April 11th 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

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VOL. 91 NO. 16

Water Dance splashes into Erie PAGE 10

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2: Bhattacharyya talks about world religion and ethics in health care 7: Football comes out on top in the annual Laker Showdown 14: Softball’s Pierucci named pitcher of the week Contributed photo

Yes, I have my schedule planned! (47%) I am a senior, so no advising. (22%) Advising Day already? (17%) No, I am never ready. (14%)

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NEWS

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Kristian Biega photo

Swasti Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., professor of Philosophy and Religion at Buena Vista University, discusses the role of world religions in health care during her April 7 lecture, “Converging Rivers: Healthcare and the Intersections of Religion, Culture, and Ethics.”

Health care’s ‘Converging Rivers’

By Kristian Biega

Staff writer

On April 7, the Mercyhurst Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES) hosted Swasti Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., professor of Philosophy and Religion at Buena Vista University in Iowa, to discuss the role of world religions and ethics in the health-care field by means of traditional storytelling.

The ultimate goal of Bhattacharyya’s lecture, “Converging Rivers: Healthcare and the Intersections of Religion, Culture, and Ethics,” was this convergence of cultures and understanding to create a more positive health-care environment for all those involved.

To do so, she emphasized a need for not cultural competency, which is learning about another culture to gain a mastery of the topic, but for cultural humility — learning for the sake of understanding.

“Cultural humility is not a skill to be mastered, rather a way of being that begins with self awareness. It can open areas in your mind for new ways to think of things that acknowledge the complexities of reality,” Bhattacharyya said.

Bhattacharyya framed the lecture through the lens of people practicing the Hindu faith tradition and their ancient stories and narratives. Through these stories, she discussed the five characteristics of Hindu thought: the underlying unity of life, the centrality of society, dharma, multivalent nature and karma.

She sought to start a conversation about certain stereotypes or pre-judgments that happen too

often in the medical field. For example, if a Muslim man refuses to take insulin because it was processed with pork products but does not make it known that this is for religious reasons, the doctors think that he is not cooperating.

Another issue facing Hindu and other eastern traditions of believers is the fear that they will not be treated as well or equally in life-threatening situations due to their belief in reincarnation.

Bhattacharyya hopes that doctors do not overlook these important aspects of the lives of their patients based on assumptions. These fears for a representative group of practicing Hindus came to the forefront in Bhattacharyya’s 2015-16 survey asking participants about their stances on medical practices in relation to faith. Some common concerns were end-of-life-care issues, identity and family concerns, general emotional stress, monetary concerns and trusting medical staff.

Some also believe in the connections to karma of the family experiencing medical needs and the dharma, or established righteousness of the world, of the children or families playing a role in the outcomes of some medical procedures and care.

The ultimate concerns about religion in the health field comes down to what health-care providers should know about their patients’ faith.

“Don’t assume that just because we believe in reincarnation, we are fine with death. Family is very important,” answered one participant in Bhattacharyya’s survey. “We are afraid that healthcare providers are judging Hindus

Kristian Biega photo

Swasti Bhattacharyya used traditional Hindu storytelling to connect wisdom of the past with ethical issues of today’s health-care system.

based on this fact.”

To combat these misunderstandings, Bhattacharyya used the five characteristics of thought, starting with the idea that all humans are interconnected at the fundamental level of life.

“We ask, ‘Are all religions the same?’” said Bhattacharyya. “If by that you mean the space in which we discuss these larger questions, then yes; but our answers are radically different.”

Just as the characters in the ancient Mahabharata text are unique, yet interwoven and connected to one another, so is the nature of the world.

Bhattacharyya stated that there was great wisdom in texts such as the Mahabharata that present an opportunity to open controversial conversations about religion in the modern world. She emphasized this quote from the Mahabharata to explain how an ancient text

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

could still be relevant with today’s health-care, technological, racial and religious issues.

“Whatever is here, on law, on profit, on pleasure, and on Salvation, that is found elsewhere. But what is not here is nowhere else,” she quoted.

To illustrate her point, she pointed out that the stories of the Birth of the Pandavas (Kunti’s Boon) and the Birth of Kauravas (Gandhari’s 100 sons) both deal with women struggling with infertility, conception and pregnancy.

Kunti calls upon the help of the gods when she and her husband cannot conceive and they make sure to provide the couple and the world just and noble children that would ultimately help the world.

Gandhari gives birth to 100 embryos of children that eventually become her 100 sons as promised — a traditional look at in vitro fertilization and other forms of conception.

Bhattacharyya hoped that through these illustrations, she gives people a fuller understanding of cultural humility and themselves. By first understanding oneself, one can then better understand others and how their similarities and differences can work together or become places of conversation.

“The current lack of conversation that is happening today has people so involved with their own views that they don’t listen to the other side. The lifelong commitment, attitude, mode of being that is committed to hearing others begins with the knowledge of ourselves,” said Bhattacharyya. “It allows us to let out our prejudices so that we can see, assess and engage the person before us.”

NEWS

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

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Erie ID collaborations to enhance small businesses

By Kristian Biega

Staff writer

The Erie Innovation District has announced a new collaboration in its efforts to breathe new life into downtown Erie by means of improving education, technology and economic opportunities.

The district announced its collaboration with Singularity University to create a 10-week accelerator program to help entrepreneurs create successful start-up businesses. In the hopes of advancing these accelerator programs, the district also has partnered with Dell EMC. Mercyhurst is a partner in Erie Innovation District, or Erie ID for short.

The role of the Erie ID accelerators is to sponsor and encourage business and technology startups to create more job opportunities for the people of Erie. An accelerator program is a faster way to help foster this growth of businesses through hands-on guidance and resources.

“The intention behind these accelerators is for businesses to go in and then graduate,” said Karl Sancheck, chief executive of the

Eie ID. “To make improvements and gain insights as to what your business needs to be more effective. It is a more rounded education.”

Some companies receive incubation for one to five years in this learning phase, but accelerators are a more concentrated program that hope to give companies the means to move on individually.

This 10-week accelerator program will bring together 10 companies as one cohort to be mentored and trained in workshop settings from July to September.

Singularity University is a Silicon Valley company with a long-standing reputation for creating a future in high-end technologies such as artificial intelligence. Sancheck’s goal is to turn Erie’s “rust-belt” reputation into a place of competitive cyber and data services.

“It is exciting for Erie to have this collaboration,” said Sancheck. “The dual marketing release of the accelerator program in Erie and throughout branding and research in Silicon Valley will have a global outreach effect. It will provide experience, knowledge of advances technology and

a huge mentor network.”

As the age of interconnectedness through technology only grows, Erie ID’s intentions with the accelerator and partnerships are to improve cyber security in connected products, devices and systems across the country. This involves looking into the current state of products and finding the strengths and weaknesses of these products and ways to reduce future security risks.

The sponsorship from Dell that began in October 2017 will bring competitive new software, development, a clean workspace and Cloud publishing capabilities

to the district to help with the efficiency of the projects.

The companies that Sancheck and his team are seeking to participate in the accelerator are startup businesses that already have a prototype and proof of concept as well as an initial test market or customer in mind as a means of evaluating the effectiveness of the product or service.

There is also preference given to those businesses that have a desire to make Erie their home market for development and business so as to continue to grow the city’s job opportunities and economy.

“We want people to think of Erie as a destination for cyber and connected services and a vibrant startup community that is focused in that area,” Sancheck said.

The Erie ID also notes that local organizations like Mercyhurst University are a key component in the technological advancements and business and job stimulation that continues to grow over the years.

“Mercyhurst has been a huge champion for the Erie Innovation District in designing a lot of its new programs that will ultimately come out of the district as jobs,” said Sancheck. “The students Mercyhurst graduates each year are the exact kind of people we are looking for for these types of jobs.”

Sancheck is hopeful that these new opportunities with Dell and the accelerator program are a step forward for technology and innovation in Erie.

“This partnership is a means for companies working in that space to get products and services brought to market. It has profound implications for the future,” Sancheck said.

Mass of Thanksgiving Earth week to honor the Sisters at Mercyhurst

By Elizabeth Shewan Staff writer

The Sisters of Mercy are a diverse and dynamic group of women that have been the true the driving force behind Mercyhurst since its conception.

To honor all of the Sisters of Mercy and their contributions to the university, Mercyhurst will host a Spring Mass of Thanksgiving on April 16 at 3 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.

“All that we have been, all that we are, and all that we will be, we owe to them. The Spring Mass of Thanksgiving is our opportunity to come together as a community and honor the vision and inspiration of the Sisters,” said President Michael Victor in a press release about the upcoming mass.

Bishop Lawrence Persico, of the Catholic Diocese of Erie, will preside over the Mass, and the Sisters of Mercy will serve as readers, Eucharistic ministers and gift bearers.

“While there have been celebrations that have coincided with Mercy Day and Foundation Day, I believe that this celebration is somewhat unique in the history of Mercyhurst,

“

The Spring Mass of Thanksgiving is our opportunity to come together as a community and honor the vision and inspiration of the Sisters.”

President Michael T. Victor

at least since I have been here,” said the Rev. James Piszker, Mercyhurst University chaplain.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit in September is a way to welcome students in faith and community each year, but there was no similar event to close the school year.

“This Mass of Thanksgiving was conceived as a bookend event to the Mass of the Holy Spirit. It was an opportunity to honor the Sisters of Mercy for their vision and uncompromis-

ing support of the institution from its inception,” said Piszker.

The Mass of Thanksgiving was the answer to establishing a tradition of hosting a prayerful gathering in the spring, and honoring the Sisters of Mercy as a whole.

It is also an opportunity to honor Sister Lisa Mary McCartney’s many years of dedication to Mercyhurst. She is the current vice president for mission integration, but she is stepping down from full time work this year.

“We don’t know exactly what this will look like in future years,” said Greg Baker, Ph.D, director of Campus Ministry, “And it may not even be a Mass every year, but we’re looking at doing some kind of prayerful gathering every spring where we really focus in on this Mercy tradition and what it means for us now, for students, for employees. You don’t have to be a sister to be caring for this tradition.”

Students, faculty and staff are all encouraged to come to the Mass of Thanksgiving as well as attend the reception afterward.

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

The Sustainability Club has begun creating the agenda for Earth Week 2018, with an array of activities available for Lakers to get involved. Earth Week will run April 22-28, with collaboration from many different departments and clubs on campus.

The club is collecting empty plastic bottles for a repurposing activity. They plan to use the plastic bottles as pots for plants, and will conduct an herb-growing activity with students on April 26.

This refurbishing project will help to eliminate some of the 50 billion plastic bottles that Americans throw away each year. Anyone can bring empty, rinsed, plastic bottles and put them in the bin outside of Zurn 215. Alternatively, Sarah Bennett, Sustainability Coordinator, can be contacted to arrange a pickup.

In addition, the Sustainability Club is involved in hosting the National Water Dance on April 14 at Dobbins Landing and the Erie Maritime Museum. This is a fusion of arts and science promoting water conservation issues. The artist-driven collective of dancers and

educators confront critical water issues facing the United States, with performances that call for action.

Earth Week offers an extensive list of other activities to engage students from all departments.

Lois Gibbs will deliver the 17th Annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture on April 23 in Taylor Little Theatre. Her presentation will discuss “Love Canal 40 Years Later: What Have We Learned and Where Do We Go from Here?”

The lecture is presented by the Charlene M. Tanner Speaker Series and co-sponsored by the Mercyhurst Sustainability Office and the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society.

April 23 will involve a green eating event with vegan snacks in the Zurn and Hirt lobbies. April 24 will bring a recycling and composting event to the Student Union, with tote bags being handed out.

On April 25, MSG will hand out Mercyhurst reusable water bottles at the filling stations across campus to cut down on our plastic bottle waste, and will also host a “Trashion Show” in the SU that evening.

Finally, following the SpringFest celebrations on April 27, a morning ‘Great Campus Cleanup’ will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Merciad IN A MINUTE Housing Deadlines Selections for 201819 housing begin this week for those living on campus.

•Townhouse selections will be April 12 at 2 p.m.

•Ryan Hall selections will be April 17 at 2 p.m.

•Sophomore selections will be April 19 at 2 p.m.

•Upperclassmen selections will be April 25 at 2 p.m.

•Selections for any student who does not have a housing assignment will be April 26 at 2 p.m.

Marina Boyle photo

BSU to hold semi-formal

Come celebrate the representation, success and diversity of this past year with Mercyhurst's Black Students for Unity Club. A semi-formal dance will be held in the Student Union Great Room on April 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets cost $3 for one ticket or $5 for two tickets. Semi-formal orange and/or black attire is preferred. Email bwarre74@mercyhurst. edu for reservations.

Rest up during Sabbath Week

April 9-13 is Sabbath Week in Campus Ministry.

This means that there will be no Catholic Devotions, Wednesday Night Fellowship, or Bible Study.

Sabbath Week encourages rest and rejuvenation to help students finish the spring semester strong.

$2,300 raised at Showdown The football team was not the only winner at last week’s Laker Showdown: The Mercyhurst StudentAthlete Advisory Board helped to raise $2,300 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation from ticket sales, raffles and an auction at the event.

This donation will help grant the wishes of children fighting lifethreatening medical conditions.

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

Seniors Emma Preston and Mary Bogdanovicz offer those attending the Mercyhurst Wellness Fair a free stress ball, a chance to make a craft and a selection of healthy baked goods.

Dimensions of well-being

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Wellness Fair is an annual event organized by various campus departments and RCSOs to focus on the seven dimensions of well-being that contribute to our happiness and self-care.

The event this year took place on April 6 in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Wellness Fair provides students with massages, free giveaways, raffles, therapy dogs, healthy snacks and much more.

However, the event’s most important aim is to arm students with the tools they need to make a positive impact and on their health, by taking what they learn and applying it in everyday life.

The interdisciplinary approach and collaboration of the Campus Involvement Center, Cohen Health Center, clubs, societies and others at this event connects student life with academics. The core focus is on the seven dimensions of well-being — environmental, emotional, mental, occupational, physical, spiritual and social health.

“The Wellness Fair is a great opportunity for the whole campus community to have fun trying out healthy foods and a wide range of activities,” said Judy Smith, director for Health & Counseling Centers. “We can all add a little more self-care into the day. My hope is that people take knowledge and motivation with them to build healthy habits and decreases stress.

Smith recommended that students “start simple and recognize that it is always more fun when

Marina Boyle photo

Andrea Obert, Learning Differences coordinator, and Nathan Nitczynski, academic counselor, help pass out glitter relaxation jars that were available at the Wellness Fair.

you join together with friends and organizations that are interested in the same thing.”

The event began 14 years ago and has been run in various capacities since, as a fair, a day or a weeklong event. Originally beginning with the idea of celebrating women during women’s history month, it has since evolved to reaching out to all members of the campus community.

Activities this year included tables hosted by campus offices, Taste or Waist food sampling, a labyrinth, physical assessments and crafts, all related to a healthy lifestyle. The raffle also gave students a chance to win a Fitbit, yoga pack, aroma diffuser and much more.

Steph Przepiora, Leadership and Outreach Coordinator, has been involved in overseeing the event.

“The Wellness Fair is beneficial to students by giving them a chance to have some fun in the middle of the day at an often stressful time of year,” said Przepiora. “They can learn about some healthy habits, which they can incorporate into their own lives, from their peers, who show them that it is possible to take steps toward a healthy lifestyle as a college student.”

Even though the Wellness Fair only happens once a year, it promotes healthy living throughout each semester by presenting knowledge about the many dif-

ferent components of wellness.

Physical health awareness is provided by screenings, activities, materials and demonstrations, and the event also encourages the connection of participants with campus resources that can lead them to wholeness and wellbeing.

“I loved the positive message and reassuring nature of this event,” said freshman Intelligence Studies major Michelle Benedetti. “The relaxing and enjoyable experience gave me a timeout from my busy schedule to care for me and my needs, as we all should. I got a lot of tips relating to stress, and especially loved making the glitter relaxation jars.”

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

NEWS

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Forensics aids in Family weekend NPR skeleton search STUDENT GOVERNMENT

By Amber Matha Editor in Chief

On March 20, Skunk Bear, a science show hosted by National Public Radio, posted an episode of the show titled “Classroom Skeleton: Whose Bones Are These?”

The episode was about a real human skeleton that was found at a local high school, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy.

Kim Leasure, an art teacher at the school, has housed the skeleton in her room for years.

“I also have a human skull in my room as well. They are used to draw, paint and form from, rendering the human form,” Leasure said.

Adam Cole, Skunk Bear host, and Elissa Nadworny, fellow NPR employee and Collegiate Academy grad, took the bones to the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, where they found out that the costs associated with getting a DNA sample taken from bones are about $5,000.

Thus, they took the bones to Mercyhurst University to be analyzed by the Applied Forensic Sciences department.

“We’d heard about the forensic anthropology program and saw Dennis Dirkmaat in a few skeleton videos on YouTube,” said Nadworny. “It’s also right down the street from Collegiate — so it was pretty convenient.”

They asked Dirkmaat, Ph.D., chair of the Applied Forensic Sciences department, to analyze the bones to help determine the skeleton’s sex, age, height and ancestry.

“There’s a lot of information that can be told from the skeleton,” Dirkmaat said in the NPR video.

Dirkmaat, with the help of graduate students, took measurements of the various bones of the skeleton in order to make predictions about the person the skeleton belonged to.

First, the sex of the skeleton was determined by looking at the pelvis of the skeleton. This is a good place to start in forensic anthropology in sex identification because females have a broader pelvis opening, which allows for childbirth.

The pelvis was inconclusive so they looked at other features of the skeleton, mostly on the skull.

For example, the mastoid process was analyzed to better confirm the sex of the skeleton.

Unlike what the staff at Collegiate Academy thought, Dirkmaat and this team of investigators determined that the sex of the skeleton was female.

To determine age, they looked at fused bones.

“We’re born with about 300 separate bones,” said Cole in the video. “By around the time we hit 40, we only have 206.”

There was a line in the end of clavicle, the collar bone, that told Dirkmaat and his team that the bone was in the process of fusing at the time of the woman’s death. Dirkmaat determined that her age was somewhere between 20 and 30.

The researchers determined from the long bones of the skeleton that the woman was about 5 feet 2 inches tall at the time that she died.

Using a database that compares the structure of the skull to other skulls from particular regions, the research team determined that the skeleton was probably Asian in ancestry.

Nadworny was grateful for the assistance that the Mercyhurst Forensic Anthropology program was able to provide.

“They provided key details to us about our skeleton. They also kick-started our discovery process, helping us figure out what questions to ask and where to go next,” Nadworny said.

She was also excited to show off her hometown to not only her co-workers but to all of NPR’s viewers. Nadworny spent a lot of time at Mercyhurst as a girl.

“I grew up just down the road from the college. I’ve skated at the Ice Center, used the indoor rowing tanks, spent summers riding my bike through campus, took piano lessons after school and hit up the Wednesday night films in Mary D’Angelo with my high school friends,” Nadworny said.

Andrea Ost, a second-year Forensic Anthropology graduate student, appreciates the experience that NPR brought to Mercyhurst.

“While studies of this kind can give forensic anthropologists information that can help us improve our methodologies, it also ultimately helps to tell the stories of unidentified individuals,” said Ost. “Having the chance to work on this case for NPR has been a valuable experience and wouldn’t have been possible without the program at Mercyhurst.”

Erie Police Department partners with Mercyhurst

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

On March 22, Erie Mayor Joe Schember announced that the City of Erie will be partnering with Mercyhurst University to simplify the police testing process for the Erie Bureau of Police.

Erie City Council unanimously approved the testing change at its meeting on April 4.

“We’re proud to partner with Mercyhurst to administer testing for new police candidates. Ultimately, the city will save time and money that can be used to focus on minority recruitment,” Schember said in a Mercyhurst University news release.

Previously, police officers were required to complete a separate exam to work for the City of Erie.

However, with this change, prospective officers must only complete Civil Service Act 120 training, which will qualify them for 26 departments throughout the region for only $75.

The testing can be completed at the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Police Testing Consortium — Mercyhurst’s Public Safety Institute and Municipal Police Training Academy.

Created in 2014, the consortium handles police testing for Millcreek Township, City of Corry and Meadville police department and the Erie County Sher-

iff ’s Department, among others.

Applications for the next round of testing will be available this month with both written and physical testing being performed on Aug. 4.

Mayor Schember is hopeful that employing this version of testing will allow for more diverse candidates, while also saving time, money and resources.

This testing will be offered each year instead of every two years like the old testing.

City officials believe the change will save the city an estimated $5,000 that can be used towards minority recruitment, a cause that both Schember and Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny find important.

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

campus events

On Saturday there will be a Scavenger Hunt starting at 2 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room. Later that night, at 8 p.m., Taylor Matthews will be performing in the Student Union.

Don’t forget! MSG Senate applications are due April 18 by noon. Voting will take place from April 24 to 26.

MERCYHURST CAMPUS

CRIME LOG March 22: Harassment in the Athletic Center.

March 24: Drug paraphernalia on Briggs Avenue.

March 27: Harassment on Briggs Avenue.

April 5: Theft in Zurn 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 ******************* Dear Mia, I am appalled that nobody seems to sell peanut butter popsicles. This could change everything. I have been dreaming about this idea ever since I first laid eyes on peanut butter.

Peanut butter ice cream exists, and is one of the most delicious treats on the planet. It is impossible to go wrong with any sort of frozen peanut butter snack, unless you have an allergy. I am lucky enough to not have a peanut butter allergy, and I consume, on average, 1.5 jars per week. Perhaps I should start my own business selling peanut butter popsicles. I am convinced, however, that stores should begin carrying this flavor. How can I make this happen, Mia? Sincerely, Nutalie

Dear Nutalie, It’s such a shame that no one sells peanut butter popsicles especially since it is such a yummy spread.

So, I think you should definitely make your own popsicles! It’s pretty easy to make them as well.

All you have to do is Google peanut butter popsicles and you’ll get tons of easy-to-make recipes. Just go through a few and find the one you like the most. Or go through a bunch and try all the different recipes! But be careful of a brain freeze, though. Getting stores to sell them is more of a difficult task. Perhaps you could begin by creating a petition around campus to encourage the Laker and the Grotto Commons to begin carrying peanut butter popsicles. That may give some momentum to your goal for popularizing these delicious treats.

Sincerely,

Mia

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Students approve SpringFest artists

By Jordan Pendel Staff writer

SpringFest is the last big event of the semester, allowing students to take a break from schoolwork and have some fun while listening to live music. SpringFest is back on April 27, with Timeflies and DJ Drama as this year’s performers.

“SpringFest is a great way to just forget about the stress of the semester and upcoming finals,” said Mickaela Zaffino, junior Psychology major. “You can hang out, party, dance and just have a good time.”

Last semester, students had the opportunity to vote for their favorite genre of music, allowing students to have the opportunity to give input into the artist choice.

The winning genre was pop.

Lucy Knappenberger, junior Hospitality Management major and MSG Events Coordinator, wanted to bring in an artist who would vibe well with the students.

“I want everyone to come and feel comfortable with who is up on stage,” Knappenberger said.

The Timeflies duo formed in 2010 after meeting at a party at Tufts University. The group consists of Cal Shapiro on vocals

and Rob Resnick as the producer.

Their sound is a mix of pop and EDM, producing hip-hop, rap and pop tracks. The band has released music under Epic Records and Island Records.

John Harry, senior Criminal Justice major, is looking forward to hearing Timeflies at Springfest.

“I’m super excited for them to come to Mercyhurst. They are one of my favorite groups to listen to because they can do different kinds of music,” Harry said.

DJ Drama is a hip-hop DJ and producer from Philadelphia. He is best known for his mix-tapes, most notably for Gangsta Grillz.

He is currently on the Artist and Repertoire team for Atlantic Records.

“The process for picking Timeflies and DJ Drama actually happened fairly quickly,” Knappenberger said.

MSG received a list of roughly 30 artists to pick from, all within the genre of pop. The student representatives were then able to listen to the top songs from each artist, narrowing down the selection.

“Timeflies really stood out to me because all of their songs are fun and upbeat,” said Knappenberger. “They don’t have any profanity within their songs, and

that is something I really wanted to focus on.”

This was a particularly important aspect for the selection of this year’s SpringFest artist due to the controversy that last year’s performer, Mike Stud, had caused.

“We definitely thought about last year when picking our artists,” said Knappenberger. “We would never want to offend anyone on campus, and we believe DJ Drama and Timeflies will resonate well with everyone.”

Students seem to be happy about the artist selection and are excited for SpringFest this year.

Maddie Castele, senior Public Health major, is one such student.

“I like the artist. I think they’re pretty good,” said Castele. “I have two of their songs already.”

Ticket distribution for undergraduates begins April 18 and goes until April 20. Tickets for graduate students, adult students, faculty, staff and others within the Mercyhurst community will be sold on April 23. Remaining tickets will be available for guests on April 24.

All tickets are going to be distributed to students in the Student Union, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. each day. Limited tickets are available, and a Mercyhurst ID is required to get one.

How to: Eat healthy, home-cooked meals

By Elizabeth Shewan

Staff writer

Every student knows that preparing, and even eating, food can be a challenge throughout college.

Most of us have time and money constraints that limit variety and complexity in our food choices.

Meal plans, of course, are great, but for students who live off-campus or want to cut costs, cooking at home can be a good option, giving an easier and healthier way to introduce variety into meals and tailor them to your own, individual tastes.

But, of course, students are infamously busy, and it can be difficult to find the time to shop for groceries, prepare food, sit down for a full meal and then clean up afterward. We all know that it would be good for us, but how to do it?

I’m far from an expert, but I figured out a few ways to cook for myself while being conscious of time and money. The key is to choose ingredients that are filling

and versatile. In my experience, all manner of meals can be made if you have a few basic ingredients: milk, eggs, tortillas and chicken breasts.

I’m a big fan of chicken. It’s relatively cheap, filling and easy to prepare. It can be kept in the freezer until you’re ready to prepare it, so you can buy well in advance and there are multitudes of ways to cook it.

I often mix it with condensed mushroom soup and eat it on a tortilla, which allows me to take my food on the go, and if I’m careful, avoid needing to wash additional dishes. I keep it in the fridge for up to a week or, if I’m going to have it for longer, move it to the freezer.

For those who, for whatever reason, want to avoid chicken, my vegetarian roommate tells me that broccoli makes a good substitute in a lot of recipes. Frozen broccoli is just as easy to keep and nearly as versatile.

Squash can also provide a delicious substitute for meat or pasta.

Onions and bell peppers are also good vegetables to have around for your daily servings of vegetables. Bell peppers are good for snacking on raw, and onions and peppers both can be added to a lot of other foods for extra flavoring and a serving of vegetables.

Eggs make for good breakfasts or snacks, and could also be eaten on a tortilla or added to ramen. They are also really cheap.

I recently bought 18 eggs for less than $3 at Walmart.

Of course, your tastes may vary from mine, in which case you can substitute my favorites for something comparable. The point is to make what you like. Preparing food in advance can be a great time-saver. And there are many simple recipes readily available online, so even for those who have never cooked, it’s possible.

So, with some preparation, cooking at home can ultimately be a time and money saver, as well as allow you to cater to your own tastes.

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

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

PAGE 7

Contributed photo

The football team was very excited to take first place with their rendition of SpongeBob and Boys in Motion.

Laker sports show down

By Rebecca Dunphy Staff writer

Mercyhurst sports teams danced, sang and performed for a packed theater on April 5 at the annual Laker Showdown.

The fundraising event, benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation, was a culmination of months of hard work from the Laker Showdown committee.

The committee held monthly meetings since the beginning of the year, where they decided on dates, participants, judges and sponsors. The group operated under committee chair Chloe Tyillian, junior Marketing major, with extra help from the Student Athletic Advisory Board president Amanda Frappolli, senior Public Health and Psychology double major, and secretary Kelsey Soom, senior Political Science major.

“They honestly helped me stay sane because the two weeks leading up to the event were absolutely insane. We managed to pull it off, with only a few mistakes along the way, but in the end it turned out just as we hoped,” said Tyillian. “I am very grateful for the people who helped sponsor, donate and create this event with me. I could not have done it without them.”

The event was certainly enjoyed by students, with laughs and cheers heard throughout the PAC. The night began with a short story from Make-A-Wish repre-

sentative Jan Stork, about a young boy with a traumatic brain injury who, through funding from the foundation, was able to meet his idol, John Cena. Because of this experience, he had the strength to continue fighting and eventually learn to walk. This inspirational story helped give a purpose to all that was done that night for Make-A-Wish.

“Because of what you do, they’ll be able to get better, live better and have a more normal life,” said Stork.

After Stork’s speech ended, MC Adisa Branch, senior Athletic Training major, introduced the acts, beginning with performances by women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, men’s ice hockey, women’s basketball and cross country.

Halfway through the show, the Mercyhurst Dance Team gave their final performance of the year. Although they did not compete, they entertained the audience with their piece set to the T-Pain song “Church.”

Also during intermission, a number of items were auctioned off, including Bose headphones donated by Borden Perlman, the athletes’ secondary insurance company, and a number of athletic banners.

“We didn’t think the banners were going to go for as much as they did, and I was so excited when I heard the numbers being yelled out,” said Tyillian. “It helped us reach our goal of $2,800

Contributed photo

The Laker Showdown was the result of an incredible amount of hard work done by the committee over the past several months.

and I cannot be more thankful for that and for Lauren Packer Webster donating them to us.”

The second half of the night featured performances by wrestling, women’s hockey, football, volleyball and women’s water polo, finally ending with the presentation of awards.

Judges, including Ryan Riemedio, assistant football coach; Andy Simon, head Athletic Trainer; Diane Farrell, police officer; Terry from the Laker; and Laura Zirkle,

vice president for Student Life, voted on their favorite performances of the night.

The football team won first place with their excerpt from SpongeBob and Boys in Motion.

“It was an incredible experience to feel the exciting atmosphere of the crowd and watch as it motivated us to perform how we did,” said football player Jacob Tretinik, sophomore Biology major. “It made winning the competition with the team a truly memorable

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

experience, one that I’ll always remember.”

The women’s water polo team came in second with an excerpt from “Pitch Perfect,” followed by an unexplainable performance by the wrestling team.

Overall, Tyillian considers this event very successful.

“As long as we raise money for Make-A-Wish, that is all that matters,” Tyillian said. “Every little bit that we can give them helps tremendously. No child should have to go through what they do, and since we can’t control what God has planned, the least we can do is give them the wish they deserve.”

Tretinik shared similar sentiments.

“The best part of the night was the money we raised for the Make-A-Wish foundation,” Tretinik said.

Although the Showdown has come and gone, there is still another opportunity to help the students meet their goal of $5,200 for MakeA-Wish. If this goal is met, $5,000 will be donated by the NCAA, which will qualify Mercyhurst to have a Make-A-Wish reveal come to the school and explain how the donated money will be used.

Students are invited to come out to Rivals Grant Wish this upcoming weekend, an event partnered with Gannon to raise even more money.

“I really hope as many people or more show up to that event as well,” said Tyillian.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

LAKER MOMENT

In memory of Rwanda: ‘It should never happen again to anyone’

By Abigail Rinard Features editor

Abigail Rinard photo

Senior Class Gift Committee chair Lynne Gillott has been selling shirts in the Bookstore for the Spring Bar Crawl.

Sign up for the Spring Bar Crawl

The Spring Bar Crawl is a highly anticipated event, particularly for graduating seniors. This year’s bar crawl will take place on May 5. The Senior Class Gift Committee is trying to get 60 percent participation of the senior class, and the money for bar crawl shirts will go toward the Senior Class Gift.

Apply now for 2019 senior gift committee

By Marina Boyle

Staff writer

A Senior Class Gift is a long-held Mercyhurst tradition in which a senior committee runs fundraising efforts to allow the graduating class to give back to their alma mater as their time there draws to a close.

The 2018 Mercyhurst Class Gift Committee is being led by seniors Lynne Gillott, Sports Medicine major; Austin Shinhearl, Hospitality Management major; Cole Lowe, Spanish Education major; and Natalie Koons, Biology and Dance double major, to provide Mercyhurst with an ongoing gift of the Sister Lisa Mary McCartney Class of 2018 Scholarship. This scholarship is a monetary fund that will provide up aid to deserving students who meet the committee’s criteria of an outstanding Laker.

Past senior gifts have included various stained-glass windows across campus, the Sr. Damien spirit bell and renovations to the Grotto and Great Room. This is the first year where a scholarship will be given by the graduating class, starting a new tradition of “paying it forward.” The idea of a scholarship was raised by President Michael T. Victor earlier this year.

“Reluctant at first, we asked for more information to understand how this would benefit the university as compared to a physical gift,” said Gillott. “After a good conversation, we know that this scholarship will stand forever despite any renovations or expansion of our campus.

We will always know that this gift is living

on even as Mercyhurst changes with the times.”

The Class of 2018 has a goal of $12,000 for the scholarship. Lev Kubiak, Mercyhurst Board of Trustees member, has offered to match the class’s efforts up to $10,000, meaning that the gift will potentially be $22,000 when presented at the end of the year.

“The Senior Class Gift Committee has been such a great group to work with” said adviser Lindsay Frank, director of Alumni Engagement. “They have worked so hard this year not only to raise funds, but to truly promote the idea of a scholarship as a Senior Gift. Since we made the change, they have put their hearts into believing and showing why it is so important for the Class of 2018 to pay it forward for other Lakers.”

Students wishing to get involved can make a one-time donation of any amount, or a monthly gift that will reach $100 total.

Lowe, the senior class gift committee marketing chair, said that the gift means a lot to him on a personal level.

“I grew up in rural poverty in a single-parent household, so I know how tight money can be, and also that education is the ticket out,” said Lowe. “If I can be a part of giving someone that ticket, then I certainly have carpe-ed that diem. Mercy really is about giving of oneself, and every little donation makes a huge difference in the lives of others for years to come.

We are not investing in an object that is physically beautiful, but in the beauty of a person’s intelligence.”

Rising seniors can get involved by ap-

plying to be on the committee for the Class of 2019.

“On top of meeting some really amazing people, you get to raise money for the gift and participate in events that brings the senior class together before we graduate from Mercyhurst,” Shinhearl said.

There are many reasons to be a part of the committee, many of which were voiced by Gillott.

“Joining the Senior Class Gift Committee was one of the best decisions I have made here at Mercyhurst,” said Gillott. “It has helped me to grow both professionally and personally, all while giving back to the place we have all called home for four wonderful years.”

Morgan Wangler, senior Early Childhood and Special Education double major, highly recommends the experience.

“The senior class gift committee has been such a fun experience,” said Wangler.

“I’ve made some great memories with a wonderful group of people while working towards a common goal: to provide a future student with some financial assistance in their time here at Mercyhurst. I would recommend joining the committee to anyone. Its a great way to help leave your mark at Mercyhurst. It’s a decision I would definitely make again.”

Interested students can fill out applications online, to be submitted by April 15.

“It is both rewarding and uplifting to see the progress of the gift and to know that we, as a committee, are changing the life of a future Laker without them even knowing it yet. I love this committee and I believe others would too,” Gillott said.

Humanity often tries to ignore and deny tragedy, opting instead for denial, burying the wounds until there is little memory left.

This has not, however, been the path of a small landlocked country in east-central Africa.

In April, 24 years ago, Rwanda entered a brutal genocide, during which approximately 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu civilians were killed in 100 days. It began on April 6, 1994, when a plane carrying the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi was shot down.

The international community stood by, watching in horror, as the country was torn apart by the extreme violence.

Fabrice Ngabo, junior Finance and Accounting double major, lived through the aftermath of the genocide.

“Well, I was not alive during the genocide, but I learned the tragic stories about my relatives,” said Ngabo. “My dad lost his siblings and parents and so did my mom.

Living in the aftermath of the genocide, I learned to cherish every moment as it comes. Violence does nothing but tear a country down, but, as we remember the genocide against the Tutsi, we can all unite over the fact that it should never happen again to anyone, anywhere.”

Ngaboyisonga Igor, ’17, also grew up in post-genocide Rwanda.

“My paternal grandfather was killed during the genocide, along with my grandmother and their eldest son,” said Igor.

“His house was burned to the ground. His body was never recovered. It is as if they existed one day, and the next day it was like they never existed at all. Not even a single photograph of my grandfather remains.

Sadly, many other Tutsis suffered the same fate, buried in mass graves, and disappeared without a trace.”

Rwanda has recovered substantially, economically and socially, but that progress comes from the commitment of Rwandans to remembering the genocide.

Peace and reconciliation in Rwanda has been a difficult process. Because so many participated in the genocide, it was impossible to incarcerate all of them. As a result, the Gacaca courts were formed, and offered genocide victims and perpetrators alike a chance to meet, voice their grievances and apologies in an open and honest way that allowed healing to begin.

That process of healing continues to this day. April represents a time of mourning for Rwanda, for the extreme loss of life and tragedy that occurred. But it is also a time of celebration and remembrance — to acknowledge the growth since 1994 and to celebrate the lives that were lost. It is only by remembering that Rwandans can continue to heal.

“During this week of mourning, we remember them. We remind history of their existence,” said Igor. “Should we fail to keep their memory alive, the masterminds of their demise would be vindicated. For we would be telling the world that the architects of their disappearance succeeded in removing them from the content of human history.”

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

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PAGE 9

Jensen to serve students as VP

By Rebecca Dunphy

Staff writer

Sophomore Intelligence Studies and Political Science double major Sophia Jensen, is heavily involved in Mercyhurst Student Government, and during the 2018-19 school year, she will be taking on an even larger role as MSG vice president.

“I am honored that I get to be such a big part of understanding and representing student voices on campus, and work to make changes that will benefit current and future students,” Jensen said.

Jensen was elected by students at the end of February. Despite running unopposed, she focused much of her campaign on the power and importance of voting for the best candidate.

“While I spoke about my plans to increase support for RSCOs, increase relationships with other colleges in the area and increase MSG and administration transparency, I truly wanted students to vote for who they thought would do the best job representing them and making decisions,” Jensen said.

Jensen emphasized how important it is for students to realize they can make changes on campus.

“What MSG comes down to is service, and all the members work for the students, so I wanted to make sure that students understood their power to make change happen on the campus through the election of the president and vice president, and now the senators,” Jensen said.

Jensen will be serving alongside MSG President-elect Vincent Marrazzo, junior Intelligence Studies, Information Technology and International Relations triple major, while managing the larger Senate. Her other responsibilities will include running biweekly meetings, arranging tabling times, organizing MSG presence, serving on the University Council Committee, and generally supporting the organization.

“I get to do a lot of behindthe-scenes work, helping to make ideas into plans and put plans into action,” Jensen said.

As for future plans, Jensen hopes to cultivate a larger collegiate community by strengthening Mercyhurst’s relationship with its neighboring colleges. She expects this to start on a smaller scale within the student governContributed photo ment, eventually spreading to similar clubs and the general stu- Sophia Jensen will take her place as the MSG vice president in Fall 2018, and is excited for the opportunity to serve the Mercyhurst community. dent body.

Learning to rise above it all

By Marina Boyle Staff writer

Carlotta Walls LaNier is an author, speaker and civil rights legend, most well known for her graduation from Central High School, in Little Rock, Arkansas, as the youngest of the Little Rock Nine. Speaking as part of the Charlene M. Tanner Speaker Series, LaNier shared her story with students and the public on April 3.

As the first black woman to graduate from the white-only Central High School, LaNier gave the audience a message of hope, answering the question: “What can we do in these times to advance diversity?”

Beginning with a story of the late Martin Luther King Jr., LaNier retold his message of compassion, education and nonviolence on the 50th anniversary of his death. Recalling her first meeting with him when she was 14 years old, she described him as a young minister eating barbecue and drinking beer, unaware of the man he would become.

To answer her question of how to advance diversity, LaNier reflected on his work, saying, “The time is always right to do what’s right. We must never remain silent.

We had the burden of being first.

But King’s message was one we believed before he even spoke it. We can find the occasion to speak on diversity now more than before.”

Marina Boyle photos

Seniors Jonah Jackson and Emmanuel McDowell, along with other students, were excited to meet and speak with Carlotta Walls LaNier.

LaNier grew up in the Jim Crow era using a separate water fountain, riding the back of the bus, sitting in the balcony of the theater and, most significantly, attending a different, segregated school. When offered the opportunity to enroll in Central High in 1957, she jumped at the chance.

Within a few short months, La-

Nier’s life was changed forever as troopers escorted her and her eight black peers from one class to the next amid the taunts and mobs of white anger.

“I knew that there would be some pushback, but not to the extent that there was,” said LaNier. “I knew that there were kids that did not want me there,

but I thought once they got to know me, that would fall off their shoulders a bit. Unfortunately, some students made it their job to make life miserable for us.”

While LaNier clung to the opportunities she could gain from education, the governor made the decision in 1958 to close all the schools in the county. To prevent any integration, he left 38,000 students, black and white, with nowhere to go. Only one of the Little Rock Nine had graduated, and the others could do nothing but continue schooling elsewhere as the case went through the federal courts. LaNier was finally able to return to school in 1959, along with four other black students, to complete her senior year.

Even with this legal success, LaNier faced far greater challenges in her final year, with the bombing of her home in 1960 and the increased restrictions on her education by the school’s administration. When asked if she planned to return to Central High following the bombing of her home, a young LaNier recalled telling the press, “I will go back to school or die trying.” In 1960 she graduated along with her white and black peers, and continued on to college at Michigan State University.

“When the burden is so great, your family, your faith and your community have to help bear that load,” said LaNier. “Every day was a challenge that helped

to shape my character. I had to rise above it. When they said, ‘no clubs,’ I had to rise above it. When they told me, ‘no sports,’ I had to rise above it. When the threat of violence loomed, I had to rise above it.”

In terms of the many civil rights achievements of the 1950s and 60s, the Little Rock Nine were a driving force. While not the first group to integrate, the story of the Little Rock Nine was like no other.

In later years LaNier was awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the NAACP, was an honored guest at the inauguration of President Barack Obama and has served as president of the Little Rock Nine Foundation.

Her two main lessons learned in her high school years were: “Hang in there, and trust yourself and your instincts first.”

LaNier closed her talk by calling for love and compassion.

“I had all this because nine white men in the Supreme Court said we had the right,” said LaNier. With Number 45 (President Donald Trump) in the White House, we have become as we were 60 years ago. We are anxious and worried about what lies ahead. But we have come too far to turn back now. If we meet differences openly, willingly, we will be surprised. Be kind to one another. All that we do when we encounter others, matters.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Water dance makes a splash

By Megan Lay Staff writer

This year, April holds special significance for the Mercyhurst and Erie communities for reasons other than being the beginning of another cold spring.

The Mercyhurst community is gearing up for its biannual participation in National Water Dance: The Ripple Effect.

On April 14, this nationwide event will help members of communities around the nation reflect on the ways that water sources are neglected and can be fixed.

We have done little to protect our waterways from dangerous human impacts such as waste, pollution and climate change.

Lake Erie and Erie County’s dependence on the water sources holds a significance to the community as a whole.

The National Water Dance: Ripple Effect hopes to encourage and inspire those participating and observing to think of ways to positively impact the water source in close proximity to our school and surrounding community.

The Mercyhurst community is providing presentations of all kinds for National Water Dance this year.

Organized by the Dance and Biology departments, this event also includes contributions from the Art, Music and English departments.

The event will begin along the Lake Erie waterfront at Dobbins Landing at the end of State Street.

Mark Santillano photo

Junior Niusha Karkehabadi and senior Sara Clarke will perform in the National Water Dance event.

A choir, saxophonist and dancers will process toward the Erie Maritime Museum, where a collection of dance, art, music and environmental activities will occur.

The event will culminate with presentations on water issues and collaborative live art performances in the Hirt Auditorium of the Blasco Library.

This is the second time Solveig Santillano, associate professor of

Dance and National Water Dance organizer, has coordinated the Erie region’s participation in the event.

Santillano said, “At the heart of the project is the merging of science and dance behind the event.”

The collaboration between the Mercyhurst Dance department and 18 other Mercyhurst academic departments and programs is not a small feat.

Santillano has been able to secure the participation of many local organizations and cultivated collaborations within the community.

Santillano said, “Each artistic collaborator can bring an aspect of concern or celebration into focus through their individual projects—and that creates such a rich community conversation.”

The beauty of this event is the

sheer magnitude of the participation from the community.

It goes to show that residents of Erie County and the surrounding areas appreciate and care about the sustainability of Lake Erie.

In addition to the emphasis on dance, the event also highlights the importance of scientific research on maintaining the health of our waterways.

Sarah Bennett, Mercyhurst sustainability coordinator and lecturer of Biology, has worked to organize many different community environmental organizations for this event.

Bennett said, “I hope that attendees see that water issues affect all of us and through interdisciplinary approaches we can raise awareness of the issues.”

It is important that the issues our community and ecosystem are facing are given attention before it is too late to take action.

The immense amount of collaboration and hard work can provide extremely rewarding results for the community and environment as a whole.

Bennett said, “I think it provides a lot of different perspectives that help to see issues in broader context.

“It really promotes meaningful discussions and, ultimately, better outcomes,” she said.

National Water Dance: The Ripple Effect is an event which is free and open to the public.

The Mercyhurst community is encouraged to attend this event to help better our waterways.

It’s the ‘Hess’t concert of the season

By Jenny Sabliov

Arts and Entertainment Editor

On April 25, Nathan Hess, D.M.A., chair and piano professor of the Music department, will present his piano recital to the community.

While there is no overarching theme to the recital, Hess chose pieces that he loves and wishes to share with his audience.

It just so happens that the first half of the recital consists of French works, while the second half consists of pieces by two of his favorite composers: Sergei Rachmaninoff and Alberto Ginastera.

The program will begin with Preludes “Hills of Anacapri” and “Minstrels” from Claude Debussy’s “Preludes Book I.” “The ‘Hills of Anacapri’ is very virtuosic and musically descriptive because it paints a picture of the island of Capri off the coast of Italy,” said Hess.

“Minstrels” is the last prelude in Debussy’s “Prelude’s Book I.” Hess enjoys this piece because it is very light-hearted in a “vaudeville” way.

The program continues with the stand-alone piece Intermezzo in A-flat major by Francis Pou-

Contributed photo

Nathan Hess, D.M.A., will continue the Faculty Recital series on April 25 at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.

lenc. It is one of Hess’ favorite pieces by Poulenc.

According to Hess, although Poulenc has written an extensive piano repertoire, he is more wellknown for his vocal songs with piano and choral works.

“I have been exploring his music pretty closely for the past five or six years, and this is one piece

that I enjoy,” said Hess.

“It has everything one would expect early 20 century French music to have with extensive lush harmonies and arpeggiated lefthand passage work.”

He describes the piece as “light and enjoyable as one would find at an evening party in Paris.”

Hess will conclude the first half

of the recital with “Sports et Divertissements” by Erik Satie.

It contains 20 short pieces that depict various sporting and playful activities like tennis and fireworks.

Each piece is accompanied by a poem, which will be read by senior Music major Sarah Krempasky before Hess plays each piece.

“Satie was a very eccentric composer and was known for being unusual, which is reflected in his piano compositions,” said Hess.

“It’s not proper in form — he explores form and tonality and just wanted to be different than the status quo.”

The second half of the recital begins with two Rachmaninoff preludes.

These are Prelude in D Major, Op. 23, No. 4 and Prelude in E-flat Major, Op. 23, No. 6.

“These are two gorgeous pieces that sum up his composition style with sweeping melodic lines, rich chromatic harmonies and are extremely pianistic due to his being a master pianist himself,” said Hess.

He will conclude the program with Sonata No. 1, Op. 22 by Alberto Ginastera.

He wrote three sonatas, but this is the more popular of the three.

“It has a lot of biting and accented rhythms, dissonant har-

monies and is very rhythmically energetic,” Hess said.

“It was written in the 20th century, so the harmonic language is a bit adventurous, but there are elements of impressionism which ties in with the French pieces in the program,” he said.

Hess tries to give at least one solo recital a year because he believes it is important for a faculty member to perform for his students and the department.

This is also done for the upkeep of his artistry and skill.

He often tries to program pieces that are not as well-known.

Hess believes that this recital features some lesser-known works, and he hopes to expose people to different pieces and composers like Satie and Ginastera.

He mentions that people generally do not perform Poulenc’s solo piano works, and he hopes audience members will appreciate them.

“I want to share this music with people,” Hess said. “I am passionate about the music and I hope that is reflected in this performance of the works because I really enjoy it,” said Hess.

It will take place at 8 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

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20 years with Raw Edges

By Megan Lay Staff writer

The Mercyhurst Dance department is celebrating the 20-year anniversary of highlighting student choreography.

Presenting an all–female choreographed program, nine senior BFA Dance majors have the opportunity to choreograph using fellow Dance majors for their final choreographic work presented in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Choreographers are exploring and researching themes ranging from painting, musical accompaniment, strength training and dance videography.

The choreographers are Marleigh Bristol, Sara Clarke, Audrey Davison, Ragan Faulkner, Kathryn Galimi, Lacey Gigliotti, Elizabeth Hite, Kerry Schroeder and Makayla Sprague.

Schroeder has chosen to study the life and work of artist Georgia O’Keeffe as inspiration for her capstone research project.

Schroeder’s work consists of nine one-minute dances, each representing a O’Keeffe painting.

Schroeder said, “The most rewarding part of this capstone is being able to see my vision come to life on five incredible dancers. I feel so fortunate to work with my talented peers every day.”

Not only does the entire capstone project include the presentation of choreography, but the choreographers have to research and write about an underlying topic for their work.

Contributed photo

The cast of Kerry Schroeder’s work is shown with a Georgia O’Keeffe painting. From left: senior Audrey Davison, junior Lucas De Marinis, sophomore Megan Carnuche, senior Elizabeth Hite, junior Roman Hall.

Schroeder did a great deal of research for her piece.

She said, “For my research, I have interviewed several artists on their opinions on some of O’Keeffe’s works. I have also studied her life, her artistic philosophies and many critics’ opinions of her work.”

This allows Schroeder as a choreographer to hold an expert lens when choreographing her piece.

Sprague has gained inspiration from the subconscious influence

Judy is ‘Collin’ you to last MIAC event

By Lauren Ganger

Staff writer

On April 26 at 7:30 p.m., world-renowned folk singer/ songwriter and social activist Judy Collins will be coming to Mercyhurst to give a performance.

The concert is called “An Evening with Judy Collins” and will be the last Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture (MIAC) performance of the 2017-18 season.

Brett Johnson, Ph.D., who directs MIAC, said, “bringing Judy Collins to Mercyhurst involved several months of phone calls and emails with her team, trying to find a date that worked with her busy schedule.”

“Collins, now 78, is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, composing, touring and speaking about mental health and suicide prevention,” Johnson said.

The concert will feature selections from Collins’ 50 albums, which include interpretations of works by other famous musicians in addition to her compositions.

Collins is known for her wide range of recording material, which includes folk music, musical theater, pop music and rock and roll, in addition to her social activism.

While she began her career as a classical pianist, making her debut at 13, she turned toward folk music as a teenager.

While this MIAC season has set a high bar by featuring such bigname performers as Bernadette Peters, Lily Tomlin and Garrison Keillor, Johnson hints that next season will not disappoint.

The roster for next season’s MIAC Live performers will be announced on Monday, April 23.

This concert is sold out; however, tickets to “An Evening with Judy Collins” may be made available the evening of the performance. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m., but the cancellation line can begin earlier.

Tickets will be sold on a firstcome, first-served basis. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for students and youth and free for Mercyhurst students with IDs.

society has on individuals’ perceptions of their appearance.

She researched psychological disorders and societal issues contributing to the disorders.

Sprague decided to use Samuel Barber’s composition “Adagio for Strings” as accompaniment for her choreography.

Sprague said, “The most challenging aspect of this project has been choreographing to a very famous piece of music.

“Matching the power of the

music with movement has been difficult.

“However, the most rewarding aspect of the process is getting to see my cast grow as dancers.”

Clarke’s piece, “Resilient Composure,” is the product of researching the integration of conditioning exercises to aid ballet technique to better prepare dancers for the demands of dance today.

Other than being a part of the all-female roster of choreog-

raphers, Clarke is empowering women through choreographing a piece featuring female to female partnering, something not traditionally used in ballet choreography.

Clarke said, “The inspiration behind the written portion of my capstone is the high incidence of injury in classically trained female dancers who must perform contemporary work.

“I have also spent the year researching the evolution of ballet technique, how injury incidence has changed over the years, and what exercises are the most beneficial for cross-training dancers without overexerting them.”

Clarke hopes to carry the knowledge gained from this process into her life as a professional in the dance field.

She said, “I am developing my own curriculum, which I will someday employ, should I open my own studio.

“I hope the dancers I have been working with have gained confidence in their new strength and are comfortable with the bonds they have made with other dancers in the piece.”

This event will take place April 20 at 7 p.m., April 21 at 2 and 7 p.m. and April 22 at 2 p.m.

On April 20, a pre-performance reception will benefit community partner SafeNet, as well as the Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for Mercyhurst students with ID and children 12 and under.

Lumen unveiling to take place April 19

By Anthony Miller Staff writer

The unveiling of Lumen will occur April 19 at 8 p.m. in Taylor Little Theater.

Lumen is the student literary and fine arts magazine that is run almost entirely by the student body of Mercyhurst.

Marnie Sullivan, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and one of the faculty members behind Lumen, emphasized how much students have to do with the creation of Lumen.

“Lumen is entirely student run,” she said. “All of the creative writing and art is done by students, a student editorial board judges what goes into Lumen, the editing is done by students, and the design is done by the students.”

Lumen is an excellent opportunity for students to show off their artistic abilities, no matter what discipline they come from.

Sullivan said, “It really does represent all the fine arts created by our students.”

One misconception many students have about Lumen is that you have to be an English major to contribute, but Sullivan says that is not true.

“I’m afraid a lot of students think Lumen is just for English majors,” Sullivan said. “It’s not, anyone can be an editor and any student can submit their work.”

Submissions for next year’s Lumen can be sent to lumen@ mercyhurst.edu.

The deadline for next year’s edition of Lumen will likely be toward the end of the fall semester, so students will have plenty of time to work on their art.

Another part of the Lumen unveiling is the P. Barry McAndrew Writing Awards.

The awards are presented to the three best submissions of

creative writing and the best critical essay on literature.

The winners of the award receive prizes.

The winner of the literary essay contest wins a $200 dollar prize.

The unveiling of the 2018 edition of Lumen will be followed by the presentation of the P. Barry McAndrew Writing Awards and a poetry reading.

The Lumen staff has plans for the future of Lumen.

Going forward, the staff behind Lumen wants to publish short Lumen ’zines throughout the year to help promote the main Lumen.

One of these mini ’zines was released in the Fall.

Sullivan said that releasing more mini ’zines is definitely on the table.

She said, “The Lumen editors are highly interested in doing more smaller Lumen ’zines throughout the year.”

OPINION

PAGE 12

MSG forum angers

GOOD The doors to Zurn Hall have been updated and widened! No more traffic jams in between classes.

BAD A tree fell on the Grotto Commons and broke a window during the wind storm last week!

INTERESTING There is another sign up on the Student Union next to the liquor license notice, explaining the reason behind it.

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

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

@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.

perpetuates the feeling that highlevel staff are inaccessible and unhearing of our unhappiness.

Boyle If there are so many questions Staff writer and complaints raised that the forum must end with a large The MSG Spring Forum, volume of students being which took place March 26, was silenced or having their questions a perfect illustration of how the ignored, clearly the time allocated administration fails to hear the for the forum is not good voices of Mercyhurst students. enough.

The forum was the best Even if unanswered questions attended that I can ever are emailed to staff to answer, it remember, which clearly shows is not the same as the ability to the level of dissatisfaction and put your grievance to someone disillusionment among the face to face, on the spot. student body with regard to The whole system is catered recent campus decisions. toward the comfort and time Rather than feeling as though preferences of the staff, rather voices were heard, most students than the students. left more incensed than when Even the fact that students they arrived. have to write all their questions The structure of the forum on paper and cannot just speak does not effectively allow for all freely, as the staff can, says a lot. grievances to be heard.

Many students I spoke to Only certain representatives felt that certain answers were from three Mercyhurst rehearsed, or that points were just departments attended, and as I avoided when the result was not have said at many MSG forums, one that could pacify students. including the last, the fact that In fact, many students who had President Michael T. Victor is not never attended an MSG forum present is a serious issue for me. before simply said they would not His involvement as the go back, as they felt like they had leader of Mercyhurst should be no impact there. expected.

In terms of the central issuesThis format further sophomore housing, the Ryan

By Marina

Hall meal plan requirements and the pub on campus — the forum changed nothing.

The pub was decidedly happening, and nothing with Ryan was solved.

It was actually the backlash from the forum, the university survey and letters to President Victor that brought about the change we all embraced.

I think the reasoning behind student anger is clear — we want to be listened to.

We are reasonable when we are heard, and naturally disenchanted when we are not.

MSG has a clear role at Mercyhurst, and the survey they put forward to sophomores regarding meal plans brought success.

That being said, the letters that I encouraged students to write to President Victor were a direct impact of the anger I felt leaving the forum.

MSG needs to take a step back and re-evaluate how these events actually benefit students.

I love the work MSG does, and anyone will tell you that I don’t miss a forum.

However, I have had to ask myself, do they actually make a difference?

Trump’s wall confuses envisioned between 2,000 and 4,000 troops.

By Elizabeth But what does that mean?

Shewan I can’t be the only person who Staff writer didn’t know what the National Guard really was.

It seems as if politics are more The National Guard’s own confusing and upsetting than website says, “The National ever.

Guard is a unique element of Right now, politics are divisive, the U.S. military that serves both increasingly personal and community and country. The confusing.

Guard responds to domestic No political issue exists emergencies, overseas combat in a vacuum, but it’s easy to missions, counterdrug efforts, forget about context when our reconstruction missions and collective cultural attention more.” spends no more than five The site also says that, “Any minutes on any one topic before state governor or the President moving onto the next. of the United States can call on I like to think of myself as a the Guard in a moment’s notice.” reasonably well-informed person, So it is the president’s but recently I found myself prerogative to deploy the confused by one particular news National Guard, but is it right? story: Trump’s wall.

Naturally there’s some It’s infamous. In June 2015, disagreement on that, and largely Trump announced his candidacy, falls to either side of party lines, and first mentioned his intention with Republicans in favor and to build a wall along the United Democrats in opposition.

States’ border with Mexico to It’s not unprecedented for the keep out illegal immigrants, and president of the United States to to make Mexico pay for the wall. deploy the military or National Recently, President Trump Guard along the border. announced his intention to Presidents Bill Clinton, George deploy the National Guard to the W. Bush and Barack Obama all U.S.-Mexico border to assist in did that, according to Fox News. border security efforts until the However, Tim Ryan, a wall goes up.

Democratic member of the He later clarified that he House representing Ohio, said

“Putting National Guard troops on the border has proven to be very costly and only takes them away from other pressing needs.”

The wall has no allocated funding and no timetable, so deploying troops until the wall is built means deploying them indefinitely.

Since the beginning of his presidential campaign, Trump has rallied his supporters with the promise of a wall.

His stance on immigration was a substantial factor in his election.

But now, nearly a year and a half into his presidency, Trump has made no progress toward building a wall, and his supporters are becoming frustrated and disillusioned.

This is especially notable given the upcoming midterm elections.

It’s important for the president to be seen as making progress toward promises he made during his campaign.

I can’t pretend to have come at this issue as anything other than the registered Democrat I am.

But the promise of the wall is important to President Trump’s base, and therefore to our president and our nation.

I’ve tried to set aside my own biases and educate myself.

Hopefully, you’ve learned something, too.

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.

OPINION

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

PAGE 13

Graduating senior: HURST STUDENTS a reflection of MU SPEAK UP

By Jenny

Sabliov

A&E editor

Just 32 days to graduation.

The countdown is on, and almost every senior you see walking Mercyhurst’s campus is buzzing with anticipation and anxiety (and, of course, sleep deprivation).

As the semester winds down, it is difficult not to reflect on my past four years at this institution.

Why should you care about my time at Mercyhurst?

I hope that this encourages my fellow seniors to reflect and take the graduation stage in stride, even if you are not ready to leave this beautiful campus.

I also hope that underclassmen will keep the little pieces of advice that I weave throughout this story in mind as they continue their journey.

Overall, I would say my time at Mercyhurst was not too bad.

There were some great times and, naturally, some rough times.

I remember waking up on move-in day, excited to begin the next chapter in my life.

As we pulled up to the iconic iron gates, nervous anticipation came over me.

I was entering a new place without knowing anyone.

What if I didn’t make any friends?

What if I didn’t like it here?

I am glad to say that this was not the case.

I moved into Warde, met my roommate and almost everyone on the fourth floor became friends instantly.

My advice here is to not spend too much of your time on a minute number of friendships.

There are so many students and faculty from all walks of life.

Become friends with as many people as you can. Not only will it make you a more well-rounded individual, but you never know who you will forge strong bonds of friendship with.

However, at the end of the day, remember that you are here for you and no one else.

You pay good money to be here for your education, and that is all that matters.

If there is something that you see that you don’t like, speak up about it.

You deserve to be respected.

Remember how I said those on the fourth floor of Warde became friends instantly?

Well, throughout the course of the year, people began to show who they really were: Cliques were formed, gossip took over and people hated each other.

I attribute this to being trapped on campus as a freshman, in

“

Become friends with as many people as you can. Not only will it make you a more well-rounded individual, but you never know who you will forge strong bonds of friendship with.”

close quarters and with tensions building, it is only natural for friendships to die and fights to break out.

Although, I did witness many of these relationships mended throughout my senior year as most people mellowed out.

My class had to deal with the transition period of Mercyhurst.

We were the last class to be under Gamble’s reign, and we witnessed President Michael T. Victor pick up the pieces of the unfortunate presidency.

He brought Hurst Day to us, is expanding campus and seems like he genuinely cares about the students whenever he graces us with his presence around campus.

It may seem that a lot of the new additions to Mercyhurst may be unnecessary, but at the end of the day we previously were in a financial crisis.

Victor was brought in to deal with it and is doing what he can to the best of his ability.

As a future alumna, I look forward to coming back to see how much more Mercyhurst has improved.

I decided to double major in Criminal Justice and Forensic Anthropology and minor in Psychology of Crime and Justice.

I also did the 4+1 program for Criminal Justice Administration.

Many people thought I was crazy for doing so, but at the end of the day your 12 credit hour semester cost the same as my 18 credit hour semester.

One thing that is nearly impossible to do, is to have nothing to do at Mercyhurst.

There are so many things to do if you know where to look.

As someone whose work study is in the Performing Arts Center, there is at least one event happening every week.

The Music, Dance, Art, and Theatre departments and program are always working hard to present something to the campus and community.

The Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture brings amazing performances to campus and their events are FREE for Mercyhurst students.

Why would you not take advantage of this?

SAC/MAC events happen almost every weekend as well.

There are plenty of lectures to attend (at least for extra credit).

The Hospitality department hosts meals in their Marriott cafe.

These meals feature senior Hospitality majors who have to prepare and execute a fancy and tasty three-course meal as part of their final project. Unfortunately, it is not well-known to the Mercyhurst community.

So if you want a fancy threecourse meal for only $12.70, then make a reservation in advance because they fill up quickly by the Erie community.

Attend a Carpe Diem retreat.

I kept telling myself I would attend a retreat, and I am so glad I finally had the chance to do so this year.

You may have heard this from a lot of different people, but it truly is a life-changing experience.

So many different people attend these retreats, and you will become friends with every single one of them because you will gain a new perspective of the people around you.

So go and try something new.

If your friends don’t want to go — well, you are an adult, and you can go by yourself and meet new people.

There were countless times when my friends chose to be hermits and sat around in their dorms and apartments on their phones.

Part of me wanted to fit the mold and be like them, but I decided to venture out and try new things. I never regretted it once.

There are also a number of clubs and organizations for you to join. These can make yourself a more well-rounded person if anything.

You can write or take photos for the Merciad and get paid for it.

If you play a musical instrument and would like to continue doing so, the Music department is always looking to expand their ensembles.

Audition for a play or musical — there are always casting notices listed, and once you join that program, you become a part of their family.

I knew coming in freshman year that my time here would go by so quickly, and it really did.

My advice to you is to make the most of your time at Mercyhurst because when you are a senior facing graduation, you realize that it is truly time for the adult world.

I cannot emphasize how many opportunities are present, so take advantage of them and make the most of it.

We asked:

“What is your favorite type of music?”

Shawn Titus, sophomore Chemistry major: “My favorite type of music is country. Where I live, it’s the only music you hear on the radio, so I grew up listening to it”

Shelby Hildebrand, freshman Dance major: “I like a little bit of everything!

But I especially love old church hymns because they are so peaceful and meaningful. Or ’90’s rap such as “No Diggity” by Blackstreet”

Roman Hall, junior Dance major: “My favorite type of music is funk, anything that’s funky. It’s more about the beat to me than the music.”

Allison Dalton, freshman Intelligence Studies major: “My favorite style of music is modern rock. I don’t have to change between my everyday playlist and gym playlist. I just really like that style.”

Compiled by Rebecca Dunphy

Spring is now here!

Illumination is another MSG event on the horizon. This should be interesting, and you Rogus should check it out.

Staff writer It is another good way to get out and stop studying for a little What people think of spring while.

Spring means another year is and what we have now are two coming to a close. totally different things.

It is hard to believe that the However, our student end is near. government and some other Seniors graduate and go organizations on campus have out into the real world, and some fun things coming up. freshmen can’t believe that they Springfest is on April 27, made it through their first year. and Timeflies is coming to As we approach the end, it is Mercyhurst with DJ Drama.

This would be a great time to good to remember to get out and have some fun with activities meet up with friends and have rather than staying in your room, a good time listening to some working on projects or essays great music. that are not due right away.

To get to know the music of Relax, Lakers, when the Timeflies and DJ Drama, go on weather is nice go out and enjoy YouTube. fresh air around campus.

My favorite Timeflies songs By that point there should be are “I Choose You” and less snow and more flowers.

“Gravity.”

By Lauren

SPORTS

PAGE 14

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Seton Hill bests men’s lax

By Breonna Bailey

Staff writer

The Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse team fell to Seton Hill, 11-9, on April 7 at Tullio Field.

Despite holding onto a 5-1 lead for a portion of the game, the Lakers (6-4, 2-2) were unable to hold off a rally from the Seton Hill Griffins, who answered with five consecutive goals.

The Griffins may have been 9-1 overall and 3-0 in second place in the Greater Midatlantic Regional Conference (G-MAC).

But they were slow to initially meet the Lakers in scoring, and it would take some scoring rallies of their own to finally pull ahead of the Lakers.

In the opening minutes of the game, the Lakers converted on three separate occasions to lead 3-0 at 8:59 into the first quarter.

The Lakers were only answered by the Griffins once in the first; scoring for the quarter was 4-1, Lakers at the end of regulation.

A Laker lead was maintained going into the second with a margin of 5-1, the highest of the game.

The Griffins finally gained a 6-5 lead with three goals in the second quarter and followed with two in the third quarter to surpass the Lakers’ tally.

Breonna Bailey photo

The Lakers’ Nathan Grenon, at center, battles in front of the Seton Hill University goal. Seton Hill would go on to win the matchup 11-9.

Mercyhurst’s Devin Pipher was able to even the score at 6-6 late in the third quarter.

The Lakers regained their lead after Dom Perna managed to find the back of the net with 12:49 remaining in the fourth quarter.

However, the Griffins answered in return, tying the game at 7 exactly five minutes later.

A Laker goal by Nathan Grenon

HURST

RESULTS April 6-7, Softball vs. Edinboro University and Malone University: Edinboro game was postponed to a later date; Malone game was canceled (Lakers are 4-18) April 7, Women’s lacrosse vs. Lock Haven University: 7-16, Lock Haven (Lakers are now 6-4, 4-2) April 8, Women’s water polo at McKendree Invitational: Lakers (10-7, 3-1) swept the competition with victories against McKendree University (6-5), Monmouth College (11-4) and Gannon University (7-4) April 8-9, Golf at Edwin Cottrell Invitational: Men in fourth after first day; women in fifth

gave them their final lead of the game with 6:07 left to play.

After that, the Griffins scored four consecutive goals within a span of five minutes, taking the lead for the remainder of the game until time expired.

The final Laker goal, coming in with 12 seconds remaining was not enough to save themselves from the 9-11 final score.

Oran Horn for the Lakers led the scoring for the day, finishing with three goals. Pipher, Perna and Grenon rounded out the scoring with two apiece.

Lakers goaltender Alec Starr finished with seven saves. Griffin goaltender Max Eismann finished with 11 saves.

Additionally, the Lakers outshot the Griffins 40-28 overall and 20-

18 from the goal line.

Despite outshooting their opponents, the Lakers fell in faceoff wins, 18-5. Seton Hill also had a 28-24 advantage in groundballs.

The Lakers also controlled the ball better, ceding 13 turnovers compared to the Griffins’ 21.

“Our game against Walsh should be a good bounce-back game in order for us to get our confidence back,” said Pipher.

“We need to stay focused, work hard, and stick to our systems in order to be successful like any other team.”

The Lakers return to action next on April 10, traveling to Walsh University in Canton, Ohio.

Game time is 4 p.m.

“This (Walsh) game is an important game that will most likely dictate the rest of the season,” said Pipher. “You gotta stay focused and play our game, which I feel like we tried to do, but unfortunately we didn’t get the results we wanted.”

Walsh will be the Lakers’ third G-MAC opponent in a row. Currently, the Lakers are dead even at 2-2 in the conference.

After facing the Cavaliers, the Lakers will spend the rest of the regular season at home for their final three games.

Softball player named pitcher of the week

By Daniel Leonard

Staff writer

After less than four months on the Mercyhurst softball team, junior Tori Pierucci was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Pitcher of the week.

Pierucci was named for her achievements in back-to-back games against Seton Hill on April 2.

“I was really shocked and really excited,” said Pierucci. “I never really win things, so I thought it was really awesome and such a great surprise.”

Pitching for a total of 14 innings, Pierucci recorded 13 strikeouts, scattered six hits and was charged with one earned run.

Pierucci pointed to her father as her greatest source of support.

“He helped me become the softball player I am today,” said Pierucci. “He would sit on a bucket almost every day after work and catch my crazy pitches, and even though I chipped a few teeth and broke a toe or two, he would always get back out there and keep catching me.”

Originally from San Francisco, Pierucci joined the team at the start of the season and immediately began dedicating time to

Hurstatletics photo

Tori Pierucci enters Mercyhurst Softball as a junior, receiving her accolade only 14 innings into her season.

practice and to the team.

“Tori has worked hard since arriving at Mercyhurst in January,” said Leanne Baker, head softball coach. “This honor is well deserved on her part. She has learned a lot from our Pitching Coach, catchers and fellow pitchers to help her thrive in the PSAC.” Pierucci and the Lakers will be playing Slippery Rock University in their next game. The double

header is at home, starting at 2 p.m at the Mercyhurst Softball Field.

“Something we strive for on the team is to be a great teammate.

I believe that we have a team of great teammates, and they are happy for the honor that Tori received,” said Baker. “This past week, Tori was the face of the hard work this team has been doing all year, and that is inspiring for everyone.”

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

SPORTS

PAGE 15

MU Baseball goes 3-1

By Marco Cicchino Staff writer

The weather proved to be no issue for Lakers pitcher Chris Vallimont, regarded by many as the ace of coach Joe Spano’s staff.

And although pesky Seton Hill Griffins pitcher Perry DellaValle snaked in a 1-6 win, the Lakers were triumphant in three of the four contests, winning 1-0, 10-7 and 5-4.

The course of the season for both clubs provided for a natural matchup of the two best staffs in the West, with the Lakers (19-5, 10-2) holding a formidable edge despite having thrown 17 1/3 fewer innings as a combined team.

“My fastball was working for me, curveball,” said Vallimont.

“Off beats were starting to get more sharp towards the end of the game, and I guess I’m kind of used to the weather. I guess I just want to build off my last couple starts.”

Vallimont (6-1, 1.26) went straight to work on the Griffins (10-16, 5-7), who are at the bottom of the PSAC in average and third-worst in slugging.

Patrick Monteverde (1-2, 3.24) responded in the bottom of the frame, recording the first two outs for the Griffins before allowing Drew Delsignore to go on a throwing error by Griffin shortstop Tyler Sullivan and an ensuing blow on Laker Dan Elliott’s hand.

Matt Schneider walked to load the bases, but Jack Elliott was up-

ended looking to end the threat.

This sparked a streak of seven of the next nine Lakers failing to hit. Only Adam Bankovich and Jared Kapturasky got off home plate with a pair of walks.

The Griffins’ Mark Colella had ripped a double down the left-field line in the top of that inning for the first hit of the afternoon but was promptly retired on a 1-6 choice.

After a double-steal from the Griffins’ Sullivan and Jordan Fiedor, Bankovich struck out, sparking a run of 10 of the next 12 retired Griffins to suffer a third strike.

The Lakers broke the stalemate in the fourth with their first of only two hits in the contest, with J. Elliott circumventing from Monteverde with a walk before advancing on a wild pitch.

This allowed Kapturasky to drive in the game’s only run on a single to left, advancing to second on the throw for the Lakers.

The lone run of the game would decide the contest for the Lakers.

Jimmy Standohar singled to center for the Lakers to lead off the fifth before Alex O’Donnell walked to end Monteverde’s day after seven strikeouts and five walks in four-plus innings of work.

Delsignore and was unable to overcome a wild pitch on salutation from the Griffins’ Neal McDermott, striking out in the dirt to spark a 1-3-1 double that caught a leading Standohar at the plate.

LET’S GO, LAKERS! April 13, Mercyhurst Softball Field @ 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.: Softball vs.

California University of Pennsylvania (doubleheader) April 13, Slippery Rock University and April 14, Mercyhurst Baseball Field @ 1 and 3 p.m. both days: Baseball vs.

Slippery Rock University (doubleheader both days) April 14, Tullio Field @ 11 a.m.: Women’s lacrosse vs. Millersville University April 14, Mercyhurst Softball Field @ 1 and 3 p.m.: Softball vs. Gannon University (doubleheader) April 17, Tullio Field @ 4 p.m.: Women’s lacrosse vs. Roberts Wesleyan College

McDermott stranded two more scoring-position baserunners in the sixth, walking Kapturasky and J. Elliott in alternation before catching Laker Collin Fantaskey looking for the last of eight baserunners stranded by Griffin pitching.

Colella singled with one out in the seventh for his second hit of the day, but Fantaskey went 9-5 and nailed pinch-runner Andrew Chuba at third base for the second out.

Fiedor stole second before Sullivan chased Vallimont on 2-1, but Adam Jeannette finished the walk and retired Sullivan 6-4 to end the game.

Game two on Friday then saw DellaValle open the contest for the Griffins by stranding a full basepath of Lakers in the first inning.

O’Donnell and Delsignore drew walks after Standohar struck out.

But D. Elliott missed the 0-2 offering, and after Schneider reached on an infield hit to Sullivan, DellaValle induced D. Elliott to end the threat.

Meanwhile, Laker Russell Lamovec (2-2, 2.97) opened the contest by striking out Garret Vrbanic after hitting the Griffins’ Chris Law on the third pitch of the game and inducing the Griffins’ Colton Carney around the horn to wrap up a streak of six consecutive retired batters.

But DellaValle returned the favor in the home second, catching Zach Mitchell, Kapturasky and Fantaskey swinging, then stranding the third on a swinging strike-

out of J. Elliott after a walk and two singles.

The Griffins carried this momentum into the fourth, as Fiedor worked the count full and doubled to right-center on the seventh pitch of the at-bat to drive in Colella, who had doubled himself after Carney went 6-3 to open the frame.

It would be the only support DellaValle would need, retiring another side and holding the hosts’ scoreline empty in the fifth.

The Lakers’ Ryan Smerkar greeted Colella with a swinging strikeout to open the sixth, but opposite-field singles from Fiedor and Tom McCarthy filled the corners for the Griffins.

With MP Buckley pinch-hitting for Braendel, Smerkar uncorked a wild pitch that skipped under the glove of Delsignore and to the backstop, allowing Fiedor to score.

Buckley then walked, restoring the full corners after McCarthy’s advance to third. But Smerkar repeated the feat with Sullivan batting to score McCarthy.

The Griffins’ rally only ended when Delsignore caught Sullivan with too far a lead at first after the Lakers’ Nicholas McRandal went for the Griffins’ Daniel Wukich on a called third strike.

Sullivan got back to first safely, but D. Elliott relayed back to the plate to catch Buckley attempting to score on the throw to first.

But the damage had been done, which DellaValle confirmed by

finishing the day with 11 strikeouts in six innings on just three hits and three walks to maintain an unblemished career Earned Run Average against the Lakers.

“This series is always a brutal one,” said DellaValle. “I’m in the zone more than I ever have been every time I come here. It’s just great to get the win today there.

I just trust my stuff. I really didn’t have too many pitches working for me today, Once I got back out there, second, third inning, I just worked on that and it worked out for me.”

Vrbanic then greeted Tyler Passmore with another wild pitch with one out in the seventh, scoring on a single and advancing to second on a fielding error.

After Colella flew to left, Fiedor worked a five-pitch walk and advanced on another wild pitch, the sixth of the contest allowed by Laker pitching.

McCarthy then hit a grounder to O’Donnell, but an errant throw to D. Elliott allowed Fiedor and Carney to score the final runs for the Griffins. The end tally was 6-1, Griffins.

However, Saturday was a different story. The Lakers produced two wins out of the doubleheader, clipping the Griffins’ wings 10-7 and 5-4.

Next contest is another doubleheader series against Slippery Rock. The Lakers are away for the April 13 game, but will host their opponents on April 14 for a 1 p.m. start.

PAGE 16

LAKER LIVING

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

HURST TOON Student-drawn cartoon by Periwinkle