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Vol. 84, No. 1/9/8/10 Free
WMCE ratings By Ethan Magoc Editor-in-Chief
CARRYING ON
Jazz on Erie radio appears to have harmonized well with local listeners and at Mercyhurst College during the past 18 months. Since switching from opera and classical music to nearly exclusive jazz programming in January 2009, Arbitron ratings for Mercyhurst’s WMCE 88.5 and 104.9 FM campus radio station have steadily climbed. Arbitron, the radio equivalent of television’s Nielsen ratings system, provides stations with listenership numbers every six months. Shortly after switching its content type, Arbitron calculated WMCE as having less than 11,000 weekly listeners.
MORE INSIDE
upward
Despite a limited transmitter, Mercyhurst’s WMCE has grown its listenership in the metro area of Erie County since January 2009.
Fall 2009
Spring 2010
Erie public radio station transmitters -WMCE: 750 watts -WERG: 3,000 watts -WQLN: 35,000 watts *Source: Arbitron Inc./WMCE
College repairs Highland Square Apartments Page 3
Weekly listenership since Jan. 2009
Dance Ensemble Youthful women’s to perform at soccer team playing Mass of Holy Spirit with skill, maturity Page 5
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NEWS
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September 8, 2010
WMCE ratings swing upward Continued from page 1 With the constant need for listeners to financially support the station, the previous classical mix simply wasn’t helping the station grow. The spring 2009 total was the lowest among Erie’s three public radio stations––WMCE, Erie’s public radio WQLN and Gannon University’s WERG. “We needed to find a format that could support itself,” said Michael Leal, who began as WMCE’s station director in May 2007. “In public radio, we don’t play commercials. We have to find funding from the listeners.” When fall 2009 ratings came out, WMCE jumped 2,000 weekly listeners. And the most recent round con-
tinued Mercyhurst’s positive trend, putting the station at 13,500 weekly listeners, 37 percent of whom go to 88.5 as their first choice on the dial. “The station has just become a lot more listener-conscious,” said fifth-year senior Pete Marjenin, a student employee at the station, located in the basement of Baldwin Hall, since his freshman year. “I think we have a great jazz following in Erie.” Judging by the numbers, the growing loyal target audience of WMCE––adults 45 and older–– would seem to agree. Based on Arbitron’s spring 2010 ratings, the station now has more listeners than ever, dating to its inception in 1989, when it began playing classical music and mixing in campus sports broadcasts.
Erie’s only all-jazz station also stacks up well against the local NPR affiliate, WQLN. During weekday morning hours, NPR’s nationally-syndicated Morning Edition blows both Gannon and Mercyhurst away. “You can’t beat NPR Morning Edition,” Leal said. But during the afternoon and into evening hours, before most listeners trade the radio dial for the television remote, WMCE tops WQLN’s programming of classical music and All Things Considered (NPR’s main news program) among 50-plus listeners. One such newly-devoted listener is Patricia Tellers, a 66-year-old retired teacher from the Erie School District. About a year ago, Tellers joined JazzErie, a 15-year-old local organi-
zation promoting awareness of jazz music. WMCE has helped to spread that mission “by opening some doors for me,” Tellers said. “I was never a big jazz person,” she said, “but now in the car, primarily, or alone in the house, I’ll tune in.” With a 60 percent budget cut since 2007, WMCE has capitalized on devoted listeners like Tellers to stay alive and begin to thrive, as evidenced by the ratings. The biggest listener demographic missing at this point from Mercyhurst’s campus station? Students. “For the most part, not many on campus are even aware that we’re here or of what we play,” Marjenin said. “It’s kind of disappointing.” But Leal offered his 23-year-old
daughter as an example of why he doesn’t see students automatically shunning WMCE’s current programming. “This generation (current students) listens to different kinds of music. When I was growing up it was all top 40,” he said. Given the widespread iPod craze and the ability to obtain music online at any hour, students now access all music types, including jazz, more easily than before. “With today’s technology, students are listening not only to what they like, but experimenting with different genres of music,” Leal said. Tellers agreed, offering advice to Mercyhurst students. “Turn it on. Give it a chance,” she said of 88.5’s smooth sounds. “It kind of carries you away.”
College repairs apartments in response to complaints By Jennifer McCurdy Staff writer
Online
After many student complaints and extensive Merciad coverage last year, the Highland Square Apartments have been renovated over the summer. Renovations, which cost roughly $450,000, included the replacement of carpets, repairs to window frames and some kitchens, replacement of all windows with energy-efficient glass and new paint for the building interiors. In fact, for the first time ever, the college used colored paint for upperclassmen housing. Several apartments feature one wall painted with a bright color, which “adds interest,” according to Assistant Vice President of Student Life Laura Zirkle. Resident of the Highland Square Apartments, sophomore
Alicia Cagle said, “We enjoy the blue wall. It’s a nice splash of color.” The repairs also contribute to the green initiatives of Mercyhurst College. Last year, students complained of snow coming in through cracks in the windows. The new energyefficient windows will reduce heating while keeping precipitation outdoors. “I just hope its warm in the winter because I heard that was a problem with the windows last year,” Cagle said. Vice President of Student Life Dr. Gerry Tobin said, “It’s a qualitatively different living experience we’re trying to create.” Last year, numerous residents of the Highland Square Apartments complained about dismal housing conditions within the first few weeks of classes. This year, by contrast, no complaints have been filed, and only a few minor repairs have been
Take a step toward fighting cancer
Ethan Magoc photo
As part of the renovations to the Highland Square Apartments, one wall in each living room is painted with a bright color. reported to maintenance. The four apartment buildings
The Mercyhurst Police Log
on Briggs and Lewis, constructed shortly after World War II, have
never been in as good condition as other student housing options. In the past, the college has struggled to maintain conditions comparable to other student housing, but the recent renovations have allowed the college to leap ahead in terms of repairs. Junior KC Stoyer said her Highland Square Apartment is better than the apartment she lived in last year. Students and college officials have been concerned about the Highland Square Apartments for several years. Zirkle said, “The Merciad’s been a big help.” The newspaper closely followed the situation last year when students protested worsening conditions and the college considered razing the apartments altogether. “We hope that students will feel they’ve been heard,” Tobin said. The college plans to continue renovations next year, but no specific plans have been released.
Merciad. Mercyhurst.edu/News
September 8, 2010
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FEATURES
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September 8, 2010
An Erieite appetite: Wegman’s Market Café By Faye Clark Staff writer
As a college student newly thrown into the world of having to shop and pay for my own meals, finding something filling for a good price has become a job itself. After my freshman year I returned home to Columbus, Ohio, where I was spoiled by all the sushi, tea and general good eats I could possibly want. Since returning to Erie, I have made it my mission to find places where I could feed my cravings for foreign food while keeping enough money in the bank for general expenses that come up when you live on your own. My roommates and I decided we would try out several different grocery stores to see which had the best prices and selections, and one of the stops on that list was Weg-
man’s. The first thought in my head when I drove into the parking lot was that it would be full of pretentious buyers of organic produce, and everything would be expensive beyond belief. I was pleasantly proven wrong; Wegman’s was a normal grocery store filled with normal people and the kind of food I actually wanted, including a sushi bar. We settled on eel rolls, a plate of dumplings and lo mein. The cost was $10.49 and fed all of us easily. Eight rolls of sushi doesn’t look like much, but it is extremely filling, and we had the dumplings and vegetable lo mein to eat, too. For people who haven’t had sushi before but are thinking about trying it, the eel roll might be a good place to start. The way the eel is cooked makes it salty and it tastes, quite literally, a little
like chicken. The avocado and cucumber, which are wrapped in rice and seaweed, also add some flavor. The tastes blend together quite well. The vegetable lo mein and dumplings were the same familiar meals you find in Chinese take out, but the dumplings were absolutely superb, especially for being from a supermarket café. Wegman’s Market Café has more to offer than just sushi. In the same area near the front of the store they have a classic submarine stand, a pizza place, a coffee shop and a salad bar to feed the rest of your cravings. I know it’s hard to think of a grocery store as five-star dining, but the quality of meal for the price we paid will certainly keep us coming back for more.
Faye Clark photo
Eel rolls, a bowl of lo mein and dumplings provided these college students with a delicious and affordable meal.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
September 8, 2010
Dancers to perform at Mass Will join with choir at Mass of the Holy Spirit By Sarah Mastrocola Staff writer
This Thursday, the Liturgical Dance Ensemble will join in the Mercyhurst celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit at 11:10 a.m. at the Christ the King Chapel. The Mass of the Holy Spirit, the first major Mass of the year, rings in the spiritual beginning of the academic year. As is the annual tradition, the dancers will join with the Mercyhurst choir as part of the celebration. The Liturgical Dance Ensemble is a Recognized Student Club/ Organization within the Dance Department at Mercyhurst. This student directed ensemble works to provide leadership, service and performance opportunities to enhance the enrichment of spiritual life on campus and in the community. Led this year by senior and student director Christine Wilbur and faculty adviser C. Noelle Partusch, the Liturgical Dance Ensemble is beginning its year of service and spiritual outreach with this campus mass. Throughout the year, members of the Liturgical Dance Ensemble perform at several different Mer-
cyhurst Masses and community realize the magnitude of its imporreligious services, at holiday presen- tance - not only for the Christian tations and retirement homes. tradition, but for many trations; not Moreover, the Ensemble has only for our culture, but for many attended Project Dance, a spiri- cultures. tual gathering of dance groups “Dance is a universal language from around the world, for the that brings people together to past several years in such locations share in life’s sorrows and in life’s as New York City and Atlanta, joys,” said Smith. “When used Ga. In October, members of the in a liturgical setting, it can be Ensemble one of the most will travel powerful ways to to Sydney, express worship.” Dance is a universal Australia, Wilbur said for the Projlanguage that brings of the upcomect Dance Mass perforpeople together to ing event. mance, “I think Senior share in life’s sorrows that the Mass of Lindsey the Holy Spirit and in life’s joys. Smith, who is a great way for serves as the Church to vice presiLindsey Smith start the year off dent for the in a spiritual way. Ensemble, Using dance with choreothe choir accentugraphed the dance that will be ates the love for God, and that use presented at the Mass. Smith’s lyri- of dance shows how there are difcal and sinuous movements match ferent ways to express one’s faith.” well with the smooth and uplifting Smith described the importance sounds of the musical selection, of the Mass of the Holy Spirit. “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Com“Mass of the Holy Spirit is a time mandments,” that will be sung by to focus and dedicate the school the choir. year to God. What better way to do Smith said of liturgical dance, that than for dancers, singers, and “As I have discovered the intercon- musicians to give back their talent nectedness of dance and religion, I to God?” said Smith.
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Album review: ‘The Ones That Matter’ By Casey Harvilla Staff writer
Over the course of just two years, Jesse Ruben has released two full-length albums, played countless shows, and through touring the country, has gained an impressive amount of followers. The 24-year-old graduate from Berklee College of Music enjoyed a great deal of success with his selfreleased debut album, Aiming for Honesty, with songs featured on the CW’s One Tree Hill, as well as other television promos. His sophomore effort, sentimentally titled “The Ones That Matter” has been the recipient of much acclaim, shooting Ruben onto “must-listen” lists and into “artist to watch” status. “The Ones That Matter “contains 14 tracks, each of which recall a certain situation or person who has helped Ruben get to his current point in life. Ruben has a way with words that allow the listener to become a part of the music, taking in the lyrics and relating them to their lives. The album also exhibits Jesse Ruben’s ability to combine several aspects of music into a record that seamlessly flows together. The album opens with “Unbreakable,” a song about learning to
accept the uncertainties in life. This is presented in the chorus, “...how can something so simple become so hard, and why do we keep believing that we should be where we are, how can a problem so little become so large, we started off unbreakable and then it all fell apart.” Halfway through the album is “Safe,” a track which fits Ruben’s life as a traveling musician to a T. It expresses the human desire to find a place where one can feel safe no matter what, a sentiment to which most people can relate. Ruben’s emotions regarding “the ones that matter” in his life are remarkably strong in “Can’t Make It Alone,” a melody in which listeners can actually feel the elements of frustration, gratitude, hope, and loss that we all encounter in relationships. “The Ones That Matter” comes to a close with the jazz-inspired “Too Tired.” In this closing tune, Ruben discusses using music as an escape and an outlet instead of taking the easy way out of a situation. Jesse Ruben writes and performs with the humility and wisdom of a seasoned veteran, while creating art that appeals to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. He will perform this Friday at 9 p.m. as part of SAC’s Coffeehouse event at the Student Union.
‘Commencement’ provides light-hearted distraction By Alaina Rydzewski Staff writer
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‘Commencement’ by J. Courtney Sullivan
Looking for a light read to start the term but don’t know where to start? Search no further than J. Courtney Sullivan’s “Commencement.” “Commencement” follows the lives of four friends—April, Sally, Bree and Celia—who meet their first year at Smith College. Although all of them are fundamentally different from each other and are dealing with their own problems, they quickly become best friends and keep in touch even after they graduate. Between April being a radical feminist, Sally dealing with the
death of her mother, Bree losing her fiancé and Celia trying to the keep the peace, these girls learn to deal with the typical issues of college life. When first reading this book, it seems like the cliché novel to the testament of a perfect college life—where money and looks aren’t a concern, perfect grades are achieved because of brilliance and even boys don’t matter because the girls are beautiful. The writing style of Sullivan seems to match this theme, using an oversimplified technique and plenty of dialogue. While the above is certainly true of this novel and at times it is painful to read because it all appears to be too perfect, each of the girls undoubtedly have their own
problems to work through, and Sullivan’s concentration on these struggles is what makes this story tasteful instead of tacky. The girls’ lives after college present struggles that are more real, which results in a more interesting plot line, and thus the pages turn quicker. April is working for her feminist hero Ronnie Munro, Sally is married and pregnant with her first child, Bree is living with her partner in San Francisco and Celia is living alone in New York City working at her dream job. While the other girls’ lives are as normal as to be expected of recent college grads, April’s “job” with Munro is slightly odd and makes the other girls worry. Munro makes April move in with
her, has her do dangerous jobs to complete documentaries and controls who she talks to and where she goes. At this point, the serious subject of sex trafficking is developed. April and Munro are making a documentary about prostitution and the child sex trade in Atlanta, Ga., and are living in a neighborhood where these behaviors occur on a daily basis. None of the girls have any idea that April is in Atlanta until the unthinkable happens: April disappears. While the ending of the novel is easily predicted, the novel itself is saved when Sullivan takes the graver route and talks about issues that need light shed upon them, rather than have this story fall into the happily-ever-after genre.
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OPINION
September 8, 2010 September 3, 2008
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst College, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercy-
Mosque battle confounding By Kathleen Vogtle A&E editor
What good is the Bill of Rights? Or, more specifically, what good is the First Amendment, since many people seem content to ignore one of its earliest and clearest tenets: Citizens of the United States of America have the right to freely practice their religion. If this is indeed the case, then why has the recent controversy over a mosque and community center being built in New York City been such a hot topic of contention? On one side of the argument are those who believe that building a mosque so close to the former World Trade Center site is an insult to those who died, and that the community center will become a meeting place for planning another attack on the United States. Counter to this is the view that in hindering the building of this mosque and
community center, we are depriving these people of their right to practice their religion freely. Furthermore, there have been no gleanings that the reportedly well-respected imam or the community he will lead have any sympathies toward a more radical form of Islam. There are an unforgivably large number of people who believe Muslims destroyed the World Trade Center nine years ago. This misconception needs to be clarified immediately: the entire Muslim community in the Middle East did not get together and plot ‘how to terrorize those vermin in the United States.’ To believe so demonstrates a narrow-mindedness which is truly unfathomable. Let us make one thing clear: A small group of highly radical Islamic extremists is believed to have been behind the attacks, and to hold the whole Muslim community accountable is as absurd as it is unfair. Google ‘Islam’ and one will find it an inher-
ently peaceful religion. As to the argument that building a mosque at this particular site is an insult to the victims of 9/11, anyone who has been to New York knows how limited space is. More than likely, the site in question was selected because it was the only one available of appropriate size, not as a slight against the victims and their loved ones. Also, as many have said throughout the controversy, building the mosque at this particular site will demonstrate that not all Americans are full of hatred and prejudice. These Muslims in New York are not trying to laugh in the faces of the people whose lives were torn apart on Sept. 11. They are not sadistic religious extremists who will turn on us once we look away. They are simply people trying to go about their lives, provide for themselves and their families, and practice their faith freely – as they should.
Opinion editor “Why did I even offer to do this?” I muttered to myself. I was in the process of cooking chicken parmesan for my brother, cousin, and roommate – something I had never tried to do before. Truth be told, the most difficult meal I had ever made was a salad, and we all know how easy that really is. All you have to do is put some lettuce in a bowl, cut a couple vegetables, add a little dressing and voilà – it’s a salad. Anyway, I was frying the chicken exactly like my mom told me. Once I thought the pieces were brown enough, I put them in a glass pan so that I could bake them later. At that point, I was pretty proud of myself, because it looked like I knew what I was doing.
OPINION -- Crossing the language barrier Mary Nolte explains why Americans should be more accepting of foreigners.
FEATURES -- Market teaches sustainability As part of the sustainability project, Mercyhurst brings fresh produce to campus.
FEATURES -- Dr. Richard O’Dell
Dr. O’Dell, Associate Professor of Special Education, entered his ninth year of teaching at Mercyhurst.
merciad.mercyhurst.edu
If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.
Chicken threatens mealtime By Victoria Gricks
More Online...
Boy, was I wrong. When dinnertime finally arrived, I put the chicken in the oven so that it could finish cooking. While that was going on, I boiled water for noodles and heated sauce in a pot, and my roommate made garlic bread. Everything was going smoothly, so it seemed as though my first attempt at preparing food would be successful. After 30 minutes went by, I took the chicken out of the oven to make sure it was done. Using a knife, I cut into one of the pieces. Would you like to know what I saw? It was still raw inside; apparently, I hadn’t fried them long enough. Not knowing what to do, I started to panic. My brother and cousin were supposed to show up at any minute, and the chicken wasn’t even close to being ready. Thankfully, my roommate came to
the rescue and suggested that we just turn the oven up 100 degrees. Eventually, the chicken was cooked through, the sauce was hot and the noodles were boiled. Sure, the garlic bread was slightly burnt, because my roommate and I accidentally forgot about it, but it was definitely still edible. Remember when I asked myself why I was making dinner? Well, once the four of us were sitting around the dinner table, my question was answered – it was the camaraderie of it all. So, why does any of this matter to you? Well, I think that everyone should take the opportunity to get together with friends or family and bond over some good food. You’ll be making memories that will stay with you forever. I mean, seeing as how I almost served everyone raw chicken, I don’t think I will be forgetting that night any time soon.
Editors Ethan Magoc Kelly Luoma Alex Stacey Victoria Gricks Nick Glasier Kathleen Vogtle Samantha Williams Tyler Stauffer Ethan Johns Chrissy Mihalic Max Rivera Bill Welch Brian Sheridan
Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad News Editor newsmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Sports Editor sportsmerciad A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Graphics photomerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Web Editor ejohns89 Copy Editor copymerciad Ad Manager admerciad Adviser wwelch Adviser bsheridan
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is 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 e-mail at
September 8, 2010
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Sports
September 8, 2010
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Football team plays with added incentive By D.J. Haurin
Contributing writer Mercyhurst College’s football team added extra motivation for success this season by “Making a Point to Take Away Cancer.” Head coach Marty Schaetzle decided to personally donate $1 for every point scored and $5 for every takeaway (interception and fumble recovered) during the 2010 season. The team will donate based on the same guidelines. Schaetzle was inspired during summer camp to aid in the battle against cancer. “It [was] a combination of hearing something, seeing an ad and hearing about other coaches doing something,” Schaetzle said. This combination prompted him to think of what could be done through football. “I came up with the slogan, ‘Make a Point to Take Away Cancer,’ [and] it covered all the possibilities and tied into football,” Schaetzle said.
Tyler Stauffer photo
Mercyhurst College football players junior Jeff Pollard and senior Garrett Kensy serve as inspiration for their team. The players accepted this campaign without hesitation. “I think it’s great. We have a couple guys on this team, myself
included, that are faced with devastation of cancer,” senior quarterback Garrett Kensy said. “Ninety percent of the guys on the team
have been affected by cancer personally, whether it be a friend, family member or anything like that. I think it’s great to all rally together and give back.” Both Kensy and junior offensive linemam Jeffory Pollard are cancer survivors. In 2007, Kensy, a sophmore at the time, was diagnosed with cancer and missed the entire season. Last season Pollard was diagnosed with with cancer and missed the 2009 season. The connection that both of these players have formed through their fights with cancer is very strong. The team has also formed a a special sensitivity to the battles fought by cancer patients as they have seen two teammates beat cancer Both students, through support from the team and Schaetzle, have returned from these ordeals. Kensy, the starting quarterback, has been a exceptional success story battling back from cancer. The football team encourages
other teams, students, faculty and members of the community to jump on board. “[Many would benefit] if other teams would do a pledge and raise as much money as possible,” Schaetzle said. “Hopefully, we can get a little momentum with the guys on the team and their families, and it catches fire throughout the year,” Kensy said. Another member of the athletic community agrees. “I am going to try and encourage my team, as well as my friends, to help out this cause,” senior baseball player Craig Denman said. “This is definitely something great that everyone schoolwide can get involved with and help out.” The Mercyhurst Athletic website provides a link to those wishing to make donations to the initiative. The John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation of Erie will receive the money raised by the “Make a Point to Take Away Cancer” initiative.
Freshmen give ’Hurst a fresh start to season By Billy Colton Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College women’s soccer team won impressively by completely dominating their opposition in their opening two games of the season. In the season opener Sept. 3, the Lakers crushed West Virginia University Institute of Technology 7-0. The win showed the strength of the recruiting class as six new players scored. Freshmen Gabrielle Catrabone and Perrin Kern led the way with two goals each, and Maria Antunez and Katie Michaelis each scored. The Lakers then continued their dominance Sept. 5 when they defeated Davis & Elkins College 4-1. Marsh added another two goals, and freshman Aina Torres and junior Paige McDowell each scored one. Catrabone, a McDowell High
Tyler Stauffer photo
Freshman Gabrielle Catrabone maneuvers past a West Virginia University Institute of Technology defender as the Lakers would rout the Golden Bears 7-0. School graduate, added three assists, starting off her college career very strongly. She believes the team has strong
unity, which has showed through its performances. “I think our team has a lot of depth and is clicking early in the
season,” said Catrabone. “A strong desire to improve and do well, plus good coaching, are the main reasons for the team clicking
so well and so quickly,” Catrabone said. Senior Jamie Schroter says the strong start is a result of a solid pre-season. “We have been able to start playing very well as a team,” said Schroter. “We are just trying to improve from game to game so web are ready for our strong Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schedule.” The Lakers were disappointed to finally give up a goal in the 89th minute to Davis and Elkins. “It was a good reality check that we need to stay focused all 90 minutes, but that goal was still disappointing,” Catrabone said. Though disappointing, the Lakers continue to dominate and have high hopes for the season, as they defeated Ohio Valley University, 4-0, on Tuesday. The game was shortened at 71 minutes due to lightning.