yorker accusing him of exposing second Supreme Court nominee, his genitals to her during a Judge Brett Kavanaugh. drinking game.

When his nomination was The first thing that must announced, it was almost certain be acknowledged with this is that he would be confirmed that the burden of proof for a despite concern that he could try confirmation hearing is not the to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade same as a criminal case.

Supreme Court ruling protecting This means that his guilt does abortion rights. not need to be proven beyond a Kavanaugh’s initial hearings reasonable doubt. in front of the Senate Judiciary Rather the accusations against Committee drew some attention. Kavanaugh must present a This was due to his reluctance reasonable doubt in his ability to definitively answer the to fulfill the duties of being a committee’s questions on several United States Supreme Court major topics. justice.

These topics included So, how credible are the presidential use of the selfallegations? pardon, health-care coverage for On their own, neither presents pre-existing conditions and his a particularly strong case. relationship to a member of the Many major details of the Trump legal team. case cannot be corroborated by Through all this, his those who knew the accusers and confirmation was still almost Kavanaugh. certain.

However, those same people This all changed on Sept. 16, have yet to present any evidence when Christine Blasey Ford, a that significantly contradicts the

claims of either woman accusing Kavanaugh.

Despite the idea gaining traction among some rightwing media outlets, the political alignment of the accusers is not a legitimate counter to their claims.

At this point, it seems that people have either convicted or vindicated Kavanaugh based on typical partisan lines when neither side has the evidence to truly support their arguments.

If this were a criminal case, the lack of evidence would give the advantage to the pro-Kavanaugh camp.

However, this confirmation hearing will depend much more heavily on the public’s and Senate Judiciary Committee’s perception of the allegations against Kavanaugh.

Given the pace at which this story has continued to develop, it is likely there will be more news about the Kavanaugh allegations before Ford testifies to the committee on Sept. 27.

In the event that no new damning information emerges, Ford will have to be incredibly persuasive to the committee in order for Kavanaugh to not be confirmed, as there is currently too much information left unconfirmed to make a convincing judgment.

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

OPINION

Registering to vote is your right

By Anthony Miller Opinion Editor

You’ve likely heard the speech I’m about to give before.

You might’ve heard it from your high school teachers, your college professors or even from your fellow students.

Point is, you’re about to hear it again.

Because no matter how redundant it may seem to some, the subject of the speech is of such a vital matter that it deserves to be shouted from the rooftops, again and again.

Today, we’re going to be talking about your right to vote, and how you can register to vote.

I know what you’re thinking right now: “But Anthony, wasn’t National Voter Registration Day yesterday?”

Well, yes, it was.

National Voter Registration Day might’ve technically been yesterday, but silly things like deadlines and timing have never stopped me from getting on my soapbox.

Now that we’ve disposed of that little inconsistency, we need to talk about the heart of the matter.

Your right to vote is the most important right you have.

It is the right that all the rest ultimately come back to.

It is a right that allows you to help change the course of society.

It is a right that lets you express the kind of society you want to create.

Some say that voting is useless.

Others say it takes too long to register.

The former is wrong for several reasons.

The first, and most pressing, is that some elections do come down to single votes.

Especially at the local level, where not as many people are able to participate.

The second reason this mentality is wrong is because it views voting as a singular activity.

It’s not.

It’s not just your single vote that matters, it is the votes of those you can mobilize.

It’s one thing to vote by yourself; it’s another to drag your friends and family to the ballot box.

The second is wrong in that it assumes registering to vote is some kind of months-long commitment, like getting a driver’s license.

It’s not. Registering to vote nowadays only takes a few hours.

On top of that, Pennsylvania has online voter registration.

Of course, the most important reason to vote is that it’s the most direct way to change the world in which we currently live.

And I know that most of you want to change this world for the better.

Hardly any of us are satisfied with the way things currently are.

Statistically speaking, only 16 percent of you actually approve of the job Congress is doing.

Truth is, you can post on Twitter about how awful (and make no mistake, it is awful), the current political situation is all you want. If you don’t vote, nothing will change.

And if nothing changes, if the current status quo holds, things will get worse.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from studying American politics, it is that things can always get worse.

On top of that, it’s important to vote in all elections, not just the big ones.

There is an election, a major one, just over a month away.

Make no mistake, the midterm elections this year are pivotal for everybody.

It may not be a presidential election, but it may as well be as important as one.

Imagine a big news story in American politics from the past few months that is still ongoing.

There is a near 100 percent change that the ending of that story will be determined purely though this upcoming midterm election.

And going down to the local level, local elections are everything.

They may not be anywhere near as flashy as something like a presidential election, but they make all the difference.

The effect that local elections have in your life cannot be understated.

They impact everything you see around you in your daily life, just maybe not in ways that are as visible as we are used to.

Ultimately, your right to vote is vital to everything.

Don’t let it go to waste just because it takes some time to register.

It only takes a bit of a time to exercise the most important of all your rights.

‘The Nun’ thrilling, not terrifying someone who is down in the dumps and looking for excitement.

Cohen It takes place at an old castle Staff writer in Transylvania where a demon preys on nuns with a malevolent I have, since the fall of 2015 agenda. when I mastered “Insidious: The castle stands surrounded Chapter 2,” been a big fan at by dark woods, which is probably mastering the scariest movies that what most people imagine when have been produced. they think of a Transylvania.

Many of these films have failed The most thrilling aspect of to scare me to a satisfactory the film is the setting. degree.

Most of it takes place in an I’m always looking to see more area that is not only is in a very of them. remote location, but one that has I saw “The Nun” with my not conformed to the modern roommates on Sept. 9, and I world. survived it, as did they.

It is a unique setting that really Ultimately, I would say that adds to the movie. it is more a thriller than a scary The castle is also ancient and movie. has been experiencing horrors However, it did have plenty of for centuries. jumpscares and intense moments The climactic battle of the if that is what you are looking movie is also pretty exciting to for. watch.

It is the perfect movie for There is another reason to

By Paul

check out this movie, and that is its connection to the “Conjuring” movies.

The movies in the “Conjuring” franchise deal with the ramifications of what happened in “The Nun.” If there was one thing I could say about this film, it is that it is surprisingly more exciting than scary.

When you have enough free time, such as on the weekend, you should invite some friends to go see “The Nun.” It is a movie I believe is worth watching, and you will have no regrets.

It is probably still in theaters so you should go as soon as possible.

It’ll probably be gone from there soon.

Many of my friends are not convinced, which is too bad, as I think they would enjoy it very much.

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked: What’s your favorite thing about Fall?

Katie Kirclich, senior Nursing major: “The pumpkin spice lattes!”

Hayley Ault, junior Biology major: “My favorite part of Fall is the weather.”

Emma Dennis, sophomore Biochemistry major: “My favorite part of the Fall is watching all the leaves change color.”

Hannah Johnson, senior Biology and Neuroscience major: “I think I like the holidays the most.”

Compiled by Anthony Miller

Homecoming great for all

By Lauren

Abbott

Editor in chief

Homecoming was a great experience this year, and personally, was the best Homecoming I’ve been to so far.

To start, the weather this year was gorgeous. Last year, Homecoming was fun, but it was dampened a bit by the cold weather that caused everyone to be huddled and bundled up throughout the weekend.

Personally, I love the heat, so having a weekend with hot weather was just perfect.

The bonfire on Friday night was a great time for the entire school to come together, hang out, and cheer on not only our football team, but all the other sports teams competing

that weekend. My favorite part of the bonfire was the deconstructed s’mores that they served, they were absolutely delicious.

The icing on the cake for the weekend was that we won the Homecoming game!

I really only pay attention to football on two days, Homecoming and Super Bowl Sunday.

So being able to watch Mercyhurst win and play a good game that had me on the edge of my seat during the last few minutes was a great experience.

And, most importantly, the weekend was a great opportunity for me to see some old friends who have graduated and came back for the weekend.

It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends even when you move far away, and it really does cement the fact that Hurst is Home.

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Hockey honors alumni

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

The stars aligned on Saturday night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center, where the Mercyhurst women’s ice hockey program celebrated its 20th anniversary and honored its storied past.

Before the current iteration of the program faced the Canadian Women’s Hockey League’s Markham Thunder, a ceremony honored the program and former players, including such notable names as Vicki Bendus, 2010 winner of the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, given to the top female college ice hockey player in the U.S.; CJ Ireland, a four-time captain; and members of the Class of 2003, the program’s first.

The ceremony concluded with the retiring of Ireland’s No. 17, a number that hadn’t been issued since 2007 but was not formally retired until Saturday night.

The retirement marks the third in as many years for Laker athletics, succeeding Ryan Zapolski (men’s hockey) in February and David Lough (baseball) in 2016.

Mercyhurst hockey player Scott Burfoot’s number was retired in 1996.

“It’s a huge honor, (regarding) the number of players that walked

through these doors, and to be honored among them is pretty special,” said Ireland. “I can only assume that (Zapolski and Burfoot) are a great group to be honored amongst.”

After the ceremony, the current team squared off with the Markham Thunder.

The Thunder proved slightly too much to handle for the No. 10 Lakers, taking a 3-1 victory and scoring all of their goals before the third period.

However, the contest was a necessary experience for the team, especially the five incoming freshmen, as preparations continue before the season opens in Minneapolis on Sept. 28.

“I’m just going to rest and get ready mentally for Minnesota and just come out strong, and I want to be more confident on the ice,” freshman Liliane Perreault said after her first collegiate action. “I definitely want to keep improving my game, my skills, (my skating), but for my first game, I can take a lot out of it and keep working hard.”

Starting one of those freshmen in Emily Pinto did not appear to backfire on Lakers head coach Michael Sisti, however, as the Thunder beat goalie Kennedy Blair for the first time early, but not in that

opening shift.

The Thunder’s Jamie Lee Rattray went unassisted just 3:46 into the contest, but the Lakers would only allow five more shots in the first period of their sole preseason contest.

The passing began with Pinto finding Molly Blasen before Emma Nuutinen found the equalizer with 12.8 left on the clock.

But the Thunder were quick to flip the script in the second, sending Perreault off for a hold at 7:03 and Vilma Tanskanen for a slash three minutes later before the Thunder’s Daniella Matteucci beat Blair just 31 seconds into the advantage.

They duplicated the feat with 1:15 remaining in the second after Laker Summer-Rae Dobson was booked for hooking, as the Thunder’s Jenna McParland and Taylor Woods combined to find Nicole Kosta.

The Thunder then built a 16-8 shot advantage over the first 40 minutes, a margin that would be reduced to five by game’s-end.

“I think we’re just getting the puck deep and forechecking hard on them that seemed to overwhelm them a little bit. I don’t Marco Cicchino photo think their defense could handle it, maybe, as well as we could in CJ Ireland, ’03 alumna and former captain of the women’s ice hockey program, poses with her now-retired number. our end,” Matteucci said.

MU field hockey falls to Mansfield University

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

By the time Katie Ballew hit Tullio Field turf in the 64th minute on Sept. 19, a Mercyhurst field hockey unit starved for offense and looking to make an early-season statement knew that task was about to get that much harder.

An injury on the Lakers’ Clare Ahern allowed the Mansfield Mountaineers to improve to 4-1 on the young season, overcoming Alexis Skibitsky’s icebreaker in the 39th minute and leaving winners with a 2-1 victory.

With new assistant coach Cayla Slade the final link between the current roster and the last in 2014 to even make the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) tournament, the Lakers (1-3 after the game; now 1-4) sought to tell the rest of the conference they were done rebuilding and finally coming after them.

Both Mountaineer tallies came as part of an 8-4 shot advantage in the second half, but the game’s narrative was flipped with 6:38 left in regulation. A grounder pickup from Leah Rogers at the Mountaineer 28 saw her drive up the west sideline before sending

a diagonal backhand at the 22 that was picked up by Mansfield’s Madison Wilinsky and sent to Mikaila Chakon at the 13, sending Ballew over near the Laker sideline to cover her from about eight yards out.

They arrived at the 19 with Chakon on the outside, where they took a few steps as Ballew tried to wrestle the ball away from her, but she tripped and fell at the 23 after it appeared that Chakon may have bumped into her.

Ballew then rolled over and waited on medical personnel.

She was able to walk off the field under her own power and returned to the lineup in East Stroudsburg this past Saturday Sept. 20.

All three goals were scored in the second half, Skibitsky’s second of the season coming just 3:57 after intermission.

Ballew started the sequence at the Mountaineer 41, wrestling the ball from Mansfield’s Megan Griffin and allowing Mercyhurst’s Katelyn Smith to launch a pass into the circle to Skibitsky before she dumped the ball off to her left, caught the pass from Ballew, and beat goalkeeper Brittany Ryan on the far side.

But Skibitsky would be substituted for Alexandria Shumsky three and a half minutes later, allowing Mansfield’s Dana Evans to catch Christie Buyer’s outlet pass at the west end of the Laker 12 and curve to the inside, ward off two Laker defenders, and sent a horizontal pass to Mountaineer Emily Sadowski on the other end of the circle.

The pass caught Mansfield’s Larissa Motts even with Victoria Triaga and Rogers next to the right pipe, allowing her to send her third of the season to the open area of the cage at 43 minutes in.

A scoreless sequence of eight and a half minutes ensued before the Mountaineers’ Gabby Hieber intercepted Christina Mertz’s clear and avoided Maeve Magee — who had come over from the 30 to help Smith break up the pass — at the Laker 25½-yard line.

With a diagonal outlet pass to Motts, Hieber jutted out of Smith’s reach before forcing the Lakers’ Abigail D’Amato inside to the 7 and continuing diagonally.

D’Amato caught Motts’ horizontal pass to the circle, but the blade of her stick sent the ball to

a waiting Evans at the 2½ before she curved inward to avoid Mertz and find Evans in the slot for her second of the season at 16:17 of the second half.

“We’ve had a dominance in the circle, which has really set us apart,” Evans said. “We had to keep our composure and not let up, they scored the first goal so we just had to really focus on coming back and playing ... as hard as we could.”

The two defenses held their own over the first 35 minutes; the Mountaineers, however, were unable to fully get to Triaga despite a 6-1 shot advantage in the first half and the Lakers not falling victim to 36 first-half fouls.

Both sides failed to convert all seven of their respective corners, three of which came in the first for each side as the Lakers looked to shore up their defensive unit after allowing two goals in the final minute in Indiana on Sept. 10.

The Mountaineers then outshot their hosts 8-4 in the second, forcing Triaga into five saves.

Skibitsky, Smith and Shumsky recorded the only shots-on-goal against Ryan, both of her saves coming respective on 45 and 50 minutes.

COMING UP

LET’S GO,

LAKERS! Sept. 28-29, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 7:07 and 4:07 p.m.: Women’s ice hockey vs.

University of Minnesota Sept. 29, Mercyhurst Soccer Field @ 1:30 p.m.: Women’s soccer vs.

Kutztown University Sept. 30, Mercyhurst Soccer Field @ 2 p.m.: Men’s soccer vs. Davis and Elkins College Oct. 2, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 7:05 p.m.: Volleyball vs. Gannon University

FOLLOW THE MERCIAD ON FACEBOOK AND T WITTER WITH #THEMERCIAD

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

SPORTS

PAGE 15

MU’s Hepfinger remembered

By Ryan Palm

Contributing writer

On Sept. 16, the Mercyhurst community lost a historic icon.

Longtime Mercyhurst employee and diehard athletic supporter Joe Hepfinger passed away at the age of 88.

During my student years from Fall 2003 through Spring 2007, I’m not sure there was a single face that was more iconic of Mercyhurst athletics than Joe Hep. While I was a student in 2004, I penned a memorial piece in the Merciad for Sister Damien Mlechick, also a longtime Hurst Athletics supporter.

I felt an equal need to write this piece today to make sure Joe’s lifelong dedication to Mercyhurst does not go unnoticed by our current students.

Joe had a learning disability and was not always able to speak his mind clearly – but he rarely forgot a face, and he would yell across the gym to get your attention just to say hello.

He served as Sergeant of Arms for Student Government for a couple of decades, faithfully sitting through two-hour meetings on Monday evenings just to pro-

Contributed photo

Joe Hepfinger, seated at center, with members the 2005-06 MSG Executive Board. Seated with him are Jennifer Ciccone, ’07, and Dan Schuler, ’07. Standing are Ryan Palm, ’07, left, and Michael Nichols, ’07.

vide us with an update of which home teams were in action that week.

Joe started at Mercyhurst in 1971 helping with maintenance

of the baseball field, and up until just recently was a fixture at the team’s home opener in throwing out the first pitch.

He took thousands of tickets

reminding you that “you’re still my buddy.”

He bled blue and green, and he made sure all his friends at the nursing home where he spent his final years knew he was a part of the Mercyhurst family.

If you think I’m exaggerating about Joe’s presence on campus, take a look at the Mercyhurst University Alumni Network page on Facebook and read the comments when we posted news of his passing — it is incredible.

“You were the biggest Laker fan that ever lived” ... “Legend” ... “Can never forget Joe Hep” ... “Joe was an institution and he loved the Hurst” ... “He is one of my favorite people from my Mercyhurst days” — and on and on.

Joe loved Mercyhurst as much as any person I’ve ever met, and I have no doubt that he and Sister Damien are having a “comfortable cup of tea” and watching down on our Lakers each and every day.

May God bless their souls and remind us all how proud we should be to be Mercyhurst Lakers.

over the years at hockey games, and swept the MAC floor more Ryan Palm is Associate Vice Presthan any of us could count. ident for Advancement at Mercyhurst.

And he did it with a smile, al- He served as the Sports editor of the ways saying hello, and constantly Merciad from 2004 to 2007

MU women’s soccer 4-3-1 after weekend

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

After allowing a combined 10 goals against the eastern powers earlier this month, Laker head coach Jon Arlet realized it was necessary to shore up his defense if he wanted to have any kind of success in his first season heading the women’s soccer program.

His team did just that on Sept.

21, overcoming a 19-5 shot deficit to stick true to the team’s motto and hold fast, rebounding with a scoreless draw against the 25thranked Bloomsburg Huskies.

Overall, this is the program’s best result against a ranked opponent since upsetting then-No. 23 Seton Hill in September 2017.

Finishing at 4-3-1 on the young season while 2-3-1 in-conference, this represents the program’s best seven-game start to a season in the past three years, when the 2016 squad also started 3-3-1 but stumbled to a .500 record.

Already Laker goaltender Vilde Wold (4-3-1, 1.46) had her third shutout on the young season.

Wold, a junior, has lowered her goals-against average by an entire goal over her past five games, with her 47 saves now second in the PSAC. On this occasion, her 12 stops represent just two off her career-high against Slippery Rock last October, eight of them

coming in the second half.

After a more evenly matched opening stanza that saw just five shots and three corners combined, the game was sent into a lightning delay at the half.

The Huskies came out of the intermission sparkling, as the Huskies (4-2-1, all PSAC) fired 16 of their 19 shots at Wold after halftime, five in the two overtime periods.

Bloomsburg’s Jessica Milligan was the closest to breaking the tie, as three of her four shots went directly on goal, including a header in the 96th minute that Wold was able to recover after Bloomsburg’s Lauren Hoelke launched the penultimate of the Huskies’ six corners.

At 105 minutes, Wold made three saves against the Huskies — two from Nicole Varano and one from Allie Barber — that sent her to the turf of Mercyhurst Soccer Field.

That preserved the shutout and prevented the Huskies from coming within a half-game of Kutztown and Millersville in the conference rankings by winning.

An earlier barrage of four shots alternating between Bloomsburg’s Barber and Rachel Clouser beginning at 85 minutes also failed to escape, and a shot each from Varano and Milligan couldn’t break the ice before the 59-minute mark.

Wold “had an insane game,”

Bloomsburg’s Natalie Holmes said after the game. “She kept the ball out of that net. She was amazing.”

But the Huskies equaled Wold with their midfield play, allowing only one shot directly on Huskies goalkeeper Jenna Hawkins (4-2-1, 0.55) en-route to her fifth shutout of the campaign.

A corner kick from Mercyhurst’s Maya Bauer on 82 minutes eventually reached the head of fellow Laker Jinan Abdalah, but Hawkins turned it aside and prevented any momentum building for the hosts after they were caught offside two minutes later.

The Huskies’ midfield unit of Holmes, Taya Naudascher and Mackenzie Gebhardt held the hosts without a shot on goal for the first 82 minutes of the game and also didn’t allow another after Abdalah’s header.

“Our midfield is very crucial.

We have to make sure that we always win balls in the midfield 50/50s, and if we can’t can get it to our wide players, ... (we) just keep our composure,” Holmes said.

While the Lakers didn’t get the score against the Huskies, they picked up a 1-0 win against Pitt-Johnstown on Sept. 23.

Look for Mercyhurst women’s soccer team on Sept. 29, as they take on Kutztown University at 1:30 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Soccer Field.

Jill Marcellin photo

The Mercyhurst men’s soccer team faced Bloomsburg University on Sept. 21. The Lakers fell to the Huskies 4-2.

Men’s soccer splits for two

By Breonna Bailey

Staff writer

The Mercyhurst men’s soccer team walked away with a loss and a win in this weekend’s PSAC contests against Bloomsburg and Pitt-Johnstown.

On Sept. 21, the Mercyhurst men’s soccer team fell to PSAC opponent Bloomsburg University 4-2 at the Mercyhurst Soccer Field. Mario Castel scored the only Laker goals. His first goal cut Bloomsburg’s lead to 2-1. The first goal was assisted by Alex Garcia Piles. Then, his second goal cut the lead to 3-2.

The Lakers out-shot Bloomsburg 20-11 but lost the edge in

corner kicks, where Bloomsburg held a 7-6 advantage.

On Sept. 23, the Mercyhurst team defeated University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown 2-0.

Henri Tophoven recorded both Laker goals in the second half of the game. His second goal was assisted by Ruben Calvo. Laker goaltender Martin Jarc made two saves, recording a shut-out.

Calvo had two shots for the Lakers. Garcia Piles had four shots on goal. Castel had three shots. Mercyhurst finished with a 25-4 shot advantage and a 12-0 edge in corner kicks.

The Lakers return to action at home on Sept. 26 against Salem University with a 3:30 p.m. start.

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle