The Villanovan | Volume 113, Issue 4: Wednesday, September 22, 2021

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

VOLUME 113 | ISSUE 4

Villa- Villanova Celebrates Parents Weekend Vogue: 2021 Met Gala Kaelin Trombly Staff Writer

On the second Monday in September, New York City’s upper fifth avenue was a buzz of cream-colored carpets and clacking stilettos for the first time in over two years. What seemed to be an eternity of silence for the fashion world has finally come to an end with the return of the 2021 Met Gala.

For those who may not know, the Met Gala is the fashion equivalent of the Oscars. The Super Bowl of fashion, if you will. It’s the party of the year where everyone who is anyone comes to the Metropolitan Museam of Art in order to celebrate the Costume Institute’s annual new exhibit. Every Met Gala that is held adorns a different, far from bland, theme that every A-lister tries to top.

This year being In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.

The theme of “American Independence” seems simple. Just throw on a pair of cowboy boots, a belt with one of those big buckles, maybe even dress head to toe in red white and blue. Right?

Wrong.

Andrew Bolton, The Costume Institute’s Curator in Charge, told Vogue he centered this year’s event around the question “who gets to be American?”

Nowadays, American fashion designers are at the forefront of conversations encircling diversity, sustainability, gender fluidity and body positivity. That being said, the Gala’s theme became a framework for designers to thoughtfully engage in their pieces for the show.

The 2021 Met Gala included over 100 pieces, ranging from Marc Jacobs to La Réunion. Not one ensemble came close in similarity to the one before it yet each one represented the common theme. So without further

Villanova families from across the country travelled to the University to celebrate Family Weekend.

Courtesy of Elena Rouse

Nicole Celis Staff Writer

This past weekend, Villanova families from across the country travelled to the University to celebrate Family Weekend. It was a time for students to reconnect with their families and spend the weekend together on campus. This year, the highlight for many families was the tailgate party and football game on Saturday.

The University hosted a wide array of events for students and families to partake in. While many families were still travelling to campus on Friday, events started in the late afternoon for those arriving early enough.

The Villanova University Horticulturist hosted a Campus Tree Tour, the University Art Gallery presented “Modern Masters: Work on Paper from the Collection” in an Open House and Villanova field hockey beat Providence, 5-3, at Proving Grounds in Conshohocken.

Friday evening, there was an A Cappella showcase, at which each group had the opportunity to perform for families and community members.

Early Saturday morning, there was the Junior Ring Blessing for all current juniors who ordered a Senior Ring to get blessed.

Junior Anna Staiger attended the blessing.

“The ring that I received with my family at the Junior Ring Ceremony is a symbol of my love for Villanova that I will always carry close to me,” Staiger said.

There were many academic events throughout the day, including an Ethics symposium and an informational session presented by the Office of Education Abroad. Villanova Business School also hosted events showcasing its business minor opportunities for students majoring in Arts, Sciences, Engineering and Nursing. University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A, Ph.D., held a President’s Welcome speech on Saturday morning as well,

welcoming families back to the campus.

Arguably the most anticipated part of the weekend was the football tailgate on the Campus Green and football game against Richmond. Students and families were able to purchase tailgating tents on the Green on Saturday before the game. Families flocked the area to enjoy food and drinks with people that they have not been able to see in a long time. This was reminiscent of Family Weekend 2019, because families were able to reunite in a way that COVID-19 did not permit last year. Friends were able to introduce their parents to those of their friends and

Continued on p. 2

Villanova Faces Penn State in Football Game Colin Beazley

Co-Sports Editor

seating 16,000. In Happy Valley on Saturday, empty seats will be hard to find despite Beaver Stadium’s official capacity of over 106,000. In their

first trip, the Wildcats traveled to face a team that hadn’t won a game since 2019, a perennial FCS struggler and a Patriot League punching bag. Against

Penn State, Villanova faces the FBS team ranked sixth in the nation, a historic Big Ten powerhouse with two national titles and a legitimate chance to contend for a third this year.

The first Wildcat road trip of the season resulted in a 47-3 cakewalk. For the second, a positive result will be much harder to come by.

“Every game we go into, our focus is to try to win the game, that’s why you play the game,” Villanova head coach Mark Ferrante said in Continued on p. 13

Continued on p. 10

The Wildcats’ second road trip of the season presents a vastly different challenge than their first.

The first, a season opening trip to Lehigh, was less than an hour by bus. The second, a trip to Penn State, requires a slightly longer threehour ride. The game against Lehigh was attended by just over four thousand people, sparse attendance in a stadium

Villanova Ranks 49th in News and World Report p. 3

Mental Health Resources Expanded p. 4

Refectory Set to ReOpen p. 5

A Capella Performs for Family Weekend p. 6

The Sexist Intent of Villanova’s Gym Dress Code p. 7

Villanova Dining Halls Could Use an Upgrade p. 7

The Return of the Yik Yak App to College Campuses p. 11

The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards in Review p. 14

Volleyball Defeats Local Rivals in Temple Tourney p. 17

Men’s Lacrosse Adds to Class of 2025 p. 19

Penn State is ranked sixth in the nation, a historic Big Ten powerhouse.

Courtesy of WTAE

2 | The Villanovan

News Opinion Culture Sports

1 7 11 16

VOL. 113 | ISS. 4 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 COLIN BEAZLEY Sports Editor BILLY VINCI Sports Editor MOLLY BAKER Copy Desk Chief

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

NEWS

PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER Liquor Underag September 17 Moriarty Hall A male resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated for alcohol intoxication and released.

Criminal Mischief September 18 Gallen Hall A female resident student intentionally ripped up paper name tags posted in a residence hall. The value of the damaged property is unknown.

Harassment, Terroristic Threats, Theft

by Deception September 18 Garey Hall A male resident-student reported he was the victim of an internet scam and was subsequently threatened by the actor with physical harm.

Receiving Stolen Property September 18 Rudolph Hall A non-affiliated female reported she had tracked her laptop computer, which had been stolen off campus, to a campus Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition residence hall.

September 18 Good Counsel Hall Theft by Unlawful Taking An RA reported all the shower curtains September 18 were missing from the showers in the men Donoghue Hall ‘s room of a residence hall. The amount of Dining services staff member reported two the loss is unknown. subjects took several masks from a closed drawer without their permission.

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.

Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Change September 22 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Virtual

Villanova Wildcats vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Game Watch September 25 11:30 a.m. -7:00 p.m Belle Air Terrace

Amnesty International + No Lost Generation Inclusion September 27 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

West Lounge

Painting with POWER and the University Counseling Center September 23 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

West Lounge

Sullivan’s Travels: Cultural Film & Lecture Series September 26 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Cinema

Africana Studies Program BBQ September 28 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Alumni Events Room

Movie Night @ The Elipse September 24 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Oreo

Mindfulness Mondays September 27 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Virtual

Continued from p.1

roommates, and the entire Green was packed with family members.

Junior Maddy Hagan was one of the students that rented a tailgate on the Green spaces.

“Coming from California, it’s hard for my parents to meet my friends and their parents, so I jumped at the opportunity to host a tailgate,” Hagan said. “It was so easy and probably one of my favorite experiences at Villanova so far.”

There were also food trucks, yard games and a marching band send-off on the Riley Ellipse. The Villanova Stadium was packed with fans, who all cheered on the football team in their 34-27 victory over Richmond.

Many students took advantage of their families’ visits by going out to different restaurants during the weekend. University-favorite restaurants were booked weeks in advance for dinner and brunch.

Among those fan favorite restaurants included LaScala’s Fire, White Dog Cafe, Main and Vine and First Watch (if you were willing to wait).

Students were able to have a brief break of dining hall cuisine in substitute for a nice restaurant dinner.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with the Family Weekend Mass on the Campus Green. This was the last event for many students and families unless they attended a last Sunday brunch together. Families packed up their cars or headed to the airport as students returned to their dorms to catch up on homework or sleep. Many students said goodbye to their families until Fall Break commences on Oct. 11.

COVID-19 TRACKER

CONFIRMED CUMULATIVE CASES AS OF 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

187 1.39 Million 42.3 Million 219 Million Villanova University (since 8/17/21)

Pennsylvania

United States

CAMPUS CALENDAR

LASO On My Block Party September 25 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Oreo

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

“Meet the Dean” with Dean Joyce Russel in Bartley, MBA Students September 28 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Bartley Hall

Worldwide

CONFIRMED VACCINATIONS AS OF 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY, SEPT. 21

181 Million 7.29 Million United States

Pennsylvania

Students enjoy time with their families at the Villanova Football game.

Courtesy of Elena Rouse, Vivi Melkonian, Sarah Wisniewski

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

NEWS

The Villanovan | 3

Villanova Ranks 49th in List of Top Universities Lydia McFarlane Staff Writer

On September 13, U.S. News and World Report released its annual list of the nation’s top universities for the upcoming year of 2022. The U.S News Best Colleges List is now in its 37th year, and it evaluates more than 14,000 universities in more than 17 categories of academic quality.

This year, Villanova landed on the best colleges list, placing 49th out of 391 national universities.

According to U.S. News, “Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.” The ranking factors include graduation and retention rates, social mobility, graduation rate performance, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources for 2020-2021 academic year, student selectivity for the fall 2020 entering class, financial resources per student, average alumni giving rate and graduate indebtedness. Each of these ranking rates are given a certain percentage, and together the rates add up to 100%. The percentage out of 100 that each school is granted helps in determining their ranking on the list.

The mission of the list,

according to U.S. News, itself is to provide “expert advice, rankings and data to help you navigate your education journey and find the best college for you.” The list is designed to help prospective students and their families find the best fitting school to continue their higher education.

“Students and faculty continue to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it’s through remote learning, mask-wearing or vaccine requirements,” said Kim Castro, editor and chief content officer of U.S. News. “As communities work through these challenges, U.S.

News is committed to providing information on the academic quality of institutions across the country, so prospective students and their families can make informed decisions throughout their college search.”

The National Universities category that the University falls under is identified as “Schools in the National Universities category offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and Ph.D. programs.”

The University being placed in the top 50 on this list has huge positive implications for Villanova and its future. Be-

Villanova landed on the best colleges list, placing 49th out of 391.

Courtesy of Villanova University

ing included in the list is a huge honor, but placing in the top 50 is even more impressive. Since first being featured on the list, undergraduate applications have gone up by 15 percent. University students played a huge role in the factoring of the ranking of the school. Students at the University have consistently earned very prestigious and honorable awards and national scholarships, such as the Fulbright U.S. Student Grant.

According to a University press release, 98 Villanovans have been presented with this award since 2016.

The class of 2020 has been applauded by the University for its very high and admirable placement rate of 91.8 percent post-graduation. Because of the University’s reputation for success, newly graduated students of the University are highly sought after by competitive graduate schools and top companies and employers.

In a press release by the University, the top 50 ranking is celebrated in saying, “Villanova’s inclusion (#49) among the nation’s best colleges and universities is indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.” The high ranking and prestigious spot on the list of top colleges leaves Villanovans with much to be proud of and even more to celebrate.

Villanova’s Faculty Congress Comments on COVID Owen Hewitt Staff Writer

When the University announced that it would be mandating masks for all individuals regardless of vaccination status, Faculty Congress Chairperson Tom Way was disappointed by the news.

“I was very hopeful at the beginning of the semester,” Way said. “There’s a lot of vaccination on campus and people who were not vaccinated were doing their part to keep everyone else safe and themselves safe as well. So then to see things take a turn and us have to mandate masks was certainly disappointing. Speaking for myself, I’m much more comfortable now that masking indoors is required, given that the cases have been on the rise.”

The Faculty Congress had been advocating for a change in the University’s masking policy prior to the Sept. 3 mandate.

An email sent to faculty by Way on Aug. 31 detailed that the executive committee of the Faculty Congress had “unsuccessfully requested” the policy committee, which makes suggestions to the University on its COVID-19 response, to adjust its preferred policy to an “opt-out” policy, rather than what was at the time an “opt-in” policy.

“Opt-out” would set a universal mask mandate as the base policy for campus, with the ability for classes to opt-out of the policy through a unanimous anonymous vote. Way clarified that the policy

would protect students and faculty that felt uncomfortable requesting that masks be worn in classrooms.

“Very early on, our science advisory group of faculty said that [the opt-in policy] really puts pressure on faculty members and students who might feel a little bit at risk, faculty members with small children at home or elderly parents or even faculty members themselves, who might have reasons to be concerned about exposure, that puts them in the position

of having to be kind of the ‘bad guy,’” Way said.

The email detailing the mandate stated that the University “will continue to monitor our positive cases and assess our next steps after Family Weekend.” As Family Weekend has come and gone, it is yet to be seen whether or not the University reverts back to its original policy, continues with its current policy or moves to an “opt-out” policy.

The University COVID-19

The Faculty Congress requested the COVID-19 dashboard be more specific about the nature of cases.

Courtesy of Villanova University

dashboard shows a total of 182 cumulative cases among community members since Aug. 17, with an overall positivity rate of 3%, significantly lower than the state of Pennsylvania’s 8.8% rate, according to covidactnow.org. However, a lower positivity rate is to be expected within a community with a 95% vaccination rate.

The question of where cases are coming from is not one that’s answered by the COVID-19 dashboard, as there’s no specification of how many of the total cases are breakthrough cases and how many are among unvaccinated individuals.

The Faculty Congress has also requested that the COVID-19 dashboard be more specific about the nature of cases so that members of the community would be able to make informed decisions about whether or not they feel that a mask is necessary.

“It would be informative to know of the cases, what percentage are breakthrough versus what percentage are [among] people who were unvaccinated, that could help inform other decisions as well,” Way said.

“That extra bit of breakdown would help us try to figure out and navigate the coming months as safely as possible.”

While the University tries to move forward with in-person classes, the faculty remains open to any changes that keep the community safe.

“As long as we are still actively engaged in caring for each other, I think anything that might make our learning better should be considered,” Way said.

4 | The Villanovan

NEWS

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Mental Health Resources Expanded at Health Center Isabella Irwin Staff Writer Erin Costa Staff Writer

The University offers a range of counseling services intended to provide resources for the mental, emotional and physical well-being of students. The Office of Health Promotion works alongside the Student Health Center and University Counseling Center to create a healthy, happy learning and living environment for Villanovans.

Among the many services offered regarding mental health and well-being, is the recently updated Thrive 365 Online Portal, a digital tool designed to address each student’s unique needs and experiences regarding mental and physical well-being, as well as academic and personal goals.

Working directly with students to obtain up-to-date and first-hand information concerning college life, the Health Promotion Staff is dedicated to developing programs designed to target the true needs and well-being of students.

The website enlists a series of services offered, including a calendar of campus events and activities tasked with student welfare workshops. Pet therapy, a popular workshop for students, starts

Wednesday Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. in the West Lounge of Dougherty Hall. Painting sessions are also set to begin within the coming weeks alongside other activities.

Student life at the University provides support for students, faculty and staff for a variety of needs going beyond just emotional and physical health, including social, cultural, and spiritual support as well.

Another resource for students is the University Counseling Center, which is located in the Student Health Center. The University Counseling Center offers individual counseling for all students, free of charge.

The counselors are able to discuss a multitude of topics, including loneliness, roommate difficulties, romantic relationships and academic concerns.

Counseling Center psychologists assist students who battle anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and other emotional hardships. If needed, they offer accommodations for Spanish speaking students with a Spanish speaking counselor.

Within the Counseling Center, several new support groups are available. Graduate Student Support meets every Monday at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.

For students grieving, Loss of a Loved One meets Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. A First Year Adjustment Support Group meets every Friday at 2:30 p.m. and the Counseling

Center is still determining meeting times for the Sobriety Support Group and Healing Together Support Group.

These support systems reflect the current needs and wants of students and can be expanded to address any recurring issues faced by the student body.

The Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) team is additional vital service available to students who have been affected by any form of sexual misconduct.

Available 24/7, 365 days a year, staff members are highly trained and extremely knowledgeable in options and resources for students, regardless of when or where the act of sexual misconduct took place.

Dedicated to student

safety, protection and security, the SARC team is a group that places the needs and wants of students above all else. The SARC can be reached via email at sarc@villanova.edu or at 484-343-6028.

For more information regarding the services provided through the Counseling Center and Office of Health Promotion, visit room 206 in the Student Health Center.

To make an appointment at the Counseling Center. call 610-519-4050, which can be reached weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If looking for guidance and tips regarding mental health, the Office of Health Promotion has a great deal of sources available on their website.

The Counseling Center offers mental health resources for students.

Courtesy of Villanova University

NOVADance Hosts Their Annual Awareness Week Jackie Thomas Staff Writer

Each day last week, campus was alive with activities and signs promoting NOVAdance and its cause as the organization held its Annual Awareness Week. The organizers’ goal was to raise awareness and student participation on campus for the club, its purpose and its central event, which is a 12-hour dance marathon that rounds out a year of fundraising for children afflicted by cancer and their families through the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.

Before any activities began for the week, the NOVAdance Awareness Committee ran a “paint the campus gold” campaign, tying gold ribbons around campus and handing out smaller gold ribbons for students.

Sophomore Carly McNulty is an Awareness Committee member and explained the significance of the gold ribbons, both for NOVAdance and for this time of year in particular.

“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and gold ribbons are the typical symbols used to honor and show solidarity for that cause,” McNulty said. “Considering that supporting those affected by childhood cancer is our main cause at NOVAdance, and that our Awareness Month falls during such a significant month, we wanted to have visual reminders on campus to show support.”

The busy week of programming began Monday with NOVAdance representatives positioned at the Oreo to meet and greet students,

inform the community about the organization and its function and sign up any students interested in getting involved.

A large part of the programming for Monday and throughout the week was spreading awareness about the many ways to participate in NOVAdance.

For example, students can join a team with another University organization to fundraise or take up a role through NOVAdance itself in groups like Morale Committee or Sidekicks, a group specifically for freshmen.

Sophomore Ashley Mulhare, who has been involved in NOVAdance since her freshman year, talked about the worthwhile ways to participate.

“I’ve been a NOVAdance Team Captain for organizations I’m a part of on campus, as well as in smaller capacities in the past three years,” Mulhare said. “No matter how you get involved, it’s so rewarding, and I’m glad they’re spreading the word about it this week.”

Monday evening, committee members held an awareness panel via Zoom to further discuss and explain organization objectives and ways to get involved.

As the week continued on Tuesday, so did the committee’s information table, but with an added twist and incentive: trivia and prizes.

Participants answered questions at “Hero Trivia” about B+ Heros (the children supported by the organization and the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation) and NOVAdance for the chance to win a

shirt while, once again, learning more about the organization itself.

Wednesday raised the bar once again, involving food (specifically, Chick-fil-A and barbeque).

Chick-fil-A sandwiches were for sale in the Connelly Center to raise funds for NOVAdance during the day, and members of the Awareness Committee held a barbeque on South Campus, including music, lawn games, free burgers and, of course, information about NOVAdance and how to sign up.

The committee also set up a “Wall of Why” at the barbeque, made up of notecards on which past and current NOVAdance participants articulated why they got involved and why the organization is meaningful to them.

McNulty detailed why raising awareness in the freshmen class in particular is especially key during this week and throughout the year for NOVAdance.

“For a lot of upperclassmen, they’ve seen NOVAdance and the dance marathon on campus before, and they understand the importance of the cause,” McNulty said. “A lot of freshmen have never heard of it though, so we want to get them interested and involved early on so that they can witness how meaningful this organization is, too.”

Awareness Week continued with a scavenger hunt on Thursday, in which participants had the chance to find t-shirts, along with an introduction to a B+ Hero. Organizers also planned a “Fitness FTK (for the kids)” event Friday with yoga on Sheehan

Beach, but weather conditions forced them to postpone the activity to a later date.

Lastly, on Saturday, NOVAdance held a canning fundraiser and a 50/50 raffle at the Family Weekend football tailgate, as well as inviting out several B+ Heros to the game itself, rounding out a busy but successful week of raising funds and awareness.

“It was great to see so many new faces interested in joining the cause at the tables, the B+ Barbeque and the other activities throughout the week,” McNulty said.

Though NOVAdance’s Awareness week ended Saturday, students can continue to get involved.

Anyone interested in signing up for a role through the organization or joining a team can visit novadance.org and click the “sign up/donate” tab to join in.

Students support B+ Heroes.

Courtesy of NOVADance

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

The Villanovan | 5

NEWS

“Rising Phoenix” Screening Highlights Paralympic Games John Dughan Staff Writer

Ever since the very first Olympic Games of 1896 in Athens, Greece, the world has found unity in an event where athletes can represent their individual nations with pride and dignity. We have all bore witness to the famous lighting of the torch in the opening ceremonies, followed by days of intense competition between athletes who are cheered on by their home countries with roaring energy.

However, not as much light had been given to the Paralympic Games, equally as thrilling and competitive, until recently.

Students were able to attend a screening of the 2020 documentary “Rising Phoenix” in the Connelly Cinema on Tuesday, Sept. 14, which puts the Paralympic Games and the strength of individuals with disabilities in a whole new light.

Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the documentary focuses on the journeys of nine different Paralympic athletes and the struggles they endured to become the stars they truly are.

In the film, viewers were introduced to athletes of varying disabilities, including an archer with no arms, a swimmer with one leg and a man who runs on prosthetic blades, among others. As one of the students in attendance, my eyes welled up multiple times as a result of the athletes’ stories of resilience and adversity.

With exhilarating footage of the athletes shunning their disabilities in front of their family, friends and countries, viewers were

taken to the 2012 London Games, at which Stephen Hawking gave a speech of inspiration in the welcoming ceremony that sends chills down one’s spine.

The Paralympic Games had been looking forward to the event’s success that summer so much that when the Olympic Games had finished, billboards were put up around London thanking the Olympics “for the warm-up.” The Paralympics had truly become a powerful event for all.

The film then moves forward in time to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, which one could describe as almost disastrous for Paralympic athletes. Due to a lack of funding and political support for the Paralympic Games in Rio, former Chief Executive of the International Olympic Committee, Xavier Gonzalez, and IPC president Andrew Parsons had to gather all of the funds that they could to still put the event together.

Though the athletes expe-

Students were able to watch “Rising Phoenix” at the Connelly Cinema.

Courtesy of Netflix

rienced emotional turbulence in not knowing whether or not they would be able to compete due to a lack of preparation for the Paralympic Games, they ended up getting the Games in and proving that they can achieve the impossible.

The footage and interviews describe Soviet Russia’s refusal to host the Paralympic Games as well as the start of the Paralympics themself, beginning in 1948 with British veterans of World War II. It is safe to say that Bonhôte and Ettedgui didn’t just make an inspirational film about how these athletes can achieve “the impossible,” but they also provided a revolutionary insight into what these games mean for the athletes’ families and their countries.

Freshman Matt Vercelli shared his opinions on the documentary and its impact.

“I think the film was very good and very empowering because it opened up my eyes even more to people with disabilities and how they are just like other people in society,” Vercelli said.

“Whether you have family members with disabilities or not, you will learn more about the power of people with disabilities through the film and I think it’s a great one to show students.”

It is safe to say that students who were able to attend the screening of “Rising Phoenix” weren’t just drawn in by the amazing interviews and footage, but also moved to encourage disabled athletes to keep pushing through adversity and show the world what they can do.

“Rising Phoenix” was released on Aug. 26, 2020 on Netflix and is still able to be viewed on the streaming platform.

On-Campus Restaurant, The Refectory, Set to Re-Open Sarah Wisniewski Co-News Editor

In August of 2019 the University announced that a full service restaurant would open on-campus in The Commons.

The original restaurant opened in conjunction with Greg Dodge of Zavino Hospitality Group (ZHG), the former team behind the now closed, Enoteca Tredici in Bryn Mawr.

The Refectory opened in the Fall semester of 2019 and had to shut down temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, the operating team within the restaurant faced challenges and therefore a new group partnered to re-open the establishment.

The new operating group being welcomed into the restaurant includes local business owners Ken Kearns ‘92 VSB (of 118 North), and Chris Perella (of Ardmore Music Hall and 118 North) with award-winning Executive Chef Biff Gottehrer (of Ripplewood, 118 North, and Ardmore Music Hall) and General Manager Steve Khuu (formerly of Enoteca Tredici). The team is excited to re-open in October 2021.

“We are extremely excited

to bring our amazing team and their culinary and management expertise to The Refectory,” said Ken Kearns. “As an alumnus, it is an honor to be able to play an important part in the Villanova experience. We look forward to delivering a world-class dining experience to the Villanova campus and to the Main Line community.”

The full menu has not been released yet, but an upscale spin on comfort classics such as homemade pastas, wood-fired flatbreads, a raw bar, craft cocktails and specialty desserts has been teased. Chef Gottehrer has received a three-bell review in The Philadelphia Inquirer, for his work at Ardmore’s Ripplewood. A wellknown food critic, Craig Laban, praised the chef for his “inventive homemade touch.” When the menu is released in coming weeks, all potential customers will be guaranteed a great meal and top of the line cooking.

The design of the establishment will remain the same, which includes a central horseshoe-shaped bar that seats 18 guests and a casually elegant dining room that comfortably seats more than 150 guests. The dining room includes wood-finished banquettes and cedar-stained floors, as well as comfortable booths perfect

for sharing a meal with friends and family. The Refectory also has a vault room for private parties and special chef ’s tastings.

The restaurant will be open to community members of the University and the public. Guests can come to enjoy lunch, happy hour, dinner, weekend brunch and private events.

“I am delighted that The Refectory is reopening this fall for Villanovans and surrounding communities to enjoy,” said University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. “I have no doubt it will once again be a popular gathering spot for students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and neighbors to experience exception-

al service and delicious food and drinks.”

Students are also excited for the establishment to re-open and be another option for a delicious meal to share with friends.

Former Refectory employee and senior James Hughes shared his enthusiasm for the re-opening.

“I am extremely excited for the re-opening of the Refectory.

It had an amazing staff and was a great spot to visit with my friends and family,” Hughes said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the community back together again.”

Customers can find The Refectory within The Commons, located at the corner of Lancaster and Ithan Avenues.

The Refectory features a causual yet elegant dining room.

Courtesy of Villanova University

6 | The Villanovan

NEWS

2021 Virtual Career Fair Julia Butch Staff Writer

Each semester, the University offers undergraduate students from all colleges the opportunity to network with recruiters during career fairs.

The Fall Career Fair, held on Sept. 9, allowed Villanovans to interact with a robust array of companies.

Students registered on Handshake and signed up for individual or group sessions with the companies of their choice. There was something for everyone this year, from finance to politics to medicine. The sessions provided information about internships, careers and various program opportunities. The fair remained in an online format, as it was held last year.

“This year, many employers faced travel restrictions and weren’t permitted to visit campuses to meet students in a more traditional, in-person career fair environment,” said Kate Szumanski, Director of Professional Development in the Office for Undergraduate Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“It is important that we at Villanova continue to support our students and help them adapt to these changes so that they aren’t surprised by them and underprepared as a result.”

While Szumanski sees potential obstacles posed by the online format and says that “communicating through a screen as opposed to in person can be a barrier to connecting in meaningful ways,” she believes that “preparation is key” and thinks students still benefit by attending.

She also notes that undecided career paths shouldn’t stop students

from attending the fairs.

“I don’t want students to miss out on the wonderful opportunities that our career fairs bring,” Szumanski said. “The act of participating in an informed, prepared way allows students to possibly refine their career goals, make connections and learn more about the hiring landscape.”

Many students found the fair incredibly useful and used the format to their advantage.

“Attending the virtual career fair instead of an in-person fair allowed me to talk to recruiters with convenience and ease,” junior Hanna Cho said.

As a Political Science major, Cho took advantage of the variety, opting to attend sessions for several different industries.

“It was great to learn more about employers hiring at Villanova,” she said. “I felt much more confident going into this year’s sessions.”

Szumanski believes that each fair offers a worthwhile venue for inquiry. She emphasizes it as an opportunity to engage and ask meaningful questions. She also notes that the fair isn’t limited to upperclassmen, encouraging “First-year students, sophomores, juniors and seniors [to] engage fully every time there’s an opportunity.”

“Students seeking internships, entry-level jobs, connections, or simply more information about companies, organizations and their lines of business will find those and more at the career fairs,” Szumanski said. “What matters are the skills that our students develop and strengthen as a result of their attendance and participation.”

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

A Capella Groups Perform for Family Weekend

one of many that has been unable to occur in-person since the start of the pandemic.

Seamus Daniello, a junior

On Friday, Sept. 17, Villafrom the group Spires, spoke of nova hosted an a cappella showcase how it was great being back on the for Family Weekend. The Universtage. sity’s eight groups (Nothing But

“I felt so happy being able Treble, Haveners, Spires, Minor to perform again, especially since Problem, Sirens, Vocal Minority, we haven’t had a true a cappella Supernovas and Measure Up) each event since my freshman year,” performed a selection of songs on Daniello said.

Mendel Field.

“A cappella is back and

The night’s setlist included better than ever,” said senior Vocal songs from Carrie Underwood, RiMinority member Daniel Gorhanna, Michael Jackson and Billy man.

“It felt awesome getting to Joel. Each of the eight groups were welcome our new members at such asked to choose two songs to sing. an exciting and engaging perforStudents’ families from all years came out to watch the performance mance.”

Brendan Clark, a sophoand there was a great crowd for the more in Measure Up said that beoutdoor event. ing in-person was especially special

After holding a cappella because the parents were able to auditions just last week, new memsee the hard work of the groups. bers were expected to learn their

The same eight groups are groups’ songs within a couple of performing again on Friday, Sept. rehearsals.

24 to raise money for the Universi Izzy Dassow, a freshman ty’s Special Olympics. in the group Nothing But Treble,

remarked how she’s happy to have found her “little crew” through a cappella and loved being able to perform for her family, even while in college.

“Since joining a cappella, I’ve been able to make friends with upperclassmen, and I’ve even met girls in my own dorm building,” Dassow said.

Because of COVID-19 and the accompanying restrictions on campus last year, many upperclassMembers from Nothing But Treble pose before men were glad to perform at the their performance. showcase once again. This event is Courtesy of NBT Instagram Lauren Kourey Staff Writer

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

The Villanovan | 7

OPINION

OPINION

The Sexist Intent of the Villanova Gym Dress Code Abby Faeth Staff Writer

Does anyone wear open-toed shoes to the gym? Apparently, based on the Villanova Fitness Center dress code, they do. I initially thought that the new posters around the Fitness Center were for a new dress code.

The dress code is not new. The policy is as follows: “Users must wear closed-toed athletic shoes (exception: yoga/pilates classes) at ALL TIMES. Users must wear a shirt that ALWAYS covers their entire chest and midriff.”

I contacted the Coordinator of Fitness and Recreation because of my confusion. She informed me that the dress code wasn’t actually new, as it has always stated that “Shirts must be worn at all times in the facility.”

She went on to say that “With the ever changing trends in the fitness industry pertaining to gym attire, we wanted to adjust our policy to meet the standards of what we are trying to set forth in our facilities.

Additionally, we have this policy because we want to provide a welcoming environment, prolong the life of our equipment and reduce the risk of various skin infections.” She also added that this policy wasn’t enforced much last year as COVID-19 was the primary concern.

Dress code controversies are nothing new. I feel like it was a more predominant topic years ago when people began to question the intent behind restricting clothing. I remem-

inclusivity, which comes in all forms.

Since this is the case, inclusivity must adhere to both female and male attire. It is not justifiable to tell women they need to cover up or hide their bodies in order to attend a gym. This is the opposite of welcoming.

I think it’s true that fitness trends are changing. There are now more options for everyone to wear when they work out. Consequently, we need to change our mindset for clothes in general. Villanova, and everyone else, must realize that clothing doesn’t need to have too much power and shouldn’t make you feel a certain way. Clothing is just fabric and shouldn’t be given any more weight than this.

Consequently, clothing The Davis Center is a popular place on campus for students to work out. should be decided by who is wearing Courtesy of Olivia Pasquale it. As long as the person wearing the ber in high school that we originally guage included if we want everyone attire is comfortable, there shouldn’t weren’t allowed to wear leggings. to feel welcomed in the gym? Proba- be a problem. An issue with what Then, when the school hired a bly because this dress code is targetsomeone else is wearing while workfemale head of school, we were then ing women. ing out isn’t an issue with the clothes allowed to wear leggings. I don’t

The language of openedor the changing trends. think this is a coincidence. It speaks toed shoes distracts from the real

Judgment passed about what to the dilemma with dress codes: they intent. If the policy had only includ- someone is wearing is a reflection of are sexist. ed the midriff and chest language, it the person partaking in an unnec The Villanova Fitness Center would be too apparent who this dress essary evaluation of someone else’s Dress Code is inherently sexist, too. code was targeting. The language attire.

The language is incredibly biased was included to discourage people

The new dress code does towards female gym-goers. Apart from pointing out that the dress code the opposite of its intent to create a from the closed-toed shoes, the chest is sexist. welcoming environment. Maybe it and midriff language connotes only

If the purpose is to promote protects the equipment or reduces female attire. I tend to see females a welcoming environment, why skin issues. However, it predominantwearing sports bras and cropped establish harsh guidelines for what ly targets and discourages female tanks. However, I also see many to wear? The gym should be a place gym-goers, making it unwelcoming. males who wear muscle tanks that where everyone feels they can attend Clearly, The Fitness Center Dress are entirely open on the side. regardless of what they chose to put Code fails to realize the sexist intent

Why wasn’t this male lanon their body. Villanova promotes behind the language used.

Villanova Dining Halls Could Use an Upgrade

queasy.

“How is it possible that we pay two to three thousand dollars for meal plans and they don’t even serve

Everyone loves Villanova and us real food?” one user wrote. chose it for their own reasons, but

“At least I know I won’t gain there’s an elephant in the room: ‘Nova the freshman 15… you’d have to dining could be better. From the class- actually be able to eat the food for room to the popular social media app that,” another student posted. Some YikYak and, of course, the toilet seat, have gone to extreme lengths stating the buzz around campus is all about that they’ll inform tour groups of the the disappointment in the quality of poor quality of food here at campus meals on campus. and possibly stage a boycott of dining

Don’t get me wrong, no one halls. Whether joking or not, these came to college expecting the food to concerns are rampant around cambe astounding. Even other prestigious pus and most definitely need to be universities around the country have addressed. After my first month on poor options. You do, however, see campus, I’ve narrowed it down to two those rankings online: “Best College of the five main options: Café Nova Dining Halls” or “Which Colleges (Cova) and Belle Air Terrace. While Have the Best Food?” To no surprise choosing Belle Air may be an unpop‘Nova appears on none of these ular opinion, there is truly only one lists, but our neighbor, Bryn Mawr reason for it, that being that you never College, does. These are schools that know when Cova is open. Cova is feature quality burgers, wood-fired the place for a good meal. Its chicken pizza, delicious pasta and more wellparm sandwich is simple yet delicious, known options such as Chick-Fil-A its cheesesteaks are actually enjoyable and Panda Express. and the burrito bowls, despite what

But what is wrong with our happens after, are a decent substitute food? It’s not that it isn’t gourmet or for Chipotle. the best meals we ever had. It’s the

Due to lack of employment, fact that it can be so distasteful that Cova closes at 5 p.m., which is way many students are left starving betoo early for dinner goers. This leaves cause they would rather not eat than many to wonder if it is possible to have a visit with the white throne move employees to Cova to keep it every hour. YikYak, an app designed open later. Maybe increasing pay for for posting anonymous messages only workers to promote employment is visible within a certain area, is popular also a possibility. We get it, you don’t among Villanovans who keep feeling want us to use MPEs so we can use Tyler Moore Staff Writer

The dining halls offer a number of cuisines every day.

Courtesy of Tyler Moore

the all-you-care-to-eat dining halls at Pit and Spit, but it truly is one of the few places to find an enjoyable meal.

Besides Cova, many students really look forward to Food Truck Fridays.

I will admit I was thoroughly disappointed when there were no food trucks in sight last week.

“Are there food trucks tonight? I need a free edible meal,” a YikYak user wrote. “Late nights at Spit for Food Truck Fridays was not a fair trade,” was also posted. These two events, Food Truck Fridays and Spit Late Night, are some of the only times students can find edible meals on campus. Late nights, admittedly, are unhealthy and not the most amazing food ever, but Food Truck Fridays are a campus staple.

Going to the Oreo on Friday night and seeing the trucks line the

circle is not only great for our taste buds but also for the community atmosphere it creates. The long lines truly indicate its popularity and how local Philly food is spectacular. I hope we can bring those back sooner rather than later. I can only write so much about the pitiful display that is Villanova dining. However, I want to leave a few questions to ask. Can we fix the Minute-Maid Lemonade dispensers? Why not let us use MPEs at the Commons Holy Grounds? When is the Conn convenience store actually open? Can we open multiple Covas or at least have it open for dinner?

Oh, and lastly, what exactly is in those dining hall eggs?

Perhaps if the food continues to be the way it is, the “Stall Street Journal” will have to publish more than just their monthly issue.

8 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

OPINION

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 Associate Editor-in-Chief exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions beOpinion Editor come property of The Villanovan and are subject Opinion Editor to editing for clarity and space.

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

POLICY

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

‘Nova vs Penn State: The Game We’ve All Been Waiting For Jacob Artz Staff Writer

As a lifelong Penn State football fan, I will be watching with much interest as PSU hosts Villanova at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 12 p.m. As a blue blood, Big Ten powerhouse, the Nittany Lions will handle their business against the Wildcats.

However, they play the game for a reason, and if the Wildcats want to stun the Nittany Lions, they will have to stop some key players and overcome the crowd.

With limited fans last season, Beaver Stadium was an eerie ghost land, especially when Penn State hosted Ohio State on Halloween last year in a highly anticipated primetime matchup.

The fans are now back and in full force. When Penn State hosted Ball State in its first game at Beaver Stadium with fans since 2019, the crowd was going crazy in a huge blowout win over Ball State. The White Out was hosted early this year when Penn State hosted SEC powerhouse Auburn on Saturday night, which is one the coolest spectacles in college football. Beaver Stadium can host more than 110,000 fans, and while Saturday’s contest may not be as raucous as the Auburn game, the Penn State faithful will drown out the Villanova supporters. The players will have an experience they will never forget as they play in one of the most storied stadiums in college football.

Villanova will have to game plan for Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford, who has thrived so far under new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. Clifford has taken much better care of the

Villanova quarterback Daniel Smith rushes for a touchdown against Bucknell at Villanova.

Courtesy of Rick Pettine

football this season as he has not turned the ball over once this year.

According to ESPN.com, he has a 62.9 completion percentage as he has completed 39 of 62 passes. He has thrown for 477 yards in two games, has an average of 7.7 yards per attempt and has thrown for two touchdowns (per ESPN.com).

Clifford has learned much from Yurcich. As the centredaily. com reported, “We’ve learned being efficient on first and second down is a huge factor in the game.”

“I think that we’ve seen that play out pretty well,” Clifford said. “Once we get in third-and-

short, we’re pretty good there. ...

I think that the other big thing is securing the football and no turnovers. That was a point of emphasis in the offseason.”

Another weapon the Wildcats will have to slow down is Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who has been a favorite target of Clifford. Dotson has been a consistent deep ball threat for Clifford and has had some big plays, including a 49-touchdown strike against then number 12 ranked Wisconsin and another 25 yard touchdown reception against Ball State. He has five receptions in each of Penn State’s first two

games.

The Villanova offense is going to have to bring its recent good form to Beaver Stadium as the Penn State defense has looked stout so far, giving up only 10 points to Wisconsin and 13 points to Ball State. Villanova trounced Bucknell, 55-3. on Sept. 11. The starting quarterback, Daniel Smith, tossed three touchdown passes and ran for another in the first six series as he pulled early in the blowout situation, per Villanova.com. He is going to need that type of performance for four quarters to keep up with Clifford and the Penn State offense.

Villanova is going to need to play its best game, as head coach Mark Ferrante commented after the win over Bucknell.

According to Villanova.com, Ferrante said, “Similar to last week I am really excited about the fast start we were able to get. The offense was moving the ball, the defense was getting turnovers and getting us great field position, and then obviously special teams with that blocked punt got momentum going in the right direction and gave us great field position as well.”

Villanova’s defense played well against Bucknell, especially cornerback Christian Benford, who registered a pick six on a 19 yard return. He now has four interceptions in his first two games and will need a shutdown performance against Dotson and the Penn State wide receivers.

This should be an experience every player on the Villanova team will always remember. Whatever the result may be, playing at Beaver Stadium against one the best programs in the country will prepare the team for the rest of its CAA schedule.

Letter From the Editors: Family Weekend Fun

For the first time in two years, the Villanova community came together to celebrate Family Weekend.

Families from all over migrated to Lancaster Ave and participated in all the fun campus activities the school set up, culminating in a nail-biter of a football game. For current freshman and sophomores this was their first experience with Family Weekend, as the threat of COVID-19 prevented large-scale gatherings.

But this past weekend, it was heartwarming to see the greater Villanova together.

It felt great for students and families alike to be back in a crowd.

The feeling of finally returning to some normalcy and community interaction was almost overwhelming. From the tailgate tents to stand-

ing in the endzone when Villanova came back and swept Richmond, the whole day was one big celebration.

The tailgate was exceptionally done and would be great to have as an option for every home game so as to continue bringing excitement and energy to the football season.

For many parents, this was the first time meeting their kid’s friends and families. These interactions only strengthened the greater Villanova community and bonds between its members. Families from hometowns thousands of miles apart were brought together by Villanova and opened the possibility of fostering lifelong friendships. Villanova is known for its abundant community, and this authentic experience is something we lost out on last year. It

was extremely uplifting to see Villanovans regaining this unreplicable spirit after so many months.

Over the last year, we have thought a lot about our internal community, students and staff. We’ve prioritized protecting our own, which, understandably, meant we had to somewhat separate ourselves as a community from the outside world. For the sake of protection and being on campus, these actions were absolutely necessary, but it is important to remember the people that constitute the greater Villanova community. The alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, etc., are an enormous part of what makes our community so special.

The pandemic allows us to have greater appreciation for days

like these, filled with togetherness after being isolated for so long. We no longer take for granted small acts like standing in bleachers less than 6 feet apart and cheering for our team.

More than ever we value hugging our families and being able to congregate under a tent with our loved ones.

It is still important to remain vigilant as a community in regards to the pandemic, taking precautions and following guidelines in order to ensure our spot on campus this semester. If we want to continue to have these fun times in the future, we need to remain cooperative now.

After all, basketball season is rapidly approaching, and we want to be able to enjoy that as a community to the fullest extent.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

OPINION

The Villanovan | 9

Religion: A Hollow Ball For An Important Socket John Angelella Staff Writer

A recent article I read in my theology class resurfaced many of my looming concerns with the state of reason as it relates to religion. Let’s briefly summarize the article for those who haven’t read it before I give my two cents. In Alice McDermott’s, “Confessions of a Reluctant Catholic,” she details her shifting relationship with Catholicism while entwining the importance of fiction writing in her adherence to the faith. Growing up in a traditional Catholic home, she and her brothers later distanced from the church, all for her to later return as an adult. The premise of her current belief can be summarized as follows: Catholicism provides a language for exploring the depths of the human spirit to an extent that pure reason or logic does not. Further, such dialect, alongside church teachings, provides answers and endows meaning on many of life’s most important questions.

As a strong proponent of science and reason, it is always surprising when I read an author who is clearly intelligent, but to some extent still polluted by religious blather. In this particular piece, such examples include McDermott cleverly articulating the importance of writing and the role of fiction, all to be suddenly derailed by a string of phrases proclaiming her belief in Christ and redemption.

This dissonance permeates even the highest ranks of society, and never fails to escape serious scrutiny. Take Ben Carson for example. If there was ever a question as to the power of religious myth, one need not look further. He

The Creation of Adam is a symbolic art piece of Catholicism.

Courtesy of Flickr

is a neurosurgeon turned politician heralding degrees from Ivy League institutions who publicly proclaims his disbelief in evolution. McDermott does not commit such flagrant errors, but to some degree remains misguided by what I have coined “religious residue,” or the religious teachings that have escaped reason and remain as a framework for steering one’s life.

While McDermott appears self-aware of her relationship to the faith, she continuously credits it with more than is due, particularly as a vehicle for traversing the avenue of existential questions. I will argue how religion is more of a placeholder in this regard in addition to championing the other tools on offer.

If you were to plunge into the archives of intellectual debates posted on YouTube, you’d come across those of renowned Atheists Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins debating Christian or Muslim scholars. In nearly every instance,

the religious opponent resorts to an argument about the usefulness of religion, with the undertone that this, in some way, conveys its truth. McDermott finds herself in this alley in parts of this piece. Consider the following line of phrases quoted directly:

“I began to realize that the language of the church, my church, was not only a means to an end in my fiction but an essential part of my own understanding of the world…. Time and again, I discovered for myself, if not always for my characters, that the promises of my faith, of Christ, gave perfect answers to the questions my own work had raised… I had come to see that the life of Christ, the Son of God… made of our existence a perfect, artistic, whole.”

This excerpt, in the context of the entire piece, is one example of the sudden transitions from objectivity to faith talk and serves as the basis for the analogy that follows. Many yearn for answers to life’s biggest questions and

claim that answers to such questions endow meaning in our lives. Religion has happily and uncritically presented itself as the ball to this socket for millennia.

However, other balls exist, and McDermott makes the observation that other religions could very well serve an equal function. We agree on this point. However, the extent to which we view religion as a valid occupant is the subject of our disagreement. Per the title, consider the following example in which a similarly vacuous ball occupies the socket of meaning and morality. In his Pangburn philosophy debate with Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris invites the audience to consider a world in which he raised his daughter under the idea that Batgirl, her favorite superhero, served a similar function to God. He goes on to say that he could leverage this belief to raise a morally upstanding daughter. After a few laughs, it becomes all too clear how an entirely fictitious framework can operate as a potent placebo. However, this level of effectiveness lends not the slightest credence to the truth of the idea itself, and it is this intellectual misstep that leads many into the abyss of wishful thinking.

What is stopping us from speaking about morality free from the shackles of religion? Is it necessary that I delude my future son or daughter about the holy spirit in order to instill strong values? Absolutely not.

Unlike McDermott, who is going to “make the best” of Catholicism as a guiding principle, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard to hurdle these iron-age myths and wield the tools of modernity to the fullest extent.

The Dilemma: Should I Go to the Health Center?

Zoe Kim Staff Writer

Everyone around campus has had a cough. A sneeze or sniffle can be heard in the dining halls, classrooms and shared student spaces. The coughing and the sneezing have become white noise to what is happening around campus. But it has raised fears for some students, who have rushed to be tested. The sickness has similar identifications as COVID-19: the cough, the runny nose, congestion and for some the inability to smell or taste. Worried students have been on WebMD searching for what this cough could be. Mold poisoning?

Pneumonia? Strep throat? Students are self-diagnosing themselves in hopes of finding a cure by the weekend. Regardless, there has been an unspoken agreement from all Villanova students — this was not how we hoped to kick off our first month back on campus.

By the fourth week, no one expected the mid-day runs to CVS for more cough drops and Emergen-C. But, there have been more students running to the Student Health Center. After having the cough for around a week, I took a visit to the Health Center. I was on and off the fence, after hearing a range of responses from friends and classmates. There was not one definite response on whether the visit would be worth it. I heard from students who had waited hours for

tests back say it was not worth the visit. There were also students who said they were finally back to good health.

After hearing this, I was most afraid of having to wait hours to be tested and receive results, but as soon as I walked in, I was tested. I was met with friendly nurses, who were concerned and happy to help. And after 30 minutes, I received all of the tests back. I had never been in and out of a doctor’s office so quickly. I left reassured and confident my cough would go away. I was glad that I had gone to the Health Center.

Not every student has had a similar experience. Outside of the Health Center, students nervously wait under the white tent for hours.

Regardless of this, I would encourage students to visit. With the recent Made in America concerts and more guests on campus, there are higher chances of having and spreading COVID-19. Though most of our campus is vaccinated, five percent are not. If you are not going for yourselves, go for Villanova.

COVID-19 cases are climbing around the country. In Delaware County, the daily cases are adding up to 80 per day. This past week, the University had 66 new cases, 47 more than last week. The cases are growing steadily. By the end of September of last year, the University had around 110 new cases. It’s only been the second week of the month and the school is already halfway there.

Though students are vaccinated, the campus needs to act with more

caution. This month, the University reintroduced surveillance testing and a mask mandate in classrooms and school-wide buildings. Wearing masks and surveillance testing are only two of the ways the school can stop the spread, but there could be more.

The school can easily reinforce new restrictions. Villanova students need to work together to lower the number of cases on campus. One of these ways is to visit the Health Center when one has a cough. If not, the campus may return to its past COVID-19 restrictions. Students may

no longer be allowed to have friends in dorm rooms or sit together in the dining halls.

For many students, the University has finally returned to how it was supposed to be, an open and lively community of students. Students can finally see their friends without masks on and be near each other.

For the past month, we have enjoyed being together without the six-feet distance. Hopefully, the school’s cases will lower and we will be able to enjoy a year without as many restrictions.

The Villanova Student Health Center.

Courtesy of Villanova University

10 | The Villanovan

OPINION

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Administration Should Offer Zoom Option for Classes Joe Adams Staff Writer

As the never-ending battle with COVID-19 on campus continues, I find myself asking one question: why isn’t there a Zoom option for classes?

After last year, so many of us were extremely excited to be back in the classroom, engaging with people and getting a more typical college experience. However, things have quickly changed. Positive COVID-19 cases have risen, including a number of breakthrough cases amongst the vaccinated.

It is clear that the danger of getting this virus has significantly increased with variants, most notably the delta variant, and now, we are wearing masks in almost all indoor settings. So why do we not have a Zoom option for the students who have to be quarantined?

Right now, I am nervous about getting COVID-19, not only because of its danger, but because I do not want to fall behind in class. It would be great to know that there is an option to attend virtually in case I test positive or have to go into isolation, but unfortunately, most professors do not offer a Zoom option.

I think this is absurd. Our situation with COVID-19 on campus has clearly changed since day one, and we have the technology and resources to add a Zoom option into the classroom. Instead of further

isolating those who have to be quarantined, why not allow them to listen in to the class and take notes on the content of the day?

I might understand if creating a Zoom meeting was a long, tedious process that required a large amount of planning. But now, with the resources we have, scheduling a Zoom meeting takes under a minute. There is a need for this option, and the University should ask that professors offer it in case a student needs it.

We came into this semester willing to go back to in person classes, and that’s what everyone enjoys doing. We did our part and got vaccinated. We did what we were asked.

But now, our cases have surged, and the situation has changed. Due to this, our approach to attending class should also change.

Given the fact that we pay to go to an academically rigorous school, we deserve the ability to go on Zoom if we cannot attend in person.

We are already stressed out enough with the workload. Not being able to go to class, combined with missing out on educational opportunities, will just increase anxiety. Other colleges around the country are offering the ability to Zoom into class, and it is the most sensible thing to provide to our student body.

Another important piece of this is students who do not feel well. Right now, many students have been catching a cold going around, but they do not want to miss out on classes because they may not be able

A zoom option was offered during the last academic year, but has since been taken away.

Courtesy of Adobe

to get caught up. Numerous students in my classes have been coughing, sniffling and showing signs that they do not feel well. Without the ability to Zoom in, it seems that the University is putting more students and faculty at risk. Who knows if the symptoms of those around me are the cause of a common cold or COVID-19?

At the beginning of each course, my professors said not to

come in if we did not feel well to keep us safe.

From there, I expected the next thing to be told was an option to Zoom if this was the case. But, we were not told this. Without a Zoom option, we are encouraging more students to go in person to classes who do not feel well. Villanova must give us the ability to Zoom into classes, or the consequences could be serious.

Opinion: Residence Halls Require Deeper Cleaning Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer

Have you been seeing hair in your shower drains? Do your sinks have Paul’s soup from three days ago crusted on the inside? Is there an unknown food crumbled in the hallway?

If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, chances are you have been in a dorm on campus.

Cleaning of dorm bathrooms and even hallways at the University has been subpar, especially on the weekends. I live on the second floor of St. Monica’s on South Campus, and I watched the same muffin sit in the hallway for three days. I had to take a shower on a Sunday night and saw more hair clumped in the drain than I think I have on my head. As I headed to my room that night, I had a burning question, the answer to which I am sure we all want to know: Why does the cleaning staff disappear on the weekends?

The obvious answer should be staffing. However, I cannot accept that reasoning. At any job, there is a schedule that all workers must follow.

Unfortunately, at some point in your career, you must work a weekend shift.

This shift can range from late on a Friday night or most of the day on a Saturday. So why is that system not being brought to light on campus? I am not saying it needs to be cleaned all weekend, as people have lives, but can it at least be cleaned on one of the three days?

The word around Nova has also been about students wanting to work on campus. Why not allow a student the opportunity of being a

St. Monica’s Hall, a residence hall located on South Campus.

Courtesy of Villanova University

janitor on the weekends? Granted it is not the best job in the world, but with how expensive tuition is, I am sure we all would give it a try. This would fix not only the understaffed situation, but the disgusting bathroom and hallway problem too.

I also feel as if the staffing is not even the sole issue. It is embarrassing that 17,18 and even 19-year-olds do not know how to clean up after themselves. The issue of cleanliness

would be less extreme if we took better care of the hallways, the bathrooms and even the lounges.

I spoke to other freshmen on my floor about this raging issue. One girl had a lot to say about the cleanliness of the bathroom.

“First off there was a murky film on the toilets and I think it is ridiculous that I cannot sit down without worrying about getting a disease,” she said. “I do not like to walk up to

the sink and stare into a basin of food floaters. It is not a Koi Pond. I dearly miss the glorified bleach smell in the showers on the weekends that is now nonexistent. I especially don’t like that my clothes get soaked with spit, soup and water that is spilled all over the counters when I am trying to brush my teeth or wash my hands. And for god’s sake, how hard is it to spend three dollars on air fresheners so the entire bathroom doesn’t smell like poop?”

As you can see, we all feel relatively the same.

“I find the use of communal bathrooms quite unappealing. There is no regard for the other people that have to use the shared spaces,” another resident said. “Whether that be food waste in the sink, throw up on the granite and sink, underwear on the floor, hair balls in the shower, it’s all just disgusting. Cleaning up after yourself is not that hard and it saves other people from having to do it instead, because it’s your job, not theirs. Not only is it just gross, but it shows lack of respect for the other people living in the same quarters.”

The consensus is that “for this problem to change we need to not only rely on the staff but conduct floor meetings to discuss how to be cleaner.”

It is without question that something must be done regarding the cleanliness of dorm bathrooms and hallways. Not only is it gross, but it can cause all of us to become sick from washing our dishes in the stained sink and cleaning ourselves in the unhygienic shower. I implore Villanova to have a cleaning schedule sorted out for the weekends. I also highly encourage students to just clean up after themselves. This cannot continue.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

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CULTURE The Return of the Yik Yak App to College Campuses Chloe Miller Staff Writer

The social media app Yik Yak has taken over the University.

While the app was popular during the early 2010s, Yik Yak recently relaunched in 2021 after a shutdown in 2017, due to a lack of users. The app is an anonymous platform on which users can post short comments about anything, upvote or downvote others’ comments and comment on posts. It is based on a geographical range of around five miles, so all comments seen are locationally based. This makes Yik Yak the perfect app for students to comment on their experiences.

Villanova students have been using the app to comment on the food, people, events and everything in between that occurs on campus.

“The pumpkin muffin from Holy Grounds is the best food I’ve had all semester,” one person commented.

Many use their posts as a way to satirize the school in a funny, light-

hearted way.

For example, a popular comment reads, “Tell my mom I love her.

I don’t think I’m going to make it up to 4th floor Tolentine this time.”

Villanova students have become obsessed with checking out Yik Yak multiple times a day to hear any current news.

One person went as far as to post, “The way I treat Yik Yak like a reliable news source for campus happenings.”

All current gossip and events are almost guaranteed to be mentioned on Yik Yak. For many, the app has become a creative outlet to speak on issues or topics that they would not normally mention.

There is also a controversial side to Yik Yak, despite the amusement it brings to many college students. In the past, the app was prone to comments of bullying and harassment, which can be harmful to the victims of such comments.

According to USAToday, the cyberbullying and threats posted on the app played a large part in the loss

of users that led to the ultimate 2017 shutdown, as many schools banned the app.

Stricter rules for bullying messages, hate speech, threats and sharing private information are part of Yik Yak.

In an NPR article, the founders of Yik Yak spoke on the intolerance for hateful speech and the implementation of immediate banning by those who do not respect the rules.

However, past bullying language could pose an issue on the University’s campus as specific people or groups on campus could be targeted, although it may be done in a joking manner.

In the past, Yik Yak was a temporary fad that ended up fading out after a couple of months of usage. While the app may have an ultimate deadline, its current presence provides a great source of entertainment to the student body.

“I am constantly scrolling on Yik Yak whenever I get bored, and I can see plenty of other people doing the same,” sophomore Katie Keane

said.

For now, Yik Yak remains a harmless social media platform that bonds students on campus through sharing the personal experiences of college life.

A screenshot of Yik Yak. Courtesy of USA Today/Yik Yak

The Full List of Beauty Trends on The TikTok App Mariel Persico Staff Writer

Be honest: you have been tempted at least once to purchase a trending beauty product that has been flooding your TikTok For You Page.

Influencers talk about how much they love the product and claim that it has become a staple in their lives.

But is the product all that they claim?

Villanova students have been interviewed and asked to rate products to get a campus-wide consensus on some recently trending items.

Arguably the most popular hair styling tool of the past few years has been the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer. It is most commonly praised for its convenience as a blow dryer and brush all-in-one.

Some users also rave that their blowouts look similar to those done at a hair salon. The product ranges from $40-50 and is sold at Ulta, Bed Bath and Beyond, Amazon, Walmart and most other beauty retailers. Various students shared their opinions on the product and seemed to bring up negative aspects of it that are not mentioned on TikTok and other platforms.

“My hair looks amazing when I use it to blow dry my hair, but I feel that it is really damaging my hair,” freshman Olivia Morin said. “It is great to use every once in a while for an easy blow out look, but I would not use it every day.”

While it can be used for styling and curling, some students, like freshman Olivia Bernheisel, just use it as a drying tool.

“It does a good job of drying my hair but does not leave my hair with any curl,” Bernheisel said.

Others, like freshman Caroline Mondelli, love the product and did not bring up any initial concerns.

“It makes you feel like you went to the hair salon, and it does not

take long to use,” Mondelli said.

The blow dryer’s reviews seem to depend on the user’s hair type and what they use it for. If one is just looking for a blow drying alternative, this product may work better than if one is interested in styling benefits.

Its convenience, time efficiency and price seemed to trump the damaging concerns, leaving the Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer with an average rating of 7.5/10 among the 18 students asked.

Villanova students come from many different backgrounds, but the one thing that seems to unite all female students is the use of hair claw clips. Trending on TikTok and on social media in general, these clips are adored for their low price and convenience. The most popular place to purchase them from is Amazon, where almost all are under $10 and come in packs with multiple colors. The overwhelming majority of students interviewed shared positive feedback, but similar to the blow dryer, the individual’s hair type affected their response.

“I wear them every day. They are so cute,” freshman Emma Caesar said. “They make it so easy to throw my hair up when I do not have time to do it.”

Freshman Maria Fair agrees with the fashion aspect of the clips but does not find them useful for her own hair.

“They are super cute but never hold up my hair,” Fair said.

These clips’ effectiveness seem to depend on the thickness of individuals’ hair. However, all students seem to agree that these clips are a very stylish add-on to an outfit and an easy way to fix a bad hair day. These clips were rated an average review of 8.7/10 out of the 17 students asked.

TikTok user Skincare by Hyram gained popularity over quarantine for his skincare review videos as well as his introduction of a skincare routine that countless individuals quickly adopted. The main brand

Tik Tok beauty trends are taking make up tutorials to a new level.

Courtesy of The Today Show/macniak/Getty Images/Sephora/Milk/Huda Beauty

included in this regime was CeraVe, a relatively inexpensive brand known for its simple and gentle products.

Villanova students had mixed reviews on the cleanser and moisturizer.

“I have used it, but I have switched my skincare routine to Versed, a brand carried at Target,” freshman Emily Amirata said.

Freshman Sophia Warner makes an interesting point about the brand and a possible marketing strategy it may be using.

“Its job is to be average,” Warner said. “It never does too much or too little. It is basic on purpose, I think. It might be marketing towards the ‘simple lifestyle’ movement.”

Another student has quite a different opinion on the product.

“I have acne-prone skin but it keeps it clear,” an anonymous freshman said. “I still get occasional acne, but nothing like the breakouts I experienced before using it.”

CeraVe’s products do not seem to necessarily be bad for one’s skin, just simple. If searching for a gentle and basic skin care routine, this seems like it would be a worthwhile purchase. The 16 students interviewed rated the cleanser and moisturizer CeraVe a 6.1/10.

Although it just became popular over the past few months, the gua sha facial tool has been around for more than 700 years. It is an East Asian medicine practice that can be

used on all parts of the body to circulate blood flow and reduce pain. Influencers on TikTok advertise it mostly through use on the face to accentuate their jawline and promote lymphatic drainage. This tool is typically made of jade or rose quartz and can be purchased from Amazon, Sephora, CVS and most other beauty retailers for $10-20. Among all the students interviewed, none of them shared any discontent with the product.

“I like it because there is concrete evidence that it works,” Warner said. “You can see the results and it really wakes up my face.”

Freshman Caroline Casey raves about her gua sha as well.

“I love my gua sha because it helps as a stress reliever at the end of a long day and it works,” Casey said.

“I have seen good results in my facial structure.”

While a smaller number of students actually use a gua sha and were able to rate it, its average rating was a 8/10 among the six people asked. If one is looking for a DIY face lift, be sure to purchase this tool and implement it into a self-care routine.

It seems like these trending products do have a reason to be trending, but there are flaws that are not advertised by the influencers on TikTok. So, as you get lost for hours on TikTok flooding in trends, be sure to ask friends and read reviews before making any impulsive purchases.

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Wednesday, September 22, 2021

“LOVE ON TOUR:” Harry Styles Concert Review Sara Hecht Staff Writer

“I’m not gonna lie, Philly.

I’m in a fantastic mood,” Harry Styles said.

I could not help but feel the same as the singer-songwriter addressed the nearly 20,000 fans who filled the Wells Fargo Center this past Friday, Sept. 17.

When tickets for Styles’ second solo tour went on sale nearly two years ago, no one could predict the challenges that lay in the many months ahead. Therefore, it is no wonder that while walking into the arena, I was overwhelmed by anticipation as it was finally time for the COVID-19 comeback concert of a lifetime.

As the lights dimmed, a brief calmspread across the audience. But as the opening notes of “Golden” boomed through the speakers, each and every fan burst into screams.

Basked in amber light, Styles slowly began to rise from beneath center stage causing the crowd’s shrieks to swell into a mind-numbing roar.

While Styles started rehearsals for the tour in early August, my Philadelphia “Love On Tour” journey began just three days prior to the show and was only actualized mere hours before the singer took the stage.

Having tracked pit ticket prices for several days, I jumped at the opportunity when the cost of two halved late Friday morning.

Thus began the frantic hurry to finish assignments and explain to visiting parents why I could not join them the first night of Family Weekend.

through something collectively, and every single one of us have been through something individually, and it was difficult,” Styles said. “But if there is anything I’ve learned from these last eighteen months, it’s that time with the people you love is the most important thing. Tell the people that you love that you love them.

Tell the person next to you that you love them. It is ‘Love On Tour’ after all. And if we just have each other’s backs, I think we’ll be all right.”

Like many people, I found great comfort and solace in the lyrics of Styles’ songs this past year.

Preaching to “Treat People With Kindness” as well as acceptance of all, the singer serves as a great role model and example of how to live a Harry Styles performing to an excited crowd in Philadelphia this past weekend. balanced, happy life.

Courtesy of Sara Hecht These messages obviously resonate with Styles’ fans and were

My partner-in-crime for the around the stage. seen in practice throughout the night, fellow junior Grace McDer The best part of the concert night. Girls complimented each mott, and I set out for Wells Fargo at came with the singer’s electrifying other’s stellar outfits. Friends hugged 6:30 p.m. and arrived more than an performance of “Only Angel.” Not as Styles sang a heartbreaking but hour after the arena doors opened. only is this my favorite song from glorious performance of “Falling,” Even so, we miraculously secured Styles’ entire discography, but as he spots just three people away from the sang the lyric “and there is nothing I which had me in tears.

But all good things must stage edge. can do about it,” he waved at Mccome to an end and in a flash, the

“I can see his pores,” Dermott and posed for my disposevening ended.

McDermott and I screamed McDermott as Styles sang able camera. We were floored and found ourselves leaving Wells Fargo and danced just three yards away. have since watched the video of this with ringing ears and sore feet, hav The night was littered with moment too many times to count. ing run over two miles while chasing memorable moments, including

A touching moment came Styles around the stage. The show Styles’ impressive recounting of when Styles took a moment to was truly a once in a lifetime expePhiladelphia fun facts. Did you know thank his fans for granting him the rience being so close to someone I the city is home to the country’s first privilege to perform, something he admire so deeply. zoo and hospital? missed dearly during lockdown.

“Best night of my life,” Mc Styles’ made it clear that his Styles reflected on the hardships Dermott said. immense love for Philly expanded of the pandemic and how he feels

My final take away from the beyond the city’s accolades in health immense unity with each fan, having night, as was quoted in the “Love care sharing, struggled through these hard times On Tour” opening video is,

“You know what’s great as a global community.

“Style. Style is the answer to about Philadelphia…WAWA BABY, “Over the last eighteen everything.”

- Charles Bukowski WAWA,” Styles said, skipping months, everyone in here has been

Book Buzz: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Caleigh Beaton Staff Writer

A deep dive into the glamour of Old Hollywood, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells of the life of fictional movie star Evelyn Hugo.

One of the biggest names in the world, yet a mystery to everyone, Evelyn spent her young life keeping big secrets. Once her name stopped appearing in every headline, her movies were mostly outdated. As old age creeps in on her, she decides she is ready to tell the truth about her life. To do so, she enlists the help of rookie journalist Monique Grant to write her tell-all story. Even Monique struggles to comprehend why Evelyn would pick her for such a groundbreaking story, leaving the reader to question what it is about Monique that has captured Evelyn’s attention. Regardless, Monique accepts the offer with certainty that it will help her career take off.

The book jumps back and forth from Monique’s life and interactions with Evelyn, to Evelyn’s past life, as she divulges her secrets to Monique. Each chapter highlights one of her seven husbands and answers the impending question: who is Evelyn’s one true love? The book is not about her husbands at all. It is about her life and career in Hollywood and everything she has endured along the way. The hus-

bands form the backdrop for what is an organized timeline of Evelyn’s life, from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to ending her career in the 80s. As Evelyn says in the book, “...they are just husbands.

I am Evelyn Hugo.”

After spending her whole life trying to please others and doing everything in her power to get people’s respect in an industry that prioritizes the physical appearance of women, Evelyn formed an image for herself that was anything but realistic. It forced her to keep secrets that threatened her relationships and happiness. Evelyn proposes the question of whether fame is worth having to hide who you truly are and lose the parts of yourself that seem to matter most.

Evelyn is a fascinating character with a riveting story, and Reid’s writing makes one feel as though she is anything but fictional. You will be sucked into the lives of these characters and they will be part of you long after you close the book.

“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is not a traditional romance story or a basic Hollywood read. It is a story about friendship, love, secrets and loss that tackles real world issues in a tragic and heartbreaking yet beautiful and profound way. Once you start it, you will not be able to put it down. So, clear your schedules and pick up “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”

The book review of the week is “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”

Courtesy of Elena Rouse

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

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The 2021 Met Gala Fashion Rundown

Kaelin Trombly Staff Writer

Continued from pg. 1

further ado, here is what American Independance looks like, or at least through the scope of our nation’s A-listers.

Let’s first round up some of our favorite looks from the night.

Inman in Harris Reed. The model stole the show with a completely handmade gold leaf crown, jacquard bustier and flares, adorned with an enormous statement hat which was created in collaboration with Vivienne Lake.

Kendall Jenner in Givency.

Jenner is no stranger to the red carpet, but her sheer Givenchy ensemble may be her best effort to date.

The gown, which was embellished with crystals and a jeweled neck piece, was inspired by the house’s muse and once American sweetheart Audrey Hepburn.

Kaia Gerber in Oscar de la Renta. A nod towards old Hollywood, Gerber looked timeless in her strapless black ball gown by Oscar de la Renta. The piece was a tribute to Bianca Jagger, who wore a similar Dior piece to the 1981 Met Gala.

The top of Kaia Gerber’s corset bodice was aligned with beautiful ivy vines embroidered in black. Not to be dramatic or anything, but I don’t think I have ever seen anyone look more flawless in my life.

Lorde in Bode. Lorde flew the sustainability flag by flaunting a custom embroidered two piece that celebrated the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The designer Emily Bode is known for designing her menswear pieces with repurposed fabrics and garments. To go along with her sustainability motto, Bode brilliantly featured Lorde’s gown with detailed handwork of pressed pennies, 1920s cabochons, and 1940s cracker jack charms in support of upcycling. From the white leather slip on shoes, the jeweled crown and everything in between, Lorde’s ensemble has to be my favorite of the night.

Timothée Chalamet in a ~melange~ of designers- Chalamet’s 2021 Met Gala ensemble has been receiving an array of opinions due to his more lax look. While some found the decision to wear sweatpants and

Inman in Harris Reed sporting one of the favorited looks of the night.

Courtesy of Mike Coppola/Harper’s Bazaar

Chuck All Stars to the biggest fashion event to date inappropriate, I personally found the juxtaposition to be quite powerful. Despite the fact that Chalamet’s outfit could double as a weekend in NYC uniform, he did so while still sporting some of the world’s most respected designers.

The formality of the Rick Owens turtleneck and Haider Ackermann satin tuxedo jacket contrasted the informality of the sweatpants and sneakers. Ackermann, a french designer, told Vogue “Whenever I visit America, I am always struck by the wonderful clash of uptown and downtown cultures, of music and sports, and all of this energy just mixing together.” The co-host’s look paid homage to the diversity of American fashion by implementing a fusion of street style and sleek tailoring.

I could write a novel focusing on every outfit’s success story from this year’s gala, but I’ll spare you the time. There’s still a number of questionable looks that need to be discussed so please, grab a seat and microwave some popcorn because you’re in for a ride.

AOC in Aurora JamesAOC, a United States Representative, definitely takes the crown for the most memorable yet controversial look of the night. AOC sported a white mermaid dress with the message “Tax the Rich” scrawled on her back in large red print. I don’t want

to form biased opinions from my work, so let’s take a peek at both sides of the argument. Many in support of AOC’s ensemble believe that it was necessary for the activist to speak out while attending such an event. This praise; however, has been shot down numerous times with claims that “A true socialist would not attend a 35k ticket event in the first place” (John Ganz, Gawker.com).

Nevertheless, this does not come down to a left-wing vs. rightwing debate. Politics aside, most spectators found her dress to be hypocritical and sickening due to the environment she was in. The Met Gala is known to host the world’s wealthiest figures, where a ticket alone costs $35k and a table $300k. While it is still unsure of whether AOC had to pay for a ticket or not, many found the statement on her dress to be hypocritical as she partied and stood with the faces of wealth themselves.

Many claim the congresswoman used the term as an excuse to attend the extravagant event, rather than actually doing beneficial work for the message behind it. In order to gain further opinions on the matter, I selected a random sample of Villanova students and asked whether they were in support of AOC’s public statement dress. The research ended with 83% of Villanovans against the matter, with a slim 17% in support.

Frank Ocean in Prada- Frank

Ocean made a surprise Met Gala appearance in a black Prada sports jacket and trousers. The most notibale part of his ensemble being animatronic puppet babies painted neon green to match Ocean’s dyed hair. The puppet waved to the crowd while the Pink+White singer held the accessory on his hip while posing for photos. The puppet wore a onesie printed with a pattern from Ocean’s newly launched luxury company Homer. The robot baby received negative feedback from the nation as the message behind the doll is unclear but to be frank (no pun intended), I do not care. It’s Frank Ocean. Frank Ocean can do whatever he wants.

Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga- The bar was set high for Kim Kardashian who is known to top her previous Met Gala looks ever since her first debut in 2013. This year, Kardashian wore a stark black Balenciaga haute couture gown that was unlike anyone has seen before.

The ensemble covered the A-lister head to toe, completely obscurring the famous physique she is most famous for. The look gave Kardashian something she has not experienced in awhile: anonymity. While I find the message to be quite intriguing, Kim’s outfit has been the inspiration for many viral memes.

Addison Rae in Gucci- Newly famed influencer Addison Rae surprised many with her first Met Gala debut in an electric red 2003 Tom Ford for Gucci dress. Rae received a tremendous amount of backlash for attending the event due to the questionability of her fame, and received hate over rumors for reusing Kourtney Kardashian’s 2019 Christmas dress. Despite the uncertainty of whether the rumor is true, many followers of the Met Gala are enraged that such an elite event would invite a tiktoker over other A-listers.

Kim Petras in Collina StradaKim Petras wore a 3D horse head to the Met Gala. No thank you and enough said.

At last, it is clear that the 2021 Met Gala was full of both good and bad looks and an array of messages about American Independence. The event certainly proved that fashion is an artistic medium for much more than a few stitches and hems. Art is fashion and fashion is art. Onward to the 2022 Met Gala for “An Anthology of Fashion.” See you there.

CULTURE

14 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards in Review A.J. Fezza Co-Culture Editor

On the night of Sunday, September 19, cable and network television sunk deeper into their coffins, as the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards marked yet another sign of streaming’s commercial and artistic domination. For the first time ever, Netflix has won more Emmys than any other network or platform, with 44 total awards in 2021.

The 2021 Emmys took place at the L.A. Live entertainment complex in Los Angeles and was broadcast nationwide on CBS. The show attracted 7.4 million viewers, not a particularly impressive amount, but still a 16% increase from last year’s record low of 6.3 million viewers.

Cedric the Entertainer hosted the show, and started out the night with a lively television-themed parody of Biz Markie’s song “Just a Friend.” The rest of the show could not maintain the energy of the opening, as the jokes made by award presenters fell flat and speeches made by award winners dragged on.

Almost everyone present at the ceremony was unmasked, making for a much different experience than other award ceremonies earlier this year. This could be seen as a positive, signaling a return to pre-COVID life. However, most of the online reactions to the masklessness have been negative, for numerous reasons.

For example, some have lamented the class implications of Hollywood stars parading around maskless and hugging each other, while surrounded by masked staff. Others have complained about the hypocrisy of celebrities defending the persistence of COVID-19 restrictions while

partaking in massive, restriction-less indoor gatherings. While presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy, Seth Rogen jokingly commented on the matter, “Let me start by saying: there are way too many of us in this little room. They said this was outdoors.

It’s not. I would not have come to this … This is insane. I went from wiping my groceries to having Paul Bettany sneeze in my face.”

The biggest winner of the night was the Netflix series “The Crown.” This past season of “The Crown” was a particularly attention-grabbing one, since it features Diana, Princess of Wales as a character. Princess Diana was an icon in popular culture ever since she entered the royal family, but in 2021, 24 years after her death, it seems that there is extra focus on her, with the film “Spencer” about the Princess on its way to theaters this fall.

“The Crown” won all seven drama categories, becoming the first show to sweep the major drama categories at the Emmys. The awards included Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Olivia Colman’s role as Queen Elizabeth II and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Josh O’Connor’s role as Prince Charles.

The Apple TV+ comedy “Ted Lasso” also had a big night.

“Ted Lasso” follows American college football coach Ted Lasso, played

by Jason Sudeikis, as he tries to coach an English soccer team. The show won Outstanding Comedy Series, and Sudeikis took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

The winner of Outstand-

The cast and creative team of “Ted Lasso” pose with their Emmy Awards.

Courtesy of USA Today

ing Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) went to “Hamilton” on Disney Plus, raising questions about the fairness of awarding the filming of a musical that has been performed since 2015 over a variety of original programming.

Some shows unexpectedly left the night totally or nearly empty-handed. Most notably, Hulu drama “The Handmaid’s Tale” starring Elisabeth Moss received 21 nominations, but ended up with zero wins. This marked a new record for the largest awards shutout in Emmy history, beating the previous record set in 2012 by “Mad Men,” another drama starring Moss, which had 17 nominations and zero wins that year.

The Marvel miniseries “WandaVision” received a whopping 23 nominations, the third most of any series, but only won three Creative Arts Emmys for technical achievements, awards which weren’t televised on the Sunday night broadcast.

The night was one to remember for Villanova University. “Mare of Easttown” is an HBO crime drama miniseries starring Kate Winsley that aired back in March and April of this year. The series was written

by Villanova graduate Brad Ingelsby and set in Chester County, Pennsylvania, just a few miles from campus.

“Mare of Easttown,” which was nominated for 16 awards, won three on Monday night, nearly sweeping the Limited Series acting categories. Kate Winslet won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Julianne Nicholson won Outstanding Supporting Actress and Evan Peters won Outstanding Supporting Actor. Ingelsby himself was nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, but came out behind Michaela Coel, writer of HBO’s “I May Destroy You,” and the overall winner for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series was the Netflix 1960s chess-themed hit “The Queen’s Gambit.” Still, “Mare of Easttown” was one of the big winners of the night.

Between the 2021 Emmy wins of “Mare of Easttown” and the Best Documentary Short Subject victory of the film “Colette” by Villanova graduate Michael Giacchino at the 2021 Oscars, this year has clearly been a big one for Wildcats in the entertainment industry.

Part Two: The Ultimate SEPTA Tour Guide Chloe Miller Staff Writer

While the first four stops on the SEPTA train on the way to Center City Philadelphia are filled with fun options for day trips, restaurants and shopping, the rest of the stops contain even more to explore.

The last stop the SEPTA goes to is Jefferson Station in central Philadelphia. Below is a continuation of the SEPTA guide from last week, containing a brief description of the rest of the stations where the train stops.

Fifth Stop, Wynnewood.

Wynnewood has a major shopping center that may be useful.

In the shopping center right off the station is a GIANT and Bed, Bath and Beyond. There is also a Whole Foods nearby for all one’s healthy grocery shopping needs. If one is looking for food at the Wynnewood station, there is a First Watch, which also has a location at Villanova Center. Most importantly, there is a Nothing Bundt Cakes if one is craving something sweet or looking to get a friend something for their birthday.

Sixth Stop, Narberth.

Narberth is a small station on the way to Center City. While there are not too many shops there,

there is a Reel Cinemas right by the station, which is an easily accessible movie theatre. Additionally, Narberth is known for its toy store, named as the best toy store on the Main Line, Character Development. The store is quirky and cute with plenty of toys, books and gadgets for people of all ages.

Seventh Stop, Merion.

Merion is another relatively smaller stop. Again, there are not many stores, but the stop is next to Merion Botanical Park. This is perfect if one is looking for a new spot to have a picnic, run, walk or simply study and enjoy nature.

Eighth Stop, Overbrook.

Overbrook station is known for being close to Saint Joseph’s University, which is a Catholic University like Villanova. Visiting Saint Joseph’s can be a fun afternoon trip if one wants to visit some friends, take in the sights of campus or even go to Mass.

Ninth Stop, 30th Street Station. 30th Street Station is the first stop in the city of Philadelphia and is the main railroad station in the city. The station is right by Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania. Both universities are easily accessible from this stop.

Additionally, 30th Street Station is the closest station to the art museum district. Here, one can go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art,

the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute and the Mutter Museum. Each museum has a unique array of art and is perfect for a day in the city.

If one is looking for something more low-key to do off of 30th Street Station, it is close to Logan Square, where one can hang out and have a picnic on the grass.

Tenth Stop, Suburban Station. Suburban Station is a smaller train station right next to the LOVE park, where one can see the iconic LOVE sculpture. It is right in the center of Philadelphia, central to City Hall and Dilworth Park. It has tables and seating areas all year round with ice skating during the winter months. Another must-see area near Suburban Station is Rittenhouse Square.

The park around Rittenhouse is beautiful, historic and amazing on a sunny day. The Rittenhouse area is also known for its shopping.

There are plenty of bookstores, clothing stores and boutiques all around the area.

Eleventh Stop, Jefferson Station. Jefferson Station is the furthest-east stop on the SEPTA. Nearby is the popular Reading Terminal Market, which is a great place to stop for some food and discover new shops and restaurants. It is also the closest train station to Old City Philadelphia.

Here, one can see all of the iconic Philadelphia attractions such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center. If one is not from the area, this is the perfect place to sightsee with parents or friends from school. Wonderspaces is another highly visited place in Philadelphia near Jefferson Station where one can take fun photos alone or with friends at the displays in the building. Although it may be a bit of a walk, Jefferson Station is the closest stop to Spruce Street Harbor and Penn’s Landing. Both areas are on the Delaware River area.

Spruce Street Harbor has a lot of fun summer activities to do outside. Penn’s Landing is a stretch of waterfront parks where there are concerts, movies, yoga, roller skating and so many other great recreational activities.

The SEPTA train to Center City Philadelphia has tons of opportunities and places to see.

Learning how to ride the SEPTA and knowing where to stop is important if one ever has to visit someone or somewhere. The SEPTA is the easiest and cheapest way to get off campus and explore the amazing area around the University. Taking advantage of the places will help make Villanova feel like home.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

CULTURE

The Villanovan | 15

Augustinians of Villanova: Father Bernie Scianna Olivia Sabalaskey Staff Writer

“When you hear a calling, explore it — that’s God talking to you,” said Father Bernard Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D..

This week, Fr. Bernie offers Villanovans a glimpse into his life as an Augustinian at the University in the Augustinians of Villanova Column.

First and foremost, who are the Augustinians?

“The Augustinians are a religious order within the Roman Catholic Church,” Fr. Bernie explained. “We make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience that are lived out in the spirit of St. Augustine, our spiritual founder. Some of us become ordained ministers, deacons and then priests. Others continue as brothers, and, while they make the same vows, live in the same communities, and many of them are in ministry here at Villanova, they don’t feel a call to ordained ministry in the Church. So, they don’t do things like hear confessions or say mass, but they remain a part of this religious order.”

Fr. Bernie’s journey to the Augustinian life began back in his high school years at St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago, Illinois. As a student there, Fr. Bernie was surrounded and taught by devout Augustinians. During his years at St. Rita, he was attracted to the strong sense of community and brotherhood the Augustinians valued.

After graduation, Fr. Bernie pursued an undergraduate education here at the University in 1983 with studies in history, philosophy and religious studies. He lived with 16 other pre-seminary undergraduates and two Augustinians in Burns Hall, located on West Campus (where he once again has resided since 2019). While they participated in normal college student activities, they also enjoyed meals, cele-

brated Masses and prayed together.

“Since 1983, Villanova has always been home, and I think that’s really because of the Augustinians, that strong sense of community,” Fr. Bernie said.

Throughout his entire life, Fr. Bernie has felt a strong connection to religious life as well as to education because of the strong sense of community. He found that the Augustinian life perfectly encapsulates his interests: teaching and the priesthood.

“Augustine himself was a great educator,” Fr. Bernie said. “Christ is our ultimate teacher.”

Although the Order of St. Augustine was not founded until 1244, St. Augustine’s passion and love for education has proven contagious across the span of time, inspiring millions like Fr. Bernie.

In fact, Fr. Bernie has always wanted to be a history and theology teacher. His liberal arts education as an undergraduate from 1983-1987 prepared him for the Order of St. Augustine well, especially here at Villanova. But he soon heard a calling to Administration and, therefore, his focus shifted from teaching. He served as Headmaster of Cascia Hall Prep from 1997-2010 and as Provincial Superior of the Midwest and Canadian Augustinians from 2010-2018. He also served on the University’s Board of Trustees from 2008-2018.

Since June 2021, Fr. Bernie has taken on a new professional role in the Dean of Students Office as the Senior Associate Dean of Students for Student Support.

Previously, Fr. Bernie was Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. In his new role, Fr. Bernie offers a pastoral perspective to Student Life, and he is responsible for helping solve non-disciplinary issues like escalated roommate disagreements and health issues that cause students certain distress. Also, given the disruption and impact of COVID-19 on campus, Fr. Bernie is in charge of communicating with hotels reserved for quarantining

(Left to Right) Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. with Fr. Bill Gabriel, O.S.A., M.Div. and Trevor Scianna at Fr. Bill’s solemn profession as an Augustinian last year on campus.

Courtesy of Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D.

should the University need them for students. He is also involved with Surveillance Testing, ensuring that students are able to remain safe and healthy. As the Senior Associate Dean of Students for Student Support, Fr. Bernie works closely with Public Safety, Resident Assistants, the Counseling and Health Centers and the rest of the Dean of Students Office in Dougherty Hall.

“I love being in Student Life because I’m connected to a wider crowd of people,” Fr. Bernie said.

He appreciates the brilliance of Villanova students, as well as how they try to share the Augustinian values of community, Unitas, Veritas and Caritas.

Fr. Bernie considers the University his home and therefore all who live here his

extended family. He enjoys meeting new students on campus, and he encourages students to introduce themselves to him when he frequently sits out on a bench by the Oreo.

Villanovans can also find Fr. Bernie celebrating Mass every Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. in Corr Chapel, as well as Adoration, Confession and Mass on Sunday nights for students.

If undergraduates are interested in becoming an Augustinian or religious life in general, Fr. Bernie recommends that they visit the Vocation Office in the back of St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Also, he encourages those interested in religious life to get in touch with him or another Augustinian so that they can help guide them in the path they may feel called to.

Bridging the Gap Year with Bridget Kai Da Luz Staff Writer

As people begin to see glimpses of normalcy after being rocked by a global pandemic, there also comes the realization that the society being stepped into is not the same one as pre-COVID-19. A coworker’s sick day will be taken more seriously, a self-service buffet is to become a thing of the past and people across the globe will foster a greater appreciation for life as they know it, or at least as they used to know it.

Another such change wrought

by COVID-19 is the unique demographic of the Class of 2025. According to NSCRC, 2020 saw a 13.1% decrease in college enrollment as opposed to the 1.4% drop in 2019. At many universities across the country, students who were already taking a gap year in 2019 were able to take a second when the coronavirus hit, entering college with two more years of experience than their fellow freshmen.

Most of these COVID-19 gap year students deferred their enrollment to the fall of 2021, allowing for a Villanova Class of 2025 with a handful of students still 17-years-old and others going on 20.

One such student in the high school class of 2020 is freshman Bridget Duffy, who is 19 years old. She graduated from Bayard Rustin High School in West Chester in June 2020,

Houlahan from PA 6th District in her campaign for Congress, playing an instrumental role running her postcard campaign. Duffy also wanted to further her education during her gap year, which she did by taking some online classes through Coursera and edX.

“I think taking the gap year has given me a fantastic advantage, that being a really deep appreciation for everything we get to experience now,” Duffy said. “Because I put it off, I am really able to enjoy everything way more.”

Thus, the choice of amazing individuals like Duffy to take the COVID-19 gap year has allowed the Bridget Duffy, ‘25, is adjusting to life at Villanova following a COVID-19 gap year. class of 2025 to have a special dynamCourtesy of Olivia Pasquale ic like no other. However, one possible problem could be the gap in age and though she remarks that it “was not at the time of sending students home maturity preventing intra class cohemuch of a graduation to begin with.” who contracted COVID-19 and lived sion.

“I applied Early Action to within 300 miles. I did not want to risk “I definitely have noticed Villanova in 2019 and submitted my giving COVID to my entire family, so the age difference in our class, and a application by Nov. 1,” Duffy said. putting myself and therefore them at slight maturity discrepancy as well,” “On Aug. 5 of 2020, exactly nine days risk was not an option.”

Duffy said. “It is easy to distinguish a before I was supposed to move in as a

She also went on to explain 17-year-old from someone going on freshman, I deferred my enrollment.” that it is a lot of money to pay with20.”

Many students had various out the whole experience, with many

This being said, the Class of reasons for taking the COVID-19 gap classes confined to Zoom and online 2025 has much to look forward to. year. Duffy explained her motives were last year.

Our differences offer opportunities backed by a plethora of concerns.

In the gap year, Duffy did not for the mixing of ideas and culture

“I am at high risk for COVID skip a beat, utilizing her time off to the to create something truly beautiful. because I was born with several heart fullest. She tutored two elementary When asked if she felt happy about defects, which make me more prone school students through Cyber School her decision to join the Class of 2025, to harsher symptoms,” Duffy said. “I from their home. Duffy also was a Duffy said that she was simply thrilled, also did not like the University’s policy field interim for now Rep. Chrissy as all of us should be.

16 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

SPORTS

SPORTS

Into the Nittany Lions’ Den: Penn State Preview

cruising against Ball State and holding off SEC powerhouse #22 Auburn 28-20 last weekend.

The Nittany Lions are led by redshirt senior quarterback continued from pg.1 Sean Clifford, now in his third a Monday Colonial Athletic Assoyear leading the team. Clifford ciation press conference. “Herm Edwards [said], ‘You play the game has thrown for 757 yards and four to win the game.’ And that’s always touchdowns on the season, adding gonna be what we’re talking about, 87 yards and another score on the ground. His favorite target is senior thinking about, preparing to do.” wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who

However, he then added a has 20 receptions for 245 yards dose of realism. and three touchdowns through the

“We’re gonna do what we can and go out there and hopefully first three games.

The Penn State rushing execute at a high level, and see how it plays out,” Ferrante said. “As far attack, featuring junior running back Noah Cain, has yet to be fully as measuring levels of success, I’m unleashed, as Cain has tallied just not a moral victory guy, and our 162 yards on 47 carries. staff isn’t a moral victory type of

The key to Penn State’s sucstaff, and I don’t think our playcess has been its defense. Against ers are either, we want to go out there and prepare and put the best Wisconsin, the Nittany Lions had product we can on the field and see two interceptions, forced a fumble and blocked a field goal attempt where the cards lay.” to hold the Badgers to just ten

Both Penn State and Vilpoints. The Nittany Lions picked lanova enter the matchup with off Ball State twice in their secidentical 3-0 records, yet their ond game, and forced an Auburn paths into this matchup have differed greatly. The Wildcats cruised fumble, a turnover on downs and a game-ending incompletion in the in their first two games, defeating end zone to clinch a 28-20 victory Lehigh and Bucknell by a combined score of 102-6, before need- and improve to 3-0.

Penn State has allowed ing a flurry of scores in the fourth opponents to reach the red zone a quarter to pass their first real test combined eleven times throughout against Richmond. its first three games, yet has kept its

Their FBS opponents are already battle-tested, winning their opponents off the board on five of those trips, with three takeaways, a opener on the road against 12th turnover on downs and the blocked ranked Wisconsin 16-10, before Colin Beazley Co-Sports Editor

field goal.

Junior linebacker Brandon Smith has been the defensive centerpiece, with 25 tackles. Four different Nittany Lions have interceptions, including one each from senior linebacker Jesse Luketa and senior safety Jaquan Brisker. Redshirt senior defensive end Arnold Ebiketie leads the team in tackles for loss, with three.

For the Wildcats, the success of the game is dependent on how graduate quarterback Daniel Smith adapts to the game speed of an FBS opponent and the enhanced spotlight of Happy Valley. Smith has completed 45 of 70 passes for 598 yards and eight touchdowns on the season, and junior wide receiver Jaaron Hayek has 13 receptions for 202 yards and three scores.

Graduate running back Justin Covington has rushed 44 times for 307 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 156 yards against Lehigh alone, but holes will be much harder to find against a Big Ten defensive line.

Ferrante plans to prepare his team as if this was any other opponent.

“From our perspective, our week’s not gonna be any different,” he said Monday. “We’re gonna go out and have Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday practice the way we always do, and try to prepare to the best of our ability versus the

opponent that we’re playing. We’re gonna try to incorporate a little more noise, a little more volume into some of our team periods of practice… that’s just one tweak or adjustment to try to simulate 100,000 people, as opposed to ten thousand people.”

However, he did admit that the magnitude of the opponent required one major change to the team’s travel itinerary.

“We traditionally do not go to the visiting stadium on Friday, but we are gonna go and just do a quick walkthrough just to get the oohs and aahs out of the way,” Ferrante said. “Other than that, nothing changes. Let’s take a consistent approach to our preparation and worry about how we’re executing come gameday.”

The Wildcats go into the matchup with a three-game winning streak against Penn State, beating the Nittany Lions in 1936, 1949 and 1951. However, Penn State won five of the first six matchups, including a 71-0 victory in 1912.

Ferrante knows the mammoth task his team will undertake, so he kept his promises simple.

“We’re gonna do what we can and go out there and hopefully execute at a high level, and see how it plays out,” he said.

After years of anticipation, the game kicks off Saturday at noon.

Women’s Tennis Hosts Villanova Invitational Aphrodite Dimopoulos Staff Writer

The Villanova women’s tennis team started its season this past weekend with the Villanova Invitational.

The team played Saturday against Delaware and Drexel and again Sunday against Temple. Coming off of back-to-back Big East semifinal appearances, the Wildcats racked up six singles wins and two doubles wins throughout the Invitational, which did not have team scoring.

The Wildcats kicked off the action Saturday morning with a match against Drexel. In the first match, sophomore Bella Steffen and junior Taylor Gould carried the doubles teams. The two were the lone pair to win a doubles match for Villanova by defeating Drexel’s Pauline Kharkover and Aida Garce Mendez, 7-6.

Although the doubles teams

did not win the majority of their matches, the Wildcats’ singles play against the Dragons was strong. Senior Annalise Klopfer defeated Renata Lombera, 8-5, junior Caitlin Fisher defeated Cristina Corte Gonzalez, 8-3, Steffen defeated Tara Veluvolu, 8-6, senior Olivia Kapp defeated Mya Fuentes, 8-3 and senior Sabina Grigorian defeated Kharkover, 8-3.

Villanova trumped Drexel in these five matches, starting off the Invitational dominant on its home court.

In their second match of the day, Villanova battled Delaware.

Sophomore Rose Kenny secured the only win of the match for the Wildcats, defeating Isabella Montana, 8-3, in singles play.

After a night’s rest, the team entered the courts focused Sunday morning to take on Temple. The ‘Cats’ singles matches, although close, did not fall in their favor, as all seven of their matches fell to Temple. In doubles play, three of the four pairs

The Wildcats next compete in the Thunder in the Mountains tourney in West Virginia.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

The Villanova Invitational provided a solid starting point for the season.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

lost to the Owls. However, to conclude the Invitation, Kapp and Fisher paired up in doubles play to defeat Vineetha Mummadi and Stefaniya Surikova, 6-3. This was the only win for the ‘Cats on Sunday.

The Villanova Invitational provided the team with a solid start to the season. Steffen, Fisher and Kapp are leaving the weekend each having a singles and a doubles win to start the 2021-22 season and proved to be a major component in the Wildcats’ Invitational success.

Looking ahead, the team expects much success for the spring season. Klopfer is coming off of an electric season. Last spring, the senior earned First Team All-Big East honors as a unanimous first team selection. She, along with now-graduated Lexi DeNucci, garnered two all-conference honors for the first time in Villanova history. With Klopfer leading her team in the coming season, success is sure to follow.

Villanova also has two new freshmen, Emma Brogan from Kennesaw, Georgia and Valieriia Kornieva from Dnipro, Ukraine. Boasting impressive resumes, the two have 10 returning players to look up to and follow throughout the start of their Villanova experience.

Head Coach Steve Reiniger is now entering his 24th season at Villanova. The talent in this group of women combined with Coach Reiniger’s guidance has proven to be effective as the team’s last two seasons have brought it into the Big East semifinals.

Last April, the team advanced to the semifinals with a 4-0 win over Creighton, where they lost 4-1 to DePaul.

To continue the season, Villanova will head down south to West Virginia for the Thunder in the Mountains tournament hosted by both West Virginia State and Marshall from Sep. 24-26. The Wildcats will face the two hosts and St. Francis during that tournament.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

The Villanovan | 17

SPORTS

Volleyball Defeats Local Rivals at Temple Tourney Zac Tipton Staff Writer

The Wildcats competed in the Temple Invitational over the weekend, falling to Princeton in three sets before winning the next two over Temple and Penn.

Villanova entered this tournament having won nine straight sets last week. However, Princeton attacked in a way that Villanova couldn’t stop, as the Wildcats lost in three sets, 12-25, 21-25 and 20-25. Villanova bounced back and was able to hold on to beat Temple in five sets, 25-17, 25-19, 18-25, 23-25 and 15-8. The ‘Cats continued to defeat Penn in a four set victory, 21-25, 30-28, 25-23 and 25-19, to move to 8-4 on the season.

Villanova took the short drive down to Temple Friday night to face a tough Princeton team that likes to attack and has some incredible scorers.

“They have some players who can score, and they are going to make teams beat them,” Villanova head coach Josh Steinbach said.

“They aren’t going to beat themselves.”

Princeton did just that, with only one error in the first set to Villanova’s nine. Princeton took an 8-0 lead and never looked back, winning the first set, 25-12, to snap Villanova’s nine set win streak.

The second set was very back and forth, with seven lead changes. Both teams fought hard to even the score at 21-21, before the Tigers won four straight points to

end it, 25-21.

The third and final set was the same as the rest of the set, as Princeton took a 20-18 lead and then scored three straight points, which gave them enough room to finish off the match, 25-20. For Villanova, Sanaa Barnes, who Steinbach believes “will only get better as the season goes on,” led the ‘Cats with nine kills. Belle Morgan had 31 assists. Elena Montgomery finished with a team leading 12 kills for Princeton. Villanova fell to 6-4 after that match.

Villanova had little time to dwell on the loss, facing Temple that same night. Villanova wasn’t going to lose two in a row, especially to its Philadelphia rivals, and came into the game ready to play from the beginning. It took a 15-8 lead and stayed the course, winning 25-17 in that first set thanks to four kills each from Riley Homer and Barnes.

Villanova wasn’t done there, as it never lost the lead the entire second set, winning, 25-19. Homer continued to dominate with six kills, continuing an incredible season that hasn’t surprised her coach at all.

“She was a talented player coming in,” Steinbach said. “I think now that we have a much more normal season, we’ve been able to see what she can do.”

Temple came back in the third. With the game tied at nine, the Owls got a kill that allowed them to hold the lead the rest of the set, winning 25-18. The fourth was much more intense, as Villanova held the lead 10-6, but Temple

Averi Salvador was named to the Big East Honor Roll after 57 digs over the weekend.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

came back. After four lead changes, the Owls took the lead and never gave it back, sending it to a fifth set, 25-23.

In the fifth, Villanova had a big 4-0 run to take a 9-5 lead and would hold on to it the rest of the way, winning the set and the match, 15-8. Homer and Booth combined for 36 kills and 11 blocks, while Averi Salvador had 21 digs.

On Saturday, Villanova took on another hometown rival, defeating UPenn in four sets. The game started quickly, with five lead changes in the first set, before Penn led, 17-16. It did not give up that lead, winning the set, 25-21.

Villanova would come back in what might be the longest set of the season. Penn took a 5-2 lead and continued to lead up until 19-15, when Villanova went on a 5-0 run to take the lead. From that point on it was blow after blow, and

the score tied up eight times. In her first appearance of the season, junior Kathleen Johnson sealed the set with four kills down the stretch to give Villanova a 30-28 set win.

The third set was also back and forth, but with the set tied at 23, Villanova won the final two points to win the set 25-23. Villanova dominated the final set. After jumping out to an 8-2 lead, they never blinked and won the set 2519. Andrea Campos was huge in that match, with a career high 46 assists, and freshman outside hitter Rose Crist had 10 kills.

Villanova goes into conference play with an 8-4 record and starts Big East competition with two matches next weekend at home. On Friday, the Wildcats take on Marquette (9-2), which is always a force in the Big East. On Saturday, Villanova finishes the weekend with a matchup with DePaul (7-5).

Weekend Sweep for Field Hockey Tyler Moore Staff Writer

Villanova evened its record at 4-4 after sweeping its weekend homestand. The Wildcats opened up Big East competition with a 5-3 victory over Providence (4-3) on Friday and defeated LaSalle (4-4) by a score of 6-3 on Sunday.

Friday saw a slow start by both the Wildcats and the Friars.

However, ‘Nova was able to get many shots on goal as well as a few penalty corners. The offense found the back of the goal at the 11:16 mark when junior Caitlin Van Goeverden made a pass in the circle to sophomore Meghan Mitchell for the first score of the night. Mitchell, who had a career high nine shots against the Friars, was selected to last week’s Big East Weekly Honor Roll.

Providence found its way to the goal shortly after Mitchell’s goal,

tying it up. The second period featured many shots on goal, but none making it into the cage, leaving the score knotted up at 1-1 heading into the half.

A back and forth battle filled the third period. Mitchell put in the second Wildcat goal at the 38:44 mark, redirecting a shot from freshman Emma Schwarz, which came after a penalty corner by freshman Anne Drabbe. The Friars quickly answered with a goal of their own off of a penalty corner to tie the game.

Shortly after, Van Goeverden received a pass in the circle from sophomore Sabine de Ruijter, sending it through the goalie’s legs for the lead. Providence would not let up, however, and tied the score yet again with another penalty corner.

The end of the game was all Wildcats. Sophomore Amanda Middleman would use assists from Mitchell and Van Goeverden to give

Sophomore back Sabine de Ruijter scored a hat trick to lead Villanova over La Salle.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Sophomore Meghan Mitchell score three goals to earn Big East Player of the Week.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Villanova a 4-3 lead. To finish it off, sophomore Jamie Pennington sent a penalty corner to Van Goeverden who found de Ruijter for the goal.

Providence would have no luck in the period, capping the ‘Nova victory.

The Wildcats returned to the Proving Grounds on Sunday to face LaSalle.

The Explorers took the lead quickly with a goal at the 4:34 mark.

Later in the period, Middleman took an assist from de Ruijter to knot the score at one each. Shortly after, the Wildcats took the lead, as Van Goeverden accepted a pass from Mitchell and buried the shot.

The lead would not last too long, despite a fierce offensive push by ‘Nova, as LaSalle would tally two more goals in the second period to regain the advantage over the ‘Cats. Just before the half, Drabbe sent a penalty corner assist to de Ruijter, who scored the tying goal.

‘Nova was dominant in the remainder of the game, as the Explorers failed to find the back of the cage in the second half. Despite a few early corners from LaSalle, they were no match for the Wildcat defensive effort. De Ruijter received a penalty corner from Pennington, taking a shot at the goal. With her shot blocked, she regained possession and fired it back into the goal, giving ‘Nova the lead with her second of the game.

De Ruijter would continue her excellent performance against LaSalle by scoring off another penalty corner by Pennington, extending the lead to 5-3 and completing her hat trick. Soon after, Mitchell found the back of the goal to complete the scoring.

The Wildcats take a quick trip to Philadelphia to face Temple (5-1) on Friday at 6 p.m. before travelling to Connecticut on Sunday to play Fairfield (3-4) at 1 p.m.

SPORTS

18 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Men’s Soccer Wins Big East Opener Owen Hewitt Staff Writer

Villanova men’s soccer picked up a win in its first Big East game of the season on Saturday, beating Marquette, 1-0, with the only goal of the match coming off the foot of freshman forward Balthi Saunders in the 28th minute. The win takes the team to 5-1 on the season and marks its third consecutive win.

Neither team was eager to attack from the outset, with both squads settling into their defensive shapes.

“It became obvious that this was a game where we needed to keep our defensive shape and that our back line and D-mids were really going to have to hold the middle for us,” head coach Tom Carlin said to Villanova Athletics.

Although it was Marquette that generated the most chances through the first 20 minutes, the Wildcats began to find their footing shortly thereafter. In the 25th minute, junior midfielder Gray Ricca sent a ball to junior forward Lyam MacKinnon, who ripped a shot that clanged off the right goalpost.

While nothing came of that chance, it was indicative of what was to come for the Wildcats.

Shortly after, Saunders made a run in from the right side of the field, taking on multiple defenders before cutting in towards goal and sending a left-footed shot past the Golden Eagles keeper to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

Saunders, whom Carlin

called a “goal-scoring machine,” picked up Big East Freshman of the Week honors last week after scoring a crucial goal that brought the ‘Cats level against Temple. The strike against the Golden Eagles is Saunders’s third goal in as many games.

Villanova maintained that lead for the rest of the match, with the ‘Cats keeper senior Carson Williams making six saves throughout the night. The Wildcats’ back line only allowed the Golden Eagles to get off 12 shots in the duration of the match.

At the half, the Wildcats held a distinct advantage in chances created, as reflected in the shots, which were 10-4 in favor of the ‘Cats.

The Golden Eagles did not declare the game a lost cause, as they had a handful of dangerous opportunities throughout the second half of play. Williams was forced into action in the 59th minute to push away a Marquette shot that seemed destined for the

back of the net, leaping to keep the advantage for the ‘Cats.

Arguably, Williams’ most impressive save came in the 82nd minute, as a Golden Eagle sent a shot to the right of Williams that changed direction after deflecting off of another player. Williams was still able to get a hand to the dangerous shot to maintain the back line’s clean sheet.

“This was one of those games where we needed Carson to make big saves,” Carlin said to Villanova Athletics. “And he made a few of them for us.”

The Wildcats will resume Big East play on Sep. 25 against Butler. The Bulldogs enter the match with a 2-3-1 record, including 1-0 in Big East play, after a win against UConn at home.

“Any time you win on the road in the Big East, it’s an accomplishment,” Carlin said to Villanova Athletics. “These teams are so tough, especially at home. I’m really proud of our resolve.”

Last week, the Villanova women’s soccer team absorbed its second defeat this season, losing against UPenn, 2-0. This drops the Wildcats’ record to 6-2-0.

The game started off close, with neither side making much headway against the other. Villanova freshman forward Francesa Yanchuk took the first shot against the Quakers in the game’s sixth minute. Wildcats senior goalkeeper Megan McClay had key saves in the 25th and 31st minutes of the game, allowing her team to stay in the game for the majority of the first half. The goalkeepers were both tested only a couple of times during the game, as McClay faced seven shots on goal, saving five.

In the 32nd minute of the game, McClay saved a shot taken

by Quaker Lauren Teushcl, but the rebound fell to Penn’s Sizzy Lawton, who made it 1-0 in favor of the hosts. One of the strongest chances for the Wildcats came in the 36th minute, when freshman Maddie Fried crossed the ball into the box for senior midfielder Brice McInroy. After McInroy’s header, the ball fell to the feet of senior midfielder Reagan Smith, who was able to get a shot off. However, the shot was saved by goalkeeper Laurence Gladu, sending the game into halftime 1-0.

Sep. 15 - Sep. 21

Wednesday, September 15 None Thursday, September 16 Women’s Soccer @ UPenn 0-2 L Friday, September 17 Women’s Volleyball vs. Princeton 0-3 L Women’s Cross Country @ Main Line Invitational 1st of 7 Field Hockey vs. Providence 5-3 W Women’s Volleyball @ Temple 3-2 W Men’s Cross Country @ Main Line Invitational 1st of 8 Saturday, September 18 Women’s Tennis @ Villanova Invitational No Team Scoring Women’s Volleyball vs. UPenn 3-1 W Football vs. Richmond 34-27 W Men’s Soccer @ Marquette 1-0 W Sunday, September 19 Field Hockey vs. La Salle 6-3 W

Men’s Soccer stands at 5-1 on the season, their best start since 2012.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Women’s Soccer Falls To Penn Amanda McKean Staff Writer

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD

“I actually thought we started off fantastic and really dictated the rhythm and tempo of the game,” Villanova head coach Chris McLain said of the team’s first-half performance, per Villanova Athletics.

Going into the second half, the Wildcats still had control of the game, and during the opening minutes, had the opportunity of a free kick about 25 yards away from goal. The ball found its way to freshman midfielder Susanna Soderman after being fought for in the middle of the box, but her attempt was shut down by Gladu.

From there, the Wildcats were never really able to get their footing back as the Quakers made some key tactical adjustments in the second half.

“They made some good changes which we knew they would,” McLain said. “But then we didn’t adapt and it changed the dynamics of the game.”

In the 77th minute, Teuschl got one by McClay after an assist from Lawton. Lauren Belcuore tried to get the Wildcats back into the game with a strong shot from the top of the box in the 81st minute, but again it was saved by Gladu.

McLain did not think that this was the Wildcats’ best team performance, as they only had eight shots compared to the Quakers’ count of 17.

“The early service wasn’t

great, our killer passes were not great, we didn’t shoot to score, and we wanted to win the game with individual greatness,” McLain said. “Only playing for the teammate on your left and the teammate on your right will help you win games in tough derbies like this.”

This is exactly the type of advice the Wildcats should follow going forward into their BigEast games, as this was their last non-conference game. Their opener will take place next Thursday,

Monday, September 20 None Tuesday, September 21 Men’s Soccer @ Penn State Sep. 23, when Villanova will host Seton Hall at 3 p.m. at Higgins Soccer Complex on West Campus.

The last time the Wildcats played the Pirates was on April 8, 2021, when they came out victorious 2-1 in double overtime.

“We have some time before we play Seton Hall and Marquette,” McLain said. “That allows us to learn from games like these.

We will be prepared and ready, as long as we learn from these types of games, we will be a better team come Thursday.”

Freshman midfielder Susanna Soderman challenges for the ball.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

The Villanovan | 19

SPORTS

Cross Country Dominates Main Line Invitational Loghan Hirkey Staff Writer

The Villanova men’s and women’s cross-country team came out on top against six other schools at the Haverford Main Line Invitational on Friday. The women as a team scored 17 points in their three-mile race, and the men collectively scored 23 points in the four mile.

Individually, sophomore Haftu Strintzos came in first for the race out of 122 runners with a four-mile time of 19:02.4. Not far behind was sophomore Josh Phillips with a time of 19:06.8. Both Strintzos and Phillips had the top two times of any Villanovan at the Haverford four-mile race. In addition, six out of the top ten race spots were Wildcats. Junior Charlie O’Donovan, who was a finalist in the Irish National Championships earlier this year, finished in fifth. Senior Nick Steele came in sixth, freshman Liam Murphy was ninth and senior Martin Barr rounded out the top ten.

Individually for the women in the three-mile race, sophomore Maggie Smith came out on top among 76 runners with a time of 16:20. Not only were seven of the top 10 spots grabbed by the women’s team, but the top three were also all Wildcats. Freshman Sadie Sigfstead secured second place with a time of 16:21.2.

Junior Lydia Olivere, who qualified to run in the Olympic trials, claimed the number three spot.

Freshman Kendra Lewis was fifth,

sophomore Anna Helwigh was sixth, freshman Emily Robinson was seventh and senior McKenna Keegan was ninth.

In this invitational, Villanova competed against Penn, La Salle, Haverford, Elizabethtown, Muhlenberg and Widener. Out of the six, Penn is Villanova’s toughest competitor this season, as the men’s team has a current rank of fifth in the NCAA DI Mid-Atlantic group, while the women are ranked sixth. There was also only a 45-point difference between the men’s total score and a 30 point deficit for the women between the two schools. And while La Salle made the men’s list in seventh and the women’s list in eighth, the other competitors for this race were left in the dust in terms of NCAA rank. However, Villanova’s men’s team is currently ranked at the top in the region and appears to plan to stay at that rank, while the women’s team is just behind in third regionally.

For the rest of the season, the Wildcats hope to continue to dominate at the races. They each have a high standard to uphold by not only having nine national titles under their belt for the women and four for the men, but also an impressive season last year.

In the 2020 season, the men were third out of 10 schools at the Big East Championships.

This leaves room for improvement to either the top or even a place higher. In addition, the women were fifth out of eleven schools at the Big East Championships.

Although not placing in

The Men’s Cross Country team won the Main Line Invitational.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

the top ten at the Championships last year, Smith seems to be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Strintzos and Phillips are once again starting out strong after both placing in the top 10 last season at the Big East Championships.

Along with winning the Big East Championship, the men’s and women’s cross-country team strive to have not only more members attend the NCAA Championships, but also to have runners score in the top 10. Last season, Olivere

was the only representative for the women, placing 91st out of 256.

The men’s team qualified for the NCAA Tournament last season, with Strintzos and Phillips in the lead of the pack with placements of 66th and 67th out of 251 runners.

Villanova runs against Lehigh on Oct. 1 at 9:15 a.m. for the men and 10:15 a.m. for the women. The Big East Championships will be held at Carmel, Indiana on Oct. 29.

Men’s Lacrosse Adds to Class of 2025 Meghann Morhardt Staff Writer

After the loss of more than 10 seniors last year, the men’s lacrosse team is adding eight new faces to the roster in the class of 2025. This class is offense heavy with three attackers, three midfielders and two defenders.

The first member of the class of 2025 is defender Aidan Ahearn out of Amherst, New Hampshire. Ahearn attended Bishop Guertin High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He was a U.S. All American and won the USA Today High School Sports New Hampshire Player of the Year Award in 2021, when he led his team to a state championship. Ahearn was a member of the National Honor Society and achieved eight straight semesters on the honor roll.

Next is midfielder Tyler Boes from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Boes was a three-sport varsity athlete at Holderness School. He was a two-time Lakes Region AllStar and also shined academically as an AP Scholar, with high honors all four years.

Boes is joined by fellow midfielder Reilly Dugan out of Malvern, Pennsylvania. Dugan was also a three-sport varsity athlete at his high school, Episcopal Academy. Dugan earned varsity letters in lacrosse, basketball and soccer. He was named to the All Inter-Ac, All-

Main Line, All-Delaware County and All-PA teams for lacrosse all while maintaining high academic standing.

The Wildcats also welcome attacker Dan Martin out of Wall Township, New Jersey. Martin had a very successful high school career at Christian Brothers Academy, where he was named First Team All-Conference and Third Team All-State during his senior year.

Martin finished high school with 160 career points on 108 goals and 52 assists, ranking him 11th on the all time career points list at the academy. Martin was also a strong student, receiving his seal of biliteracy for Spanish and earning a spot in the National Honor Society.

The second attacker to join the squad is a local, Tucker Milhous from Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Milhous attended Malvern Prep, where he earned varsity letters in both lacrosse and soccer. While Milhous was there, he played a key role in the team winning two Inter-Ac Lacrosse Championships.

The last midfielder joining the Wildcats this season is Mack Prybylski from Westfield, New Jersey. Prybylski attended Westfield High School, where he was a standout athlete in both lacrosse and football, earning four and three varsity letters in each, respectively. Prybylski recorded 78 career points with 46 goals and 32 assists.

He was named an All-American

in 2021 as well as First Team AllState and First Team All-County.

The third and final attacker of the class of ‘25 is Luke Raymond from Crownsville, Maryland. Raymond attended Gonzaga College High School, where he earned four varsity letters in lacrosse. Raymond was the captain of his team during his senior season and was also named offensive MVP.

The last new member for the ‘Cats is long stick midfielder Tripp Robinson from Summit, New Jersey. Robinson attended Delbarton, where he earned two varsity letters in lacrosse, squash and ice hockey. During his senior year, Robinson was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Fitch-Pitt. On top of his athletic accomplishments, Robinson earned a combination of high and

highest honors during his time at Delbarton.

The Wildcats are excited and enthusiastic about the new faces that they have added to the program.

“Our coaching staff is extremely excited to welcome the class of 2025 to the Villanova lacrosse family and Villanova community,” head coach Mike Corrado said via Villanova Athletics. “Each one of these student-athletes is exceptional both on the field and in the classroom and we are looking forward to this season.”

With most sports returning to a normal schedule, the men’s lacrosse team will look forward to a full season at full strength in the spring, and there is no doubt that the Class of 2025 will have an impact.

The men’s lacrosse team added eight freshmen for the upcoming season.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

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