The Villanovan | Volume 112, Issue 5: Wednesday, March 3, 2021

WEDNESDAY MARCH 3, 2021 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

VOLUME 112 | ISSUE 5

Preventing Commencement to be Students Only Another Pandemic Tina Aron Staff Writer

As we approach the one-year anniversary of March 13th, or in other words, the day life ended as we know it, the only thing on peoples’ minds is the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet, what is scarier is the fact that there is a great chance that we may experience another pandemic in our lifetime, especially if we do not heed the warnings and lessons learned from our current situation.

In a December 2017 study, it was estimated that 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in wildlife, also known as zoonotic diseases. As humans continue to encroach on wildlife habitats, the line between civilization and the natural world is becoming dangerously blurred.

Deforestation, urbanization, mining and the general invasion of humans into the natural world increase the frequency that we interact with disease-carrying wildlife.

Without this encroachment, we otherwise would not be coming into contact with these animals, eliminating the risk of catching a disease from them.

Not only are we encroaching on the natural world, but we are also bringing wild animals into closer contact with us through exotic pets, wet markets and factory farming. In wet markets that are not properly set up and combine different animals, it gives way for the spread of zoonotic diseases that can potentially lead to another pandemic.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, research involving zoonotic diseases and the study of pathogens has obviously spiked as it is extremely necessary and effective. However, what happens when this pandemic is over? There has been an astronomical amount of

The most recent commencement ceremony at Villanova University was in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courtesy of Villanova University

Cate McCusker Co-Editor-in-Chief

On Tuesday morning, members of Villanova’s 2021 graduating class and their families received an email stating that graduation will be held in-person, but only for Villanova students. Parents and other guests will not be allowed.

“I am pleased to announce that, with yesterday’s announcement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regarding outdoor events, we plan to hold in-person Commencement activities for our graduating seniors,”

University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph. D. wrote in the email.

“However, in order to comply with current health and safety protocols and ensure that the experience for our graduates remains the priority, we have made the difficult decision not to have guests in attendance,” Donohue said.

On Monday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf released a press release regarding a revision of the mitigation order on gatherings. The press release stated that the maximum occupancy for outdoor events has

been revised to allow 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size.

Donohue promised that there would be a fully virtual option for those students who choose not to attend in person.

He also assured students that there would be virtual components for family and friends.

“I understand that this is an important moment in the lives of not only our graduates, but their families and friends as well, so we are committed to finding creative and innovative ways to involve everyone in the celebration,” Donohue said.

Before concluding, Donohue reminded students that they must continue to follow the Caritas Commitment and put Community First in order to ensure an in person graduation experience.

“Our ability to move forward with these plans rests in your hands,” Donohue said. “I want you to have this moment with your classmates, and I know it’s possible if we all work together.”

Commencement Weekend is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, through Saturday, May 15. There are currently 72 days until graduation.

Men’s Basketball Preview vs. Creighton

On Wednesday, March 3, Villanova will return to the Finn for its last time this campaign, looking to maintain its spotless record at home against Big East rival Creighton. The powerhouses boast two of the most high-powered offenses in the country and a win for Villanova would seal a piece of the Big East regular-season championship, the ‘Cats seventh in eight years.

The Wildcats will be bidding farewell to seniors Kevin Hoehn, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Jermaine Samuels and Cousy award finalist Collin Gillespie. The latter three veterans began at Villanova on the legendary 2017-2018 team, traveling to San Antonio to deliver Villanova its third-ever National Championship.

Wide-eyed freshmen during the season, the three trained as apprentices under the master guidance of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and the rest of a great team. Four years on from

that legendary season, the trio has grown into the leaders.

For sophomore Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, this game may be the last time he plays in a Villanova home game. The former top-20 recruit leads

Aequitas Task Force Outlines “Antiracist” Goals p. 3

Virtual Involvement Fair Showcases Student Organizations p. 3

The Pandemic’s Impact on Teenage Mental Health p. 6

Raising PA’s Minimum Wage Will Benefit Philly Businesses p. 7

Villanova Students Share Vaccination Experiences p. 8

‘The Bachelor’ Racism Controversy p. 8

Prospective Students Attend 2021 Candidate’s Day p. 10

Sophomore Thomas Newton Releases New Single p. 10

Student Business Feature: Keto Kind by Enrique Moel p. 11

Women’s Lacrosse Wraps Up First Week of Play p. 15

Continued on p. 5

Noah Swan

Staff Writer

the ‘Cats in scoring and could declare for the 2021 NBA Draft, following in the footsteps of seven other Wildcats drafted since 2016. Although he has spent less time in west Philadelphia than Continued on p. 13

Villanova faces Big East rival Creighton on March 3.

Courtesy of Getty Images, Mitchell Leff

2 | The Villanovan

News Opinion Culture Sports

1 5 9 13

VOL. 112 | ISS. 5 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

CATE McCUSKER Editor-in-Chief JACK ROBERGE Editor-in-Chief MADISON BURKE Associate Editor-in-Chief ARIANA MEGERIAN Digital Editor SARAH SWEENEY News Editor SARAH WISNIEWSKI News Editor TINA ARON Opinion Editor VIVI MELKONIAN Opinion Editor A.J. FEZZA Culture Editor ELENA ROUSE Culture Editor JULIA STANISCI Culture Editor COLIN BEAZLEY Sports Editor BILLY VINCI Sports Editor MOLLY BAKER Copy Desk Chief

MICHAEL BRADLEY Advisor DEENA SMITH Advisor CONTACT villanovan.eic@gmail.com

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition February 23 St. Mary’s Hall Resident student reporting stolen tank top valued at $10.00 was taken from the laundry room at St. Mary’s Hall.

Criminal Mischief February 23 Stanford Hall A Resident Assistant reported damage to several signs in a residence hall.

Liquor Underage February 25 McGuire Hall A male resident student, under the age of 21, was transported to Bryn Mawr Hospital by VEMS for alcohol intoxication and trouble breathing.

Receiving Stolen Property / Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition February 25 Canon Hall A female resident student reported the theft of several items from her campus residence . The items were recovered in her residence and the responsible parties identified as being residents of the apartment. The value of the stolen items is unknown.

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness February 25 McGuire Hall A male resident student, under the age of 21, appeared in public intoxicated.

Student was evaluated by VEMS and released to a sober friend.

Women’s Soccer at St. John’s University March 4 6:00 p.m.

Queens, NY

COVID-19 TRACKER

CONFIRMED CUMULATIVE CASES AS OF 6:00 P.M. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

896 935,834 28,887,469 114,140,104 Villanova University

Pennsylvania

CORRECTIONS Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com to report errors.

CAMPUS CALENDAR Yearbook Senior Portraits March 1-5 All Day Art Gallery

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

NEWS

United States

ME Seminar Series – Dr. Mary Frecker March 5 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Virtual

Football at Stony Brook University March 6 12:00 p.m.

Stony Brook, NY

Women’s Volleyball vs UCONN March 5 6:00 p.m.

Jake Nevin Field House

Men’s Lacrosse at Providence College March 7 12:00 p.m.

Providence, RI

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Big East Championships March 5 TBA Cary, NC

Men’s Basketball at Providence College March 6 2:30 p.m.

Providence, RI

Women’s Lacrosse at Drexel University March 7 12:00 p.m.

Philadelphia, PA

Fratelli Tutti Fridays March 5 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Virtual

Softball vs Hofsta & Syracuse Villanova Wildcat Invitational March 6-7 Villanova, PA

Mindfulness Mondays Meditation March 8 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Virtual

Worldwide

Courtesy of Villanova University

Number of Tests and Confirmed Positive Cases by Day at Villanova

Villanova University Named a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students Fulbright U.S. Student Grants are:

Sarah Sweeney Co-News Editor

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recently named Villanova University as one of the top producers of 2020-2021 Fulbright U.S. Students, with 17 students and alumni receiving Fulbright awards, eight Villanovans selected as alternates and 21 students named semi-finalists for the 2020-2021 academic year.

“I am delighted to see Villanovans continuing our rich history of representation with the Fulbright program,” said University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. “I would like to congratulate this year’s recipients on this impressive achievement, and I look forward to seeing the impact of these students and alumni throughout the world. I would like to thank all those in the Villanova community involved in helping prepare this year’s Fulbright recipients.”

The Fulbright Program offers high-achieving recent undergraduate and graduate students in the United States opportunities for research, study and teaching in over 140 international countries. Fulbright students participate in cultural exchange by meeting, working with and learning from people in their host countries.

The Fulbright Program is a very selective process, with roughly

Villanova University is a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars.

Courtesy of Sarah Jones

20% of all applicants being selected as Fulbright Scholars. Winners are selected based on their academic record, personal qualifications and how well the candidate and their project will “help to advance the Fulbright aim of promoting mutual understanding among nations through engagement in the host community, among other activities.”

A central part of the application process includes creating a project statement, in which applicants bring together their backgrounds, activities, personal interests, planned activities and anticipated outcomes in a concise five-page report to peers, outlining their plans if selected for the program.

Villanova students interested

in applying for the Fulbright Program receive guidance and application support from the Center for Research and Fellowship (CRF). The CRF team provides interested students and alumni with one-on-one consultations and group support, which includes helping students come up with project ideas, writing and revising proposals and preparing for interviews.

“The Fulbright program has once again provided validation of Villanova’s exceptional students and alumni — and by extension, our world-class academic and research enterprise, including our outstanding faculty and staff mentors,” said Michael T. Westrate, Ph.D., Director of CRF.

The 17 Villanovans awarded

Mark Brady ’20 CLAS Amanda Burau ’19 CLAS-Master’s Christa Cook ’20 COE-Master’s Nora Cowley ’20 CLAS Christopher Deucher ’20 CLAS Elizabeth Einig ’16 VSB Isabel Forward ’19 CLAS Caraline Gammons ’20 CLAS Jillian Haggard ’20 CLAS Michelle Kimura ’20 CLAS Nathalie Leonardo ’20 CLAS Caleigh Manyak ’20 CLAS Benjamin Moy ’20 CLAS Christina Prinssen ’20 CLAS Clare Reckner ’20 CLAS Nkiambi Sokolo ’18 CLAS Jasmine Thornton ’20 CLAS

“The Fulbright Student Program gives Villanova students and alumni the opportunity to bring our Augustinian Catholic values to life by using the knowledge, experiences and skills gained at the University to ignite change around the world,” said University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, Ph.D.

“Through study, research, teaching and engagement with communities across the globe, these remarkable individuals use their talents to make a positive impact on society. Congratulations to each of the Villanova students and alumni recognized by this prestigious program and to the dedicated faculty and staff who support our talented students throughout this process.”

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The Villanovan | 3

NEWS

Aequitas Task Force Outlines University’s Set of “Antiracist” Goals students, alumni and faculty to anonymously report about the University and the Villanova community. The Instagram page has 182 posts but has not posted since July 2020.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, stude “It became more and more On Thursday, Feb. 25, the Aequitas apparent and important for us to Presidential Task Force on Race held a briefing regarding the ways in which begin a conversation with each other,” the University will assess and improve Donohue said. “A conversation not just about diversity and numbers or the racial climate on campus. equity and inclusion, but a conversa The briefing was an opportion about being antiracist. All of us tunity for the public to hear directly in some way or another have particifrom the task force on the goals it pated in the racism that exists in our hopes to achieve to pursue racial country.” change at the University.

Definitions of antiracism dif The Aequitas Presidential fer from that of being against racism Task Force was formed by University despite sounding the same. Being antiPresident Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D last summer in response racist means being against any system or policy which has an unequal to nationwide protests over the death outcome by racial group, according of George Floyd in May 2020. to Ibram X. Kendi, who popularized

The task force is led by Dr. the term in his book “How to Be An Teresa Nance, who is also the Vice Antiracist.” Traditionally, racial justice President for the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and initiates have attempted policies that an associate professor of Communica- try to achieve equal opportunity for all racial groups, rather than equal tion. outcome.

The briefing began with an

The briefing highlighted overview message from Donohue about the importance for the Aequitas several aspects of the Aequitas Presidential Task Force.

Presidential Task Force.

The first aspect discussed was

“We need to have a conversation…we don’t need to be debating the process of developing the University’s antiracism statement. One of the each other, we need to be dialoguing with each other,” Donohue said. “We key authors of the statement, Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A, Ph.D., provided deneed to be having conversations with tail about what went into the wording each other [and] for Villanova someof the University’s statement. times those conversations are over “Truth, love, unity - together due.”

Donohue cited the @blackvil- the three values at work necessitate deep careful listening, respect, and lanova Instagram page as inspiration for the creation of the task force. The accountability,” DePrinzio said. “We know it is not easy work as we continpage was created in June 2020 and provided a forum for Black and POC ue to hear painful experiences, hard Jack Birle Staff Writer

truths, sins of commission and omission.”

Several other speakers shared the progress on the seven main goals of the task force.

The first goal has to do with an academic anti-racist evaluation.

Crystal J. Lucky’s goal is to evaluate departments and academic programs for assumptions about race.

“We have undertaken the task of developing an antiracist tool that will help departments and programs and college administrators in [the process of evaluating race in the colleges],” Lucky said. “Some of what that will look like is to look at the composition of the field at the national level, what the faculty look like, what the curriculum will look like, what the department’s faculty and staff look like, along with the students.”

The second goal surrounded the topic of diversity courses and intergroup relations. With this goal, the University aims to have a one-credit course for all undergraduate students to take a course on race and antiracism.

The one-credit course would be required for all students, and the colleges of the University would have more courses with race embedded in the curriculum to supplement the broader push for antiracism.

The third goal set by the task force is to create a more diverse community at the University. The goal of this part of the task force is to improve diversity hiring practices.

The fourth goal deals with the campus climate and improving it for black and minority members of the community.

DePrinzio explained how the University is working to improve the climate.

“We have concentrated solely on the student experience, first because it is such a large endeavor to look at all members right now, but also because we feel since that they are only here for four years we feel it would be important to bring them in and involve them before they graduate,” DePrinzio said.

DePrinzio noted that the University has performed several focus groups and continues to collect data on the climate of the campus. He also set a goal for this part of the task force to identify and act on one recommendation by mid-semester and three total recommendations by the end of the semester.

The fifth goal relates to race and policing and aims to shape reform around the University’s public safety department through an antiracist lens. The task force hopes to have recommendations for change by this summer.

The final goals of the task force relate to student relations and communications. The task force hopes to work more closely with students to share its antiracist goals and initiatives. It also aims to conduct evaluations of the University’s internal and external communications and identify how it can further racial equity.

The task force meets once a month to report progress on its goals to the University’s President.

More information about the task force can be found at the University’s website.

Involvement Fair Showcases Student Organizations Jackie Thomas Staff Writer

From Feb. 23-25, the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) hosted a three-day virtual Student Involvement Fair, providing an opportunity for students to explore clubs and campus organizations for the spring semester.

Leading up to the virtual fair, students were encouraged to explore organizations via the OSI website through resources like the “Tour and Explore” survey, which is a thorough, interactive survey students can take to discover specific clubs and organizations geared toward their personal interests. The survey, though particularly helpful preceding an event like the involvement fair, is available constantly for students’ reference.

In organizing the event, the OSI applied lessons learned from the first virtual fair in the fall, as detailed

by Student Involvement graduate assistant and session host Liz Lopresti.

“There were a few mishaps we noticed that we improved on this time,” Lopresti said. “When I presented last time, I realized that the session runs much smoother if there are no animations or recordings on each slide. Also, it was sort of a struggle making sure all the organizations submitted their slides in a timely manner, so we kept that in mind this semester

and made the process for creating the presentation more organized and intentional.”

To best showcase the more than-200 organizations present on campus using Zoom, the OSI broke the event into five two-hour blocks over the three days, along with an hour-long presentation of activities and groups geared specifically toward graduate students on the program’s first day.

Following the graduate programming earlier in the day, Tuesday evening saw presentations from Campus Recreation organizations, including club sports teams, intramural sports and fitness centers on campus. Freshman Chloe Abelarde, an attendee of the campus recreation session, noted how informative the presentations were.

“I remember being really overwhelmed early on last semester, so I didn’t take advantage of the Involvement Fair in the fall,” she said. “Attending this time around showed me ways to get involved on campus and resources I can use that I had no idea about until now.”

Wednesday’s first session showcased Academic and Student interest groups. Following the format of other sessions in the week, each of the around 50 organizations made a quick, elevator-pitch style presentation of their group and ways to get involved. Presenters covered a vast array of topics and interests, from the

Villanova Finance Group to the Indoor Rock Climbing Club to groups across countless other areas.

Freshman Ryan Perry, one of the more than 100 attendees of this session, was impressed (if somewhat overwhelmed) by the number and variety of groups presented.

“I always knew there were a lot of organizations at Nova, but I had no idea we had so many clubs for so many specific interests,” Perry said.

“Hearing them all one after another was a lot, but it was definitely a great way to introduce the clubs so that we could go look into them in more detail after the fact.”

Indeed, the fair’s format was intended for just that purpose. For more information, students were invited to view recordings of involvement fair sessions from the fall, check out the VUGroups database of student organizations (both available on the OSI website) or reach out to groups directly, an option endorsed by all club leaders in attendance, including The Villanovan Co-Editor-in-Chief Cate McCusker.

“Of course I would’ve liked to be able to connect with people in person, but I’m still so glad we were able to attend and get the chance to talk to people about The Villanovan,” McCusker said. “I know it’s hard to connect with people over Zoom, so we really encourage anyone to reach out to us if they have questions.”

The rest of the week’s pro-

gramming included sessions for Culture and Identity organizations, Media, Music and Theater activities and Service, Advocacy and Religious and Spiritual Organizations.

Despite its virtual format, the 2021 Spring Student Involvement Fair was a success, seen in wide student participation and the tireless efforts of the OSI to showcase the University’s huge network of student organizations. The fair served as an ideal way for students to find new ways to get involved on campus, even during a pandemic.

The Involvement Fair went virtual this semester due to the pandemic.

Courtesy of Villanova OSI’s Instagram

4 | The Villanovan

NEWS

English Department Lit Fest Katie Reed Staff Writer

Each spring, the Villanova English Department sponsors a Literary Festival, at which contemporary writers and poets are invited by the University to read some of their published work and interact directly with students and faculty. Alan Drew, an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the Creative Writing Minor, is the director of the program. There is also a class that works in correspondence with Lit Fest, called Authors On and Off the Page, which is co-taught by English Professors Adrienne Perry, Ph.D. and Lisa Sewell, Ph.D.

Lit Fest kicked off on Thursday, Feb. 11 with poet Brenda Shaughnessy. The most recent event occurred on Feb. 25 with author Bryan Washington. The events were held via Zoom at 7 p.m.

Washington is a fiction writer from Houston, Texas who has received many accolades for his writing. He is a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 winner, and he has received a Lambda Literary Award, an O. Henry Award and an International Dylan Thomas Prize, among many others. His most well-known pieces of writing include his collection of short stories, “Lot,” and his first novel, “Memorial”, which is the piece he read from at Lit Fest.

At the event, Washington was introduced by two students from the University, Casey Del Guercio and Virginia Mannion.

Both of them are members of

the class Authors On and Off the Page, so they are very familiar with Washington’s writing.

“[Washington’s writing] challenged me to recognize each and every person’s humanity. I am more empathetic towards people’s varied personal experiences and cultural backgrounds,” Del Guercio said, since Washington’s work addresses the experiences of the queer, Black, brown and immigrant communities of Houston.

Del Guercio also emphasized the importance of authors like Washington coming to campus to share their work with members of the University.

“It exposes us to a diverse set of ideas that provides insight into a different perspective,” she said.

Mannion expressed many similar sentiments after the reading.

“Washington’s work has allowed me to think critically about the way in which we write about underrepresented individuals,” she said. “Something that [also] resonated with me was when Washington spoke about how authors are often compelled to write stories that they believe that people will want to read, instead of writing the stories that they want people to read.”

For those interested in having similar experiences, there are two more Lit Fest events lined up for this semester, both on Zoom starting at 7 p.m. The first one, which is on April 8, showcases the work of poet Robin Coste Lewis.

The second, which is on April 15, invites playwright Hannah Khalil to showcase her work.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Raya and the Last Dragon Kat Burke Staff Writer

Last Wednesday, Feb. 24, Walt Disney animators and co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa hosted a Zoom event for university students, as they unpacked the newest Disney movie, “Raya and the Last Dragon,” speaking on the Southeast Asian cultural context of the flim and the production process.

Briggs and Ripa began by introducing themselves. Briggs began his Disney career over 25 years ago through an animation internship. The first movie he worked on was “Mulan,” and he held the position of Head of Story on huge blockbusters including “Frozen” and “Big Hero 6.” Ripa began his Disney work with the 1994 “Lion King” and continued to work on “Meet the Robinsons,” “Frozen,” “Zootopia” and others.

The directors showed a preview of the film that airs in theatres and for purchase on Disney+ on March 5. The preview provided a glimpse into the film with aspects of hardship, humor, adventure and love.

The movie is set in a world divided into five broken parts, all connected by the Dragon River. Raya sets out to unite the land and joins with others along the way to overcome betrayal and conflict.

Briggs and Ripa concluded the preview and told viewers about some of the underlying questions for the film’s audience.

“The big question we posed was, can the characters trust each other enough to unite a divided world,” Briggs said.

“How do you find trust when the world around you feels so broken,”

Ripa added. “We want things to only be problematic in our fantasy land, but we see parallels in our world.”

Briggs and Ripa then focussed on the cultural inspiration for the film, Southeast Asian culture.

The film team had a Southeast Asia Story Trust, a group of cultural experts from the region.

This team included Southeast Asian artists, architects, dancers, cultural experts and a variety of other locals with cultural knowledge.

The co-directors then transitioned to speak about the production process. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crew worked on “Raya and the Last Dragon” at home for a large portion of time.

Izaac Wang, the 14-yearold who voices Boon in the film, recorded from his closet because the clothing trapped the sound and limited echoing. Ripa joked about some of the challenges they faced when working from home.

“Izaac’s closet had motion sensitive lighting, so we would be recording, and all of a sudden all the light would all go off,” Ripa said. “He had to start waving his arms in the air to turn them back on.”

Kelly Marie Tran recorded the voice for Raya. In a video the co-directors showed about working from home, Tran commented on the chaos of the production.

“The movie has this wonderful message of figuring out how to work together and trust people for the better good,” Tran said.

“And it’s been weird to have real life be a metaphor for that, as we have been working together but separately.”

Philly Schools Combat COVID with Similar Directives alties for failing to participate. The school has utilized a system called “PennOpen Pass,” in which students track their daily symptoms and sign

Coming back to campus up for testing. If students have folfor the spring semester has been a lowed guidelines properly, their pass is challenging yet rewarding experience green for 24 hours and they can enter for students, staff and administracampus buildings. A red pass indition across universities in the U.S. cates steps were missed on a day, and Philadelphia schools especially faced entry to buildings is prohibited. difficulty, located in a major city re “Students who have been flects more likelihood of COVID-19 exposed automatically receive 10 days spreading.

Schools of a red pass for every person they located within Philadelphia, including have been exposed to,” Greenawalt the University of Pennsylvania, St. Jo- explained. “So, if you are exposed to seph’s University and Temple Univer- three students, your pass will stay red sity, have set plans similar to Villanova for 30 days.” to allow for a safe and healthy spring

Students living on campus are semester. all in singles and have a “pod” where

For the University of Pennthey share a bathroom among a small sylvania, students were completely number of students. virtual during Fall 2020. This spring,

The University has taken classes within the school’s nursing strict precautions yet have already program and hard-science labs are dealt with a high positivity rate this among the only classes permitted to semester, peaking at around 5%. meet in-person. Sophomore Allegra

St. Joseph’s University comGreenawalt is excited to be back on pleted its fall semester in a hybrid forcampus but wishes the University had mat. It has welcomed back students more classes in-person. in the spring. Among the strictest

“I would love to see more guidelines in place are the capacity students in the classroom,” Greenlimits within dorms. Students cannot awalt said. “I have seen other schools have more than two outside students making it work safely and I believe in their rooms at any time. Students smaller seminars could easily be held are also only allowed access to their in-person.” residence halls.

The University of Pennsylva- Dining halls only offer grabnia also has an avid COVID-testing and-go options for the time being. program for students living on camAlso, all indoor activities besides class pus. Students are required to be tested have been prohibited. Similar to at least twice a week and face penSarah Wisniewski Co-News Editor

Villanova, St. Joseph’s University has promoted a handful of outdoor activities to keep students occupied during the weekends.

St. Joseph’s also has a surveillance testing program. Students are selected randomly in order to monitor asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.

Sophomore Nick Manzi has praised the University for the precautions taken.

“We are fortunate to be on-campus and not experience any pauses this or last semester,” Manzi said. “There is bound to be risk with students on campus, but the school is doing its best to keep everyone safe.”

Manzi was in quarantine last semester and shared that the accommodations were up to par. The hotel rooms include a king-sized bed, kitchenette, TV and living room. The school catered breakfast while Good Uncle served lunch and dinner.

“The hotel is utilized for contact tracing, while students who tested positive go to one of two residence halls,” Manzi explained.

Temple University had limited in-person instruction in the fall and went on a pause after three weeks due to COVID-19 spikes. A majority of students selected to go completely virtual after refunds were given for housing and meal plans. In the spring semester, only a small percentage of the student body returned to campus.

The school aimed to offer 20% of their classes in-person, compared to

the five percent in the fall. Despite this attempt, the majority of Temple’s students are completely remote.

Freshman Aoife Burke is among this majority.

“I am living on campus this semester but still only have virtual classes,” Burke said. “I know a lot of students who are also 100% online and despite students’ efforts to get in-person classes on their schedule, many could not find any options.”

All student organizations have also been subjected to being completely virtual.

Similar to St. Joseph’s University, dining halls only have take-out options and residence halls are only open to the students who live within them.

While on campus, students are required to get tested twice a week, similar to the University of Pennsylvania. Temple University, though, has testing available for off campus students who take in-person class as well.

Furthermore, the school has cancelled Spring Break and implemented two “wellness days” in the semester.

“I think the guidelines are fine, but I wish the school had better resources for the students’ care more in general,” Burke said. “I think there should be more focus on mental health because obviously it is extremely hard being a college student in a pandemic.”

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The Villanovan | 5

OPINION

OPINION

The Next Pandemic Is Closer Than We Think Tina Aron Co-Opinion Editor Continued from p. 1

spending on research now as the coronavirus continues to rock our world, but I can only imagine that as time passes and the pandemic gets left behind, there will be little long-term investment in the science that works to prevent these outbreaks. Scientific research relies on funding to take place, even if it is the most important research in the world. It is unfortunate that not all research for the sake of human good can be funded, but it is a sad reality.

After the $16 trillion that the coronavirus has cost the US, it seems that any cost to prevent another pandemic would be worth it.

However, as we see time and time again, logic seemingly does not matter to a vast majority of people.

Even something as simple as wearing a mask to prevent the spread of a lethal virus has not even been adopted as a universal practice almost a year after the pandemic hit. Humans encroaching on the natural world continues to give way to some of the worst disasters in history, but there is a strong lack of recognition that makes me fear for our future.

The phrase “necessity is

Protesters advocate for policy to protect against another pandemic.

Courtesy of Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

the mother of invention” has been a phrase echoed throughout the past year, especially involving the development of the vaccine. It rings true, as we have seen the vaccine production expedited to meet global demand and save the lives of millions.

However, there needs to be a recognition that we cannot get

to this point again, especially as another pandemic in our future is not far-fetched. There needs to be a preemptive case to prevent this from happening again.

In addition to scientific research that needs to be done in order to learn more about zoonotic diseases, there needs to be more public information regarding the

dangers of being in close contact with certain types of animals.

Catching a zoonotic disease from an animal can seem like such a farfetched occurrence, but state fairs are an American tradition that can actually become a breeding ground for new illnesses. The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians actually concluded that there were approximately 100 human infectious disease outbreaks involving animals in public settings in the United States from 20102015. As soon as COVID-19 settles down, I foresee these fairs and festivals returning, hopefully with the necessary precautions.

Unfortunately, the only hope for long-term investment in scientific research is to remember how we feel right now. With almost a year passing since the pandemic hit, I can say with all certainty that I have thought about its end every day. I could not imagine having to go through another one knowing what it was like.

It is awful that we had to get to this point, but maybe one of the only positives that can come out of this pandemic is to learn from our mistakes. It’s pretty bad when we have to hope that the coronavirus has scarred us enough to actually realize the need for investment in our future and to have respect for our earth, but it is our last resort.

Recent Scandals Show Flaws Within Our Democracy Derek Ramirez Jerez Staff Writer

Two prominent politicians, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, were involved in major scandals over the past week on both sides of the political spectrum. Both received major criticism due to their recent actions that led to outrage in their respective states. This brings up a huge problem, as our political climate allows partisanship to thrive, not permitting fair elections while giving these flawed politicians power.

Texas’ recent snowstorm wreaked havoc as many lives were altered in terrible ways. The state simply did not have the infrastructure to deal with such extreme weather conditions, and many citizens could have benefitted from the help of their elected officials. Instead, Cruz fled to Cancún in the midst of the disaster, leaving countless citizens to suffer.

Along the same vein, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York had great trouble containing the virus, having some of the highest numbers in the country.

With this, measures needed to be taken to stop the spread, with Governor Cuomo leading the charge that saw numbers decrease drastically.

However, a large portion of his strategies involved decreasing funding to certain hospitals and nursing homes that could not handle the influx of patients. This doomed many older COVID-19 victims to die. He

then concealed the number of true deaths at these institutions, as per the New York Post.

How are these people even elected into office? The problem lies within partisanship. Due to the highly polarized political climate in the US, voters are increasingly voting based on the political party of their state, rather than on policy or on the politician’s track record.

New York and Texas fall victim to this partisanship, as the majority of their politicians are Democratic or Republican, respectively, creating this issue we see in Cuomo and Cruz.

This is extremely dangerous because unqualified people are given massive amounts of power and subsequently fail to handle issues their states face.

Instead of voting strictly along party lines, voters should educate themselves on each politician before voting. Of course, this is an idealistic view and is unlikely to ever be a reality of American voter behavior.

The true danger lies in the fact that these people hold office for extensive periods of time despite constant failure to perform well politically. Many are calling for Cruz and Cuomo’s removal from office, but this will not happen. Even though they are directly responsible for the deaths of many people in their states and were both subjects of controversy in the past, they still have the unconditional support from their political parties. Political parties would rather hold the power than do the right thing. This is simply undemocratic, as

Ted Cruz took a family vacation to Mexico in the midst of crisis in Texas Courtesy of Blackgrid

the system seems to only allow for one political party to thrive. These places also happen to be some of the most populated states in the country, including New York, Texas, California and various states in the northeast or deep south. The majority of people in our country abide by these flawed rules, showing glaring issues in our “democracy.”

This is starting to be more commonplace, thankfully, with recent Marist poll results showing that Cuomo took a large hit on his approval rating from New Yorkers, and a fourth term is looking less likely for him. Another example of this is former President Donald Trump, who was voted out of office after only

serving one extremely controversial term.

At the same time, we can glaringly see the alarming effects of partisanship based on these recent events from this early year. If this pattern continues, politicians who think it is acceptable to leave for vacation during a crisis in their state will still be elected. There will continue to be politicians who set up the deaths of many citizens to decrease numbers of COVID-19 cases. There will continue to be politicians who stage an insurrection on the Capitol while leading their blind supporters. None of this will change if our democracy continues to be a battle between factions.

6 | The Villanovan

EDITORIAL BOARD

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. LetEditor-in-Chief ters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not exAssociate Editor-in-Chief ceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonyous letters will be published. All submissions become Opinion Editor property of The Villanovan and are subject to Opinion Editor editing for clarity and space.

CATE McCUSKER Editor-in-Chief JACK ROBERGE MADISON BURKE TINA ARON VIVI MELKONIAN

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

OPINION

POLICY

The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as deteermined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their auhtors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.

Sia Defends Her Casting of Maddie Ziegler in ‘Music’ Regan McEnroe Staff Writer

Despite Sia defending her decision to cast Maddie Ziegler in her newest music video for her song “Music,” the singer’s unconventional argument to respond to the ableist backlash she has received for this ignorant decision is arguably distasteful. It includes neither an apology nor a token of support towards those who have autism. wInstead, it is a concession that nepotism came into play when casting this role. Sia claims that she “wouldn’t make art if it didn’t include her [Maddie],” but perhaps this brings up the question of whether this is truly art or simply a dramatized and outsider view of how people believe an autistic person would behave or act.

In addition, Sia’s bluntness and sheer indifference to her lapse in judgment only prove to deepen the wound and seem to show little to no remorse at the thought of mocking those who have autism.

She further defends herself, claiming that it is impossible to please everyone and avoid receiving hateful reviews.

Sia’s latest release for song “Music” has offended many viewers.

Courtesy of Christopher Polk/Getty images

However, this seems like an easily avoidable situation if she simply did not attempt to portray an autistic person by casting someone who cannot relate in any way, shape or form.

This situation in and of itself is a prime example of cul-

tural appropriation. Think about the criticism that would be evoked if, instead of pretending to be autistic, Sia had portrayed Ziegler as assuming a different race, like using Blackface, for example. This situation would be totally unacceptable, as it would be highly

offensive and raise the question of why Ziegler was chosen to fill that role. This is no different.

Why didn’t Sia choose an autistic person to star in this film when it would have made for an authentic and purely inspiring story?

Instead, she demands Ziegler fill a role that she simply cannot and displays insolent dishonesty that is both offensive and unnecessary. As the autism community stands up to respond to this film, it is abundantly clear that this is not something they can get behind.

This has surely tainted Sia’s reputation. It has shone a light on a different side of her that had not been previously revealed.

With cultural diffidence at an alltime high in our world regarding race, sexuality and in this case, developmental disorder equality, there is no need for a situation like this to create further division.

This is indeed a culturally appropriative event that should in no way be socially accepted.

Hopefully, some good will come out of this and perhaps give the autism community a new platform to spread ideas of equality and compassion.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Teenage Mental Health Joe Adams Staff Writer

Misery. Pain. Overwhelmed. Frustrated. Anxious.

Although everyone has felt this way, teenagers are especially impacted by these emotions as a consequence of the pandemic.

A few weeks ago, there was an article in The Washington Post titled “The Loneliness of an Interrupted Adolescence.” It was an interesting read, not only because it applies to me and all students at Villanova, but because it really allowed me to reflect on my own experience of the pandemic as we reach the one year anniversary of the March 2020 shutdown.

The article discussed how, for teenagers, the pandemic has been “uniquely brutal” on their mental health and well-being. This is true. I’ve talked to so many of my friends, both back home and at Villanova, and the common theme is that we feel robbed of the best years of our lives. This is the time when everything is supposed to be positive, fun and exciting. However, due to the pandemic, much of this has been taken away, and we live in a constant state of worry, fear and negativity.

What was particularly striking for me in the article was

that 26% of 18-24 year olds had serious suicidal thoughts in the past 30 days, which is awful and heartbreaking. The fact that about one in four college-aged students have these thoughts is harrowing, and it makes me think of my peers at Villanova.

Statistically, we probably walk by a handful of students who have these thoughts on our way to class. This is a major issue, and the University needs to provide more mental health resources through this difficult time in our lives.

Teenagers are the future.

We are a unique generation that is defined by social media, acceptance of others and now, growing up in a pandemic.

We work hard, involve ourselves in so much and strive to be the best of the best. We recognize that our world is not a perfect place and see it as our job to ignite change for a better future.

We also tend to spend a lot of time looking out for others and a lot less time looking out for ourselves. With so much pressure, we forget that showing ourselves compassion is such an important part of surviving and thriving. All of this pressure can really build up, and with the pandemic, our pressure bubbles have exploded.

Teenagers are especially impacted mentally by the effects of the pandemic Courtesy of Nicole Hwang/The Tempel News

As I have had to tell myself, I ask everyone reading this to stop and take a moment to care for yourself.

Be proud that you’ve almost made it through a oncein-a-lifetime pandemic, and remind yourself that it’s okay to not be perfect. If this pandemic has

taught teenagers anything, it’s that a lot can be taken away from us in a short amount of time. It’s really hard to cope sometimes, but if we keep looking out for each other, things will get better.

Try not to worry about the little things, live in the moment and keep being yourselves.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The Villanovan | 7

OPINION

Opinion: The Equality Act and Its Implications John Hernick Staff Writer

The “Equality Act” passed in the House of Representatives this week by a vote of 224-206. The vote count was mostly party-line, though three Republicans wound up joining the Democrats. Undoubtedly, in the media, academia and elsewhere, many will unjustly label those who voted against the Act as homophobic and racist. Many may even call for their “cancellation.” Unfortunately, this term is now widely used by many Americans who can’t, or won’t do, the hard work of articulating the rationale for their positions.

Although we will undoubtedly hear people praise this Bill for, as CBS News has already said, “enshrining legal protections for LGBTQ Americans by amending existing civil rights laws to prevent businesses and institutions from discriminating against

people based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” I believe this is a mischaracterization of the highest order.

It must first be asked, in an age when people hear someone take an opposing stance on an issue and immediately demonize them: Are Republicans against equality? Are they against LGBTQ people? No, they are not. What most Republicans are opposed to is favoring one group at the expense of the rights of others.

Objectively speaking, the Equality Act does this in three ways.

First, it destroys women’s athletics. According to this Bill, biological males can now enter women’s locker rooms and sporting events. According to this Act, the verbiage “including sexual orientation and gender preference” must be placed next to “sex” in many parts of existing US Federal Law. As this legislation ostensibly attempts to secure rights for LGBTQ+

people, it simultaneously violates the rights of women.

Second, this Act blatantly erodes religious liberty. A long-held bipartisan protection is being dismantled by this Bill because it subverts religious freedom to the preference of those who would rather have religion sidelined in the public arena. The Act says, “The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.) shall not provide a claim concerning, or a defense to a claim under, a covered title, or provide a basis for challenging the application or enforcement of a covered title.” All of us, regardless of party affiliation, should be concerned with this language in a piece of Federal legislation.

Third, it universalizes abortion. This Bill mandates that all physicians, regardless of moral or religious objection, provide abortion on-demand to those who request the procedure. Regardless of your person-

al views on abortion, do you believe the government has the right to force medical professionals to perform procedures they are not comfortable with? In the words of Texas Congressman Dan Crenshaw, “This is not equality, liberty or freedom. This is not American.”

Not only does this Act infringe upon Americans’ most cherished civil liberties, it also indicates the dramatic shift of the Democratic Party from a group that used to respect America’s founding documents to one that doesn’t.

What next? The Act goes to the Senate where it will die without the support of at least 10 Republicans. To the supporters of this legislation, I say savor your victory now because it is unlikely it passes in the Senate. I predict the Equality Act will be a short-lived, pyrrhic victory for its supporters in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Raising PA’s Minimum Wage Will Benefit Philly Businesses

Raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour has the potential to provide a more dignified standard of living to Philadelphia’s working

Amid negotiations for class. One estimate from the city’s President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion Community Survey Data estimates stimulus proposal, some Democrats that an increase to $15 would imhave encouraged raising the federal mediately lift the wages of 77,000 minimum wage from its current pal- workers within the city and more try rate of $7.25 per hour to $15. than a quarter of a million residents While this proposal is in jeopardy by 2024. due to the rejection of conservative While those are merely proDemocrats - namely Senators Joe jections, cities around the country Manchin (D–WV) and Kyrsten – including Chicago, Washington, Sinema (D–AZ) - President Biden Oakland, San Jose, Seattle and San has suggested that he will fight for Francisco – have seen remarkable its passage at a later date. success with minimum wages over

Much ink has been spilled $10 on the way to $15. According on the purported benefits and draw- to labor economist Sylvia Allegretbacks of proposed minimum wage to, who authored a study on the hikes. While they have been adopt- minimum wage and employment ed in several states and cities, Philat Berkeley’s Center of Wage and adelphia has had its efforts to raise Employment Dynamics, “we hathe minimum wage frozen by inven’t seen any significant employtransigent state legislators. Worries ment losses due to these minimum about the effects of such a signifiwage policies, but we do see positive cant increase were understandable and statistically significant earnings five years ago when major cities effects.” were just beginning to roll out their Increasing the minimum wage hikes. However, after years of wage to $15 in Philadelphia could studying the data from cities around raise wages for nearly half the the country, it’s increasingly clear workforce. According to a study by that Philadelphia’s battered working the Pew Charitable Trusts, around class could benefit majorly from a 40% of Philadelphia residents make federal minimum wage increase. less than $15 per hour, and around

A momentary glance at 17% make between $7.25 (the fedPhiladelphia would show a city on eral minimum wage) and $9.50 per the upswing. After years of deindus- hour. trialization and an exodus of wealth This reality is allowed to and population to the suburbs, persist because, unlike many other the city experienced what appears cities of comparable size that have on the surface to be a remarkable raised their wages in recent years, rebound following the Great RePhiladelphia’s minimum wage has cession. The city’s population has remained locked at the federal level grown every year since 2008, and of $7.25 per hour. This is not for the city has experienced a decade lack of ardor on the part of Philaof historic job growth, with over delphia lawmakers, who passed a 55,000 new jobs added to the econ- $15 minimum wage for city conomy. tractors and approved a referendum

At the same time, a stunto extend that wage to all residents, ning 26% of Philadelphians live in nor is it for lack of support among poverty – a number that’s remained Philadelphia voters, 82% of whom virtually unchanged for more than voted “yes.” a decade and will likely rise amid

Philadelphia’s effort to raise the fallout of COVID-19. While wages has been hobbled by a 2006 the city’s unemployment rate hit state law prohibiting it from doing an all-time low of just over 4% in so without support from the state 2019, large-scale employment did government, which is controlled by basically nothing to curb the city’s Republicans in both houses of the poverty rate, which is the highest of legislature. Republicans in the PA the U.S.’s ten largest cities.

Senate broadly signed onto a bill Stephen Prager Staff Writer

Protesters across the counrty advocate for an increased minimum wage of $15.

Courtesy of OFL Communications Department/Flikr

that would have raised the state’s minimum to $9.50 by 2022 (which would leave minimum wage workers below the poverty line), but Republicans in the House have sat on the bill for over a year and are still yet to vote on it.

Despite strong evidence contradicting their fears, Republicans in the PA House have brought out some time-worn free-market canards to justify a vote against a well overdue wage increase for Pennsylvania. For instance, Rep. Tom Polinchock (Bucks County) called the increase a “trap” and said that “when you raise the minimum wage, you’re going to have companies that are going to be having labor costs increase, so you’re losing more of those jobs.” Business groups, such as the National Federation of Independent Businesses, have also lobbied hard against the increase. It’s difficult to imagine Pennsylvania Republicans coming around to the maximalist position of $15 per hour any time soon, even though 62% of Pennsylvanians support it.

Many Republican objections to wage increases tend to hinge on their effects on small businesses, whom they fear will have to fire employees or raise prices to make

up for the labor costs. But raising the minimum wage is a surprisingly popular idea among small business owners. For instance, after several cities increased their minimum wages to $15, a CNBC poll found that 57% of small business owners said these minimum wage increases would have no impact at all on their business in 2020. Another poll found that 67% of owners support raising the wage to $15, the main reason being that it would provide low-income families with more money to spend on their services.

This is not mere conjecture either a 2019 study from MIT found that real spending on things like food increased following minimum wage hikes across the country.

A minimum wage increase is a winning position on multiple levels. It has the potential to not only revitalize low-income communities in Philadelphia, but also to stimulate demand at a time when small businesses struggle to bring in customers. While working-class progressives in cities have rightly been the main advocates of the idea, emphasizing the benefits that raising the minimum wage may bring for small businesses may be the key to bringing it across the finish line at the federal level.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

CULTURE

8 | The Villanovan

CULTURE Villanova Students Share Vaccination Experiences Kara Dempsey Staff Writer

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to become more readily available, some Villanova students have started to become eligible to receive the vaccination. Several students have shared their experiences of receiving the vaccination to give others an idea of what to expect.

Sophomore Olivia Pasquale was able to receive the vaccine because of her position as a medical assistant at a dermatology office, but the importance of being vaccinated extends beyond that for Pasquale.

“I specifically got it so I can eventually see my grandparents again once they are vaccinated,” Pasquale said.

Pasquale has received both doses of the Moderna vaccine. After the first dose, she only experienced some arm pain. It was the second dose that came with more side effects. However, this did not interfere with daily function for Pasquale.

“After the second dose, I had less arm pain, but I went home and took a three hour nap after,” she said. “In addition to tiredness, I had chills and a headache for about 24 hours and body aches for about 36 hours.”

The anticipation of eventually returning to normal makes the side effects of the vaccine worth it.

Sophomore Olivia Pasquale poses with her vaccination card.

Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale

“I had a great experience getting the vaccine, so I definitely encourage anyone who is eligible to kickstart their vaccination process as soon as they can,” Pasquale added.

Sophomore Faith Kisker also received both doses of the Moderna vaccine, becoming eligible as a member of VEMS. With her first dose, Kisker had no side effects besides soreness in her arm.

“After the second one, I was in a lot of pain and very nauseous and had a fever,” Kisker said. “I was pretty much out for a day after receiving it.”

Kisker was able to recover from these side effects after the first 24 hours.

The role Kisker has in VEMS made it important for her to receive the vaccine.

“It meant doing my part in protecting those in my close community and my patients,” she said.

Kisker is outwardly public about

having been vaccinated.

“As a biochem major, I understand the science behind the vaccine and trust those that made it,” she said. “When you don’t understand something and you don’t know anyone that’s had it, it makes it much easier to condemn it and be afraid of it. By receiving it and being public about doing so, I believe I was contributing to publicizing that it is safe and that people should trust it.”

Even students who have not yet been vaccinated have been feeling the effects of more people receiving vaccinations. Junior Billy Vinci, who has yet to receive a vaccine, has been impacted by the vaccination of some of his professors. One had to stop class halfway through because she was too fatigued from having just received a vaccination. Another one of

Vinci’s professors cancelled class completely because of experiences with vaccine side effects.

However, observing the side effects in others does not deter Vinci in his plans to become vaccinated when he is able to.

“The science says the more people who are vaccinated, the quicker things will get back to normal,” Vinci said.

One difficulty faced by sophomore Charlotte Bohra in taking steps to receive a vaccination was simply getting an appointment, even though she was eligible to receive it due to pre-existing conditions.

“There have been a lot of difficulties getting appointments, and I didn’t want to take it from more deserving people,” Bohra said.

Bohra eventually booked an appointment after seeing an email that the state of New Jersey had extra slots available. After her first dose, she was automatically scheduled for the second one a month after.

Bohra has not yet received her second dose of the vaccine but is still advocating for others to make efforts to become vaccinated when the option becomes available.

“I think that it is so important for people to get the vaccine if possible so we can go back to normal and protect other people,” Bohra said.

‘The Bachelor’ Racism Controversy Caleigh Beaton Staff Writer

As the men and women on “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” file out of the limousine on the first night dressed in gorgeous clothes and anxious to make a good first impression, one thing is especially evident: the lack of diversity. It is no secret that white men and women have ruled the screen of this franchise since the first season of “The Bachelor” aired in 2002. Although it has been like this for over a decade now, racial controversy has recently culminated.

“The Bachelor,” which has been airing for 19 years, only recently cast its first black bachelor for this season, Matt James. It was supposed to be a season full of change, with the most diverse cast that the show has ever seen. However, things started to go downhill when racism allegations came out about contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. TikTok videos from an old high school classmate claim that Kirkconnell bullied people in high school for liking Black men. After this, more controversy surfaced about Kirkconnell, including pictures of her attending an Old-South themed antebellum fraternity party in 2018.

Rachel Lindsay, the 13th bachelorette and first Black bachelorette in the show’s history, is leading the charge in calling out racial issues within the franchise. During an interview on “Extra,” Lindsay spoke with

Chris Harrison, host of The Bachelor and its spinoffs, regarding the recent allegations of Kirkconnell. Harrison immediately defended Kirkconnell, saying “Is it a good look in 2018? Or, is it not a good look in 2021? Because there’s a big difference.” Lindsay responded by explaining, “it’s not a good look ever.” Harrison then added that “the woke police are out there and this poor girl Rachael has just been thrown to the lions.” Lindsay was appalled by Harrison’s comments and called him out both during the interview and later through social media.

Harrison has since apologized, posting a statement on social media admitting that he was only trying to give Kirkconnell the benefit of the doubt by letting her speak for herself, but that what he did in fact perpetuated racism. He also apologized to Lindsay for not hearing her out.

Kirkconnell also shared an apology on social media in which she admits that she is in the wrong and that she was unaware at the time how racist and ignorant her actions were.

She ended her apology by saying, “racial progress and unity are impossible without accountability, and I deserve to be held accountable for my actions. I will never grow unless I recognize what I have done is wrong.

I don’t think one apology means that I deserve your forgiveness, but rather I hope I can earn your forgiveness

Rachel Lindsay interviews Bachelor host Chris Harrison to address controversy.

Courtesy of ExtraTV

through my future actions.”

Lindsay, however, did not see sincerity behind either apology, especially Harrison’s. She admits that when her contract with “The Bachelor” is over, she is breaking all ties with the show due to her extreme frustration with how the franchise has presented itself since the start and how it is dealing with these controversies. Other members of Bachelor Nation have since spoken out with support for Lindsay, as well as their

disappointment with both the show and Harrison.

Lindsay is doing a tremendous job spreading awareness of this issue that many people have been blind to for a while now. The support she has received from both past contestants and viewers of the show has been plentiful, but in order to see a real change within the franchise, it will take major reflection and adjustments from those responsible for running the show.

Wednesday, Marh 3, 2021

CULTURE

The Villanovan | 9

Student Business Feature: Keto Kind by Enrique Moel Madeline McCarthy Staff Writer

Enrique Moel is a freshman and aspiring Applied Qualitative Finance major. In his spare time, he is also a foundational member at an emerging ketogenic shake company. Keto Kind, which was founded by his older brother and a friend, is now where Moel works part time as one of four employees, with his expertise being in user and market research.

As a student in the business school, Moel takes what he has learned in classes such as financial accounting and business dynamics and applies it directly to his work.

“Key things that I have learned in these classes have given me context to understand the numbers and understand the importance of management, especially in a developing business and in kickstarter company culture,” Moel said.

The company was initially founded to help those on the Keto diet

by providing an additional item for a snack or pre/post workout shake. The Keto diet is infamously strict in what one can and cannot eat. It has also been proven to be a helpful diet for people who are diagnosed with cancer, epilepsy or type II diabetes, as it can alleviate symptoms and provide a more structured, healthy lifestyle.

Moel understood that this audience was important to market to, but he also insightfully noticed that the Keto diet market was gaining increased popularity in the fitness industry and becoming a recognizable diet for the average person. After doing market research to s

olidify his suggestion, Moel helped shape, refine and expand Keto Kind’s target audience.

As it was starting this business, the team’s original vision was to sell these shakes in stores. When Moel joined the team, the pandemic was a new hurdle this company had to jump. Moel suggested that they focus more on building a reputa-

ble online presence and sell these shakes from the internet.

“I suggested that amidst this pandemic, people are already turning to online shopping more than ever before and that we should start selling online and promote these shakes from a website,” Moel said.

Keto Kind had to raise more funds before it could bring these shakes to the public. Moel and his brother were tasked with developing and overseeing a Kickstarter campaign. It went live last week, and it has already raised enough money for Keto Kind to produce its first commercial batch.

“Sales have been much better than forecasted and now my main focus will shift to expanding this business and its potential audience,” Moel said.

Moel views this company as a great opportunity to grow outside of the classroom. The mission of the company in addition to working with a close team is what makes the extra efforts worth it.

He works with great time manage-

ment skills and tries to do a little bit of work for Keto Kind every day.

“The workload comes in waves, and sometimes there are things that come up that are out of my expertise,” Moel said. “I still check in with the rest of the team to see if there is anything I can help with and see what I can learn.”

Moel hopes to continue working with Keto Kind in some capacity as long as he can. While he does not know what the future holds and is open to other opportunities, he knows that Keto Kind will always have a special place in his life.

There are currently two flavors of Keto Kind, chocolate and vanilla.

As the company grows, it is looking to add more flavors that customers would enjoy. Researching what these flavors might be would fall directly under Moel’s duties.

Be sure to check out Keto Kind on social media. It can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram as @drinkketokind.

Villanova on Set with James Ijames & Louis Gossett Jr. Sneha Beri Staff Writer People outside of the entertainment industry rarely get a chance to learn about its inner workings and fully understand the thought processes driving certain actors. However, on Feb. 26, the Virtual Villanova on Set program was able to organize an event with Academy-Award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. Sporting two Emmy awards and a photo of himself with his great-grandmother in the background, Gossett was more than willing to answer questions from playwright-director-educator James Ijames, event organizer Taylor Landon-Freeman and the other attendees.

This was the first Villanova on Set event I attended, and I wasn’t sure of what to expect going in. I figured it would be like a panel discussion, where Gossett discussed aspects of the industry and memories from his career. What I didn’t expect was to have one of the most illuminating, heartwarming hours of my life. Gossett talked about the industry, but he also provided insight into being better community members, as well as striking comments on racism inside and outside the entertainment world.

Ijames asked Gossett how he got his start, and Gossett explained that it was in a Broadway play in 1953. He had never even seen a play before, but his English teacher, who was incredibly taken with Gossett, suggested he audition for “Take a Giant Step’’ by Lou Peterson. With an excited twinkle in his eye, Gossett told about how he was a teenager on Broadway getting to not only rub elbows with, but become endeared to stars such as Diana Washington and Kate Hepburn. Gossett then reached over for the photo of himself and his great-grandmother and talked about how she came to see him. Not only could attendees see Gossett smiling as he talked about the woman who gave up so much to raise three generations of children, but they could hear it in his voice as well.

The participants gathered on Zoom to share insight and experience with attendees.

Courtesy of Taylor Landon-Freedman

After “Take a Giant Step,” Gossett started receiving movie roles in Hollywood. He talked about getting picked up from the airport in a beautiful eggshell-white hardtop convertible after his first flight to Los Angeles. This was the convertible that took him to and from the presidential suite paid for by the studio.

Everything seemed idyllic, until Gossett was pulled over in the convertible by police officers who asked him, “Who do you think you are?”

Reminiscing on it, Gossett remarked that he “didn’t know that [he] was not considered equal, if not better, than the average person.” Here he was, a young actor in L.A. for the first time for a movie shoot, being racially profiled on his first day. However, it didn’t end there. Gossett discussed a time when he went out in the convertible again to drive around celebrity homes, an activity many L.A. visitors partake in to this day. He didn’t go into all the details, but he said that within 30 minutes, the police had him handcuffed to a tree.

These are not isolated incidents.

Police brutality and racial profiling have been realities for Black Americans long before nonblack Americans started paying attention to media coverage about it. It was haunting to hear that Gossett had to be on set not long after being handcuffed. He “showed up kind of hurting, but then the theatre discipline kicked in.” Gossett told this story as calmly as someone giving directions. He wasn’t devoid of emotion at all, but it was clear he took time after being on set to process and reckon with the injustice he faced.

Gossett’s hurt was real. The corruption in policing, especially in Los Angeles, is real. It’s gut-wrenching to hear, no matter how many times it’s repeated. However, Gossett’s approach to race and racism was eye-opening. After telling these stories, plus a few asides about how sweet Marilyn Monroe was, Gossett talked about how as he grew up, there was an awakening. He had this feeling of realization, knowing that he was not considered equal “on set or in a grocery store.” As a South Asian, I will never speak for or over a Black person, but as someone who has experienced a similar feeling, I was shocked to see someone put it into words so well.

Times in which I have felt like that have often led to anger and bitterness on my part, and I will admit that I still carry some of that with me. What Gossett said about anger pierced me.

“We all need each other desperately for our mutual salvation, regardless of what happened in the past and what will happen in the future,” Gossett said. “Ignore some of the mistakes that men who don’t look like us do so we can grow in this together […] we have something to offer […] we have to re-learn it because it was taken from us [...] I’m an elder [because] I’ve been educated around the world.

The first thing you do is wake up and see what you can do for the benefit of the whole tribe.”

What Gossett was saying was to put the anger and resentment aside and to instead channel that emotion into doing things that benefit society as a whole. This is what inspires his activ-

ism. He was essentially saying that the truest and most productive form of activism comes from doing nice things for people, for society as a whole. Anger can only get a person so far.

In response to an audience member asking Gossett about the future of the industry, he said everyone must ask themselves, “What is it going to take to make this planet service the way it used to?” Those actions will not only drive the future of the entertainment industry, but the future of humanity as well. It was clear that for him, those two things are interconnected.

Before wrapping up, Gossett discussed another play he did by Jean Genet titled “The Blacks.”

“It was avant garde right out of Paris,” Gossett said. “It was a play within the play. There was an attitude of subversity of mystery. Jane Fonda came to see it once a week. [The audience] got a little paranoid […] all these Blacks, dressed like white folks, doing a minuet. We got them very nervous. We had a few heart attacks, a couple of people faint, because we created an atmosphere of ‘We got you now!’ By the end, we charmed them, [... and some of the] standing ovations [lasted] ten to fifteen minutes.”

During “The Blacks,” Gossett witnessed his fellow creators and production team harshly criticize each other, even to the point of yelling, as a way of making sure that they would be better next time. Even beyond “The Blacks,” Gossett and other Black creators carried this “self-berating [that was] allowed” that makes Black-created works so great.

This spirit carried over into his performance in “An Officer And a Gentleman” (which made him the first African-American to win the Academy Award for best Supporting Actor), where he pushed himself to his creative best. Gossett is an enlightening, charming and gifted man, and it was an absolute privilege to share a space with him. His perseverance and compassion come through in everything he says and does, and his spirit is untouchable. People of all ages could stand to learn something from this legendary actor and human being.

10 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

CULTURE

The Newfound Stigma Around the Month of March Kendall Hayes Staff Writer

March is a month that signifies the start of spring, days getting longer and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. That is, until the year 2020.

Now, there is a newfound stigma around the month. When people hear March, they are reminded of the time when something happened that no one ever thought was possible and everything fell apart. March now represents the beginning of the end, or in other words, the start of this pandemic.

As the first few days of March pass by, it is hard to comprehend that it has already been a year since the pandemic began and everyone’s life was turned upside down. Now, as we look back and reflect upon the year that has changed so many lives, we must ask ourselves, will people ever look at March the same? Or will everything that occurred last March be a constant trigger for each one to come?

What are some of the things people now associate with March or the start of the pandemic? Unseasonably warm days? TikTok songs?

Certain shows? Exercise? The truth

is, all of these components unlock memories making it feel as though they were happening just yesterday. In reality, this occurred almost a year ago yet still has a significant impact.

The Villanovan asked students what takes them back to the beginning of the pandemic.

“When you go to Target and there are still those signs that say due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, only one hand sanitizer is allowed per guest,” sophomore Mya Gruett said.

Some students discussed their toxic memories while working out and exercising during that time.

“The phrase ‘family walks’ gives me PTSD,” sophomore Julia Stancisi said.

A common trigger among many Villanovans was work challenges of Youtuber Chloe Ting. Specifically, it was the intro song that played at the beginning.

“The flashbacks that sound gives me, oh my god…” freshman Rosa Marfia said.

In addition to working out and family walks, baking and cooking were a constant part of the early quarantine days.

Sophomore Maddie Schieder talked about her experience with the whipped coffee trend, which reminds

her of the beginning of quarantine.

“The whipped coffee that everyone tried and took forever to whisk but had the time to do it because we had nothing else to do,” Schieder said.

Along with the whipped coffee, a common trend at the time was making an absurd amount of banana bread, according to students like sophomore Mia Dell’Orto.

“The amount of banana bread I made during quarantine was ridiculous,” Dell’Orto said. “I could have fed an army with all the banana

These song examples are “triggers” for students.

Courtesy of Kendall Hayes

bread I was making.”

Netflix shows that took the world by storm at that time were “Outer Banks” and “Tiger King.” It felt as if there was not a single person who had not seen those shows.

“Carol Baskin really broke the internet for a while,” Marfia said.

Out of everything that triggers flashbacks to the beginning of quarantine, the most common one by far was the collection of TikTok songs that were trending in March of 2020. Many Villanovans are immediately taken back to that period of uncertainty and isolation the minute the songs “Supalonely” by BENEE, “Say So” by Doja Cat or “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion are played.

It is not surprising that there are so many things that take us back to the early days of the pandemic.

There was nothing to do besides listen to and follow the trends that were occurring while in isolation. But, as we embark on the one year anniversary of this pandemic, hopefully people can replace these reminders with a light at the end of the tunnel.

Before we know it, a song will just be a song, a family walk will just be a family walk, banana bread will just be banana bread and March will just be March.

Prospective Students Attend 2021 Candidates Day Julia Stanisci Co-Culture Editor

This past Saturday, Villanova’s Blue Key Society welcomed prospective students who have been accepted Early Action to the Class of 2025 with its annual Candidates’ Day event. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, with social distancing and travel restrictions, accepted students were not able to come to campus to be welcomed into the community in-person with Blue Key’s usual posters, decorations and 8 a.m. screams. However, the Society was still able to provide a safe, virtual day of information and hospitality for potential baby Cats.

The focal point of the day was “Connect-with-a-Cat” sessions that took place via Zoom. Blue Key members were matched with small groups of accepted students based on a survey of interests and reached out to their students earlier this week to introduce themselves

and provide Zoom links and times.

The meetings consisted of getting to know one another, answering prospective student questions about academic programs, campus life and more, as well as helping them through the process while encouraging to #GoNova.

Freshman Jessi Huwar, a member of Blue Key, spoke very highly of the day.

“Virtual Candidates’ Day provided an awesome opportunity to engage with prospective Villanova students from across the country,” Huwar said. “The students in my group were attentive and fun, eager to hear about Villanova in order to make an informed decision about the future of their education.

The virtual aspect allowed prospective students to be connected with Blue Key ambassadors in their intended field of study, providing a clear and detailed picture of what their next four years may look like.”

Members of Blue Key also created videos detailing why they decided to #GoNova for a video

montage and wrote pieces of advice for a prospective student advice column to be featured in a Candidates’ Day Newsletter. Members also made TikTok videos displaying anything from something unique about Nova, A Day in the Life, Prospective Student Welcome Video and more to be featured on Blue Key’s Villanova Admissions Tiktok.

Junior Juliana Cosenza was the Senior Director of the Candidates’ Day Committee and spoke on her experience of coordinating the event in a year like never before.

“It was definitely challenging to plan an event amidst a global pandemic, but I think planning Candidates’ Day this year showcases the different ways we have adapted to the ‘new normal’ within the past year,” Cosenza said. “The impact of COVID-19 has changed the entire planning process for Candidates’ Day, but that has given the Committee an amazing opportunity to integrate new and creative ideas to welcome the incoming Class of 2025.”

Last year’s Candidates Day looked a lot different in person..

Courtesy of Juliana Cosenza

Although it looked much different than last year’s Early Action Candidates’ Day, the event was a huge success, and the incoming Class of 2025 was still able to feel welcomed into the Villanova community, even if not physically on campus.

Sophomore Thomas Newton Releases New Single Alexander Fezza Co-Culture Editor

Sophomore Thomas Newton already made himself wellknown around campus when he released the song “Love Moat” on Sept. 4, 2020. Now, Newton’s official discography has become a bit larger, as he released the song “Different” on Feb. 12.

On June 14, 2020, Newton posted a TikTok including elements of what is now the song “Different.”

The TikTok received more than 150,000 views, more than 31,000 likes and hundreds of comments urging him to release a full-length

song. Half a year later, those suggestions have become a reality.

Just like “Love Moat,” “Different” is a light-hearted guitar piece that is around three-and-ahalf minutes long. However, one unique thing about “Different” is its use of electric guitar instead of acoustic guitar.

Newton has advertised “Different” on social media platforms, posting numerous TikToks on his account @newtonmusic promoting the song. After all, TikTok is the reason why Newton finished the song in the first place. Newton also promoted “Different” on his Instagram account @newtonmusic_ for 10 days leading up to its release.

On Friday, Feb. 26, Villanova Television (VTV) posted an exclusive interview with Thomas Newton on YouTube about “Different.”

In this interview with VTV News Director Miguel Badia and VTV Internal Director Ally Weitzman, Newton spoke about his inspiration for writing the song, the meaning behind its lyrics, what we can expect from his next music release and more.

“For me, I think it’s just [about] finding that perfect person for you,” Newton said. “Maybe it’s not the person you’re gonna marry, but in that instance in your life, it’s just the perfect match in whatever place you find yourself.”

In the interview, Newton also elaborated on one of his favorite lyrics from “Different.”

“There were a few random lyrics that I really liked,” Newton said. “And actually, my roommate, who I kinda co-wrote some stuff with, has some ideas that, you know, he throws in there. He wrote: ‘A memory shared is a memory saved.’

I gotta shout him out for that one.

I’d say that’s one of my favorites.”

The University awaits Newton’s next single, which will be released soon. In the meantime, listeners can find “Different” on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Amazon, iTunes, YouTube and more.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

CULTURE

The Villanovan | 11

Co-Directors of New Disney Animated Film Speak Olivia Sabalaskey Staff Writer

Walt Disney once said, “When you’re curious, you find a lot of interesting things to do.” Legendary animators and Co-Directors of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new film “Raya and the Last Dragon” Paul Briggs and John Ripa have taken Walt’s words of wisdom to heart.

On Feb. 24, Briggs and Ripa hosted “Disney’s ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ College Filmmaker Presentation” via Zoom, representing the “enormously talented Walt Disney Animation Studios,” according to Briggs. University students all over the United States registered for this exclusive event full of behind-thescenes videos, photographs and insights from the filmmakers’ journey from page to screen.

Briggs has worked at the Walt Disney Animation Studios for about 25 years. “Mulan” was the first animated film he worked on and remains one of his favorites.

When talking about his journey to work at Disney, Briggs recalled feeling as though he was going to be fired because of the incredibly talented animators that worked around him. However, he soon found his niche in storytelling and understanding the complexity of character development through animation.

Ripa has worked at the Disney Animation Studios for about 27 years, two years longer than Briggs.

He attended school in Buffalo, New York, received a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration and continued on to the

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to study animation in greater depth. Once hired by Disney, the first animated film that Ripa worked on was “The Lion King.” Ripa thoroughly enjoyed working with hundreds of talented artists on this iconic film and continued to find success at Disney by becoming a Supervising Animator and Story Artist on other animated films such as “Tangled” and “Frozen.” Later, he assumed the role of Story Lead on “Zootopia,” “Big Hero 6” and “Moana.”

After their introductions, Ripa and Briggs introduced the audience of college students to the fantasy world of Kumandra in “Raya and the Last Dragon.” A once-peaceful land where dragons and humans lived together in harmony, Kumandra is now divided.

Main character Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, and her father seek to unite the five divided lands.

However, after a surprising twist and betrayal, Raya must learn to trust others again in order to save humanity and the dragons that used to live in peace. She departs on a quest to find Sisu, a water dragon voiced by Awkwafina, to repair broken wounds and fight those that threaten Kumandra.

Briggs and Ripa then discussed the creation of the film and how it was inspired by the culture and beautiful scenery of Southeast Asia. Together, the co-directors traveled to countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao, Singapore and Malaysia. Through these research trips, Ripa and Briggs immersed themselves in the various cultures, observing, sketching, photograph-

ing and interviewing people there who hold an extensive knowledge of the area, its traditions and customs. Briggs and Ripa met with Dr. Arounsack, a visual anthropologist, as well as choreographers, linguists, cultural experts and architects to learn more about Southeast Asia in order to depict it as authentically as possible on-screen.

Next, in light of how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the work structure at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Briggs and Ripa shared a behindthe-scenes look at the transition from working in-person to working remotely. According to Ripa, “Raya and the Last Dragon” was just beginning production in March 2020, almost at the exact same time when COVID-19 forced all employees to work remotely.

“It was incredibly difficult because animation is the most collaborative art form,” Briggs recalled.

“So we’re sitting here in our homes saying, ‘How are we going to make

this film?’”

However, the technology team at Disney helped guide the 450 artists throughout the transition.

The technology team also helped voice actors like Awkwafina and Daniel Dae Kim set up shop in their homes to record for their characters.

At the end of the presentation, Ripa and Briggs answered a few students’ questions. They shared their love of Disney animation, insights into story inspiration, career endeavors and gave advice to those seeking a career in the Animation and Film Industry.

“Do not be afraid,” Ripa said. “Take chances and trust your instincts.”

Briggs agreed wholeheartedly and told the audience to “remember that [Ripa] and I were sitting in the same place you are now. Keep going!”

Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” debuts in select theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on March 5.

The movie “Raya and the Last Dragon” premieres March 5. in select theaters.

Courtesy of IndieWire

English Department Hosts Author Bryan Washington Elena Rouse Co-Culture Editor

Author Bryan Washington graced the University this past Thursday to do a reading and Q&A with faculty and students. Writer of a New York Times notable book, named one of Time’s Books of the Year and recipient of rave reviews from names like “O, The Oprah Magazine” and Vogue, Washington is exceedingly gifted.

The event came after the release of Washington’s newest book, “Memorial.” The novel follows the story of two men, Benson and Mike, who have been dating for five years.

The book explores their relationship dynamic and the struggles that arise when Mike hears about his estranged father’s imminent death in Japan. Mike flies there to say goodbye, leaving Benson with his visiting mother. The book is not only a testament to love but is a dive into concepts like LGBTQ+ struggles and ultimately self-discovery.

The novel was bought by the entertainment company A24 even before its release in Oct. 2020.

Posting on A24’s website on Dec. 21, Washington discussed his ambitions and feelings about the novel becoming a limited series.

“We are well into the process of writing, as far as creating the architecture of the series and an architecture that is of the book, but one that is autonomous, simultane-

ously,” Washington said.

He was insistent on being part of the writing team for the adaptation.

“And what’s been a joy for me is having this world that I get to spend a little bit more time in, and ...what needs to be altered to fit this form,” he said.

“Memorial” is Washington’s first novel. Previously, he focused his work on writing fictional essays for magazines and newspapers like Bon Appétit, The New Yorker and The New York Times. In 2019, Washington released a collection of fictional short stories titled “Lot Stories” about the intimate lives of those living in different Houston neighborhoods. That set of stories did extremely well, as former President Barack Obama named it one of his top books of 2019.

The event itself started with Washington reading a 30-minute excerpt from the novel. It was one of the first few scenes of the book in which the listeners got a sense of the tensions between the two main characters, building up the plot to come.

The language was often vulgar, raw and attention-grabbing. Afterwards, the session was opened up for a Q&A. With such an illustrious writer present, Villanova students and faculty asked many questions about the novel itself and Washington’s writing processes.

In particular, one member asked about Washington’s utilization

of humor in his writing, as the book is noted for all its quick wit and banter between characters.

“Humor is always interesting to me,” Washington said. “It feels very much like a way to lessen the emotional hit of the scene without really decreasing the emotional impact of the scene.”

The young writers in the room were attune to every one of his tips, hoping that each one would steer them towards a writing career as successful as Washington’s has been. Being only 28-years-old, his advice was taken even more seriously, as young writers are aware of the difficulty of breaking into the business so young.

Washington also discussed the process of learning about his characters by listening to them.

He reads aloud to not put himself too much into the fictional people he creates and to reveal the power of occasionally having a character speak without saying anything at all.

Washington has clear empathy expressed in the stories he writes, which is something he made clear by the apparent reverence he gave to the writing process and to the stories themselves.

Although writing novels is “quite a lot of drafting and quite a lot of revising,” as Washington put it, he still commits himself to the process for his stories’ ultimate purpose.

In fact, when asked about

The cover of Washington’s new release.

Courtesy of Riverhead Books

the transition from short stories to a complete novel, Washington relayed that it was not too difficult, as all he had to do was listen to what the story was telling him.

This event was part of the English Department’s Annual Literary Festival. Taking place each spring, the department invites a series of poets and fiction writers to meet with students. Washington’s session was the second event of four.

12 | The Villanovan

CULTURE

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Drawing Inspiration from Online Fashionistas Devin Toolen Staff Writer

Do you ever struggle with figuring out what to wear? Sometimes I stare at my closet, hoping that something will jump out at me. To avoid the stress of putting together outfits, it is quite useful to follow popular fashionistas on social media in order to gain inspiration for fashion choices.

A lot of active influencers on TikTok create content relating to fashion that can help get one’s creativity flowing when planning an outfit for the day.

Creators can use their platforms in ways that represent their unique styling and give fashion tips. Let’s highlight some online fashionistas that can help inspire others to take their fashion to the next level.

One of my personal favorite trendsetters is 22-year-old Laini Ozark. Ozark is an active social media user who creates plenty of different posts about fashion on her accounts. On her YouTube channel, Ozark posts videos that give outfit advice, Instagram photoshoot ideas and trend predictions. The content on her TikTok account (@laini_ozark) is similar. However, her frequent posting allows for daily fashion inspiration.

Ozark’s style is unique. In many of her TikTok and YouTube videos, she talks about her love for thrifting and shopping on Depop or eBay. Ozark’s admiration for uncommon fashion pieces has inspired me to find my own diamonds in the rough, which is an effect she likely has on many other viewers.

For men’s fashion inspiration,

check out the great Wisdom Kaye.

Kaye is a 19-year-old from Texas who started gaining popularity on TikTok because of his outfit videos.

With more than a million followers on the platform, Kaye produces content daily. Some personal favorite videos are when he makes outfits based on various emojis. His creativity and sense of style are unmatched, which is probably why Vogue Magazine referred to him as the “best dressed guy on TikTok.” Some of the best parts of Kaye’s videos are his representation of versatility in men’s fashion and his ability to drastically change styles. An example of this versatility is when Kaye switches from wearing Jordan 1s to Rick Owens platform boots, showing the power of shoe diversity. Check Kaye out on TikTok at the username @wisdm8 to see all

of the ingenious styles that he has put together.

Have you seen the “Front Row” trend on TikTok, in which users dress up in what they would wear while sitting front-row at Fashion Week shows? That trend was created by another popular online fashionista known as Andie J (@andoej on TikTok), who uses her TikTok profile in a fun way to create and style outfits for many different themes. Along with her “Front Row” trend that has gone viral, Andie J has made videos featuring outfits based on songs, fictional TV show characters and even outfits that would make her younger self jealous. Andie J’s style is impressive because of her ability to incorporate so many different and unique pieces to make an exceptional look.

While it’s great to find pop-

Check out senior Hannah Bucknam on TikTok and Instagram @hannahbucknam, and on YouTube at Hannah Alice.

Courtesy of Hannah Bucknam

ular fashion gurus to follow online, what about finding someone more local like a fellow student? Enter Hannah Bucknam, Villanova’s very own fashion and lifestyle YouTuber, TikToker and Influencer. Bucknam, a senior, has been using her social media platforms to unleash her creativity and style influence. Bucknam started using TikTok during the summer of 2020 and has since grown her following on the platform to over 25,000 followers. Bucknam’s posts vary in content from “mini vlogs” to unboxing videos or outfit styling videos. In order to keep up engagement on the platform, Bucknam says she posts at least one TikTok video a day. When it comes to personal style, Bucknam is definitely not afraid to take risks.

“I would say my style is bold and authentic,” Bucknam said. “I truly only wear things that I love and that allow me to express myself and how I am feeling that day.”

Bucknam’s TikTok content is exciting to watch and will definitely inspire fashion choices. Some brands she is particularly fond of include Brandy Melville, LL Bean (for a good turtleneck), SSENSE and Zara. She also takes style inspiration from Devon Lee Carlson and Hailey Bieber.

Be sure to check out Bucknam on her Instagram and TikTok accounts @ hannahbucknam and on YouTube at Hannah Alice.

These fashion and style enthusiasts clearly love expressing themselves and their clothing choices on their online profiles. Be sure to follow them in order to gain inspiration for your own personal style.

Jon Batiste Discusses His New Album, “Soul” and More A.J. Fezza Co-Culture Editor

If you watched the film “Soul,” you have heard the master work of musician Jon Batiste. The film’s widely-acclaimed score was composed by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and of course, Batiste.

Batiste is one of the most accomplished professional musicians today. He is the bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, as well as the Music Director of The Atlantic and the Creative Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Batiste, alongside Reznor and Ross, just received the 2021 Golden Globe for Best Original Score, Motion Picture for his work on “Soul,” on Feb. 28.

At a virtual press confer-

ence organized by music group °1824 on Feb. 23, Jon Batiste spoke with student journalists about his background, his approach to music and his current endeavors, all the while captivating everyone on the Zoom call with his vibrant personality.

Batiste started the call by responding to questions asking him about the significance of his role as a musician. He made it clear that he sees his relationship with music as spiritual.

“I see things ultimately through a spiritual lens,” Batiste said. “I think our spiritual calling is to give our talents to the world.”

When asked if our life’s passion is the same as our life’s purpose, Batiste gave a nuanced answer.

“The mind lies a lot and so does the heart,” Batiste said.

“When they’re out of alignment, the passion leads you astray … I wouldn’t say that passion is our purpose, but I would say that it is when your mind and heart are in alignment.”

Many of these themes about passion and purpose are present in the film “Soul.”

Batiste then began to answer some more specific questions about his musical projects. For example, one student asked him what inspired the title for his upcoming album “We Are,” set for worldwide release on March 19.

“I look around at the times that we’re in, and it’s the question and the answer,” Batiste said. “We are? We are. Bite into that. Get the apple. Bite it!”

Batiste ended the press conference by improvising and showing off his skills on the piano.

Courtesy of Forbes.com

Anyone at the press conference can testify to Batiste’s talents.

In the grand scheme of things, his career has probably only just begun.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

SPORTS

The Villanovan | 13

SPORTS

Men’s Basketball Takes on Creighton in Top 15 Matchup Noah Swan Staff Writer Continued from pg. 1 his senior teammates, his impact on and off the court is a big reason Villanova boasts a top 10 ranking going into Wednesday’s matchup against Creighton. His draft status is uncertain, but more than one outlet has the Kansas native as a late first round pick or early second rounder. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility for Robinson-Earl to only spend one season on the Mainline, so a departure after two seasons wouldn’t be shocking to many.

Jay Wright has navigated this rendition of the Wildcats through rough waters during the entire season. It opened with an endless stay at the Mohegan Sun, where the ‘Cats picked up big wins over Boston College and Arizona State to start the year. Villanova decided to extend its visit in “Bubbleville” with games against Virginia Tech and Hartford. After wobbling in its third game of the season with an overtime loss, Villanova flew to Austin to take on a red-hot Texas team before opening conference play. The Wildcats snuck out of the Lone Star state with a four-point victory before heading back northeast to secure a win over Georgetown.

Villanova rose to #3 in the

Jermaine Samuels face up last time Villanova played Creighton.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

AP Poll for five consecutive weeks, but the program faced a lengthy shutdown period following multiple positive COVID-19 diagnoses.

Over winter break, the Wildcats waited 27 days between its last game of 2020 and the first of the 2021 calendar year. Conference play rolled on as the ‘Cats accumulated 10 conference wins in the lead-up to Wednesday’s clash.

However, this game will provide one of the toughest challenges for Villanova this season.

After all, the Bluejays are responsible for one of the four Wildcat losses this season. Creighton guards Mitch Ballock and Marcus Zegarowski caught fire in their February meeting, combining for 45 points and 13 three-pointers. In

Villanova’s four losses this season, superb guard-play from the opposition links the three. Whether it be Nahiem Alleyne from Virginia Tech early in the season or Posh Alexander with the pesky St. John’s team, Villanova will have to step up defensively to avenge its 16-point defeat in Omaha.

The Wildcats will also need to be prepared offensively. Despite Wright’s potent offensive system, lapses in shooting, particularly from three-point range, have sunk the team at points during the season. In the two teams’ last contest, Villanova shot 24/64 (37.5%) from the field, much lower than its season average of 46%. The Wildcats hit a cold streak during their most recent outing against

Butler, making only two threes of 27 attempts in one of their worst shooting performances of the season. The team will need to bounce back with confidence from threepoint range if it hopes to win on Wednesday.

Caleb Daniels and Justin Moore will need to help Gillespie neutralize the firepower Creighton can bring from beyond the arc.

Daniels has struggled some since returning from the pause, while Moore is currently shooting just 30% from three. Turnovers will be another factor to watch Wednesday night. One hallmark of Wildcat losses has been high turnover outings, a rarity for a team as disciplined as Villanova. Ball security is a staple of Wright’s offense, but the slow tempo of the system can worsen the effect of turnovers in any given game. The Wildcats will need to limit their turnovers Wednesday night to come out with a crucial victory.

It is number one vs. number two - the Big East leaders against the Big East contenders.

Despite the fireworks bound to erupt from either end of an empty Finneran Pavilion, the game is more than a five-on-five. Villanova vs. Creighton bookends one of the strangest seasons on record. Whatever the outcome, the game will author the conclusion of illustrious careers of several key Wildcat mainstays.

Women’s Basketball Falls 67-55 in Regular Season Finale Meghann Morhardt Staff Writer

In its final regular season game, and on senior night, Villanova women’s basketball fell to Seton Hall, 67-55.

The program celebrated the class of 2021 with a special ceremony and tribute before tip-off. The class of ‘21 includes three players - Sam Carangi, Brianna Herlihy, Raven James and the team’s manager, Caroline O’Keefe.

Redshirt sophomore Maddy Siegrist scored her 1000th point only 56 seconds into the game on a pair of free throws.

Siegrist is the third Wildcat to score 1000 points in just two seasons and the fastest player to do it, in only 50 games, surpassing Villanova women’s basketball legend Shelley Pennefather’s previous record of 52 games. Siegrist is the 30th women’s basketball player to score 1000 points.

The first quarter was an even battle, with both teams showing tough defense and strong offense. The ‘Cats had a fourpoint advantage with less than two seconds left in the quarter, but a foul on a three-point shot allowed Seton Hall to cut the lead to one entering the second.

Scoring was scarce in the quarter, with the Pirates and the ‘Cats only scoring 12 and 10

points respectively. Both were plagued by turnovers, with the two teams combining for 12 in the second quarter alone. Seton Hall was able to regain the lead with two minutes remaining in the half, neither team scoring for the remainder of the half, giving the Pirates a 29-28 lead entering halftime.

The third quarter was the turning point of the game. Villanova tied the game at 31 with 7:45 remaining in the period, but Seton Hall responded with a 9-0 run and opened up the lead. The ‘Cats, led

by Siegrist, tried to respond with a run of their own, but Seton Hall was not slowing down, ending the quarter with a 12 point lead.

Seton Hall held a double figure lead until there was less than a minute remaining in game play. The Pirates closed the game out with free throws and tough defensive stops to win by 12.

Siegrist led all scorers with 27 points and added 10 rebounds, tallying a Big East-best 10th double-double on the season, 22 in her career. Siegrist has recorded a double-double in three of the last four games. This game is the 28th time in her career that Siegrist has scored 20 or more points.

Senior guard Sarah Mortensen added 11 points and nine rebounds to help the Wildcats. This game marks Mortensen’s 11th double figure scoring game of the season. Herlihy recorded five points, eight rebounds, four

assists, and three blocks.

Villanova lost the battle on the boards 42-38 and had 16 turnovers to the Pirates’ 12. The ‘Cats shot just 35.8% from the field, 19of-53, while Seton Hall shot 35%, 21-of-60.

Seton Hall had three players score in double figures and had two with 20-plus points. The Pirates were led by senior Desiree Elmore who tallied 21 points, 16 rebounds and four assists.

Sophomore Lauren ParkLane added 20 points and five assists for Seton Hall. Graduate Student Andra Espinoza-Hunter chipped in 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals for the Pirates.

This was Villanova’s last regular season game. The ‘Cats are ranked fifth in the Big East, meaning they would play the four seed in the Big East tournament.

The tournament is being held in Connecticut this year at Mohegan Sun and will consist of 10 games, and all 11 Big East teams will participate. The tournament kicks off on Friday with three games among the six lowest ranked teams.

Since DePaul finished fourth in the conference, Villanova will face off against the Blue Demons on Saturday afternoon.

Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. and the game can be viewed on FS2.

The women’s baskeball team huddles before a game.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

SPORTS

14 | The Villanovan

Field Hockey Suffers Consecutive Defeats Claire Chmiel Staff Writer

This past weekend, the Villanova’s women’s field hockey team went to Norfolk, Virginia for a double header against Big East rival Old Dominion. The Wildcats fell short in both games, moving to 0-4 on the season and 0-4 in Big East play. In their first contest, the Wildcats fell short in a 4-1 loss.

Despite the loss, taking a closer look at the game statistics reveals that the ‘Cats impressive defense was on display. The Monarchs finished with 23 shots total, and only 11 of those were on goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Claire Borman started in goal for the Wildcats, facing seven off target shots in the first half. Junior Jordan McGinely started the second half

in goal and played a crucial role anchoring Villanova’s defense, facing three shots and notching two saves.

The Wildcats also maintained an aggressive offense.

Freshman back Sabine De Ruijter tallied her first career goal and the only goal for the Wildcats on Friday. Her first collegiate goal came off of a penalty corner taken by senior Riley Dolan in which she found De Ruijiter at the top of the key, who was able to connect on the shot.

Senior Emily Clarke also tied her career high shots with three total shots on the day. Freshman Jamie Pennington finished the afternoon with one shot on goal.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Wildcats were unable to pull away with a win on Friday.

On Saturday, the Wildcats

Freshman Meghan Mitchell defends against Old Dominion.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

closed out their two consecutive games at Old Dominion with 7-0 loss. The Monarchs came out strong and led 5-0 at the end of the first half. McGinley entered in goal to start the second half and notched two critical saves.

Throughout the first four games for the Wildcats, both goalkeepers have made the most of their opportunities in goal. Gorman, the West Chester, Pennsylvania native has made 20 saves and allowed 18 goals, good for a 52.6 save percentage. Just a sophomore, her career save percentage is 59.4.

McGinley, a junior from Morristown, New Jersey, has played thirty minutes in each of the last three games, making 16 saves.

Freshman Megan Mitchell got two quick shots off for the Wildcats yet failed to get them past Old Dominion goalkeeper Cam MacGillivray. Additionally, De Ruijter and Caitlin Van Goeverden both placed shots on goal, but these were saved by MacGillivray as well.

The Wildcats will be playing a conference-only schedule this season, except for two games against local squads. On March 27, Villanova will take on Drexel at home and will follow that up with a home match against nearby La Salle. Outside of that, the Wildcats will only be facing Temple, Quinnipiac and Connecticut in the remainder of their unusual spring season.

Villanova will suit up again next Saturday for their home opener against the Temple Owls at the Proving Grounds at 3 p.m.

Awards Season for Bey, Current ‘Cats Top 20 list has been released, and Villanova’s Colin Gillespie and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl have both made

The past few weeks have been the cut for their respective outstanding seasons. filled with silverware for current and

The Top 20 list includes Jared former Wildcats, as Saddiq Bey won Butler of Baylor, Ayo Dosunmu of IlNBA Eastern Conference Player of linois, Luka Garza of Iowa and Jalen the Week in mid-February, and several Suggs and Drew Timme of Gonzaga. current members of the team were

The Wooden Award places nominated for nationwide positional great emphasis on maturity and develawards. opment of character both on and off

Former Wildcat standout and the court, largely relating to expericurrent Detroit Pistons rookie Bey put up a career-high 30 points and 12 ence and refinery. Because of this, the process of selecting the finalists and rebounds in a 108-102 victory over the Boston Celtics on Feb. 12. He also often the winner will typically favor junior and senior upperclassmen. Butshot a perfect 7-of-7 from the behind three point line, making him the only ler, a junior from Baylor, and Garza, rookie in NBA history to score at least a senior from Iowa, are examples of upperclassmen who could have easily seven three-pointers in a game withcould have cut their collegiate careers out a miss. short, but chose to make the sacrifice

For his performance, he got the nod for Eastern Conference Play- for the sake of his team, demonstrater of the Week, the first Pistons rookie ing leadership and commitment.

Gillespie fits right into this to win the award since 1982. notion.

He is a senior, and everyone

Detroit is looking to expand looks to him for guidance and motivaits young core as much as possible tion, Jermaine Samuels and Dhamir in what is looking to become a very Cosby-Roundtree included. This is competitive Eastern Conference emphasized by his point guard role, playoff picture, and Bey could be a big the position that naturally denotes part of making a later season run. leadership.

It is the combination of

In terms of current Wildthese two aspects that make him a cats, The John R. Wooden Award finalist.

Wright emphasizes these exact is handed out each year to the most characteristics for all of his players, outstanding college basketball player of the year, male and female. It is giv- no matter the year or position. After en to the player who not only excels in being under Wright’s direction for four years, Gillespie has transformed the box score at the end of the night, himself into as good a leader as anybut someone who also demonstrates one in the nation. leadership, sportsmanship and out Gillespie, as part of this standing character. The Late Season Anders Pryor Staff Writer

leadership, has also been selected for the senior-exclusive Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School (CLASS) award. The award goes to Division 1 Senior basketball players who demonstrate excellence in four fields: Classroom, Community, Character and Competition. Gillespie’s achievements and characters on the court translate into all components of his life, including his academics in the Villanova classroom.

There is also due diligence for the outstanding young talent offered across Division 1 basketball that is projected to be NBA caliber come draft time. This is demonstrated in this year’s list: Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs were all Top 10 Five-Star recruits entering this season, all of which have been talked about in NBA circles for some time

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD Feb 24 - Mar. 2 Wednesday, February 24 Women’s Basketball vs Providence 63-58 W (OT) Thursday February 25 Women’s Soccer @ Drexel 0-1 L Friday February 26 Softball vs Notre Dame 2-8 L Softball @ Liberty 3-4 L (8) Field Hockey @ Old Dominion 1-4 L Women’s Lacrosse @ Temple 2-17 L Saturday February 27 Softball @ Notre Dame 0-8 L (5) Softball @ Liberty 13-18 L Baseball @ Radford 3-5 L Men’s Lacrosse @ Marquette 16-14 W Men’s Soccer vs Georgetown 0-3 L Field Hockey @ Old Dominion 0-7 L Women’s Basketball vs Seton Hall 55-67 L Sunday February 28 Softball vs Notre Dame 3-11 L (5) Baseball @ Radford 1-6 L Men’s Basketball @ Butler 61-73 L Men’s Tennis @ Lafayette 7-0 W Women’s Soccer vs St John’s 1-0 W now. Their sheer ability to reach a high level of play at such a young age is astounding, and the voting committee recognizes that.

Robinson-Earl already had draft comparisons in high school and was viewed by some as a one-and-done type prospect. Yet, he knows that he does not fit into that path, as he fits into Villanova culture that emphasizes development over a long period of time. The level of play he has reached in such a short period of time while being surrounded by such great talent makes him all the more deserving to be on this list.

Both Gillespie and Robinson-Earl were also named as finalists for their positional awards, the Cousy Award and Malone Award, respectively. Both awards will be announced on ESPN in April.

Pistons rookie Saddiq Bey won Eastern Conference Player of the Week in mid-February.

Courtesy of the Detroit Free Press.

SPORTS

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The Villanovan | 15

Baseball Swept in Opening Series Matthew Ryan Staff Writer

The Villanova Baseball team, which was picked to finish sixth place in the Big East in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll, played its first series of the season on the road against the 2-2 Radford Highlanders on Saturday and Sunday. The two game series did not go well for the ‘Cats, as they were swept, 5-3 and 6-1, starting the season off 0-2.

In their first game of the year, the ‘Cats came out hot, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. The first run was knocked in with a single from sophomore Jack O’Reilly on a 3-2 pitch with one out, scoring Chris Rotondo from third. In the Wildcats’ next at-bat, graduate student Nick Oar hit a double on the first pitch, scoring junior Nick Lorusso from second.

In the bottom of the first, with junior starting pitcher preseason all-Big East team member Gordon Graceffo on the mound, Radford responded by scoring one run and cutting Villanova’s lead to 2-1. Senior Pat O’Neill led off the

top of the second with a triple and was brought home with a sac fly from junior Will Reiner in the next at-bat for the ‘Cats, giving them a 3-1 lead.

Both teams failed to score for the next four innings, but in the bottom of the sixth, Radford chipped at Villanova’s lead with a two-out single, making it a 3-2 game. Sophomore Danny Wilkinson came in to replace Graceffo, who threw 103 pitches, at the start of the bottom of the eighth inning. In the bottom of the eighth, Radford scored three runs on three hits, two walks and an error, putting the ‘Cats in a 5-3 hole with just three outs remaining.

In the top of the eight with two outs, Reiner walked, bringing the tying run, Rotondo, to the plate.

Rotondo grounded out to third, and the ‘Cats lost their season opener, 5-3.

Villanova had six hits (two doubles and one triple), drew three walks and struck out five Highlanders. Graceffo pitched seven innings, giving up two runs and striking out four, and Lorusso had one hit, one walk and scored one run.

Reliever Cameron Mathes struck out four in his season debut.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Graceffo delivers in the opening game of the season.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

In the bottom of the first in the final game of the series, Radford got on the board with a two-out one-run scoring triple off senior starting pitcher Jimmy Kingsbury and jumped out to a 1-0 lead over the Wildcats.

In the top of the third, the ‘Cats responded by tying the game at one, with sophomore Vance Anderson scoring on a wild pitch.

However, that tie would not last long, as Radford scored in the bottom half of the third to take a 2-1 lead.

With graduate student Tyler Arella relieving Kingsbury, Radford hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning and another two-run home run in the sixth inning, giving the Highlanders a comfortable 6-1 lead.

After Radford went up 6-1, the Wildcats had baserunners in every inning, but they could not bring any of them home, resulting in a 6-1 Villanova loss.

Villanova had four hits (two doubles), drew six walks and struck out 12 Highlanders. Senior Cam-

eron Mathes pitched in the seventh and eighth innings, giving up only one hit while striking out four, and Vance Anderson had one hit and scored the Wildcats’ only run of the game.

The ‘Cats have their first home series of the year this weekend against Hofstra, which is 4-2 on the season. Hofstra lost its first game of the seasonwon four in a row, and split a doubleheader against La Salle. ‘Nova and Hofstra will play one game on Friday and then cap off the series with a doubleheader on Sunday.

Hofstra’s team leader in batting average at .400 is Preseason All-CAA team member Austin Gauthier. Gauthier leads the team in walks with 10 and leads the team in runs scored with seven. Brian Goulard leads the team in RBI’s with five, and Anthony D’Onofrio leads in stolen bases with four in four tries. Hofstra’s opponents are nine for nine on the year stealing bases and have a .130 team batting average.

Women’s Lacrosse Wrapped Up First Week of Play Jamie Pennington Staff Writer

The Villanova women’s lacrosse team played its first two games of the 2020-2021 season following the cancellations of its first two scheduled games, as well as a postponement of its originally scheduled Wagner game. The Wildcats were eager to finally face the Wagner Seahawks on Tuesday, Feb. 23, a remarkable 349 days since their last game was played, and they responded with a thrilling, 19-18 overtime triumph. Three days later, Villanova did not fare so well, dropping a 17-2 decision at Temple.

The ‘Cats came out strong, with attacker Katie Comerford and midfielder Libby McKenna each

Libby McKenna scored six against Wagner.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

netting unanswered goals within the first two minutes of play. Wagner got on the board a minute later, but Villanova senior attacker Julianne Puckette responded with a goal, assisted by Comerford, increasing the Wildcats’ lead by two and making the score 3-1.

Wagner did not concede and went on to score four unanswered goals, taking the lead. This trend would soon end as freshman midfielder Jessie Lee scored her first collegiate goal in the 16th minute of the first half, assisted by Comerford. The first half would continue to display itself as a high-scoring back-and-forth battle, including goals from Comerford, Olivia Piccrilli, Haley Driscoll and McKenna, concluding the half with a score of 10-9 in Wagner’s favor.

Katie Comerford scored or assisted on ten of nineteen Wildcat goals.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

The second half proved itself to be just as equally matched, as McKenna ignited the Wildcats’ second-half offense with a goal to tie it up. Goals by Adeline Fisher, McKenna, Puckette and Driscoll would bring the ‘Cats to a two-goal lead with 2:50 remaining in regulation, with a score of 18-16. However, the Seahawks would make two successful pushes to the goal within the final 30 seconds of regulation to tie the score up 18-18, sending the game into its first three-minute overtime period.

Wagner won the draw control in overtime, but Villanova defender Sydney Frank was able to force an imperative turnover and regain possession as Wagner’s shot clock wound down.

Finally, with seconds remaining in the first overtime, Puckette picked up a ground ball to the side of the eight-meter and found McKenna, who ripped a shot from far-out, notching a buzzer-beater

overtime goal, giving Villanova a 19-18 victory.

In goal for the Wildcats were junior Alexa Moro and freshman Mary Alice Collins, who combined for 11 saves on the day.

Following the victory over Wagner, the Wildcats traveled to Temple on Friday Feb. 26, where both teams were coming in fresh off of victorious season openers.

Temple’s draw controls would prove to be a key to its successful offensive pushes, assisting its high-scoring attack on the day. Villanova was able to generate successful offensive opportunities, with goals from Driscoll (Alexa Tshalis assist) and Caroline Phelps ( Fisher assist). Villanova goalkeepers Moro and Collins combined for 12 saves in net.

The 1-1 Wildcats host powerhouse Loyola on Wednesday, March 3 at 2 p.m. in the Villanova Stadium. The game is available to watch via livestream on Villanova. com.

VA

NO

LA

VIL

DINING SERVICES

Villanova Dining Services

March is Nutrition Month

Hawaiian Dinner Thursday, March 4

Donahue - Dougherty - St. Mary’s Look for the VEG logo in all dining locations to help you make smart choices all month long!

Make Fruit & Vegetables the center of your plate

Decrease your Animal Protein intake

increase your whole Grain intake

increase WATER & Reduce Sugary beverage intaKE

Menu Shoyu Chicken Grilled Mahi Mahi & Mango Salsa Crispy Garlic Tofu Loco Moco Pineapple Rice