The Merciad September 15 Issue

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

| W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 1

| VOL. 95 NO. 2

To reduce the spread of germs, please take this copy with you or recycle after reading.

Mercyhurst reflects on the 9/11 attacks PAGE 9

Online poll results

We asked: What is your

Photo Credits: Mercyhurst Marketing, Alli Hess

favorite thing about fall?

Sweaters!

Pretty leaves

2: Campus Ministry hosts Fall Getaway 11: Faculty performs first showcase since early 2020 14: Men’s soccer wins first game of the season

Cooler weather

PAGE 2 Pumpkins/pumpkin spice everything

This week’s

POLL

What is your favorite thing about fall?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

PAGE 2

NEWS

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Campus Ministry hosts Fall Getaway

By Olivia Gaffron Staff writer

It is that time of the year again: the temperatures are dropping, the sweaters and hoodies are being unpacked, pumpkin lattes are carried to class and students are beginning to feel the stress from the homework that is starting to be unleashed.

Luckily, this past weekend on Sept. 10, Campus Ministry offered the perfect solution: the annual Fall Getaway.

Advertised as a chance to get off campus, many students see it as an opportunity to take a breather from the already busy semester and meet some new friends.

The night’s events included a

few icebreaker games, glow in the dark capture the flag, a game of kickball, a bonfire and a cookout.

It also gave students already involved in campus ministry a chance to lead small group discussions, including senior Amari Galloway. “I would say my favorite part of the fall getaway was leading the small groups. It was an amazing opportunity and I got the opportunity to meet new people. I really liked everything honestly.”

Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions leader, and another small group leader, senior Morgan Dinsmore said, “I think the fall getaway was exactly what everyone needed last week. It was a good time away from all our stress and responsibilities. My personal

favorite part was the kickball game and getting to know everyone!”

If you missed out on this past Friday’s fun, don’t worry, Campus Ministry offers many other fun activities.

The Carpe Diem Retreat is set to happen on the weekend of Oct. 1 at the Villa Maria Retreat Center. Sign up for the retreat on the Mercyhurst HUB page before Sept. 17.

Some of Campus Ministry’s other events and programs are: MYRACLE (Mercyhurst Youth Retreats and Catholic Leadership Education), which is a group of students that host retreats for the youth in the Erie diocese.

Sip & Stitch Crafting meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in

Contributed photo

Contributed photo

the Campus Ministry lounge.

Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions also happens every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Chapel in the Student Union.

Every second week of the month, the Catholic Devotions group meets in Christ the King Chapel for Eucharistic Adoration.

Wednesday Night Fellowship takes place every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. in the Prince of Peace Chapel.

Thursday Night Bible Study meets on every Thursday in the Prince of Peace chapel to discuss different Bible passages and apply them to daily life.

The Women’s Book Club meets each week to read and discuss a Christian book.

There are many ways to get involved in Mercyhurst Campus Ministry if you are interested in doing so.

If you would like to give Campus Ministry a try, but don’t know where to start, you can always contact Michelle Scully at mscully@mercyhurst.edu with questions and concerns.

You can also reach out to Fr. Jim Piszker or Sister Natalie Rossi, or Jenell Patton who are happy to chat with you. Campus Ministry is a welcoming community to everyone.

For more information, please check out Campus Ministry on the HUB and follow @hurstcampusmin on Instagram to stay up to date.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo

NEWS

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

By Bella Lee

There are a variety of warning signs that you should be aware of when someone is at risk of TW: Mention of suicide, suicide. These include feeling symptoms of depression, extreme depression, guilt, or suicide awareness shame; feeling hopeless; talking September is National Suicide about or preoccupation with Prevention Awareness Month, death or suicide; preparing for which is a crucially important death (including updating or time, especially for those who preparing a will, giving away are struggling with suicidal possessions, or taking steps to thoughts or have lost a loved access lethal means such as buyone to suicide. ing a firearm, acquiring quanSuicide is currently ranked tities of pills/medication, and number 10 in leading causes of researching ways to die); and death for all age groups. exhibiting a dramatic change in Suicidal thoughts could come behavior (including withdrawal as a result of many traumatizing from friends or usual activities, events, such as the death of a increased alcohol and/or drug loved one, bullying at school use, difficulties in sleeping or or living in an unsafe environeating, and decreased self-care). ment.

If you suspect that a loved Staff writer

one is contemplating suicide, follow the ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) Model.

First, ask them if they are thinking of ending their life.

Research has shown that someone with suicidal thoughts often feels relief when someone asks in a caring way.

Next, show them that you care by listening to them and offering your support.

Finally, escort them from any source of harm and make sure they don’t remain by themselves.

In the worst-case scenario, take your loved one to the emergency room to make sure they’re cared for or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and

follow their guidance.

While suicide is the number 10 leading cause of death across all age groups, it is the second leading cause among 15–24-year-olds. This is often due to this being the age range where the most life changes occur, such as going into the work force or seeking higher education. These factors often leave this age group feeling lost and lonely.

Additionally, there is one death by suicide in the United States every 12 minutes as well as and 25 attempts for every death, which adds up to 105 Americans dying by suicide daily and over 38,000 Americans taking their lives annually.

In most countries, suicide

rates among men are twice or thrice as much as rates among women, mainly due to men being unable to express their negative feelings out of fear of being perceived as “not manly enough.”

Being a teenager and a young adult is a difficult time, especially in this day and age. This month, and every chance you get, be sure to check in on your friends and make sure they’re okay.

You never know what someone else is going through or how many lives you could potentially save just by checking up on those you care about.

Beyond The Gates resumes in person

By Sarah Beck Contributing writer Beyond The Gates (BTG) is a one credit course that every Mercyhurst University student takes in their sophomore or junior year. BTG was started in 2016, giving students a chance to go into the community to volunteer.

This opportunity provides a space to realize that we are not only members of the University, but also a part of the much larger world community.

This course has been evolving and adapting over the past few years due to the current conditions of the global pandemic.

This year’s BTG program looks much different from last year’s, which looks much different from the previous years, so on and so forth.

During the academic year of 2020-2021, BTG had to pull away from its original structure because of COVID-19. The experience was made to be virtual, unfortunately resulting in giving

it “More of a class feel than an experience,” said Alex Simpson, a junior Graphic Design major who was in BTG last year.

Because of COVID restrictions, BTG had to take away the most important part of the experience, the hands-on, in-person volunteer work within the local Erie community.

This did not sit well with some of the students.

One student that took BTG last year, who chooses to remain anonymous, said “It was just a bunch of prerecorded lectures from people who run the organizations that we would have been serving that we had to watch and reflect on. I gained nothing from that because it was just a bunch of videos about what we would be doing instead of actually doing something. As young and active members of the community we really just sat back and did nothing. I think that bothered me a lot because COVID was when there was the most need in the community.”

Despite the challenges that COVID presented the program with, Nicholas Carso, a junior Exercise Science major said, “I gained some knowledge and a taste of what it means to love and serve other people selflessly.”

Even though Carso experienced BTG virtually, he says, “I still gained perspective from reading, talking with teachers and classmates on Zoom, and reflecting on what speakers were saying.”

It is very exciting to note that Mercyhurst students are allowed to go back out into the community this year.

Students who are currently in BTG are already out in the community doing hands-on volunteer work and are making meaningful connections with the BTG community partners.

Simpson said, “I am happy that Beyond The Gates is back to being in-person because helping the community is a better experience than learning about why we help without being able to help.”

This year, BTG is in a hybrid model due to current COVID restrictions. Due to this hybrid version of the class, there are a few academic requirements such as reflection journals, simulations that teach ethical consequences, watching a presentation by Greg Baker, D.Min. about the mission of BTG, and the eight hours of in-person community service.

When being placed in volunteer locations, students are able to tailor their experience by choosing between a few broad categories such as housing and hunger, diversity and inclusion, children and youth, as well as health, wellness and aging.

Carso said, “I would advise students to pick a BTG category that truly interests you because then you will retain the most information and enjoy the experience.”

Once you have chosen your category, Bethany Woods, associate director of Community Engagement, works to get you into a site that will be meaningful to

Find this Panera coupon on the HUB!

your interests.

According to Woods BTG is “A way to make the sisters of Mercy mission come into something tangible. Mercyhurst service learning, as a pedagogical thing, where you volunteer and then think about what you did and what you experienced. BTG is a mutually beneficial experience for Mercyhurst, the Mercyhurst students, and our partners.”

One of her favorite parts about the program is when students are positively impacted by the experience they have when serving.

She loves when students are able to identify and recognize that the life experiences that we have are not the same as other people.

“To understand another person is to be proximal to them,” said Woods.

Beyond The Gates is a very rewarding experience for everyone in the community.

It is beyond exciting to see students go back into the community to really get the full experience of BTG this year.

NEWS

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Merciad IN A MINUTE Report your vaccination Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine?

Make sure to report it to the school by visiting tinyurl.com/MUvaccine.

This form still needs to be completed even if you participated in the campus clinic.

Remember to still abide

by CDC and campus guidelines about mask wearing, social distancing and limiting contact, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Faculty Members Share 9/11 Stories

Two of the Mercyhurst faculty have a personal experience with 9/11.

On the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, Fred Hoffman and Dennis Dirkmaat have shared their stories.

You can access their stories on the university website or here: https:// www.mercyhurst.edu/ news/memories-of-911two-faculty-membersshare-personal-stories

National Hispanic Heritage Month Mercyhurst is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with a number of events.

This includes the Arte Hispano on Sept. 16, the “Lo Que Pasó, Pasó” Party on Sept. 29, and the Movie Night: “In The Heights” on Oct. 8.

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, so be sure to check it out!

Banana Split Bar at 501 Grille Even though we are in the transition from summer into fall, it is still warm enough to get yourself some ice cream!

The 501 Grille in Ryan Hall is holding a Banana Split Bar on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Make sure you go while supplies last and have fun!

Have a tip for Merciad in a Minute? Want to tell others about your club’s events?

Email us at merciad@ mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Vaccines provide hope

By Laren Reesman

Staff writer

In many ways, the COVID-19 vaccine allowed life to return to a modified normal. The most vulnerable groups—the elderly and immunocompromised—are now largely protected from hospitalization or death from COVID-19.

We can visit our grandparents and sick relatives; we can fly nationally and abroad again; we can give one another high fives, hugs and most importantly full-faced smiles.

Even with cases rising, hospitalizations and deaths among the vaccinated are low because they are guarded from the worst effects of COVID-19.

Judy Smith, Ph.D., director of the Health and Counseling Centers, reminds us that “even though we wish to be done with COVID-19, it is not yet done with us.”

Through the pandemic, Smith experienced the grief of students and faculty who lost family mem-

bers, who struggled in quarantine and even dealt with some who had more severe symptoms. She still has family in places with high case rates who describe current situations where people have died because of overwhelmed hospitals.

Vaccinations increased in Erie and nationally after the FDA fully approved the Pfizer vaccine in late August and as Delta variant cases rose. Smith said “continued education and dialogue remain important” if we are to truly overcome the pandemic.

Negative impacts of the virus are already weak among college-age students and younger, but the vaccine appears to have lowered those risks even further.

Despite this uplifting news, there are concerns within the Mercyhurst community because positive cases were found in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Smith said this is why the Mercyhurst community follows a layered approach that is likely to lead to gradually reduced restric-

tions.

Discrepancies in protocol for vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals on campus is another factor to consider. A vaccinated person labeled a close contact is simply instructed to wear a mask at all times around other people and proceed with more caution while they await test results or through the 14 days following exposure. Even though they can still transmit the virus, they are not required to quarantine.

If an individual is named a close contact but unvaccinated, Mercyhurst mandates a quarantine for 14 days and does not permit the option to submit a negative test and get out early.

Beyond Mercyhurst’s policies, a future that requires proof of vaccination to get into concerts, movies and even the workplace looms closer each day. Other universities are much stricter with their mandates and have threatened to remove unvaccinated students from attending school.

Yet, Smith said, no vaccine

guarantees you are “bullet proof ” and can resume all activities as normal.

People have followed CDC guidelines for over a year, and the push to get vaccinated is nothing new. However, institutional and governmental requirements are mounting anger and frustration within communities nationwide.

“Situations where fear, lack of knowledge or people’s difficulty recognizing how they affect the welfare of others leaves me discouraged at times, yet the positives always prevail before long,” Smith said.

Positivity is a key takeaway for Smith as she feels fortunate that Erie’s health care system was never hit as hard as other areas.

The real question is how we move through the remainder of this pandemic. Free access to an overall reliable vaccine is only a piece of that dilemma; another is what decisions will be made by individuals going forward.

STUDY ABROAD coming back

STUDY ABROAD FAIR PLANNED FOR

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 – Student Union Great Room Stop by to learn more about our SPRING 2022 Programs in

Ireland, Greece and Costa Rica Information also available on Semester/Summer programs abroad

Pizza, Refreshments, Prizes SPRING 2022 – MERCYHURST IN DUNGARVAN, IRELAND • Full term study abroad - 8 Weeks in Ireland • Numerous excursions and activities including independent travel - Weekend trips to Dublin and Galway

SPRING 2022 Faculty Student Academic Travel (FSAT) Programs in GREECE and COSTA RICA For more information and an application visit our website:

STUDENT HUB – ACADEMICS – STUDY ABROAD Questions? Email studyabroad@meryhurst.edu Office of Global Programs – Preston 101/105

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

NEWS

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Horse de-wormer ineffective against COVID This weekend’s campus events STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Bella Lee Staff writer

First bleach, then fish tank cleaner, now horse de-wormer?

And yet, people are still concerned about what’s in the COVID vaccine.

That’s right. In the most recent uninformed attempt to treat COVID, individuals are choosing to take Ivermectin, a horse and cow de-wormer, as an ineffective, and even harmful, form of protection against the virus.

The FDA even came out on Twitter with a statement saying, “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.”

While Ivermectin is approved for use (not for COVID) in both humans and animals, animal dosages are often much higher than what humans can handle. In a statewide alert, the Mississippi Poison Control Center mentioned that over 70% of calls made were from individuals that had taken Ivermectin from livestock supply centers.

There are approved uses for Ivermectin in both people and animals,” said epidemiologist Dr.

Paul Byers in a statement.

“Patients should be advised to not take any medications intended to treat animals and should be instructed to only take Ivermectin as prescribed by their physician.”

This is not the first time, that misinformation has been spread about what can be used to prevent the spread of COVID. The first time this happened was last year, when former President Donald Trump jokingly suggested small dosages of bleach to combat the disease.

This was a dangerous comment to make, as some individuals took this seriously, especially in the midst of mass confusion about what should and shouldn’t be done to protect oneself from the virus.

Fish tank cleaner was also something that many attempted to consume to protect themselves from COVID. However, the most prominent false treatment that most are aware of is hydroxychloroquine, commonly used to treat malaria.

While this is fortunately a human medication, it was, yet again, ineffective in stopping COVID in-

fections.

As the CDC has recommended for the past year and a half, the best solution to stopping the spread of COVID is wearing a mask (especially if you’re not fully vaccinated), closely monitoring ones own health for symptoms and social distancing.

It is also crucial that we wash our hands on a regular basis or use hand sanitizer that is no less than 70% alcohol when there are no sinks around. Remember, hand-washing is most effective when you wash under warm water with soap for at least twenty seconds.

At the time of this writing, there have been nearly 680,000 deaths in the United States from COVID. We need to do everything we can to mitigate the spread and ultimately eliminate COVID for good.

However, it is important to follow science-based and expert-recommended preventions and treatments instead of ingesting horse de-wormer to prevent COVID.

Health and Safety Inspections conducted by ResLife

By Raylynn Chraston

the residents step out into the hall. Additionally, students will need to wear a mask while the inspection takes place. If no one This week, the Residence Life Office began conducting health is at the residence, the RAs will and safety inspections within the then use a master key to enter the room. residential areas.

The main things that the RAs Throughout the year, the are determining is whether the Residence Life staff will conduct such inspections as need to living spaces are clean and have no maintenance issues as well as ensure the health and safety of making sure there are no illegal those living on campus.

These inspections are seen as substances or alcohol if the residents are under the age of 21. a vital part of what the Office If any illegal or prohibited of Residence Life and Student Conduct does, especially during items are found during these inspections, they will be confiscata pandemic. Mercyhurst’s main ed in accordance with the Congoal is to keep our community fiscation Policy and the residents as safe and healthy as possible. will be adjudicated through the Additionally, Residence Life conduct system according to the is looking for anything that Student Handbook. needs to be repaired in campus While in a pandemic, health rooms and apartments before it and safety practices are a vital becomes an emergency. part of the campus functionDuring these inspections, the RAs will come to each room ing. In alignment with recomand apartment to check for any mendations from the Center for Disease Control and the issues.

Normally, RAs will send out State of Pennsylvania regarding COVID-19, to review room an email a couple days beforecleanliness, Health & Safety hand so students are prepared inspections may be conducted for them to come as well as more frequently than once per remind everyone that these inmonth. spections will be conducted.

The students are required To begin, the RAs will knock on the door to announce them- to maintain a safe, healthy, and selves before entering the room. hygienic living environment.

In addition, if there is a If students are there when the RAs arrive they may ask that problem or condition that needs Staff writer

to be corrected, the students will be given an opportunity to make the necessary alterations or adjustments.

However, failure to comply with mandated adjustments will result in the students being adjudicated through the conduct system.

All in all, there is not anything to fear when it comes to the health and safety inspections. The Office of Residence Life and Student Conduct in conjunction with the University is taking precautions to keep us on campus and maintain the health and safety of the community. Therefore, if students keep their living spaces clean and do not have possession of illegal or prohibited substances, they will be able to pass the inspection that is conducted.

For more information on this topic, view the Student Handbook, which is available online through the Mercyhurst HUB page.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Sept. 9: Extortion in Duval Sept. 10: Disorderly conduct in Egan Cafe Sept. 11: Liquor Law Violation in Student Union

PAGE 6

NEW AT HURST

FEATURES

Annual ambassador pledge process resumes once again

By Alexis Lovewell

Contributing writer

By Bella Lee Staff writer

This school year marks an exceptional one for many reasons. Of those many reasons, the university welcomed twenty-seven new faculty and staff members. Within that group, Allison Hess, the new Digital Campaigns Coordinator in the Marketing and Brand Management Department, joins the Mercyhurst community.

A life-long Erie Native, Hess is ecstatic to be working in her hometown. A graduate from Gannon University, Hess obtained a bachelor’s in Advertising and Communications and a Marketing minor. While at Gannon, she spent three of her four years working in their Marketing department as one of the student Integrated Marketing Team Members. “I was able to get a great hands-on learning experience working in an environment that exposed me to real-life scenarios,” Hess said.

The experience that she received while at Gannon helped influence Hess’ decision to come to none other than Gannon’s rival in Mercyhurst. “I chose to continue my professional career at Mercyhurst because I loved being able to work with a team and collaborate while I was a student worker previously. I was excited for the opportunity to be able to bring the skills I gained and apply them to another university setting,” Hess said.

Although her time here has been short, Hess definitely feels at home. “The thing I have liked most so far is getting to know my team and the university as a whole, which has already welcomed me with open arms and feels like home,” Hess said. “I may have been a Gannon Knight, but I am definitely proud to call myself a Laker now!”

In her free time, Hess can often be found reading.

Like many, Hess is a fan of thrillers and true crime podcasts. Since June, Hess has been an asset to the Branding and Marketing Department.

“My favorite thing about Mercyhurst is that everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and I feel like I have met a lot of people outside of my department, which you don’t hear of happening everywhere,” said Hess.

Currently, Hess is thriving in the department and is continuing to establish and upkeep the Mercyhurst brand both in-person and through virtual settings. She is bound to do great things while she’s here. If you happen to cross paths with her, be sure to say hello.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Mercyhurst Ambassadors are preparing for the annual pledge process here on campus this fall.

The Ambassadors are an organization here at Mercyhurst that provides training for several students who provide tours for potential Mercyhurst students, work several campus events and serve as the keepers of the Mercyhurst tradition.

Ambassadors at Mercyhurst work directly with the University’s Admissions to represent the school and the extensive history that the Sisters of Mercy have created for Mercyhurst.

Ambassadors hold a crucial role on campus since they are one of the first people that interact with incoming and potential students at Mercyhurst University. The impression they give these students can make or break that student’s decision about coming to Mercyhurst or not, therefore Ambassadors are trained well on campus.

This year’s pledge process to become an Ambassador has already been in the works for the past few weeks that students have been on campus.

Senior Dance major, Libby Bullinger, and senior Early Childhood Education and Special Education major, Mary Claire Cousins, are the two current Ambassador Pledge Chairs.

They oversee coordinating all the speakers that will come and present to the students interested in being an Ambassador to help teach them about the extensive history of Mercyhurst as well as future plans, and present events going on around campus.

“We had three information sessions last week that provided students that were interested in becoming an Ambassador with information about how to become one,” said Bullinger.

Pledges spend most of the semester learning about Mercyhurst through the guest speakers that Bullinger and Cousins invite for the students.

The semester for these future Ambassadors is quite extensive as they are preparing for a final exam, quizzes, a speech and finally a graded solo tour to be evaluated on their progress from their semester hard work.

If the students excel with all the work that they put in during the semester, they are finally admitted into the Ambassador organization and officially receive their green jackets.

With the information they learn throughout the fall semester, the students who get their green jackets are finally able to give tours to students and lead different events around campus.

You may remember your first campus visit and how important it was to have a cheerful, excited

Ambassador to show you around campus and introduce you to all the amazing things that Mercyhurst offers. Ambassadors have the responsibility of making sure that each student sees the most interesting and important things on campus that are specifically catered to them.

Although the organization does not have a set number that they recruit each year, it usually is about twenty new Ambassadors per year.

Ambassadors can continue their position for the rest of their time on campus after they receive their green jackets.

The Ambassadors have been a beloved organization on campus for many years now. With COVID-19, it is been exceptionally challenging to showcase the organization. Although, like all things that the pandemic has impacted, they have adapted. This year the organization is thrilled to be hosted another year of pledges and are excited about the remainder of the semester.

Becoming an Ambassador takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and it is not like joining other clubs on campus where you can just say that you are interested and join the club and not participate.

Ambassadors represent Mercyhurst University and are held to a high standard around campus and have the duty to serve our Mercyhurst community.

Fall Mercyhurst Magazine showcases new president, variety of alumni stories

By Samantha Weber Managing editor

The Mercyhurst Fall Magazine for 2021 is now available for reading. The thirty-six-page magazine covers a wide variety of topics. The cover of this feature is the thirteenth President of Mercyhurst University, Kathleen Getz, Ph.D. President Getz has a whole section dedicated to her prior experience before Mercyhurst and has a column with some of her favorites, so people can get to know her better on a more personal level.

The biggest stories in the magazine are the ones about President Getz, welcoming newcomers to Mercyhurst University, the nontraditional graduation in the past spring, preparation for the Centennial celebration and alumni class notes.

When deciding what stories go into the bi-annual magazine, Director of Marketing in the Department of Marketing & Brand Management, Sean Cuneo, tries to use stories that best reflect Mercyhurst.

“The news items often reflect the latest happenings on campus – new facilities, new faces, recent activities and achievements — and the alumni profiles are

opportunities to showcase the wonderful things our recent and not-so-recent graduates are doing out in the world,” Cuneo said.

The Office of Marketing and Public Relations oversees the publication of the Mercyhurst Magazine each year.

The magazine editors were Deborah W. Morton and Cuneo.

Leena M. Clint was in charge of the graphic design and layout of the publication. The contributing writers were Kristian Biega, Brandon Boyd, Craig Butler, Susan Hurley Corbran and Morton.

The creation of the magazine is a team effort - something that Cuneo values about the process.

“As a former newspaperman, I appreciate the teamwork required to produce a quality print product, from writers and editors to photographers, designers, and printers,” Cuneo said. “Seeing the magazine on press is always a thrill for me.”

Cuneo stated that the most important reason for the magazine is to keep Mercyhurst involved with the community.

“Keeping alumni in touch with Mercyhurst is certainly an important purpose of the magazine, as is helping the university maintain a high profile in the community,”

Cuneo said. “We have a lot going on at Mercyhurst, our alumni are doing impressive things and it behooves Mercyhurst to share that news with the world.”

The back cover of the magazine mentions the upcoming Homecoming Weekend, which will take place Sept. 24-26 - another major way that alumni can stay involved at Mercyhurst.

Alumni have access to a wide variety of activities during homecoming weekend, most are free and require no registration ahead of time, but there are some that cost money or registration, so be sure to check out https://www. mercyhurst.edu/alumni/homecoming/live to see all the options for the weekend.

If you are an alum of Mercyhurst and you have not been receiving the bi-monthly Alumni eNewsletter, update your email address at this website: https:// www.mercyhurst.edu/alumni/update.

If you are interested to learn more about getting involved as an alum, contact the alumni association or Director Lindsay Frank at lfrank@mercyhurst.edu.

Be sure to check out the Mercyhurst Magazine on the Mercyhurst website today!

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

FEATURES

Page 7

Laker Side Hustles: Chad-tees Inc.

By Gillian Mazur

Editor-in-chief

All throughout Mercyhurst history, Laker alums of past and present have emerged from the gates upon graduation with the same entrepreneurial spirit as the founding Sisters of Mercy.

With their Mercyhurst education in hand, alumni can confidently go out into the world ready to face the challenges of owning and running their own business in the modern-day.

However, not all Lakers wait till graduation to start up their own business; some start theirs while within the gates after finding their passion and others even begin their small business before even entering.

Sophomore Marketing major, Ethan Chadbourne, is one example of a current student who began his business before entering Mercyhurst’s campus. Chad-tees Inc. was started by Chadbourne in his junior year of high school. A clothing brand established in 2019 just outside of Rochester, New York, Chadbourne likes to call his Chad-tees Inc. ‘Creative apparel for the creative mind.’

“I’ve learned a lot at Mercyhurst that has helped me with the business in terms of planning, organizing and budgeting,” said Chadbourne.

The general purpose of creating Chadtees Inc. was to provide a creative clothing option for a small price. “I loved drawing on my computer and decided that it would be a great experience to start a business and develop an understanding of basic things like supply and demand, customer service, consumer behavior and aesthetics,” said Chadbourne.

His graphic t-shirts are designed and sold in a limited release format. For example, this current year, Chadbourne schedule five releases for the year and has already completed four of the five releases. The one remaining release is set to be available later in the year.

From “Achieve Grapeness,” to “Summer Bus Tee,” Chadbourne has also collaborated with other similar brands with the same goal and focus.

“I have always loved the ability to express oneself through the colors and messages on their shirts and I wanted to contribute

Contributed photo

Sophomore Music Therapy majors Addie McCoy and Tessa Korchak sporting a design by Chad-tee inc.

to that side of it [business] as well,” said Chadbourne.

With a variety of shirts in both short and long-sleeves, one is bound to find something that fits their style with Chad-tees Inc. A variety of stickers that go with these limited-edition releases are available as well.

“I’ve also really enjoyed getting feedback from my peers and observing what they wear and what they find trendy and fashionable,” said Chadbourne.

One can visit www.chadteesinc.com online as well as on Instagram at @chadteesinc. Chad-tees Inc. accepts payment in the form of PayPal, Venmo and cash with the current price for the most recently released shirts being priced at $22.

To the other Lakers who may be questioning whether to start their own small business or not, Chadbourne noted that it

is very important to follow your passions and express yourself no matter how unique.

“That is what makes it fun and what makes it YOUR passion,” said Chadbourne.

Laker Side Hustle is a new feature in the Merciad in which students who have a small business can have it featured on a university-wide platform. The Mercyhurst community can learn more about what students are up to and how they can support small businesses.

If you have a small business or know a friend who has one and want to have it featured in the newspaper, email merciad@ mercyhurst.edu or message @merciadmu on Instagram to have your business featured. Alternatively, one can also email the current Features section editor, Victoria McGinty, at vmcgin82@lakers.mercyhurst. Chad-tees Inc. official logo edu to be featured.

Contributed photo

LAKER MOMENT

Steph Przepiora photo

Junior Joey Franz relaxes outside of the Student Union on the newly purchased hammocks.

Looking for a way to relax and get outside?

The new hammocks bought by Mercyhurst Student Government are a great way to do so! The hammocks can be used on the back patio of the Student Union and are perfect for enjoying the last of the warm summer weather. These are a really nice addition to Hurst that makes students feel right at home.

Students can use these to relax on their own, hang out with friends, study and more! Head over to the student union to check them out!

FEATURES

PAGE 8

HURST CLASS CATALOG

Contributed photo

DANC:104 professor Jennifer McNamara teaches students about the practice, movement and history of Pilates.

By Sarah Beck

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst has a wide variety of classes in many different fields including DANC:104, a course in Pilates. This class is an experiential course that is mostly oriented in practice and movement, but also gives students an anatomical background into the history of Pilates such as who Joseph Pilates was.

This Pilates class is similar to athletic training, occupation therapy and physical therapy, which are forms of movement that stemmed from Joseph Pilates’ work.

Joseph Pilates studied the body to create this form of exercise to be based on functional movement and to create good healthy habits through human movements.

The instructor of DANC:104 is Jennifer McNamara who started her career as a professional ballet dancer for twenty years. Once McNamara retired she became certified to teach pilates as well as to certify other individuals to instruct Pilates. Over her career she has taught at a few different universities in Tennessee as well as owning her own private studio where she worked closely with a physical therapy clinic. Once McNamara saw the available position at Mercyhurst she applied and the rest is history.

DANC:104 is offered to all students on campus regardless of academic major and skill level with movement. There is some room to tailor the class to your physical needs and wants such as the want to be more flexible, become more stable in your core, or gain more range of motion in your hips, shoulders and more. This class gives an awesome and unique opportunity to focus on these personal physical goals while getting class credit and learning the history behind Pilates.

Through teaching here at Mercyhurst University McNamara has had the opportunity to work with not only dancers but also a wide range of other students.

McNamara loves working with a variety of students.

“They [the students] help me become a better teacher and a better learner. I love how people interact with starting to learn different things about their body. They may come in as a football player and know certain things that they are good at, but watching them learn new things and spreading information makes me really happy,” said McNamara.

This class has a bright future ahead with the hope of growing an even more robust program with additional equipment and opportunities.

Look forward to the things to come with DANC:104 and possibly add it to your class schedule come the next semester.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

RSCO Feature: Cricket Club

By Victoria McGinty Features editor

Are you interested in trying something new? Would you like to learn an interesting and unique game? If so, come check out Mercyhurst’s new Cricket Club.

Cricket is a type of bat-andball game that is often played with two teams of eleven players.

Similar to baseball, each team takes turns batting and playing the field. Although in cricket, the batter is referred to as a “batsman” whereas the pitcher is referred to as a “bowler.”

The goal of the game is for the bowler to knock down the bail of the batsman’s wicket. The first known game of cricket has roots in 16th century England, but holds popularity in some places in Southern Asia. While the sport is not as common in the United States, the university is excited to be getting a taste of this unique sport to some degree.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC): there are twenty-two national teams all over the world. New Zealand currently holds the top rank in the ICC league.

The United States may not be apart of that line up, but with cricket clubs across the country like our own, we can one day

hope that there will be.

Cricket Club was recently introduced to the university as of last semester however, it did not make its formal appearance until this Fall. Junior Forensics Major and President Kaitlyn Strocio is incredibly excited to have the club up and running.

Strocio was first introduced to cricket last spring by Assistant Professor of Biology and current club advisor Rajinikanth Mohan, Ph.D. Thus far, the club is running strong. Strocio is incredibly passionate about her role as president.

“My goal for the club is to create a judgment-free environment where anyone can feel comfortable playing cricket,” said Strocio.

“We are accepting of all students of all skill levels and first-time players,” she continues.

Currently, the club has had an exceptional turnout with eager students eager to learn all about cricket. The club is currently home to thirty-four students with an average of fifteen showing up for weekly meetings. While the game is usually played with two teams of eleven, the club has managed to adjust accordingly.

The club is enthused about its number of returning students but, is happy to have welcomed

fresh faces as well.

“My favorite part of the club is the niche community we’ve made in such a short time. The more experienced members have been very welcoming of our new members and they are so patient and encouraging,” said Strocio.

The club is off to a great semester and is slowly growing. This semester the club hopes to have proactive weekly meetings and continue to master the game of cricket.

The club is always welcoming of new members and is enthusiastic to teach Mercyhurst all there is to know about this unique sport.

“I am proud of this club and I hope to see them continue to grow as cricket players and compassionate individuals. If we can get more members we will definitely consider planning various events for more students to participate in,” said Strocio.

Anyone interested in learning more about Cricket Club can reach our to Strocio or Sophomore History major and Cricket Club Secretary, Eva Phillips.

“Cricket Club is a great way to make new friends and try something new without the stress of being judged,” said Strocio.

Kaitlyn Strocio photo

A team photo of some of Cricket Club’s members.

JOIN THE MERCIAD Do you like the content you are seeing in the Merciad? Would you like to help us out with articles or photographs and earn money for your work? We are still looking for writers and photographers!

Join our Teams page by emailing merciad@mercyhurst.edu to take part in our 7 p.m. Monday meetings.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

FEATURES

PAGE 9

Hurst Resources: Handshake

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

Whether you are looking for a job or internship or need help with your resumé, Handshake is the place to go.

Handshake is available as both a website and an app on Android and iOS, so it is accessible on the go. Mercyhurst uses this platform in conjunction with the Career Development Center (CDC) to help students with different aspects of applying for jobs.

In order to access Handshake, students can log onto the Mercyhurst Hub, select “Career Development” under the “Academic Resources” tab at the top of the homepage and scroll down to the Handshake icon.

According to their website, “Handshake was created to ensure that all college students have equal access to meaningful ca-

reers.”

The platform was founded in 2013 and has since become the leading early-career community for individuals in the United States.

One of the most beneficial actions students can take on the Handshake platform is to customize their profiles.

Other than the basic information such as your name, majors/ minors, graduation date and pronouns, students are encouraged to fill out a section called “My Journey,” which is the place to write about your passions, job interests and reasons for being on the platform.

There are also options for education, work and volunteer experience, organizations and any other projects students may want to showcase. In some cases, it can be helpful to include special skills such as communication, leader-

ship or proficiency in programs like Excel or PowerPoint.

Handshake also allows students to indicate their job preferences, areas of interest or even cities that they want to work in.

This information aids the platform in connecting students with potential employers.

Students are also able to upload special documents such as a resumé or cover letter in addition to the other information. Some employers will require these materials, but many of them do not.

Heather Balas, Director of the Career Development Center, speaks highly of the Handshake platform.

“Handshake provides students opportunities to connect with employers are our [Career Development] office. Handshake also acts as a substitute for print resources that we used to use prior to switching to a virtual plat-

form,” Balas said.

Balas notes that this is Mercyhurst’s fourth year using the Handshake platform, and it has received mostly positive feedback from users.

Senior Dance and Marketing major Angela Lutz found the virtual internship she completed this past summer on the Handshake app.

Lutz points out a great feature that allows students to apply certain filters such as in-person or remote work which allows users to really pinpoint and find opportunities that match their needs.

Although one may often think of Handshake as a platform for undergraduate students, Balas points out that alumni can also have access and utilize it in several ways.

“Alumni can see all the job opportunities that students can see,

but they also often register as an employer so they can give back to the institution by recruiting current MU students,” Balas notes.

Handshake allows students to apply for jobs and internships on and off-campus, but there are also other events that can be viewed on the platform.

The Career Development Center offers job fairs, resumé workshops and mock interview practice sessions that can all be viewed on Handshake in addition to virtual job fairs from external companies.

It is a great resource that students should certainly take advantage of during their time on campus.

Download the Handshake app today and make sure to stop by the Career Development Center if you have any additional questions.

This Day in History: The tragedy of 9/11

By Bella Lee and Victoria McGinty

Staff writer, Features editor

Sept. 11 2001 is a tragic day in our modern history and it will not soon be forgotten. This tragedy shocked the world and redefined the ways in which we view violence and terrorism, among other things.

On this day in history, many lives were taken from us and today we continue to mourn them each year. Known as the 9/11 attack, this tragedy continues to haunt the minds of many today.

The day began like any other.

People getting ready for work, children ready for school, the world seemed to go on as it normally would. Although, what

would unfold shortly after would forever change the world. The attacks began when nineteen militants associated with the extremist Islamic group, Al-Qaeda, hijacked four American airplanes.

Of those four plans, two crashed into Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The other two plans, however, would crash into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City at 8:46 a.m. and then at 10:28 a.m.

The destruction that came to follow would devastate the United States as a whole. Although, the greatest damage would be seen in New York City where the towers once stood. On this day in history, almost 3,000 individuals across the country lost their lives.

In response to the attacks, former President George W. Bush addressed the nation with one of the most somber yet hopeful addresses in recent history.

“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundation of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve,” said Bush.

In response to the attacks, Operation Enduring Freedom sought to oust the Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Over the course of Fall 2001, US troops successfully removed the Taliban from operational power although it did not end the struggles completely.

It was not until May 2, 2011 that Osama bin Laden was final-

ly tracked down and assassinated

by United States forces. Many US forces remained in the Middle East in the war effort and were finally all withdrawn in Aug. 2021.

Following the attacks, there came lots of grieving and yearnings for change. In wake of this tragedy, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 created the Department of Homeland Security under the Bush Administration.

Today, 9/11 remains tragic in our nation yet, the nation has implemented many ways to honor the numerous individuals we lost that day. First, Congress declaring Sept. 11 as “Patriot Day.” Second, the various memorials erected all across the country. Of the many, the Twin Towers memorial remains a haunted vigil in the heart

of New York City where the towers once stood. Lastly, the continued strive and patriotism within the hearts of Americans.

The tragedy also remains a large portion of our culture as well.

Through musical adaptations such as “Come From Away” and various films such as “Zero Dark Thirty.”

Twenty years later we still mourn the tragedy that is 9/11 and as a nation, we strive to never see something of this gravity again.

9/11 is a tragedy that is still very heavy on American’s hearts, especially since it was a big anniversary this year. 9/11 will forever be one of the worst things the United States had to face as a country.

MAC/SAC gears up for an exciting fall semester

By Libby Bullinger

Copy editor

After a year of virtual events, MAC/SAC is geared up for a semester full of unique activities for students to engage in on campus.

MAC/SAC stands for Multicultural Activities Council and Student Activities Council, and these two councils put on free events every Friday and Saturday for students so that the weekends are always filled with fun.

According to the Campus Involvement page on the Hub, MAC “promotes diversity on campus through inclusion and communication with diverse students” and SAC “hosts a wide variety of events for the student body.” Together, these two councils make up the collective Activities Coun-

cil on campus.

The Activities Council is part of the greater Mercyhurst Student Government, which is comprised of student representatives that connect students to the rest of the university.

Activities are often held in and around the Sister Carolyn Herrmann Student Union; however, MAC/SAC often takes occasional trips into Erie and beyond. Some examples of previous off-campus activity destinations include Presque Isle, Splash Lagoon, Pittsburgh and Niagara Falls.

This year the MAC/SAC cochairs are junior Communications major Joey Franz and senior Fashion Merchandising major Janiece Withers.

In addition to the chairs, there are eight programmers that help

coordinate events for students on campus. Kali Beutler, a senior majoring in Integrated Media and Strategic Communication, is one of these programmers and has been involved with MAC/SAC since the beginning of her Mercyhurst experience.

Some of the upcoming events Beutler mentioned she was excited for this semester are Ice Skating, Murder Mystery Dinner, Pottery Night and Campus Party. Campus Party is an event that used to be a campus tradition in the early days of Mercyhurst, but has been lost over time.

Other events that Franz mentioned for the Fall 2021 semester were Open Mic Night, Just Dance and perhaps most importantly, Haunted Hurst.

This Halloween-time event is

both a tradition and fan favorite at Mercyhurst and is done in collaboration with the Ambassadors organization.

“Students get the opportunity to get a campus tour from a different perspective,” Franz said.

There is something for everyone at Haunted Hurst with ghost stories, Halloween decorations and plenty of spooky surprises.

When asked where she draws programming inspiration from, Beutler said she usually asks her friends and other students on campus what they would like to see. “I also think about myself and what kind of fun events I want to go to,” she said.

Programmers have to come up with multiple events throughout the year, with some being repeat traditions and many others being

brand new ideas.

The structure of the Activities Council allows programmers and chairs to practice skills many of them will use following graduation like budgeting and event planning. Programmers then present their ideas as a group. Franz and Withers are in charge of allocating how much of the council’s budget goes to each event.

So far, the Activities Council has had great success in events such as Casino Night, Luke’s Birthday Bash, and CommUNITY Rocks.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming events this weekend: Yogurt and Yoga on Sept. 17 and Campus Party on Sept. 18.

The Mercyhurst community is excited to see what else is in store at the hands of the MAC/SAC organization.

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Hurst Hot Takes: Red (Taylor’s Version) brings back favorites

By Mackenzie Zent Contributing writer

For many, Taylor Swift’s era of country heartbreak songs and red lipstick may seem worlds away; but on Nov. 19 of this year, the star will be re-releasing her Red album.

While it is labeled as country, there is something for everyone on the album.

“Red (Taylor’s Version),” will have a total of 30 songs, as opposed to the original 22 (including the bonus tracks). Nine of the new songs are “from the vault,” which means they were not on the original album but were initially written to be released at the same time.

Some of these vault tracks will feature different artists, such as Phoebe Bridgers and Chris Stapleton.

The song “Ronan,” which was only ever released as a single, will be included on the album, along with a ten minute version of “All Too Well.”

Fans are very excited to experience these songs for the first time again and learn the lyrics to some brand new ones.

Most people don’t know why Taylor Swift is rerecording her albums, so here’s the breakdown.

Shockingly, Swift doesn’t own five out of her nine studio albums.

The artist signed a 13-year contract to Big Machine Records in 2005 when she was only 15 years

Contributed photo

The track list for the upcoming album “Red (Taylor’s Version)” by award-winning artist Taylor Swift.

old.

By doing this, she agreed to give up the master copies of her albums; however, she was never given the chance to buy them back.

This resulted in her plan to rerecord her first six albums after her contract ended in 2018 so she could finally own the albums she devoted her whole life to creating.

On Apr. 9 of this year, Swift

released “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” and it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 Chart.

Many fans expect “Red (Taylor’s Version)” to do just as well.

I predict that it will do even better than “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” because Red was more popular than Fearless was when the albums were originally released.

Swift and her team did a great

job of picking a release date because Red is a perfect album for fall.

Originally released in October of 2012, the heartbreak anthems give off a cold, fall feel with a lot of autumn imagery included in the lyrics, as well.

Even the colors of the leaves on the trees outside will be burning “red.”

For a lot of people, the release of “Red (Taylor’s Version)” will be filled with nostalgia.

Many of us remember singing the words to “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “22” as kids with our friends and taking fall walks while listening to the rest of the album.

A lot of fans remember buying tickets and going to the Red tour, and I’m sure so many of those happy memories are going to come flooding back.

I am really looking forward to hearing “State of Grace” and “Holy Ground” especially because those are two of my all-time favorite Taylor Swift songs.

“All Too Well” is also a fan favorite, and I can’t wait to listen to the ten-minute version of it.

“Red” was originally released almost ten years ago, and it’s going to be really cool to hear how Swift’s voice has changed and improved since then.

When “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” was released, I really enjoyed listening for the subtle differences between the two albums, and I’m impatiently waiting to see what she has in store for “Red (Taylor’s Version).”

To say I’m excited is an understatement.

Get ready to feel happy, free, confused and lonely in the best way as we watch it all begin again on Nov. 19.

MU updates Tchaikovsky classic

By Abigail Eyler

Contributing writer

The Mercyhurst Dance Department is set to perform the Tchaikovsky ballet “Swan Lake” with performances Nov. 12 - 14 and Nov. 19 - 21.

“Swan Lake,” one of the most famous ballets, is set to music composed in 1876 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The ballet premiered in 1877 at the Bolshoi Theatre.

It was originally choreographed

by Julius Reisinger and performed by the Bolshoi Ballet Company.

Initially inspired by Russian and German folklore, Odette, a princess, is turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer.

The Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra, conducted by Professor Jonathan Moser, will perform the musical score for the ballet.

All new costumes will be custom-made for the show by Claudia Katherine.

Roles of the ballet include: Odette, also known as The Swan

Queen, The Swan Princess, the princess who was transformed into a swan; Prince Siegfried, the handsome prince who falls in love with Odette; Baron von Rothbart, the evil sorcerer who has enchanted Odette; Odile, Rothbart’s daughter; Benno von Sommerstern, also known as just Benno, the prince’s friend; The Queen, the prince’s mother; Wolfgang, Prince Siegfried’s tutor; Leading Swans; and Cygnets.

According to Professor Jennifer McNamara MFA, Assistant Professor of Dance, the presentation of the ballet will highlight the idea of gender, particularly how masculinity and femininity are presented in dance.

McNamara said, “The swans’ choreography, with the lush port de bras, is often seen as the ultimate representation of feminine movement ideals in dance.”

The casting choices are going to reflect this conversation and how movement should not be seen as inherently feminine or masculine, embracing modern ideas of gender.

Another important element of the production is the controversial ending and troubling expression of traditional gender roles.

Traditionally, Odette and Siegfried jump into the lake to live together for an eternity.

“

We’re making some shifts to these parts of the story... and being cognizant of power dynamics between characters of the opposite, as well as the same gender presentations.”

McNamara, as Assistant Professor of Dance

However, McNamara said, “We’re making some shifts to these parts of the story, drawing on the Irish folktale, The Children of the Lir and being cognizant of power dynamics between characters of the opposite, as well as the same, gender presentations.”

This combination of stories will change the choreography and staging, but it will still be cohesive to the main plot.

Additionally, SafeNet, an organization whose focus is the support of domestic violence victims, will benefit from the event’s fundraising.

The roles of Odette, Odile and von Rothbart will be danced by students along with all the soloist and corps de ballet roles.

Siegfried will be performed by a guest artist.

Some of the extras are still being actively casted for male students and faculty, so be sure to contact Professor McNamara if interested.

Other important things to note is the change in language used to describe certain roles.

First, the role of Odile is often

referred to as the “Black Swan” and Odette is referred to as the “White Swan”.

While the intention of the color of the two swans is to differentiate from good and evil, the binary understanding of color and disposition can be understood inappropriately.

These characters’ names will be altered to create more inclusive and respectful roles.

Also, the roles of “Big Swans” and “Little Swans” will be renamed as “Leading Swans” and “Cygnets”.

While some small changes have been made to promote diversity in the classic work, it is still the timeless piece inspired by the original Tchaikovsky score.

The show is sure to excite with its fabulous choreography, custom costumes and beautiful music.

Make sure to reserve your free student ticket today and support your fellow Mercyhurst students as they perform their hearts out on stage.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11

Live music is back with Faculty Collage Showcase

By Abigail Eyler

Contributing writer

Live music has finally returned to Mercyhurst with the first concert of the Fall 2021 semester being the Faculty Collage.

Mercyhurst’s D’Angelo Department of Music featured faculty members Dr. Nathan Hess, Dr. Scott Meier, Professor Rebecca Wunch, Professor Bradley Amidon and Professor Jonathan Nolan in the faculty showcase recital on Sept. 8.

The concert featured a variety of pieces on instruments including piano, saxophone, clarinet, marimba and guitar.

Also featured was music from a variety of time periods, including the romantic era, the classical era and twentieth century music.

The concert was the first live concert at Mercyhurst from the music department since the Spring 2020 semester, so it was an incredibly exciting event for performers and viewers alike.

Immediately noticeable was the energy that performing to a live audience brought back to each faculty member, many of whom had limited to no performances since the pandemic.

Hess said, “It was great once

again to have the energy from the crowd, hear the applause and feel the full spotlights against the face.

It wasn’t daunting at all, but rather a homecoming.”

This feeling resonated with all the performers as each one had presented a brief speech to the audience thanking them for being there as well as talking about the challenges the pandemic brought to performers.

Continuing, Hess said that the live audience helped with “spontaneous musical decisions.”

These sentiments were also seen through the performance as Meier chose his piece “Tranquility” from Creston Saxophone Sonata due to its harmonies and calming qualities.

The piece serves as a reflection of the past year and how performing it helps with relaxation.

Hess also performed two of his own pieces from Waldszenen, most notably “Movement I: Eintritt” and “Movement 7: Vogel” als “Prophet, Bird as Prophet.”

Hess said about “Eintritt,” “Schumann intended that movement to introduce the listener to a walk through the forest, so in the college recital it started a journey through each piece on the program.”

As it was the introductory piece of the concert, it set the mood by distancing the audience from the real world for the hour-long concert.

The other piece, “Vogel als Prophet,” featured dissonant chords and bird calls, highlighting the Romantic movement where music is heavily inspired by sounds found in nature.

Hess said of “Vogel als Prophet”, “Its contrasting middle section is so expressive and beautiful as if to bring a calmness to the arguments the bird presents in the two outer sections.”

This use of contrast was relevant throughout the concert as the pieces presented featured switches in tonality, rhythm and other musical elements.

However, this piece in particular presented an interesting effect on the audience; while there were no words, the music effectively conveyed a beautiful story.

Logistically, the guitar and percussion pieces were chosen as many students are unfamiliar with repertoire in both fields.

Many recitals feature the standard classical instruments focusing on pieces and techniques that are well-known for the instrument.

The piece Amidon performed, “Torse III,” had four movements and used the marimba to its full extent, including range, tessitura and harmonies.

It was also the only piece of music performed from a non-Western composer.

Nolan’s pieces were played by solo guitar, and the piece “Asturias” is a well-known guitar piece.

While well-known repertoire was performed, the technical challenges of having two melodies at once made the piece harmonically realized.

Finally, Wunch’s choice of repertoire, Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations for clarinet, used the full range of the instrument and a classical era writing style.

This piece ended with the final variation: a quick, loud piece allowing the concert to end with a different tone from the start.

The piece seemed to jolt the audience into recognizing that the concert was over.

The variety of the concert, as well as the talented performers, allowed the audience to be fully immersed in the music, each taking you to a different scene, feeling or style/era of music.

Also, the energy felt by each

performer showed the importance of the audience, a feat that is difficult to achieve with a variety of performers briefly performing their sets.

Though many recurring themes were presented throughout the show, the most obvious was the love that performers and viewers alike share for live music.

There is no doubt that Mercyhurst has a lot of talented professors and it is always nice to be able to see them do something they love, which is to perform.

For many of them, the excitement they get from performing is probably why they decided to persue a career that will encourage students, who have the same excitment when they perform, to continue utilizing their talent and passion for something that they love to do.

Make sure to keep your eye out for the next faculty performance as there are usually a few throughout the semester.

Contributed photo

The storefront of Dominick’s Diner.

The 814: Dominick’s Diner

By Emma Coppolo A&E Editor

Located on 123 East 12th Street, Dominick’s Diner is a must-visit for a cheap, delicious meal.

The diner is just a quick drive from campus and perfect for a snack between study sessions or breakfast after a late night.

It’s open from 7 a.m to 7 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, and their range of menu items is im-

pressive.

The Italian diner has soups, sandwiches, salads, omelettes, pizzas, combo baskets, breakfast platters, snacks, Italian specialties and full dinners.

Basically, if you can think of something, they have it.

This past weekend, I got to try Dominick’s for myself, and I absolutely recommend it.

After driving all over Erie trying to find a breakfast place that was not packed, this was my last stop.

One of the things I miss most

about my small town is our diners with homestyle cooking and that cozy atmosphere, which I have had a hard time finding here in Erie.

Walking into Dominick’s, there were a few tables of older people having their morning coffee and the familiar smell of grease on Sunday mornings.

It was a nice shift from the normal fast-paced, rushed diner scene I have found in the city; it was weirdly calm, and I loved it.

I got coffee, eggs, homefries and

toast for only about $7, which is less than I pay even where I’m from.

The food was honestly perfect, especially the homefries. They were cooked just right so they were a little soft but still had some texture to them.

The coffee was surprisingly good, as well, and in constant supply.

The staff was friendly and efficient, and the wait time was much shorter than I expected.

Overall, I was pleasantly sur-

prised by how much I enjoyed the food and ambiance of Dominick’s.

I will absolutely be going back soon to try something new.

If you’re looking for something fast, inexpensive and delicious, Dominick’s is definitely a name you should add to your list of gotos.

Check back in to see what hidden gems Erie has to offer and be sure to check out last week’s paper featuring Andora’s Bubble Tea shop.

OPINION

PAGE 12

GOOD Two 3-day weekends in a row!

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Disagreement with the new Texas abortion law pregnancies, pregnancies that could result in either the baby, the mother or both dying, Staff writer and cases of a mother carrying too many babies for all of them to survive.

There are endless In recent news, Texas passed possibilities of what could a law that would criminalize happen that might require an abortions performed after 6 abortion. weeks. Most women don’t Even worse, people are even know they’re pregnant asking for women that receive before 6 weeks, meaning abortions and the doctors that they would not have time to perform them to receive the obtain healthcare. death penalty as punishment.

To be blunt, this law is This would mean that both wrong and dangerous.

This law does not eliminate aborting unborn fetuses was illegal, but killing the mother all abortions; it only and doctor for doing it wasn’t. eliminates safe abortions.

This just seems crooked.

Nowadays, medication is However, the biggest issue I more often used to perform have is that many (not all, to abortions then medical emphasize, but many) people procedures. This law would send women fleeing to other that call themselves pro-life are not truly pro-life. They states in order to receive the tend to be pro-birth, which care they need. On top of that, Texas is trying to extend isn’t inherently wrong, but it the law to arrest women who can be when there are many more issues regarding children leave the state to receive an abortion. It’s like they can’t be that can be resolved.

There are millions safe anywhere. of children that are in A major issue in this law, additionally, is that abortions orphanages and foster care systems that could go to are not only an option for loving homes, as well as ending pregnancy for those children from suffering who have suffered sexual countries that are able to have assault, abuse or similar a second chance at a happy crimes. There are also pregnancies that could pose a life, but they probably won’t danger for both the baby and because, according to a tweet I recently read, “Being prothe mother. life has nothing to do with There are ectopic

By Bella Lee

BAD Midterms are quickly approaching.

HAPPY Hurst Day was Monday!

The Merciad STUDENT EDITORS Gillian Mazur............................ Editor in Chief Samantha Weber ................ Managing Editor Ashley Barletta ............................News Editor Victoria McGinty .................... Features Editor Sydney Dietz .............................. Sports Editor Emma Coppolo ............................. A&E Editor Zach Dumais ........................... Opinion Editor Libby Bullinger ..............................Copy Editor Steph Przepiora ...................................Advisor Kristian Biega ........................................Advisor Contact editors at merciad@mercyhurst.edu

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110.

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 via email at merciad@ mercyhurst.edu.

after birth care.” This was in response to a statement saying that there are nearly 30,000 children in Texas in foster care and an additional 3,378 children waiting for adoptive families.

The mere response made my blood boil because it shows that once the child is out of the womb, they don’t matter to pro-lifers anymore.

Even today, women still don’t have autonomy when it comes to their bodies and having babies.

A recent story emerged of a woman who wanted to have a hysterectomy because she and her husband chose not to have children, but the doctor told her she needed her husband’s permission.

However, when the husband wanted to receive a vasectomy, he didn’t need his wife’s permission.

Although we live in the present, we’re still stuck in the past.

Overall, the Texas abortion law is harmful, wrong and disrespectful to women everywhere. It’s proof that women can’t fend for themselves and can’t make choices about their own body.

Texas, as well as the United States, needs to do better.

On fans at Mercyhurst games Mercyhurst football team this year won their first game when there was a packed Managing editor stadium and had people cheering and chanting for them. But this past weekend, I believe that people should there were significantly fewer be allowed to attend sporting fans there to cheer on the events in person.

Lakers, and Mercyhurst lost Mercyhurst has twenty-five the game by a lot. collegiate teams, two compete Now, I am not saying at the NCAA Division I level that the lack of fans is what and the other twenty-three caused the team to lose, but compete at the Division II I do think there could be level. After last year, when something said for having a fans were only allowed to lot of fans there and trying watch games online, it is to keep the stadium’s energy time for fans to be allowed high and encourage the team back into sporting events as to do well. spectators.

There is just something Now, I do not play a sport unmatched about the energy at the college level, but I did that fans provide when they play sports since I was three are actually present in the years old through high school. game.

Some of the most exciting I know with COVID at games to play were the ones first people were not allowed where there was a large crowd in any sporting games, but and they were cheering for then fans were allowed into your team. For example, the professional games at a

By Samantha Weber

limited capacity and those games were so much more exciting because there were people there who could cheer.

I recall seeing the vaccination rates for faculty/ staff and students and while I cannot remember the exact number, I think if the two groups are combined, then our campus had over a 90% vaccination rate. Which, I believe, is high enough to safely have fans attend sporting events.

I know personally, I feel completely safe attending sporting events with that high of a vaccination rate. If someone is not comfortable attending an in person sporting event, then they can still watch the games on the live stream, but I think since we do have such a high vaccination rate that the option to attend sporting events should definitely exist for those who want to attend.

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 merciad@mercyhurst.edu

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

OPINION

PAGE 13

Agreement with the HURST STUDENTS new Texas abortion law decisions if it does not violate constitutional statutes.

The right for citizens to Staff writer fight for change is more important than any Supreme Court ruling or federal law A recent piece of legislation could ever be. We the people from Texas rocked the nation have a right to life, liberty after taking a strong stance and the pursuit of happiness. on behalf of the pro-life Life is the first necessary step movement. Senate Bill 8 in that process. aims to restrict abortion to Notice that this bill does within the first six weeks not unduly punish the of pregnancy—when a women being operated heartbeat can be detected. on, nor does it necessarily However, Texas took quite prevent the abortion. Instead, an unorthodox, almost it holds these institutions, revolutionary approach with doctors and clinics this bill. Rather than punish accountable for the evil act of (by fine or incarceration) murder. those seeking an abortion or Senate Bill 8 might be a those complicit in providing new starting point in the an abortion, the bill puts this pro-life discussion; one that right into the hands of the turns away from what is public. “legal” and toward what is An individual is now able moral. Placing such power to sue anyone complicit into the hands of people will in providing an abortion definitely have more power after a heartbeat is detected. than a conservative majority Federal institutions forfeit on the Supreme Court has. the right to be involved in The current societal these proceedings, allowing narrative of fear and them to be settled within the hatred toward those who courts. “take away” a woman’s Texas provided pro-life reproductive rights need advocates, and anyone to but will not change if harmed by abortion to everyday citizens are not pressure the figures who engaged. The Texas bill allows provide and enable ending this engagement to happen. innocent lives.

It is alarming how Texas also upheld the many women have been tenth Amendment of the brainwashed or deceived Bill of Rights that enables by abortion clinics and any state to make its own the media who call it

By Laren Reesman

SPEAK UP

“empowering” and “free” to have an abortion until an aftermath of grief and regret hit these would-be mothers.

Women who are pressured or even forced to have an abortion can now seek justice. The pain of losing a child might be subdued by the agency to do something about it.

I am curious to see whether this legislation allows people to pursue social media influencers or news sites that encourage and sometimes even directly incite getting an abortion.

With the current battle against media misinformation, the ability to make entities liable for defending and promoting women’s physical and mental distress having to cope with the loss of a child is a message that needs to be curbed. It is those outspoken in favor of abortion, emboldened by the media, who seem to speak for all Americans which is blatantly false as we see at the March for Life each year continuously drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands.

Texas just made a powerful move for the public and more importantly the individual.

I only pray bureaucrats and lawyers do not impede the path to justice, morality, and a better future for unborn babies.

We asked: Are you happy the NFL season is back?

Doug Wilsch, senior Intelligence Studies major: “I’m excited for Diggs and Allen to bring a superbowl to Buffalo.”

Jack Wroblewski, senior Intelligence Studies major: “I don’t watch much football, but I will always support the Bills!”

Tom Hynes, senior Intelligence Studies major: “I don’t watch much football, but I have friends that do and its always a good excuse to get together with friends and eat good food.”

Genevieve Burgess, senior Psychology major: “Yes! Go Pats!”

Compiled by Zach Dumais

Mercyhurst’s return to a normal semester exclusively in class, with their roommates, or hanging out Staff Writer with friends following social distancing practices.

But, with the positive of students being able to focus As there has been a shift on their mental health with after vaccination, quarantine breaks, one concern that can and social distancing, be expressed is that what Mercyhurst’s return to a happens when students go normal schedule seems home? necessary. Considering that There is no regulation the Fall 2020 semester started and due to the number of with no mental health days, students vaccinated, many and the Spring Semester of those students do not had 3 mental health days receive COVID tests due after backlash, Mercyhurst to the lowered chance of students were in desperate transmitting and receiving needs of breaks.

COVID. Also, without mask During breaks such as regulations or with loosely Thanksgiving or the midmandated mask regulations semester break, many many students would be students return home only coming back to school to evacuate the bubble that with potential exposure to the university coveted last COVID. year. However, many students Due to pre-existing health have missed being able to conditions and the rates head home for breaks, and of hospitalization differing not spend the semester for vaccinated versus

By Abby Eyler

unvaccinated people, there is an issue if an outbreak occurs on campus.

While I can say that having breaks will encourage students to rest and relax, and encourage students to go out and get to know the Erie area, or go back to their hometown, I am slightly concerned about the consequences. Especially since there is no direct cure if a student gets COVID, and the recurring issue that the virus can be asymptomatic, if an outbreak were to happen, how would the university

handle it?

The best I can say is that I’m excited and nervous.

It will be great to go home and see my family and friends there, but I’m concerned that I may be unknowingly exposed to the virus. However, how many people go home frequently on weekends and how well are businesses in Erie and other local areas maintaining mask mandates? These questions also affect my feelings of having breaks as doing everyday things such as grocery shopping, going

FOLLOW US!

to the mall, or going out are going to affect students.

I hope that as a community that we are making sure that we follow COVID procedures if we do feel sick, and keep tabs on places that have been marked as COVID hotspots, that way we can all enjoy returning to a normal schedule even though the pandemic is still looming.

Twitter: @TheMerciad Instagram: @mumerciad Facebook: The Merciad

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SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

First win this season for Men’s soccer

By RayLynn Chraston Contributing writer

On Sept. 10, the Mercyhurst Men’s soccer team took on the University of the District of Colombia (UDC), earning their first win of the season. The game took place at the Mercyhurst Soccer Field, which gave the men’s team an upper hand. By the end of the game, the final score was 4-2, Mercyhurst.

To begin the game, within the first seven minutes the UDC goalie received an early red card after he and sophomore forward Erik Cederberg collided. This then put the UDC Firebirds down a player for the rest of the game. The Lakers did not hesitate to take advantage of this situation. Sophomore midfielder Dylan Sumner, scored his first collegiate goal as a Laker in minute 17 of the game.

Freshman defender Nic Munch earned the assist after beating two of the Firebirds defenders before

he had passed the ball to Sumner.

The Lakers kept fighting, however during the 25th minute of the game the Firebirds had scored, tying the teams with one goal each. For the rest of the half, the score held at a tie because neither team could capitalize on scoring a goal.

Going into the second half, both teams held a good competitive edge. However, in the 60th minute of the game, the Firebirds took a shot from the midfield circle lifting it over the head of Mercyhurst graduate student goalie, Jonathan Gomes, to take the 2-1 lead over the Lakers.

The Lakers regrouped and a spark within the team started to show on the field. During the 64th minute of the game the men were able to tie the game at two.

Sumner scoring his second of the game after receiving an excellent pass from junior midfielder, Salvador Rang, on a free kick. Continuing to play hard, the Lakers were able to score again less than

Hurst Athletics photo

Forward and graduate student, Nevado Elliot, scored his first collegiate goal as a Laker in Friday’s game.

two minutes after the previous goal was scored. They took the lead as grad student and forward Nevada Elliott had scored his first collegiate goal as a Laker, receiving a lob pass from Sumner and beating the keeper to the ball at

the edge of the box.

Still with time remaining in the game, Elliott netted his second goal of the game after receiving a pass from Munch. Elliot had made no mistakes after receiving the pass; he put it past the Fire-

birds keeper, which then extended Mercyhurst’s lead to two.

Throughout the game, the Lakers were able to keep up the trend of taking a lot of shots as they had made 14 shots with 8 shots on goal. The Lakers were also able to save two shots on goal made by the Firebirds.

This home game embarked many firsts for multiple individuals on the Men’s soccer team. One including the head coach, Ryan Osborne, as he made his first win as the head coach of the Mercyhurst team. Sumner and Elliot both picked up their first goals as Lakers, as well as Munch and Rang getting their first points of the season with their assists.

Coming up for the Mercyhurst Men’s soccer team, the Lakers will play two non-conference games against Shepherd and Salem next week.

Be sure to congratulate these Lakers for making many firsts and taking home their first win of the season!

Mercyhurst football faces a loss against West Chester

By Sydney Dietz Sports editor

On Sept. 11 at noon, the Mercyhurst Lakers football team competed against West Chester University. Unfortunately, the final score did not end in the Lakers favor with a result of 56-10.

“We cannot let last week’s loss tear us apart.

To win next Saturday we have to stay together as a team,” Assistant Coach Tom Herman said. “We have to have a more determined attitude and establish a better running game. This will allow us to mix up the play calls more and keep them off balance.”

Mercyhurst took the lead in the beginning of the game, but West Chester scored 28 points

in the second quarter allowing them to take the lead.

The first score of the game was set up by the Lakers defense. On a third and five for West Chester, Mercyhurst defenceman Ryan Funa got in front of a pass that was meant for opponent Desman Johnson and Funa returned it to the West Chester three-yard line.

With the Lakers having the ball at third and goal, quarterback Michael Lowery was able to find Jason Armstrong for the 11-yard touchdown.

This touchdown brought the Lakers ahead 7-0. However with 13:06 left in the second quarter, West Chester player Phil Poquie had an opportunity

for a three yard run tying the game which made the score 7-7.

West Chester then scored a 67-yard touchdown which allowed them to take the lead and changed the score to 14-7 in favor of West Chester.

They continued their scoring streak by getting two more touchdowns in the last two minutes of the second quarter. This pushed the score to 48-7.

Mercyhurst then gained some points on the scoreboard by kicking a 30 yard field goal making the score 48-10.

In the second half of the game, West Chester scored 28 more points resulting in a final score of 56-10, and a win for West Chester.

Quarterback Michael

Lowery finished the game 14 of 23 for 105 yards along with a touchdown. Chawntez Moss had 39 rushing yards and Jacob Holl had eight tackles.

“We are very fortunate to have an outstanding group of young men to coach. They are very hard workers and possess outstanding character. I am sure that they are upset with how they played and they will bounce back this week against East Stroudsburg,” said Herman.

The Lakers will take the field next Saturday in East Stroudsburg Pennsylvania at 1:05 p.m.

The game will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend in person.

HURST RESULTS Sept. 11: Men’s water polo vs Mount St. Mary’s: 12-17 St. Mary’s

Sept. 11: Women’s cross country at Doug Watts Open: 6th of 6 teams

Sept. 11: Men’s cross country at Doug Watts Open: 5th of 6 teams Hurst Athletics photo

The Mercyhurst football team lost to West Chester University on Sept. 11, but they are looking forward to next week’s match up against East Stroudsburg.

SPORTS

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

PAGE 15

Field hockey fights hard in weekend matches

By Gillian Mazur Editor-in-chief

This past weekend, the Mercyhurst field hockey team faced both Belmont Abbey College and Lindenwood University. The Lakers fought hard against their opponents in both games but ultimately fell short of victory twice.

On Sept. 10, the Lakers faced the Belmont Abbey College Crusaders on home turf at 3 p.m., Saxon Stadium. The Crusaders came out swords and shields at the ready putting three goals up on the scoreboard within the first quarter.

Mercyhurst goalie, freshman Kayla Desormeau, saved four shot attempts within the first 6 minutes and 30 seconds but was unable to save the fifth shot only six seconds later. By the eight minute mark, Belmond Abbey put another in the back of the net and scored their third roughly within the next three minutes ending the first period 0-3, Lakers.

The Lakers came out determined at the start of the second period with two penalty corners

by Mercyhurst senior Alexandrea McDonald in the fifteenth and nineteenth minutes. Mercyhurst

Hurst Athletics photo

Sophomore Jenna Cavalieri gets a fast break against Belmont University in the Sept. 10 game.

was also able to get in two shot attempts before Belmont Abbey scored again in the twenty-first minute making the score 0-4, Lakers. Shots were by junior Alexis Lovewell and freshmen Fenna Klok. By the end of the second period, the Crusaders scored for what would be their final time adding one more point

to the scoreboard.

Fortunately after the second period, the Lakers were able to hold off the Crusaders for the rest of the game. Mercyhurst was able to put up eight shots throughout the entire match with three on target. Senior goalie, Libby Jones, was also able to save three shots against the five that she faced.

The final score of the Belmont Abbey game ended in a 0-5 loss for the Lakers.

With a quick turnaround time, the Mercyhurst Lakers traveled to St. Charles, Missouri for play Lindenwood University for their first away game on Sept. 12.

With Jones as starting goalie for the first away game, the Lakers

faced the Lindenwood Lions.

Another hard-fought match, the Lakers held off the Lions until the very end of the first when one was able to slip through the net with 1:47 remaining on the clock. Unlike the Belmont Abbey game, the Lakers held down the fort and kept the score 0-1 for the second quarter despite nine shot attempts which were all saved by Jones.

In the third, the Lakers played a strong defense with Jones at the helm and were able to keep the points away from the Lions. With a single corner in the period, the Lakers narrowly missed the goal on this golden opportunity.

The fourth quarter is where the tide seemed to begin to turn at the end for Mercyhurst. Two minutes into the quarter Lindenwood scored once more after two more shot attempts.

After back and forth possession, Mercyhurst sophomore Jenna Cavalieri was able to gain possession for a fast break. Cavalieri passed to junior Sarah Vosburgh at the last second who was able to turn and score with 34 seconds remaining in the game. The end result was a 1-2 loss for the Lakers.

Tough loss for Women’s soccer LET’S GO, home opener against Edinboro LAKERS!

By Sydney Dietz Sports editor

On Wednesday, Sept.

8, the Mercyhurst Women’s soccer team competed against the Edinboro Fighting Scots at Saxon Stadium at 4 p.m.

This was the home opener for the Lakers, but after a lot of effort and energy the Lakers were unable to pull off a win.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we were excited for the challenge. Some of the decisions didn’t go our way, but it was a hard-fought game and we weren’t able to capitalize on our chances,” said senior forward Amata Valentini.

During the first ten minutes of the game, both teams kept going back and forth with their playing.

The fighting Scots drew a foul 15 minutes into the game, which in turn gave them a penalty kick.

They scored on the penalty which meant the score of the game was no longer 0-0, and it was now 1-0 in favor of Edinboro.

In the first half of the game, the Lakers got 11

shots, three of which were on target. None of these shots got past the Edinboro goalie, Anna Voelker.

The Lakers kept decent possession of the ball throughout the game, but just could not get the ball past the goalie.

In the 75th minute of the game Edinboro scored bringing their lead up to 2-0.

However, in the 89th minute, Mercyhurst was finally able to get the ball past Voelker and into the net.

Valentini got the goal for the Lakers after junior midfielder, Madison Hoover, passed the ball to Valentini off of a free kick outside the box.

Valentini’s goal changed the score to 2-1.

“I’m happy I was able to score to give us a chance to get a result at the end but unfortunately it wasn’t enough on the day,” Valentini said, “In our conference, every game is important so now we move on and focus on our next match.”

For the rest of the game the Lakers tried their hardest on the field to have a

Sept. 18, East Stroudsburg, PA @ 1:05 p.m.: Football vs East Stroudsburg

Hurst Athletics photo

Sept. 18, Erie, PA @ 3:30 p.m.: Men’s soccer vs Salem University

Sophomore forward Emily Mijares gets a breakaway play against Edinboro.

tied score, but unfortunately were unable to.

“We were still down 2-1, but everyone was fighting to the very end. I am proud of my team and the hustle that everyone put into that game,” Hoover said.

Mercyhurst was able to get 19 total shots within the game, with nine reaching the goal on target.

The Lakers kept control of the ball 62 percent of the time, and goalkeeper Maddie Elbro had four

saves while in net.

“The ideal scenario is always to not have to make any saves as a goalkeeper, and I think we were fantastic in reducing their chances to only four,” Elbro said, “however, it’s of course a great feeling to be able to help the team out when we need it.”

On Sept. 11, the Mercyhurst Women’s soccer team played against Daemen College in Amherst, NY and lost 0-1.

The Lakers’ next match is set to be against hometown rival, the Gannon University Golden Knights. This game will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the McConnell Family Stadium at Gannon.

The last two games played against Gannon in the Spring of 2021 resulted in a tie, thus; this next match ought to be tough.

The ladies will have to hold fast to beat their opponents.

Sept. 19, North Easton, MA @ 12:00 p.m.: Field hockey vs Stonehill College

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Decisions involving your finances might seem to be foolproof. But they could have underlying risks you should know about. Don’t act on anything until all the facts are in.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Keep that keen Bovine mind focused on your financial situation as it begins to undergo some changes. Consider your money moves carefully. Avoid impulsive investments.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’ll need to adjust some of your financial plans now that things are changing more quickly than you expected. All the facts you need haven’t yet emerged, so move cautiously.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Personal and professional relationships dominate this period. Try to keep things uncomplicated to avoid misunderstandings that can cause problems down the line.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) That elusive goal you’d been hoping to claim is still just out of reach. But something else has come along that could prove just as desirable, if only you would take the time to check it out.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This is a good time to get away for some much-needed rest and relaxation. You’ll return refreshed and ready to take on the workplace challenge that awaits you.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Confidence grows as you work your way through some knotty situations. Watch out for distractions from well-meaning supporters that could slow things down.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Consider spending more time contemplating the possibilities of an offer before opting to accept or reject it. But once you make a decision, act on it.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You’re in a very strong position this week to tie up loose ends in as many areas as possible. Someone close to you has advice you might want to heed.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Congratulations. This is the week you’ve been waiting for: After a period of sudden stops and fitful starts, your plans can now move ahead with no significant disruptions.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You’re in an exceptionally strong position this week to make decisions on many still-unresolved matters, especially those involving close personal relationships.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The new moon starts this week off with some positive movement in several areas. A special person becomes a partner in at least one of the major plans you’ll be working on.

BORN THIS WEEK: You work hard and get things done. You also inspire others to do their best. You would do well heading up a major corporation. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by the Martian