Feb. 14 Edition of The Merciad

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

W E D N E S DAY, F E B RUA RY 1 4 , 2 01 8

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VOL. 91 NO. 11

Special Olympics: Snow much fun PAGE 8

Online poll results How do you feel about six more weeks of winter?

5: Mercyhurst to beta test Spectrum U app 10: Moser to perform in free faculty recital on Feb. 25 15: Men’s ice hockey takes weekend over Holy Cross Contributed photo

I love the snow! (36%) I hate that groundhog. (29%) Yay! No allergies. (21%) Can’t wait for spring. (14%)

This week’s

POLL

What did you think of the Olympics?

merciad.mercyhurst.edu

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NEWS

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Leadership is changing

By Kristian Biega Staff writer

On Feb. 1, David Dausey, Ph.D., announced that he will be stepping down from his position as Mercyhurst provost and executive vice president and will be accepting the position of provost at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

“It’s very strange to leave a place you don’t really want to leave,” said Dausey.

“Everybody here has been amazing in terms of helping me through this decision. It’s been really wonderful to have the help of those folks, but it doesn’t make the decision any easier.”

Duquesne University is a nationally ranked tier-one research institution that values its Catholic mission and long standing heritage in Pittsburgh. Duquesne’s similar mission to Mercyhurst and dedication to academics is helping to ease the transition for Dausey, both being a large part of his personal values and goals.

In a news release from Duquesne, the faculty and staff said they are excited to welcome Dausey to their community.

“Our strategic plan calls us to identify bold pathways to create a vibrant campus community and to develop academic programs that transcend traditional boundaries. David will be instrumental in helping us to achieve these goals,” said Duquesne University President Ken Gormley.

Dausey is a Mercyhurst alumnus and has served as provost since 2015, helping to create change and growth at the university.

“I never really considered my position at Mercyhurst a job; it is more like my passion project. I came here more as somebody who saw the potential and wanted to expand on what was already here,” said Dausey. “I feel I pursued that with an enthusiasm that goes beyond what most people apply to a typical job.”

One of his proudest achievements during his time at Mercyhurst was the institution of the Public Health program and seeing the successes of the program’s graduating students. He became director of the program in 2011, teaching for

Merciad file photo

David Dausey, Ph. D., will leave his post as provost at the end of the academic year.

several years and serving as dean of the School of Health Professions and Public Health in 2013.

There were also several challenges during his time as provost, even from the beginning of his term, but Dausey attributes the support of the faculty and staff to helping the university during these hard

times.

Justin Ross, Ph.D., the director of Mercyhurst’s Honors and Prestigious Awards programs, speaks highly of Dausey and the connection he has made with the honors program.

“Dr. Dausey’s support for the honors program is immense,” said Ross. He has

after joining the Mercyhurst community in 2001.

Dausey has a lot of confidence for his successor.

“She did a great job as dean of Hafenmaier College, but I knew she was destined for greater things in terms of leadership.

She has the trust and respect of many, and she has earned it, but she is in incredibly energetic leader,” Dausey said.

In her 17 years at Mercyhurst, Roberts has served in a number of positions, including, but not limited to, professor, department chair, associate dean, and dean of the Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. She has also served multiple terms on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

“Dr. Roberts is definitely the right person for the role. She is a clear leader and has a strong management style,” said Dausey. “She has been at MU long enough to understand how the place works and understands the people.”

In each of her many roles, Roberts has been a highly decorated with awards and

recognition both at the school and in the greater community, including Mercyhurst’s Teaching Excellence Award in 2014.

She has served as the Project Director for the million-dollar Links to the Future grant that introduces faculty to the instructional use of technology. She is also the recipient of a $1.5 million 21st Century Community Learning Center grant that allowed her to start the Carpe Diem Academy, an extended learning program for inner-city children.

Her experience both on and off campus have prepared her for this new chapter.

“I am honored to join President Victor and the Mercyhurst University administration,” Roberts said. “Mercyhurst’s commitment to academic excellence and enhanced student learning experiences, supported by a talented and dedicated faculty, align with my commitment to the values of a Mercyhurst education, especially as they fulfill the legacy of our founding Sisters of Mercy.”

a clear idea of what he wants and how the honors program connects with the academic mission of the university. ... He has been a wonderful supporter.”

Ross cited Dausey initiation of Provost Tea events with the program.

“He wanted to be able to come in and talk in a casual way with honors students as a way of showing them the program is something special. It is connected to the provost office in way that other programs are not,” Ross said.

Dausey is a native of Pittsburgh and still has a majority of his close family and friends living in his hometown. He also has several professional ties to Pittsburgh, as he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and senior director of health programs and initiatives at CMU’s Heinz College before coming to Mercyhurst.

Being closer to home and family was one of the major factors in his decision to make the transition to Duquesne.

“It is definitely the hardest personal and professional decision I have had to make,” said Dausey. “In the end, I had to weigh a slew of factors, both personal and professional, to make that decision.”

Even though Dausey is passionate and confident about his new position, he still has a positive outlook here at Mercyhurst as current the dean of the Hafenmaier Humanities College, Leanne Roberts, Ph.D., takes over as provost beginning at the end of the academic year.

“It is a great honor to hand this position off to Dr. Roberts. She will do an amazing job and continue that positive energy forward. I see an incredibly bright future for Mercyhurst as we have laid the groundwork for a lot of exciting projects. I am 100 percent confident that it is in good hands,” Dausey said.

“Mercyhurst is irreplaceable not only in my mind but in my heart,” said Dausey.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life being the provost here. Everybody — faculty, students, staff — were wonderful to me as a person and helped me to grow as an administrator and one of their colleagues. I will be forever grateful to them.”

Roberts to succeed Dausey

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

With the recent announcement that David Dausey, Ph.D., will be leaving for a position at Duquesne, the Mercyhurst community had been left wondering who would be fulfilling the position. The answer came Feb. 5 with President Michael T. Victor’s appointment of Leanne Roberts, Ph.D., as provost and vice president of academic affairs.

“We are excited to have Dr. Roberts join our senior administrative team,” said Victor. “She has remained steadfast in her commitment to building strong partnerships within and across the university and community. At every step, Dr. Roberts has demonstrated a strategic capacity, an acumen for leadership and an ability to inspire and deliver excellence.”

Roberts, a graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, has more than two decades of experience in the field.

She obtained her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Akron in 2005, shortly

Contributed photo

Leanne Roberts, Ph.D., current dean of the Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, will be taking over the role of provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

NEWS

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New dean on the scene

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

Mercyhurst University has named Brenda J. Ponsford, Ph.D., J.D., as the new dean of the Walker College of Business. Ponsford has extensive experience teaching, consulting, conducting research and developing strategic partnerships with key institutions.

Ponsford earned her doctorate in Business Administration, MBA and bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics from Virginia Tech and her juris doctor from Concord University School of Law. She is widely published and has presented at more than 50 conferences in the United States and abroad on topics such as B2B marketing, customer service, eCommerce, logistics, negotiation, and promotion and strategy.

In accepting the position, Ponsford said, “I am excited to be part of the Mercyhurst family and am looking forward to working with the faculty and staff of the Walker College of Business.”

Ponsford plans to develop various areas of the Walker College and has been playing with ideas in discussions with faculty. She will also draw on her experience in developing strategic partnerships

Marina Boyle photo

Brenda J. Ponsford, Ph.D., J.D., joins Mercyhurst as the new dean of the Walker College of Business. She previously served as dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University.

with key institutions, through which she has recruited students from 20 European nations and 12 Asian nations, as well as Palestine, Israel and Australia.

Ponsford previously served as dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University, dean of Business and Aviation at Henderson State University

and MBA director and Marketing department chair at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

“The best part of Mercyhurst is the encouraging, wonderful Mer-

cy mission. The campus is so innovative, and I am so excited to develop the Risk Management program here and work with the Ridge School,” said Ponsford. “It is such a fantastic place to work and I can tell myself that truly every day. I’m so excited to have found a school with a mindset so rare.”

Ponsford made the move from Richmond, Virginia, and her son will transfer to Mercyhurst next semester. She has already seized the day by beginning training to be a Mercy emissary. She cites the peaceful and joyful campus as central to her happiness here.

David Dausey, Ph.D., Mercyhurst provost and executive vice president, identified Ponsford as a “pragmatic, caring problem-solver” who can prepare students for the ever-changing and fast-paced business environment.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Brenda Ponsford,” Dausey said.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Mercyhurst not only as a dean but also as an accomplished faculty member, lawyer and business leader. We are confident that our students will benefit from her mentorship and skilled leadership in the years ahead.”

Dining series shakes it up

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

The Statler Department of Hospitality Management launched its Spring Dining Series on Feb. 9 in the J.W. and Alice Marriott Café.

The popular program is abandoning the prior practice of only offering a fixed menu and will be operating under a new format, giving guests their choice of three entrées from 5 to 5:30 p.m. This will give both students working and eating at the cafe a more authentic restaurant experience.

Dinners will be prepared and served by students Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays now through April 25, when school is in session.

“Two appetizers are offered which are both chosen by the General Manager of the night.

The guest gets a choice of the three entrée meals with a vegetable and starch. The sides are

also picked by the general manager. The guest also has a choice of three dessert options, one of which was chosen by the General Manager,” said senior Hospitality Management major Steven Martz.

The Monday menu includes options of Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breast, Grilled Honey Bourbon Sirloin Steak and Roasted Orange-Rosemary Salmon. On Wednesdays, students will be serving Grilled Steak Fajitas, Fiesta Chicken and Baked Salmon with Honey-Mustard and Almond Crust. Roasted Chicken Roulades with Spinach and Artichokes, Grilled Sirloin with Mushrooms and Onions, and Grilled Salmon with a Bourbon-Pecan Praline Sauce on Fridays.

All meals will include an appetizer, entree, and a choice of desserts for $12.

Each of the students involved in the Marriott Café is enrolled in a lab class, where they learn how

to prepare and serve the meals seen in the Spring Dining Series.

“It depends on the day as to how many of us are in the lab, but each week, each person is there two of the three days,” Martz said.

Each student will take on different roles to experience the work environment of a restaurant.

“Each student becomes the General Manager for two of the meals over the semester, and one person from the class is the front of house manager,” said Martz.

“The general manager runs the show, so jobs are assigned based on what they say. We put people in their strengths but also try and get them to learn new things.”

Interested students are required to make a reservation by leaving a message at (814) 824-2565 on weekdays after 9 a.m. Reservation confirmations will be required within 48 hours and a reminder Jenny Sabliov photo call will be made a week prior to Steven Martz prepares for his meal as General Manager on Feb. 14. the event.

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NEWS

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Merciad IN A MINUTE

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Meet your MSG reps

Celebrate a rich history

On Feb. 27, the Multicultural Student Service will be hosting a complimentary luncheon to celebrate Black History Month for students, faculty and staff.

The lunch will be in the Student Union Great Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

CJ headed to New Orleans This week, three students in the Criminal Justice department left for New Orleans.

They will be presenting original research at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences conference.

Forensics in Seattle

Graduate and undergraduate students from the Applied Forensic Science department are attending the American Association of Forensic Science in Seattle.

Two of the secondyear graduate students, Dorianis Perez and Rhian Dunn, will be presenting research titled “Differential Recovery Rates of Skeletonized Remains.”

Getting involved

On Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., clubs and organizations will be congregated in the Student Union Great Room and in MSG Chambers for the annual Spring Involvement Fair.

If you have free time this semester and want to get involved with a club on campus, make sure to come and express interest.

Have a news tip for Merciad In a Minute? Send an email to newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Check out next week’s issue for the sophomore and junior senator profiles.

Talent show

By Amber Matha

Editor in chief

Every year, Circle K puts on a small talent show to raise money for charity. The talent show is in its fourth year and has been drawing crowds to witness and vote on student performances.

No year has ever been the same, so every year brings a fresh set of talent to the Walker Recital Hall stage.

“We typically see a wide range of acts, anywhere from dancers and singers to magicians also,” said junior Amelia Kanonczyk, a Criminal Justice major and editor of Circle K. There is a $3 admission to attend the event, but the proceeds go toward a charitable cause.

“All proceeds go towards animal welfare, and everyone who buys a ticket to see the talent show is automatically entered to win a

Tim Hortons gift card,” Kanonczyk said.

Everyone is invited to support his or her peers and support a good cause.

There will be awards going to talent show participants for people’s choice, judges’ choice and person most embodying Mercyhurst.

“This is a fun event to attend because it is a fun way to see different students perform their talents and laugh a little,” said Kanonczyk. “This is my first year involved with the talent show, but I am so excited to see all the different acts perform and see everyone have a good time.”

Anyone who wishes to attend should report to Walker Recital Hall at 6 p.m. with $3 in hand for admission. Anyone interested in joining Circle K’s activities can attend meetings every Sunday in Hirt 103 at 8 p.m.

Ryan Hall update

Ryan Hall now has windows on all four stories, a notable improvement from some windows and many open spaces.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

NEWS

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Mercyhurst selected This weekend’s for Spectrum U testing campus events STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Daniel Leonard Staff writer

A new option for streaming live TV arises as Mercyhurst joins a select number of campuses to beta-test Spectrum U free for a year before it commits to the service in 2019.

The move was announced on Feb. 5 through a press release.

The Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) outlined its partnership with the Mercyhurst Information Technology (IT) staff and its plans for the coming years.

“The original motivation behind partnering with the IT staff to launch Spectrum U was to be on the level of students,” said Jonah Jackson, MSG President.

“MSG jumped at the opportunity to debut the app because it was something that would directly benefit students.”

The Spectrum U application allows any student, faculty and staff member to stream 50 live TV channels on their mobile device, tablet or computer when connected to the university’s WiFi network, with no existing cable account necessary.

Some of the channels offered are A&E, Lifetime, MTV, SyFy, a variety of channels with children’s shows and many more options.

“When Spectrum called and offered us a spot in this program, we thought it would be a great service to add for our students. More and more people are streaming television programming to mobile devices rather than sitting in front of a traditional television,” said Jeanette Britt, the university’s vice president for Technology and CIO. “Spectrum U allows our students to be able to watch programming on multiple devices from any location on campus.

Spectrum knows that this is the viewing experience that students want and have developed this app to give students that functionality.”

Users also have the choice to save favorite channels and filter the program guide to their specific interests.

The app is available in both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play store, but it will not work on jailbroken devices.

Spectrum U is currently in beta testing and only available to universities.

Before a product is released to the public, there are several levels of testing that it must go through.

The first level is alpha testing.

During this process, which normally lasts a couple weeks, the company will run tests on

Apple App Store

The Spectrum U app is in its beta testing stage and will be coming to Mercyhurst before the app goes public in 2019.

the product to check quality.

In this stage, the product is about 60 to 80 percent complete and is expected to have a lot of bugs that need to be fixed.

During the beta testing, the product is evaluated for customer satisfaction.

The test periods for this process are normally longer and occur when the product is 90 percent complete.

After beta testing, the product is launched into field testing and then finally opened to the general public.

Jackson emphasized the importance of student feedback.

“During this trial period, I would ask students to really think about how the app could be better,” said Jackson. “Are there any missing features? Do you notice any recurring glitches? MSG will be administering a survey to collect student feedback about Spectrum U. I would hope students would take it so that the app can be made even better.”

In their post, MSG says that Mercyhurst IT will be increasing its bandwidth from its current 1.5 GB to 3 GB to accommodate the increase in traffic, while also planning to increase it in 2019 to 4 GB and in 2020 to 5 GB. Adding a new feature to the internet also means adding to the cost of the service.

“We do not have a specific cost yet, but we do have an estimate from Spectrum and the pricing will be affordable,” Britt said.

Although other universities have launched the app before Mercyhurst, it is still relatively new and should be expected to have a few minor bugs.

The important thing is to be diligent during this beta testing period and report all issues as soon as possible to ensure they are addressed before the next version of the app.

Two of the universities that have previously used the app, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Saint Louis University, have listed step-bystep instructions for using the app on their campus and clearly state a number of issues relevant before 2015 and in 2017.

Both universities have cited the same two known issues with the app, both occurring on Android phones.

Users have experienced trouble with the app freezing while launching, as well as being unable to change the volume while streaming videos.

Fortunately, listed with each of the issues is a way to correct it.

A few of the recent Spectrum U app updates addressed the issues mentioned on each campuses website and more, which just goes to show that they do take feedback into consideration.

“I think it is a cool concept, but I don’t watch a lot of television. But when I do, I just watch Netflix,” said Austin Shinhearl, a senior Hospitality Management major and MSG senator.

Shinhearl does bring up a good point, though — that many students who live on campus are used to using Netflix, Hulu or another online streaming service.

At the very least, the new option on campus will enable students without a TV to be able to watch live cable on their laptops or other device, Shinhearl said.

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

This Friday, MAC/SAC will be hosting Spilling the Tea. Jive Poetic will be speaking about important issues in the Great Room at 8 p.m.

MSG is bringing back the Escape Room again this year. Groups of up to 10 can sign up for 45-minute time slots to test their survival skills. The event starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday in Sullivans 1, 2 and 3.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG Jan. 28: Liquor law violation in Lot 23.

Jan. 30: Controlled substance in Warde Hall.

Feb. 2: Theft at the Ice Center.

Feb. 11: Liquor law violation in McAuley Hall.

FEATURES

PAGE 6

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

Ask for Mia’s advice at: askmia.merciad@gmail.com

Grow through a year of service

By Anthony Miller

Staff writer

******************* Dear Mia, I am having roommate troubles.

She keeps talking over me and never asks how I am doing anymore. She gets upset when I can’t hang out with her, and often forces me out of the room we share together. I think the stress of this semester is getting to her and I do not know how to help.

Sincerely, Roommate Probs

Dear Roommate Probs, This has been a stressful semester for everyone and it’s good that you care so much about your roommate to try and help her out.

She seems to be acting differently and needs some time to be able to relax.

Try planning something fun for the two of you to do one night or even for the whole weekend. Get some favorite snacks and put on some rom-coms to watch together.

Basically try to help her get her mind off of everything going on this semester.

Let her know that you are also feeling stressed (especially if you are both seniors or trying to determine what comes next), but that you are concerned about her mental health.

Make sure that she knows that you are there to help her wherever she needs it.

Sincerely,

Mia

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

There are fewer than 100 days left before seniors graduate from Mercyhurst University. One of the paths forward for seniors is a year of service, but what is the year of service and what does it entail?

The year of service is a postgraduate service opportunity in which graduates dedicate a year or two years to working for various organizations. Some organizations involved are AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and the Lutheran Volunteer Corps.

Bethany Brun, coordinator of Service Learning, discussed the benefits of taking a gap year to do a year of service after graduation.

“Each of these programs gives you the opportunity to do a year or two years of service,” said Brun. “It’s a great opportunity for seniors especially, because you get to develop yourself as a professional.”

There are two kinds of service available to graduates. One of them is working behind the scenes and doing things such as securing funding and building partnerships, while the other is working on the ground with clientele.

Danielle Pacansky, ’16, AmeriCorps VISTA Youth Mentoring Coordinator, is completing her second year with AmeriCorps.

Throughout Pacansky’s time of service, she has worked on coordinating two youth mentoring programs, working alongside pro-

fessors and other professionals in the field.

“Doing a year of service is an amazing opportunity to grow and work on your professional skills,” said Pacansky. “No matter what major you graduate with, you have a great yearlong opportunity to work before whatever you wish to pursue.”

There are a number of location options available for completing a year of service. If students want to explore a particular state or region, such as Dallas, they would be able to go there for a year.

Traveling overseas is also an option.

A year of service is a good way to test out new locations and experiences before committing to moving there long term.

While graduates usually are not paid in paychecks, they do receive stipends.

“Most of them generally provide a monthly stipend to help with living expenses,” Brun said.

Other benefits are also available depending on what organization the student works through.

For example, AmeriCorps pays a $5,800 education award every 12 months, which can be used to help pay off student loans or pay for graduate school.

Most student loans are also deferred while working for AmeriCorps.

“For the AmeriCorps VISTA year of service, at the end of the year you get to choose from a stipend or education award,” said Pacansky. “You can use the educa-

tion award on either school loans or toward graduate school.”

According to Brun, a year of service provides a great opportunity to find out what kind of work environment one might enjoy.

“Do you enjoy working in teams? Do you like an office environment? Do you want to work in a cubicle? You find these things out during your year,” Brun said.

Other members of the Mercyhurst community have spoken positively about their time in year of service programs. One such individual is Colin Hurley, director of Community Engagement.

“I did two years of post-grad service from 2007 to 2009 as (an AmeriCorps) VISTA member, and I can personally say it was a very formative time for me as a young professional,” said Hurley.

“Those 24 months gave me a better sense of direction and a sense of launch into my career field in higher education.”

Mercyhurst is hosting a service fair on Feb. 21. It will be in the Student Union from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and there will be a free dinner afterwards where students can talk to service representatives, including Mercyhurst alumni.

Organizations at the dinner will include AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, Mercy Volunteer Corps and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

“I highly recommend considering a year of service after graduation. Feel free to stop in the Service Learning office or attend the post-grad fair to learn more,” Pacansky said.

Hurst campus to walk in peaceful silence

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

A silent Peace Walk to promote unity in the world and inner personal peace will take place at Mercyhurst on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

This is a monthly event held by the Benedictine Sisters, who will collaborate with the Sisters of Mercy this month by holding the walk here on campus. The procession will begin at the Mary Garden at 7 p.m. and is co-sponsored

by Mercyhurst Campus Ministry.

Sister Natalie Rossi, part-time campus minister, helped organize the event.

“This is a walk open to everyone. One of the big pushes of the Sisters of Mercy as a critical concern is the promotion of nonviolence. The biggest way to reach that goal is through peace.

Gathering people together to pray for peace each month has to have a positive impact on the world,” Rossi said.

The Benedictine Sisters began the tradition of Peace Walks in August 1999, and the events are now held monthly in different locations throughout Erie. Past locations have included Perry Square, Erie County Prison, local high schools and the pier.

In the past, the Sisters of Mercy have collaborated with the Benedictine Sisters and the Sisters of St. Joseph to create such events, including the Take Back the Site vigils. With Mercyhurst being chosen as the location for February, it is hoped that students, staff and faculty will get involved in this simple, silent action.

This idea is deemed especially important by the sisters in re-

sponse to the escalating tensions and divisiveness present in our country and world. The walk is designed to promote 30 minutes of inner harmony that does away with fear, divisions and hatred, and brings about peace and unity in the world.

All are welcome to join this month, or attend next month’s walk at the Poetry Park on March 14.

Greg Baker, director of Campus Ministry, is excited that the peace walk will take place on campus.

“Our culture and our world are much too impatient, divisive and violent,” said Baker. “I am so glad that this event is happening at MU — a simple yet profound opportunity to tap into the depth, wisdom and peacefulness that silence can offer.”

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 7

Abigail Rinard photo

Leaders Maria Montoya, left, Julia Lesko, center, and Allie Schweiger, along with others, have been hard at work advertising for and planning this year’s Lock-In.

Fun, faith, fellowship locked in

By Jordan Pendel

Staff writer

Where else can you do karaoke, watch movies and have a slumber party, all while keeping in touch with your Catholic faith? On Feb. 16 at the Student Union, students can play games and participate in spiritual activities at the Lock-In sponsored by the Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions group.

Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions is a religious group on campus that meets every Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. to explore the Catholic tradition and provide members with the opportunity to deepen their faith. As a group, they practice devotions such as the rosary, chaplets and Eucharistic Adoration. Some nights they have speakers come who share with them their journey through service, hopelessness, success and failure through life.

This is the second year the Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions team is sponsoring the Lock-In. The group plans on keeping it a

yearly event, unless there is more demand for it.

Interested students are encouraged to sign up for the Lock-In ahead of time at Campus Ministry. That way they will have all information about the event and can ask the leaders any questions or concerns they have.

Leaders of the team include Nick Woll, sophomore Psychology and Religious Studies double major; Maria Montoya, junior Psychology and Biology double major; Allie Schweiger, freshman English major; Victoria Schmidt, junior Early Childhood Education and Special Education major; and Julia Lesko, sophomore Business and Communication double major. Any of them can be contacted with questions, either about the Lock-In or other events and meetings.

“The Lock-In is going to be a really fun, faith-filled night,” said Schweiger. “I encourage anyone that is considering it to attend.

It’s a great opportunity to make friends and find peace in the

midst of our busy lives.”

Check-in will be between 10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Feb. 16 and the event will conclude with a breakfast Feb. 17 at 8 a.m.

The leaders have lots of activities planned for the night. After check-in, the leaders will explain the rules for the night. Following that, there will be several fun ice-breakers, allowing the participants to get to know one another.

There will be five different stations placed throughout the Student Union that attendees will be able to go to that incorporate Catholicism. One station will involve the rosary, either making it or praying it. A second station will consist of a guided meditation. There will be a praise and worship station where people can sing songs, and another station will involve spiritual journaling.

There will also be a break station available for students who are not Catholic and need a break from the religious activities.

For the remainder of the night, students will be able to relax,

Cleaner water, less waste

By Emily Rossi

Contributing writer

The success of the Sustainability Club at Mercyhurst University can be seen through the green initiatives washing through campus.

When considering water consumption, there isn’t much thought, aside from its necessity for life. However, the use and misuse of water is a significant issue.

Mercyhurst has slowly been putting up new bottle-filling water fountains across campus, which accomplish more than simply

hydrating those who make use of them. These water fountains, which are recognizable from the ones seen in airports, count how many bottles you have used.

Environmentally speaking, this great new initiative allows a facilitated use of water bottles, which we should all be using in lieu of plastic water bottles. This system limits plastic waste, saving the environment as well as the campus.

Additionally, the water is better filtered.

These water fountains can be found in Hirt, Old Main and the

Student Union. This initiative will greatly decrease the amount of waste on the university’s campus — and who doesn’t love a cute water bottle?

The new water fountain initiative began when a student brought the issue to Sustainability Club’s attention. If anyone has any ideas or proposals regarding the sustainable developments on campus, they should contact Sarah Bennet, M.S., Sustainability Officer, who will help you create a proposal to then give to the Sustainability board.

watch movies, do karaoke and enjoy different snacks and games.

Everyone who attends is welcome to bring their own gaming console or board game to play.

“I enjoyed the Lock-In because it allowed me to spend time with many of my friends that I normally don’t get to hangout with,” said Ryan King, senior Intelligence Studies major. “It also gave me time to get away from the idea that in college, in order to have fun on a weekend, you need to go to a party or be drinking.”

There will also be 24-hour Perpetual Adoration.

Rebecca Harms, senior Business and Competitive Intelligence double major, attended last year’s Lock-In and had a great time.

“It was a fun night mixed with prayer and games, and a great way to build community and connect with fellow students,” said Harms.

“There was a lot of energy and positivity all night long and ended with a delicious breakfast.”

Breakfast in the morning will be

provided by the Campus Ministry group MYRACLE. Woll stressed that students of any faith can attend the Lock-In. “With it being a Campus Ministry event, it is kind of pegged as a Catholic thing, but you don’t have to be Catholic,” said Woll.

“We would appreciate it if people would go through all the stations with us, but it is not going to be faith heavy throughout the night.”

The leaders ask that students who are not Catholic come with a respectful heart and open mind.

They encourage everyone’s participation, but there will be alternative activities for those who feel uncomfortable with any of the stations.

“The Lock-In is an amazing opportunity to get to know great people, but most importantly, it is an opportunity to explore your relationship with your faith,” said Montoya. “Activities such as the Lock-In allow people to come back in touch with their faith and with themselves.”

Ready to retreat?

CD10 is coming It’s time to sign up for Carpe Diem 10. The CD10 retreat, sponsored by Campus Ministry, is April 6-8.

Be sure to get an application from Campus Ministry and turn it in by the end of the month with your $20 deposit.

Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to foster community, eat delicious food and grow as a person. The CD10 leadership team is hard at work preparing!

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

FEATURES

PAGE 8

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Bridget Jacob photo

More than 100 students from Mercyhurst volunteered at the Erie City Special Olympics on Feb. 7 at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, New York.

Olympians brave Erie winter

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

More than 100 warm hearts from Mercyhurst braved the cold Feb. 7 for the Erie City Special Olympics at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, N.Y. Much like the official Olympic Games, the event began with an opening ceremony, complete with a torch lighting and a reciting of the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Following the lighting, more than 40 Special Olympians from Erie High School and Strong Vincent Middle School were paired up with a Mercyhurst student and practiced for the alpine and cross country skiing events.

“I was a buddy at the event, which means that I was paired up with an athlete and got to spend the day with her,” said freshman Samantha O’Connell, an Early Childhood Education and Special Education major. “I made sure that she got to her race, had the right equipment and, most importantly, cheered her on. We also did crafts later in the day and just hung out, which was a lot of fun.”

Because there were more than twice the number of volunteers as there were Olympians, each child was matched with a small group of students to practice with and cheer them on.

This is the second time that Mercyhurst has sent a group of

Bridget Jacob photos

LEFT: The event began with a torch lighting at the opening ceremony. RIGHT: Middle and high school students were paired with Mercyhurst buddies, who cheered them on in cross country and alpine skiing events.

students this large to the event.

Volunteers were organized by Susan Johnson, Education Department chair, and Cole Lowe, senior Spanish Education major.

Mercyhurst students enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Olympians. The event was not only fun, but it provided professional experience.

“I had a fantastic experience,” said freshman Lucienne Belleau, a Spanish Education major. “Watching the smile on my buddy’s face when he crossed the finish line after skiing for the first time made my day, and I bet all of the other volunteers felt the same way.”

O’Connell shared a similar sentiment.

“I loved getting to work with my athlete, Kristina, and getting to see the smile on her face when she finished her races or even when we were just talking,” O’Connell said.

Overall, student volunteers and Special Olympians alike seemed to enjoy their experiences at this year’s Games and are already

awaiting next year’s festivities.

“I will most definitely be volunteering for this event again.

I enjoyed every moment,” said Belleau. “Everyone who was involved, both volunteers and participants, made this day a rewarding and unforgettable experience that I would be happy to help out with again in the future.”

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 9

Erie shines through service

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience centered on God’s love for people with special needs. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, the event gives the honored prom guests and their volunteer buddies the opportunity to have a magical prom evening catered to their needs.

As a part of this worldwide movement, more than 500 churches and 175,000 volunteers in 50 states came together on Feb. 9 to celebrate 90,000 honored guests. The Erie Night to Shine event was hosted at St. James Parish and was an unforgettable evening for 100 prom-goers and three Mercyhurst buddy volunteers.

Natalie Rasak, Danielle Kindron and Karlee Shagena, all Physician Assistant graduate students, represented Mercyhurst at the event as buddy volunteers.

Participating as a buddy volunteer involved accompanying and assisting a prom guest for the evening, providing companionship and enthusiasm.

For the Physician Assistant students, service is a daily activity, required by their program and future jobs.

“As part of our program, we participate in service learning hours to give back to the community,” said Kindron. “I began vol-

unteering with the Autism Society this past summer, which is where I heard about Night to Shine. The night was a truly magical one, and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces throughout the night was so rewarding.”

Every guest of Night to Shine entered on a complimentary red carpet with professional photography, hair and makeup stations, corsages and boutonnieres, shoe shines, a catered dinner and a dance floor inside. The highlight of each Night to Shine is the crowning of every guest as king or queen of prom.

Linda Hennigan, chairwoman of the Erie committee, played a large role in organizing the Erie Night to Shine.

“Guests receive the royal treatment. In addition to the buddy volunteers, there are over 80 volunteers who dedicate their time as greeters and registration team, red carpet and paparazzi team, food service team, and safety, security and medical teams,” Hennigan said.

There were rooms for parents and caretakers even incorporated into the plans, giving guests the ability to leave the festivities momentarily and rest if needed.

“Memories are captured by photographers, and there is a respite room available for the parents and caretakers,” said Hennigan. “The evening concludes with each guest receiving special Night to Shine prom favors in-

Contributed photo

The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors the Night to Shine, an event that has begun to spread throughout the United States and international community.

cluding their photo in a commemorative frame.”

The Tim Tebow Foundation, the sponsor of the event, created Night to Shine as a night for churches, volunteers, the honored guests and God to shine. The event has spread throughout the United States and, in recent years, moved beyond national borders.

There are now 15 other countries that have become involved. The organizers hope the impact is being felt all around the world.

“The evening was very rewardContributed photo ing, and it was nice to be able to make someone else’s night,” said Guests had the opportunity to dress up, get professional photographs taken and enter on a red carpet during Night to Shine.

Shagena.

Students create social change

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

The social summit of the year, Agents of Change, will take place on Feb. 17 in Meadville.

An annual event, Agents of Change brings socially engaged students and professionals together to influence our locality and wider world.

Agents of Change stemmed from a collaborative discussion among directors of Community Engagement in various regional universities. The conference now mobilizes college students and post-graduate service leaders to reflect on social issues and engage in change.

The conference will be hosted this year by Allegheny College with the theme of “Love in Action: Social Change.”

Regional students have the opportunity to connect with other individuals with similar interests and values. They will be able to discuss issues over the course of two meals, as well as in several breakout workshops.

There will also be a keynote

presentation and other informal gathering time. Mercyhurst plans to bring a group to both watch and present on research.

Megan Quinones, sophomore Economics major, and Luis Flores, sophomore History and Economics double major, are two of the Mercyhurst students who issued a proposal to present at the summit. Their proposed co-presentation is a discussion about the complexities of immigration.

“Our aim is to start a much-needed conversation with the Erie community about the underlying historical and racial components of U.S. immigration policy,” said Quinones. “We will be discussing the difficulties of navigating the migratory process, and briefly introducing attendees to the basics by explaining how costs, language, form length, per-country limits and processing times impact the accessibility of the process.”

Following the conference theme of love in action, Quinones and Flores hope to facilitate honest and open discussion, promoting change through productive conversations.

“We will then engage in an honest discussion where attendees are invited to remove their filters and ask what they really want to know in whatever language they’d like to use for the purposes of addressing their concerns about immigrants,” Quinones said.

The “Love in Action” theme of the summit is focused on social change. The workshop categories offered throughout the day will include Beyond Tolerance, Diversity and Cross-Cultural Awareness, Capacity Building, Hunger and Food Security, Children and Youth, Housing and Homelessness, and Urban Renewal.

In addition, there will be an inspirational presentation from the keynote speaker of the event, Fred Williams.

Williams is the co-founder of Climate Changers Inc., along with Curtis Jones. The Erie organization has created a “Total Change Re-Entry Program,” addressing challenges faced by ex-offenders and providing opportunities to change the outcome, creating social change.

Williams is also the author of

several books and the creator of a program called “Our Energy Within.” The program strives to teach at-risk students how to utilize their energy to prevent potentially risky behavior. As a certified Behavioral Specialist, Williams has taught Drug & Alcohol and Violence & Gambling Prevention in schools and counseled many students and families.

He has over 25 years of counseling experience.

Williams is able to utilize his own past as an ex-offender to work with individuals in the justice system who are ready to turn their lives around and become productive agents of change in society.

A major goal of “Total Change Re-Entry Program” is to reduce the likelihood of relapse, and assisting individuals with reintegration into society.

“Total Change” has three phases, throughout which ex-offenders learn how to use self-efficacy to make better decisions, listen to advice on how to get along in society and practice social skills.

The purpose and value of each

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

individual is also emphasized, providing more tangible reasons for change.

Colin Hurley, director of Community Engagement, anticipates a successful experience for each student attending the conference.

“We are excited to bring a group of student, ‘change agents,’ to and from this conference. This leadership conference is designed to complement and build on the knowledge of student leaders who work within the realm of community engagement. I am excited for those wanting to attend to be more aware, educated and engaged,” Hurley said.

The collaborating institutions and organizations for the regional conference will include Allegheny College, Mercyhurst University, Gannon University, and the Lake Effect Leaders AmeriCorps VISTA program.

Community Engagement will cover the cost of registration (which includes meals) and transportation for Mercyhurst students. Anyone who is interested in attending can email Hurley at churley@mercyhurst.edu.

PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Moser presents ‘Music to Warm a Winter Day’

By Megan Lay Staff writer

On Feb. 25, Jonathan Moser will be performing “Music to Warm and Winter Day,” a collection of compositions for violin.

Moser, instructor of Music, has compiled a balanced program for the audience to attend in order to escape from the record-breaking Erie winter.

Moser’s recital is comprised of four pieces of music from the 19th and 20th centuries: Hindemith Sonata for Solo Violin, Op. 31, No 2; Beethoven Sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30 No. 2; Prokofiev Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor Op. 80; and Tchaikovsky Valse–Scherzo, Op. 34.

He is featuring music from two German and two Russian composers.

Moser has arranged the performance with minor key pieces surrounded by two lighter, more inviting pieces at the beginning and the end of the program.

Contributed photo

The faculty recital series continues with Jonathan Moser’s recital on Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.

Moser said, “I hope the audience comes away from this performance with a sense of respite, balance and also like they have gone on a journey.”

Moser will be collaborating

with Nathan Hess, D.M.A., Music department chair and assistant professor of Piano, during this performance.

“Working with him as a collaborator is a pleasure and a joy,”

Moser said of Hess. “We really are creating a story together.

“When I get the opportunity to collaborate with someone it morphs from being something about technique to something

more beautiful,” Moser said.

Moser said that the spirit of collaborations are very important among the arts.

Music students are encouraged to collaborate with pianists each semester.

Hopefully this spirit of collaboration will be able to be extended through all of the art departments at Mercyhurst.

When asked what makes the Mercyhurst Music department unique, Moser said, “I have taught at four other colleges, and they did not possess the same environment.

“The biggest difference is the quality of character in the student body.

“It is an intangible generosity and kindness that you do not have a lot of other places.”

Brave the bitter winter and head to Walker Recital Hall on Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. to support Mercyhurst Music faculty.

This performance is free and open to the public.

UPCOMING ‘Follies’ visits ghosts of EVENTS Broadway theater’s past

By Steven Martz

Staff writer

A legendary musical was broadcast and performed for the first time at the National Theatre in November.

Now an encore of that amazing performance will be shown on the ground of another cultural institution.

Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture (MIAC) will be playing an encore of “Follies” in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Feb. 18.

The show will start promptly at 12:55 p.m.

Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics of “Follies.”

James Goldman wrote the book behind the musical.

MIAC photo

MIAC will present an encore presentation of “Follies” on Feb. 18.

The musical focuses on the reThe reunion is because the union of the past performers of Broadway theater that was used the “Weismann’s Follies,” after 30 for the performance for years is years. It was a show that played being torn down. during the World War eras.

Sally Durant Plummer and

Phyllis Rogers Stone were showgirls in the old show.

They come to the reunion with their husbands Buddy and Benjamin respectfully. “Follies” focuses on these couples.

Their marriages are not as happy as they first look, and the story unfolds from there.

Throughout the musical, some of the past showgirls perform the old show escorted by ghosts of their younger selves.

The play will include strobe lighting, so viewer caution is advised.

As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst University students, Tickets cost $18 for an adults, $15 for senior citizens and students of other institutions and $10 for youth.

Wind ensemble features soloists

By Lauren Ganger

Staff writer

On Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, the Mercyhurst University Wind Ensemble will give a performance of marches under the baton of director Scott Meier, Ph.D. All of the pieces on the program will be in the march style, but

Meier promises an assortment of traditional and unusual marches.

There will be circus music in addition to works from Belgium, Britain and Italy, among other countries.

The composers range from composers of opera to comedians.

In Meier’s words, “Pretty much everyone who is a ‘march person’ is on the program.”

Pieces on the program will include “The Vanished Army”

by Kenneth J. Alford; “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite” by Karl L. King; “‘Red’s’ White and Blue March” by Red Skelton; “Moorside March” by Gustav Holst; and “March of the Belgian Penguins”

by Pieter Leemans.

It will also include “Three Marches for the Marriage of the

Duke of Orléans” by Gioacchino Rossini; “Hands Across the Sea March” by John Philip Sousa; “Armed Forces Salute” by Bob Lowden; “Children’s March” by Frank Erickson; and “British Eighth” by Zo Elliot.

Tickets to this performance are $5 for the general public and $2 for Mercyhurst students, faculty and children aged 12 and under.

Faculty Recital: Reed m’ and Weep March 14, 8 p.m., Walker Recital Hall

MIAC Live: Turtle Island Quartet March 15, 7:30 p.m., Walker Recital Hall Art Department Sophomore Review March 14-23, Cummings Art Gallery The Met: Semiramide March 17, 12:55 p.m., Performing Arts Center D’Angelo Opera Theater: ‘Rigoletto’ March 23, 8 p.m., March 25, 2 p.m., Performing Arts Center Roche Guest Artist: Pittsburgh Brass March 26, 8 p.m., Walker Recital Hall

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Professional art juror judges works

By Eleanor Hein

Staff writer

This month marks the return of the annual Patricia S. Yahn Juried Art Show, which is certain to be spectacular beyond a reasonable doubt.

Patricia Yahn is an alumna from Mercyhurst University who studied watercolors with none other than Sister Angelica Cummings, whose name you may recognize from the university’s gallery.

Yahn began her career in art when she made life-sized drawings of models showcasing clothes for the Trask department store in downtown Erie — this was before mannequins were the go-to window décor.

In her later years, she worked as an interior designer and opened her own business, called Interiors of Erie.

In the true spirit of both passion and giving, Yahn provided a generous gift to Mercyhurst University to establish the annual juried art show.

For those like me who may have thought of Matlock upon reading “juried,” Cummings Art Gallery Director Jessica Stadtmueller gave me the run-down on what makes a juried art show.

A juried art exhibit is the exact opposite of a curated exhibit, Stadtmueller explains.

“We fill the gallery with more work than we can hang, and subtract to create a show.”

Who chooses what is subtracted? A juror.

Usually the appointed juror is someone who will be unbiased and who has a reputation and résumé fitting the part.

This means, according to Stadtmueller, that “being accepted into a juried show is proof that your work was selected by someone of merit from a large volume of entries.”

This year’s juror is Alexa Potter, who has experience working as a historian and curator in the Library of Congress, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Carnegie Museum of

Art and the Flight 93 National Memorial.

She has brought her rich experience to the Erie community, where she has volunteered at the Erie Art Museum curating and co-curating several exhibitions.

All of the art in the show has been made by current Mercyhurst art students.

A wide variety of art will be represented, including drawing, painting, mixed media, graphic design, photography, ceramics, sculpture, 3-D printed works and computer-generated works.

Potter will determine the awards from the submissions, and a first, second and third place will be determined, as well as honorable mentions, with cash prizes.

The jury is in — the Patricia S. Yahn Juried Art Show is a mustgo event.

The show will begin Feb. 19 and will last until March 16 in the Cummings Art Gallery.

There will also be a reception celebrating the show Feb. 22 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

‘La Boheme’ showcases post-French revolution era

By Steven Martz Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture (MIAC) is showing a striking opera from the Metropolitan Opera.

“La Boheme” is being shown in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Feb. 24.

The performance will start promptly at 12:30 p.m.

The doors will open at noon.

The opera has a total run time of 2 hours and 55 minutes, with two intermissions — the first is 33 minutes and the second is 26 minutes.

The opera is sung in Italian with subtitles in English.

Giacomo Puccini is the com-

poser of “La Boheme,” and the librettists are Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica.

The opera is set in Paris around 1830. The setting was chosen because after the revolution and war people had little time for the arts and the artists behind the great works of that time.

As any time in history there are youth that are at odds with society, and these youngsters are the focal point of the opera.

Young artists during this time struggled more than most, but their love is still very strong.

The music of the opera is outstanding, and the compositions can put the audience into a deeply emotional state.

The melodies are constructed

in increments with small intervals between the buildups which puts the audience on a journey.

Even the untrained ear will appreciate the musical sophistication of this great opera.

Marco Armiliato will be conducting.

Sonya Yoncheva plays Mimi, Musetta is portrayed by Susanna Phillips, Rodolfo is played by Michael Fabiano, Lucas Meachem was cast as Marcello, Alexey Lavrov plays Schaunard, Matthew Rose plays Colline and Paul Plishka was cast as Benoit.

As always, tickets are free for Mercyhurst students, $18 for an adult ticket, $15 for seniors and students of other institutions, and $10 for youth.

Jazz ensemble to hold first concert of spring semester

By Lauren Ganger Staff writer

On Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre, the Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble will present its first full concert of the semester.

While this will be a “show without a theme,” in the words of director Scott Meier, Ph.D., he promises that the program will be filled with good music.

When asked to discuss the va-

riety of pieces on the program, Meier said, “We’ve got some rock fusion, we’ve got some traditional swing.”

Pieces on the program will include “Fly Me to the Moon,” by Bart Howard; Chuck Mangione’s “Children of Sanchez”; and “a version of ‘God Bless the Child,’ which is pretty cool,” Meier said.

There will be a few student soloists on the program as well.

Freshman Patrick Smith, Mu-

sic Education major, voice, will be featured on the Michael Bublé version of “Come Fly with Me,” and sophomore Cameron Porter, Music major, will be featured on a combo tune on trombone.

Meier said that this Jazz Ensemble performance should be an “easy-to-listen-to concert.”

Tickets to this performance are $5 for the general public and $2 for Mercyhurst students, faculty and children aged 12 and under.

PAGE 11

MOVIE REVIEW

New ‘Cloverfield’ is substandard

By Anthony Miller Staff writer

Warning — this review contains spoilers for the film.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Netflix announced that a new “Cloverfield” movie was going to be available to watch on the service after the game.

This surprise announcement, combined with the rumors I’d heard of a troubled production and the fact that this was originally going to be a theatrical release, made me realize that this movie would likely not be amazing.

I didn’t get something amazing. I didn’t even get something passable.

I got something bad.

And the more I think about this movie, the more I dislike it.

The premise admittedly holds promise.

Earth’s energy supplies are running low, and the nations of the world come together to send a team of researchers on a mission to conduct scientific tests in space, which may hold the key to infinite energy.

After a seemingly successful test, the Earth disappears and reality itself seems to start to fall apart.

The problems first arise with the poor plotting of the movie.

To give an example, the movie opens like so many other movies of this kind do, with the sound of news footage establishing the state of the planet and the premise of the film.

What better scene to follow this exposition dump with than a scene where the main character and her husband sit in a dark car and explain the premise of the film to the camera?

Another poor plotting issue is the fact that everyone in this film is an idiot.

If you thought the crew of the Prometheus was stupid, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

This is the kind of crew to hear a monstrous screaming coming from behind a wall and decide to open the wall up just to

see what’s inside.

Another scene that displays the stupidity of the characters is a sequence where all the metal in a room starts flying at high speed towards a wall.

Instead of the character in the room ducking down to avoid, you know, getting smashed in the head by flying metal, he walks slowly and inquisitively towards the wall.

There are multiple scenes that play out like this, where characters ignore basic common sense for the sake of plot.

All of this is before I get to the weird tonal inconsistencies in this film.

The first death scene in this film is horrific and surprisingly shocking, but it gets undermined when the comic relief of the crew caps the scene off with a snarky quip.

In fact, all of the characters constantly underreact to everything that happens in the movie.

The Earth itself literally disappears and they freak out about it for all of two scenes before moving on.

At one point, a character loses an arm, and he reacts like he forgot his keys at work.

A man literally explodes, and his friends’ first instinct is to make a snarky quip about it.

I don’t have enough time here to go into all of this movie’s problems, but one final one I have to mention is a subplot revolving around the main character’s husband back on Earth.

You could remove it from the movie and nothing would change.

It feels like it was added at the last minute, which, if the testimony of those who saw this movie during test screenings back in September is to be trusted, it was.

I’m already at 600 words, so I’ll just end this by saying that if you want a good version of this movie, go watch Event Horizon or Sunshine instead.

I expected better from a movie bearing the name “Cloverfield.”



CASTING CALL The Mercyhurst Theatre Program is holding auditions Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre for an upcoming production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Those interested should prepare a one-minute Shakespearean monologue. Cold readings will also be available. Auditions are open to all Mercyhurst students.

Any questions? Contact Brett Johnson, Ph.D., at bjohnson@mercyhurst.edu.

OPINION

PAGE 12

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS

GOOD There will be chocolate-covered strawberries at the Laker and the bookstore coffee bar for Valentine’s Day. Yum!

Valentine’s Day: Love is in the air handmade Valentine, making sure that I made my closest friends’ Valentine’s Day cards fancier than Matha people I wasn’t as close to.

Editor in chief At that point in my life, I was not romantically involved with Recently Valentine’s Day has anyone. I still thought boys in my come under fire because people first grade class had cooties. feel that they have to be in a Yet, we still celebrated the romantic relationship in order to holiday, arguably, with more celebrate the holiday. fervor than I celebrate it now.

People also don’t like buying So why is it now that I am into the holiday, seeing it as in my 20s that I hear my peers a scam set up by capitalist hating on a holiday we loved so economies to get people to buy much as children? overpriced Valentine’s DayThere are so many forms related items such as chocolate of love, and any or all of and flowers. them should be celebrated on Their feelings are not Valentine’s Day. unfounded. USA Today reports For example, if you are single, that people are spending over you can celebrate your love with $140 on Valentine’s Day this year. your friends, your parents.

Valentine’s Day is so much Even your pets could be a more than celebrating the love reason to be happy and celebrate between two members of a Valentine’s Day. romantic relationship.

If you are in a relationship, then I believe that many of us have you have the best of all worlds. lost sight of that, preferring, for You can celebrate Valentine’s whatever reason, to drown in our Day and express your love to respective sorrows while crying anyone in your life. over a pint of Ben and Jerry’s.

I am in a long-distance Valentine’s Day was one of my relationship so I will be spending favorite holidays as a kid. my Valentine’s Day without my In school you had the loved one. opportunity to buy or make a But rather than being upset small gift for your classmates. about it and closing myself off I always liked crafting a from the world, I am going to

By Amber

BAD Ringworm is going around the REC Center. Make sure to wipe down machines before and after your workout.

OUCH It was super slippery over the weekend, and that caused a lot of penguin wobbling around campus.

The Merciad Editors Amber Matha Cheyanne Crum Caitlyn Lear Abigail Rinard Bernard Garwig Jenny Sabliov Lauren Abbott Meghan Maker Chelsea Guida Megan Stubbs Kristin Bowers

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

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

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

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

make the best of the situation and spend it surrounded by friends that I care about and having a nice FaceTime call in the evening with my boyfriend.

Celebrating does not necessarily have to require money being spent either.

Sometimes all someone needs to make their day just a little bit better is a hug, phone call or a brief statement as to why they matter.

These free displays of affection are perfect for college students on a broke college student budget.

Being told that you matter to another person has a great effect on mental health.

That in turn makes one have a more positive outlook, makes one happier and can improve overall health.

It is my hope that we as a society can come to the realization that Valentine’s Day is a great holiday.

It is an opportunity to show how loving we all are toward one another, and in our present social climate the more love that gets shared, the better.

So, put your Chubby Hubby back in the freezer and give your best friend, roommate or dog a hug and feel the love this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day: A day of obligation This financial burden is a real issue for many couples.

Couples have plenty of other Gannon days to express their love to each Contributing writer other. There are birthdays and anniversaries to be celebrated, It’s easy to write off people and these days are more intimate who hate Valentine’s Day as and unique to that couple. “bitter singles,” however that’s There is no social pressure on not the sole reason someone may that day because you don’t feel not enjoy the holiday. like you’re competing with other This year will be my second couples to buy the best gifts and Valentine’s Day in a relationship, have the most expensive dinner. and honestly, I’m not looking Valentine’s Day also makes forward to it. single people feel awful.

In theory it’s supposed to be a We’ve all had a few lonely day about love, but in practice it’s Valentine’s Days, and that’s not a day of mass consumerism and great either. feelings of obligation.

The day is overhyped, and for People in relationships feel like many it stops being fun after it’s necessary to spend large sums elementary school when people of money on their significant no longer have to give cards to other for lavish gifts and an everyone in their class. expensive night out.

A solid relationship is not based

By Quinn

on frivolous gifts or money.

It is based on two people who care about each other.

The whole holiday has become a money-grabbing opportunity for jewelers and upscale restaurants.

My suggestion for a good Valentine’s Day is to stay in and buy a few small gifts for each other such as candies and stuffed animals.

You may be surprised at how much nicer it can be.

As much as some of us may hate it, it doesn’t seem like Valentine’s Day is going anywhere anytime soon. But, you don’t need to feel the monetary obligations of the holiday.

Try talking to your partner and see what works best for you.

Don’t get me started on Sweetest Day, though.

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

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

OPINION

Big changes at Mercyhurst Yes, the Center for Academic is the new study lounge, but it was

By Daniel Leonard practically that before.

Staff writer I guess it just feels as if the university may have prioritized one major over the other 50-plus on campus.

Recently experiencing At the end of the day, I’m just numerous changes, the grateful we still have a 24-hour Mercyhurst community has lounge with the Café Diem’s welcomed new staff members, extended hours, especially now modifications in traditions and renovations in the campus itself. that they accept Laker Loot and Dining Dollars.

With new deans in both the This change meant that Walker College of Business whether we’re stopping by for and the Tom Ridge College breakfast or pulling an all-nighter of Intelligence Studies and writing a paper we’ve been Applied Sciences, I have heard procrastinating on, we can still some concern about what this get an addictive cappuccino till means for each college and the midnight during the week. university.

Speaking of food options The other reaction to these faculty changes, one I completely on campus, although the construction of Ryan Hall has stand by, is excitement for woken plenty of us up before the future and possibly a new our alarms and will exclusively perspective on old issues. house sophomores, the new While we’re thinking about food options will be open to all the Intelligence department, though, who could forget about students, will add a couple new the change in the location of the dining options and will act as 24-hour lounge to become a new another study area.

Overall, the new tobacco-free Cyber Security Lab? campus policy has been a success It’s a great change for the Intelligence department without with visitors, students and faculty, a doubt, but it does take a public and has even helped some quit smoking completely. space that was open to students Unlike the tobacco-free of all majors and simultaneously puts the 2017 senior class gift of campus policy, the newest addition to the core curriculum, a coffee bar in limbo.

Beyond the Gates, hasn’t left all the students who participated this past fall with as clear of a response.

Some of my friends have said it was an enlightening experience, while others remain a bit confused about the course they took last semester. Then you have those of us that just enjoyed it, pure and simple.

As a Hospitality Management student, it gave me the opportunity to interact with a group of people I wouldn’t have met otherwise and see them in a different light.

I think it’s only understandable that the first semester of the course would have its bugs, but have faith that they will be resolved as time goes on.

Looking towards the future, I hope everyone else is getting used to change because there has been talk about a new system in place that will send a text when once of us has a package in the mailroom.

Our campus has experienced one change after another this year, and while they may leave some of us with mixed feelings, I’d like to acknowledge the benefit of each and believe they are in the best interests of the Mercyhurst community.

Super Bowl ads wow

“

thinking he was the lead role in a beer commercial, when he was in

By Sam Peterson A highlight fact an extra.

Staff writer of the Super Of course, an advertisement to visit Australia pranked most Bowl ads was viewers by masquerading as Peter Dinklage Two Sundays ago, the Super a trailer for a new “Crocodile Bowl aired, and while I was Dundee” movie. rapping while invested in the fantastic highThis was a brilliant piece eating Doritos, flying game, I also found of advertising because I was entertainment in the litany of legitimately invested in the specifically the commercials that seemed to sweeping vistas, where I doubt new Blaze flavor.” interrupt every moment of play. most viewers would pay attention A highlight of the if the commercial was played advertisements was Peter And in the hit HBO series, straight up.

Dinklage rapping while eating Peter Dinklage portrays Tyrion Finally, a few key trailers were Doritos, specifically the new Lannister, so there is little chance released. Chiefly, “Solo: A Star Blaze flavor. that recruiting him was a mistake. Wars Story.”

As much as I would love However, why choose Morgan With how popular this to believe he “spat fire,” I’m Freeman to do the second part franchise is, there are very few confident he just lip-synced. if the whole advertisement was a creative risks being taken when it This was immediately followed deliberate reference to the show? comes to trailers.

by Morgan Freeman assuredly The only answer is Morgan This fact is only exacerbated lip-syncing to “Get Your Freak Freeman will make a cameo in

by Super Bowl advertisements On” by Missy Elliot. the new season of Game of costing roughly $5 million.

All this to advertise Mountain Thrones come 2019.

Titanic monetary investments Dew’s new concoction “Ice,” Getting away from the ice and like this will only serve to make which is quite refreshing. fire commercials, there seemed trailers safer bets, inform the In tandem, these to be a theme of surprising the viewer of more plot elements, advertisements made a wonderful audience. David Harbour let and make sure that people will fill song of ice and fire. on that all advertisements with those seats come release date.

If by chance you do not know, clean shirts are Tide ads, which At this point, all Disney must the Game of Thrones book generated a hefty amount of free do is follow a basic formula for series is called, “A Song of Ice marketing. trailers and remind consumers and Fire.”

Chris Pratt tricked us all into that the film exists.

PAGE 13

HURST STUDENTS

SPEAK UP We asked:

“What are your Valentine’s Day plans?”

Carlena Bressanelli, sophomore Art Therapy major: “After my night class I plan on going to the flaming hearts dance hosted by the Mercyhurst Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club.”

Jieny Dour, sophomore Political Science major: “I’m going to have a ‘me’ day. I’m going to give myself a little spa with a manicure, pedicure and make myself a beautiful meal I can enjoy while watching my favorite shows before I ease into my schoolwork.”

Julia Vicaretti, junior Public Health major: “Jesus is my valentine. I’ll be celebrating Ash Wednesday.”

Leya Belnavis, sophomore Psychology major: “I’m going to go dinner with my boyfriend, probably watch movie and chill at home while we do a little homework.”

Compiled by Daniel Leonard

Ashtine’s Day God they should not find it too much of an inconvenience to at least attend a service.

Staff writer Another thing that people are really upset about with Ash Wednesday being Valentine’s Everyone knows that this Day is that they do not get to Wednesday is Valentine’s Day, go out for a nice steak dinner but does everyone know that because Catholics are not this holiday is shared with a supposed to eat meat on Ash Christian holiday called Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Wednesday? the 40 days of Lent.

This marks the beginning of A person can have a nice the 40 days of Lent.

Valentine’s Day meal without I, for one, as a Christian get having meat. the joy of celebrating a holiday I think that if that is why filled with love while wearing a person is upset they should ashes on my forehead. change their Valentine’s Day Some people may be unhappy dinner for the day before or as Mass or services can be after Valentine’s Day. intrusive on their Valentine’s I say overall if you are Day plans, but what Christians with the person you love on should know is that Ash Valentine’s Day, it is a win.

Wednesday is not a holy day of It should not make obligation, so people should a difference if it is Ash not be so upset as they are not Wednesday or not. required to go.

The most important thing I will enjoy spending Ash about Valentine’s Day is Wednesday with a God that I showing the person you love love so if someone really loves how much they mean to you.

By Lauren Rogus

F O L L O W T H E M E R C I A D O N T W I T T E R AT @ T H E M E R C I A D

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Women’s hockey ties twice “

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Lakers are the College Hockey America (CHA) conference’s second-best offense and defense.

Despite this, the Lakers were evened and remanded by the Penn State Nittany Lions on Feb. 9-10.

The Nittany Lions, who had not seen the Lakers since early November and lost six of their previous eight contests, managed to draw with the Lakers twice.

The Nittany Lions first got 24 saves from goalie Hannah Ehresmann in a 1-all draw on Friday.

“They played good this weekend,” said Laker freshman Rachel Marmen. “We just need to step it up for next weekend.”

They then shocked the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Saturday with a 3-3 final, keeping the game from being a Laker victory.

In equaling the national record for overtime games in a season, the Nittany Lions recorded their 10th draw of the season and kept the Lakers from continuing their rise.

This allowed rival Robert Morris University to retake the sole conference lead ahead of a showdown in Erie next weekend.

Prior to this past weekend, both teams were tied for the first place spot.

Robert Morris is currently ranked No. 9 by a USA Hockey Magazine national poll for Divsion I hockey.

Game one saw the Nittany Lions jump out first as Meike Meilleur and Katie MacMillan found Irene Kirpolis at 7:25 and continued to play stout defense throughout the contest.

In all, the two squads combined for just nine total shots on seven power-play opportunities — five of them for the Nittany Lions.

This includes a combined 0-for6 in the third period.

Sutton was called for tripping at 3:17 of overtime, but Hartwick’s shot hit the post and Ehresmann made five saves.

As a result, the Lakers fell in the CHA rankings to second place in the conference race.

Game two saw a big commotion started with 59 seconds left on the third-period clock.

HURST

RESULTS Feb. 7, Men’s basketball vs.

Slippery Rick University: 83-76, Lakers Feb. 10, Women’s basketball vs. Seton Hill University: 59-65, Seton Hill (Lakers are now 9-15) Feb. 10, Men’s basketball vs.

Seton Hill University: 77-66, Lakers (12-10) Feb. 10, Men’s ACHA hockey vs. Kent State University: 2-6, Kent State (Lakers are now 14-15) Feb. 12, Men’s ice hockey vs. Rochester Institute of Technology: 5-6, RIT (Lakers are now 15-11-4)

They played good this weekend. We just need to step it up for next weekend.”

Mercyhurst women’s ice hockey freshman defender Rachel Marmen The Lakers (13-13-4, 10-3-3) answered the bell quickly and scored the first goal of the game as Brooke Hartwick found her 10th of the season at 11:13, her third-straight season with double-digit tallies.

Laker momentum was strong throughout the period to the tune of Sarah McDonnell (7-73, 2.27) stopping all 12 Nittany strikes.

A faceoff loss by Vasko, as Summer-Rae Dobson cleaned up her missed shot just wide of Eh-

resmann (5-8-9, 1.92) and found Callie Paddock with 1:35 left in the first.

Seventeen seconds after Nittany Lions coach Jeff Kampersal pulled Ehresmann, a hooking call was missed on Laker Alexa Vasko just outside the left post.

The Nittany Lions’ Bella Sutton then found Brooke Madsen, who evaded Lakers Morgan Stacey and McDonnell.

A similar sequence had ensued at the end of the second period after the Lakers’ Sarah Hine found Sam Isbell with 16.4 seconds remaining.

Hine won the second draw after the tally, but Brooke Madsen found Sutton with 1.3 seconds left, beating McDonnell just off to the left side of the five-hole.

But just when it looked like the momentum would go from the Nittany Lions, a cross-check on the far side of the boards knocked Hartwick out of the contest for game misconduct.

Three minutes later, Katie Rankin caught a pass from Kelsey Crow and found Natalie Heising to cut the deficit in half.

Sutton then caught Heising in

the slot, the second time this season the Nittany Lions (6-13-11, 3-6-7 CHA) have found an equalizer in the final two minutes of the third period.

A section of Laker fans became irate and started booing head referee Gui Bradshaw after the regulation horn, then again after a scoreless overtime.

“We didn’t blame the refs (for the outcome of the game),” said Marmen.

The Lakers did feel that there were areas where improvement was necessary.

“We need to limit our time in the box,” said Vasko, “... so realistically, that’s killing for a whole period if you put that into perspective.”

The next opponent for the Lakers is Robert Morris, which leads in the standings heading into the showdown this weekend at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.

The squads split their series at the beginning of December, Vasko getting the first game-winning tally of her career.

First pitch is at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16, followed by a 2 p.m. Senior Day matinée on Saturday.

Wrestling takes first loss of year

By Lauren Abbott Opinion editor

Over the weekend, Mercyhurst Laker wrestlers faced the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown’s Mountain Cats on Feb. 9 in a dual meet.

The Lakers suffered their first loss of the season in this meet as they fell 32-10 against the Mountain Cats.

Prior to the loss, the Lakers had an impressive 11-win streak stretching the entire 2017-18 season.

“We wrestled a very good team on Friday,” said Laker head coach Mike Wehler. “It was probably the biggest crowd we wrestled in front of this year.”

Redshirt senior Dakota DesLauriers won his match for the Lakers with a 12-4 major decision at 184 pounds.

“I think with it being such a big crowd, that’s not something we’re used to,” said DesLauriers.

“They had a pretty good crowd there cheering against us the opponents. I’m sure that played a bit of a factor.”

Freshman Alexis Soriano, 133 pounds, also won his bout.

It’s been a great year,” said Wehler. “We’re very young. We’re wrestling very well. We’re finding ways to win. Different guys are stepping up each night to put ourselves in position to win. Even though we got beat on Friday, I’m

Ed Mailliard photo

Redshirt senior Dakota DesLauriers, pictured last week, had one of the winning matches against Pitt-Johnstown.

still very pleased with our progress and still think we can achieve quite a bit.”

The victory for the Mountain Cats secured their third straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Dual Meet Championship.

“I think it’s good for us at this point in the season,” said DesLauriers. “We were on that winning streak and it set us back, told us where we were, so we’re definitely going to work harder now.”

Even though the Lakers lost this meet, they are eagerly anticipating their next match against crosstown rival Gannon Univer-

sity on Feb. 14. Gannon is currently 7-5.

“I’ve been looking forward to this match all year. I know they beat us last year in a close one,” said Eric Bartos.

Last year, Gannon pulled off a 16-22 victory in the rivalry meet.

“I’m excited for that one, they have a pretty tough 184 pounder,” DesLauriers said in reference to his weight class. “I think it’s going to go really well. If we show up and wrestle like we have been wrestling previously in the season I think we should win.”

Both teams take to the mat at 7 p.m. in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

SPORTS

PAGE 15

Men’s hockey ices Holy Cross

By Breonna Bailey

Staff Writer

The Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey team swept Holy Cross at the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Feb. 9-10.

With the wins, the Lakers held the program’s longest unbeaten streak since 2002.

However, Feb. 9’s contest didn’t start off in favor of the Lakers.

They were down 1-0 at 1:18 into the first with a goal from Holy Cross’ Kevin Darrar.

Later in the first, Holy Cross tallied another one for a 2-0 lead.

With less than three minutes remaining in the first period, however, the Lakers’ Les Lancaster capitalized on a power play, cutting the Crusaders’ lead in half.

Brian Sienerth got on the board for the Lakers, tying the game at 2 in the second period.

Jack Riley gave the Lakers their first lead of the game with less than four minutes remaining in the second period, scoring on the power play.

From this, the Lakers had a 3-2 lead heading into the final period of play.

Early in the third, Holy Cross evened the score at 3 each with

Breonna Bailey photo

Laker Nathan Ferriero gets ready for the puck drop while facing Holy Cross last weekend.

a goal from Will Brophy. The Lakers then scored three straight goals before Holy Cross answered with two.

Laker goals were from Wes Baker, Josh Lammon (power-play) and Sienerth.

Time expired and the Lakers walked away with their eighthstraight win.

“I thought we had a slow start,” said Laker head coach Rick Gotkin. “We were down two-nothing, but we stayed nice and calm on the bench. ... I think we felt like we knew we’d be able to score some goals.”

And the Lakers did just that, pulling off a 6-5 win.

Laker goaltender Brandon Wil-

Women’s lax lands on national rankings

By Marco Cicchino

Staff writer

Don’t count out Laker women’s lacrosse coach Kevin Cooke, now in his second year and his squad in 2018.

Despite the twists and turns of a solid yet heartbreaking 2017 season, his Lakers — ranked No. 15 in the Preseason IWLCA Coaches’ Poll and No. 18 in the Nike/ US Lacrosse Poll — still received two first-place votes and the second spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) preseason poll amid strong optimism.

This comes off a strong 13-5 2017 season that saw the Lakers string together both a six- and five-win streak.

“We are a competitive team ourselves with a strong, smart group of attackers,” said junior Spencer Hess. “They work together well and will make scoring opportunities quickly and effectively.”

Yet East Stroudsburg is now the favorite in an ever-shifting landscape in Division II. The Warriors went 17-3 last season and occupy the respective No. 10 and No. 9 positions on the aforementioned national polls after a shocking school-best 2017 campaign.

Bloomsburg sneaked in to the fifth spot in the conference poll in between IUP and a Lock Haven/Slippery Rock tie, followed by

Seton Hill, Millersville, Shippensburg, Gannon, Kutztown and Edinboro.

Overall, new regions, new rule changes and a talented freshman class have continued the theme of change heading into 2018.

Yet some of the biggest changes are also coming in terms of personnel.

Junior defenseman Diana Schmitt was named the third and final co-captain in January.

The Long Island native started all 18 contests last season.

Schmitt finished second on the club with 33 grounders and fourth in turnovers with 15.

The Lakers also inherit 13 freshmen, the second time in three years they boast a double-digit freshman class.

Freshman Raelyn Tiberio is seeking to have an immediate impact and is the leading candidate to take the starting goaltender job voided by Gabby Gravino.

Other notable first-timers looking to fill voids include four first-year midfielders, including Tiberio’s classmate Paige Cocina, along with Alexa Perna, Julia Rescott and Victoria Sullivan.

Junior Catherine Meegan is joined by her sister Molly on the defensive end along with Meghan Sands and Payton Cook, while Olivia Africa, Arielle Brown and Megan Fitzpatrick look to continue the offensive prowess.

“We love to work together in all aspects of play even if it’s a setup for a 1 v. 1 drive,” said junior Cassandra Ellis. “When we work together, we have fun and things start to click and that keeps us up beat.”

Arguably the biggest piece returning for the Lakers is senior Taylor Izzo.

She is coming off a Second Team selection and entering her senior season as co-captain.

Last season, her 50 assists were second in the PSAC and the most by a Laker since Ally Keirn’s record-breaking 2010 season.

“As for me personally, last year I was happy with how I played but I know I was a little timid because it was my first time playing college lacrosse,” said sophomore Lacey Netti. “This year I’m excited to see how I have grown as a player knowing I have gained more confidence. ... I’m looking forward to contributing to our team’s success this season and hopefully winning a PSAC championship.”

The first contest for the Lakers is a Feb. 24 away game at Le Moyne.

It won’t be until a March 17 Bloomsburg match-up that the Lakers play in the PSAC. “We’re expecting to have to walk into every game and give it our all,” said Ellis. “Our conference is very unpredictable with relatively even competition.”

dung finished the night with 28 saves. The Lakers went 4-for-5 on the power play.

On Feb. 10, a mere 31 seconds into the game, Jonathan Charbonneau put one on the board, giving the Lakers a 1-0 lead.

During the second period, Derek Barach found the back of the net, putting the Lakers up 2-0.

Later in the period, the Lakers managed to kill off a five-minute major penalty and tallied a power play goal from Charbonneau, assisted by Taylor Best and Joseph Duszak.

About halfway through the third, Barach got his second of the night, assisted by Zach Todd and Sienerth.

The Lakers went 2-for-4 on the power play, while the Crusaders were 0-for-5. Wildung finished with 34 saves, giving his third shutout of the season.

The Lakers were 7-0-2 in their last nine contests after the weekend.

Barach recorded his 100th career point in the Feb. 10 game.

He is the 21st player in Division I program history to record 100 points. He is also the sixth player to reach this mark as a junior.

The Lakers were back in action Feb. 12, hosting the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers.

The Tigers and the Lakers played after games Dec. 29 and 30 were postponed by bad weather.

Unfortunately, the Tigers pulled off an overtime 6-5 victory over the Lakers.

The two teams will meet again Feb. 23-24 in Rochester.

LET’S GO, LAKERS! Feb. 14, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 7 p.m.: Wrestling vs.

Gannon University Feb. 15 @ 8 p.m. and Feb. 16 @ 2 p.m., Mercyhurst Ice Center: Men’s ACHA hockey vs. Adrian College Feb. 17, Mercyhurst Athletic Center @ 1 p.m.: Women’s basketball vs. Gannon University (followed by men’s at 3 p.m.)

Feb. 16 @7 p.m. and Feb. 17 @ 2 p.m., Mercyhurst Ice Center: Women’s ice hockey vs. Robert Morris University Feb. 16, Robert Morris University @ 7:05 p.m.: Men’s ice hockey vs.

Robert Morris University Feb. 17, Mercyhurst Ice Center @ 7:05 p.m.: Men’s ice hockey vs.

Robert Morris University

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle