The Connector - February 27, 2018

UMass Lowell artist Andrew Marshall takes Lowell by storm   â–ş Page 6

THE UMASS LOWELL

Serving the Student Body Since 1976

February 27, 2018

River hawks defeat Merrimack 5-0

In This Issue Op-Ed: Finding peace in the wake of

tragedy

Bringing an end to the five game losing streak Hannah Manning

â–ş Page 2

Connector Editor

Annihilation review

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Men’s basketball defeats Maine Black Bears

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Final River Hawk Scores Team

Score

Overall Record

Softball vs. St. Louis

W 3-2

2-7

L 14-13 1-2

Men’s Lacrosse at Siena MBB at UMBC

Baseball vs.Vanderbilt

L 83-75

11-17

L 15-2

2-4

Haverhill campus enters second semester Hannah Manning Connector Editor

Seventy-five students enrolled in its first semester. Eight courses running in the fall, another 8 in the books for this spring. Three degree paths offered: business administration, criminal justice and psychology. Free parking for students in the lot across the street from Harbor Place. An already-indelible impact on the city.

It is an impressive amount of success achieved in such a short time. But UMass Lowell’s Haverhill satellite campus is just getting started. Dr. Steve Tello, the vice provost for innovation and workforce development at UMass Lowell, said that the university’s goal is to enroll upwards of 200 students in the campus housed at Harbor Place.

Yet 75 students in its first semester of operation was an indication of its immediate success and impact on the city. Haverhill students already showed their appreciation on the first night UMass Lowell opened up the campus. “Our students over in Haverhill didn’t really have a place to call their own. And when they walked in that night they were beaming. They were giddy with excitement because it was

The UMass Lowell men’s ice hockey team scored not one, not two, not three, but five unanswered goals to put an end to the 2017-18 regular season and a pesky five-game losing streak.

The River Hawks had a huge second period, scoring three goals within a span of five and a half minutes, which held them aloft for a much-needed win.

UMass Lowell had not won a game since Tuesday, Feb. 6, a decisive 4-0 home campaign against American International. “I thought it was a big win for us, to get out of this funk. Obviously, we played a great opponent and now comes the sec-

Matt Dwyer/Connector

River hawks score a goal against the Merrimack Warriors.

ond season. We’re looking forward to next weekend,� said UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin.

The River Hawks lost Friday night’s opening game against Merrimack 4-1 and were ready to re-

â–ş See “Hockey,â€? page 7

‘Game Night’: One deadly game of Risk Andrew Haverty Connector Contributor

Who does not love a good game night? Break out the old Scrabble board, some markers for Pictionary, maybe even some old fashioned trivia. It is all fun and games, that is, until one of the players with gets beaten half to death and kidnapped by some mask-wearing, gun-toting thugs. “Game Night� is a comedy that takes a friendly,

but competitive, group of friends, and straps them in for the most unforgettable game night they will ever have.

Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) are two lovers destined to be together through their passion for games of all kinds, from charades to “Chutes and Ladders.�

Their friends certainly share the same affection, but maybe not their intense need for bragging rights.

Kevin (Lamorne Morris) and

â–ş See “Haverhill,â€? page 3

Sections

Courtesy of IndieWire.com

News.............................3 Campus Life..................6 A&E.............................. 4 Sports........................... 8

deem their performance with plays more characteristic of themselves.

“Game Night� premiered on Feb. 23.

Michelle (Kylie Bunbury) are high school sweethearts that think they know everything about each other, but a game of “never have I ever� quickly changes that. Their other friend Ryan (Billy Magnussen) is the likable dimwit that always seems to have a different girl under his arm at every game night. This group of casual wine drinkers and amateur sketchers loves getting together to get the competitive juices flowing.

One night, Max’s more successful and better-looking brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) comes into town wanting to get in on this old fashioned friendly fun. Only his version of game night involves one of the players getting kidnapped by complete strangers and leaving the rest to figure out where that player is, otherwise he or she dies. It is all fake of course, performed by a professional who-done-it gaming agency so no one will really get hurt‌right? Let the games begin. â–ş See “Game Night,â€? page 4

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February 27, 2018

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS Finding peace in the wake of tragedy Ann Kurian Connector Contributor

As of late, it seems the world is throwing us unexpected events each and everyday. From the recent school shootings to the deportation threats to our country’s Dreamers, pain is always surrounding us.

It is hard to live in our society and not loose faith in humanity.

So how do we find peace and move forward after tragedy has struck? We stand up and let our voices be heard. We have to find the strength to let the pain and loss motivate us to fight for a better tomorrow, to fight for a better future.

Individually, we may feel like small in this big universe and it may feel like there is not much we can do, but that is where we are mistaken. Together, we are resilient, and our voices are loud. We have the power to make big changes in the world. We have the power to make a better world possible.

One of the greatest feelings a person can feel is finding it within themselves to emerge from the shadows of the sidelines and fight for an issue they are passionate about. Big or small, there are many ways you too can get up and let your voice be heard: Educate yourself. Before you get involved in any movement, make sure you understand what the cause is – and what it is trying to achieve. Whether you are interested in climate change or racial injustice, learn the issue’s key facts and understand the

movement’s mission and beliefs. Do this by visiting the movement’s official websites, reading books and articles about topics discussed, or even take a course that teaches you more about the cause.

Work on your own habits and beliefs. Make sure you are doing your very best not to contribute to the problem at hand. For example, no good will come if you just complain about how plastic is bad for the environment but do not practice recycling yourself.

You have to first unlearn bad habits and behaviors yourself before you encourage others to be better.

Start small and eliminate hate words and become more mindful of the words you use in conversation or when describing members of different social groups and speak up and be a better ally to those in need.

Research the local presence. Whatever the issue is you are passionate about, chances are other people believe in it also. Local activist groups often hold open meetings and welcome anyone who is looking to get involved. UMass Lowell has a handful of clubs and organizations, such as MassPIRG, the Climate Change Coalition and the Navigators Club, that advocate and promote social justice. It is important to build connections with other like-minded individuals because it is where experiences are shared and new ideas are born.

Volunteer your time. When you ask any non-profit organization or campaign what keeps them going the answer will always be volunteers. Volunteers

are single handedly the most important part of any demonstration. Whether you are canvassing or petition signing, the time and effort you put into volunteering can do a whole lot of good. Just a few hours a day or week can make a significant impact and improve the lives of those affected by the exact injustice your movement is fighting against.

Take action locally. Individuals who want to get involved in any social justice movement can do the most effective work right in their own communities. Whether that be through donations writing letters to your elected officials or even just spreading awareness of local during lunch with your friends, there are many ways to take action now. Keeping social justice topics as part of public conversation is essential to creating change.

Take part in a demonstration or protest. This can be a very big step for most people, so make it less intimidating and bring your friends. Make signs or print out flyers and inform and educate other – this is the time you get to put your knowledge to action.

Getting out there and seeing all of these people care so deeply about something that you care about will show you that you are not alone it will make you see that hope is surly alive and well.

Remember when we work together, we can make big changes in the world. Do not give and keep persevering for a better tomorrow. Our voices will be heard.

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NEWS

UMass Lowell, Haverhill: Satellite campus enters second semester of operation ► Continued from front page

like their place. It was brand new. It had the equipment. It made them feel a part of the campus,” said Tello.

UMass Lowell offers only three degree pathways at the satellite campus, picked by looking at the most popular associate programs at Northern Essex. It is intended for students who obtained their associate degrees at Northern Essex and want to embark on their bachelor’s without having to factor in a sometimes-frustrating commute to Lowell.

For a campus centered around convenience, the Haverhill campus delivers on a grand scale. Students are issued a student identification card which gives them access to a study area in Harbor Place, free transportation via the MVRTA and several other benefits that are awarded to students who attend classes on the main campus.

The satellite campus was a project that had been in the works for years.

According to Tello and Stephanie Guyotte, the associate director of the Haverhill campus’s Innovation Hub, UMass Lowell had been hoping to establish a campus in Haverhill before the Harbor Place project was announced in 2016.

The city of Haverhill had struggled for over 40 years to make use of its

abandoned Woolworth’s store. The massive property closed in the late 1960s and the family that owned the building fought with the city about what to do with it. As the years went on the Woolworth building mirrored its city’s decline into economic disparity. It rotted from the inside, left abandoned on the corner of Merrimack Street and the Ralph Basilere Bridge, a bitter memory of what was once a booming downtown. Then UMass Lowell stepped in.

The university recognized that Northern Essex Community College was a significant feeder of students transferring in. For a school on a quest to expand its reach throughout the Merrimack Valley and climb national rankings, it quickly decided that Haverhill was a market that could be tapped even further. Haverhill likewise needed the boost of a university presence in its developing downtown.

“I think the hope of the planners in Haverhill was that by bringing... the university and a new building and new tenants to that end of the street would help some of that development to sort of continue from Washington Street down into Merrimack,” said Tello.

The city of Haverhill and UMass Lowell worked very closely together to ensure that the project was mutu-

ally beneficial. Guyotte says that the Greater Haverhill Foundation, newly-elected state representative Andy Vargas and the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce have been involved with the development of the Harbor Place project.

UMass Lowell takes up two floors out of Harbor Place; on the second floor of the building are classrooms and the Innovation Hub takes up the third floor. There is over 11,000 square feet of space in the Innovation Hub in Harbor Place, according to a pamphlet created by the university.

The Innovation Hub is a particularly exciting aspect of the new satellite campus.

“We have space for roughly 30 companies there, between offices and dedicated desk space. And then also we hope to involve students through… student staffing [and] internship opportunities at these companies and then combining it with some of the classroom staff through programs and entrepreneurship,” said Guyotte.

There is still more space to go around. Tello and Guyotte said that half of a floor in the building was left bare intentionally in order to factor in possible expansion. Any students worried that potential expansion into Haverhill will add to their student bill have nothing to worry about, Tello

says. “[Chancellor Jacquie Moloney] has made it very clear that when we expand into other cities and regions we need to come up with a model that doesn’t cost the campus any money and doesn’t cost to students any money. We have to figure out how to cover those expenses,” said Tello.

The university looks forward to the summer semester, where it hopes to workshop some interesting courses which may intrigue students from the Haverhill area. Tello and Guyotte point out that because Harbor Place is so close to one of Haverhill’s two Commuter Rail stops, students along the Haverhill line are welcomed to stop by and take classes.

“As we grow it will be a really, you know, exciting and vibrant place and we are very excited about it,” said Guyotte.

Tello says that the whole endeavor represents the university’s commitment to the region, and it hopes to bring prosperity as well as education to the Merrimack Valley.

“People know we’re in Lowell, we create jobs in Lowell, we educate the students, but by moving to Haverhill... we’re taking several things that we found successful there and starting to share them with the neighboring cities and towns,” said Tello.

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February 27, 2018

February 27, 2018

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ‘Game Night’ is a fun way to spend one’s time ►Continued from front page So is it all a game? Or is the danger real? “Game Night” does a great job of making the audience think one way, and then making them think another way only to support evidence for what one was thinking in the first place. And then the audience will continue to question themselves until the credits start rolling.

The film is funny when the characters think they are all in on the game, and even funnier when things start to get serious. Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (recent writers on “Spiderman: Homecoming”) do a phenomenal job of putting the audience in these tense, almost edge of one’s seat, situations, and often that is where the comedy masterfully comes in. For example, one of the characters had a loaded gun that they thought was a prop, waving it in the air all willy-nilly in the faces of genuinely scared strangers. Then said character decided to stop for an impromptu selfie, sticking the barrel

of the gun directly into their mouth.

There is also a cringe-inducing, gut-busting scene involving the amateur removal of a flesh-pierced bullet using merely a pocket knife and some chardonnay.

hand, is a bit disappointing here as she seems a lot less comfortable than the rest of the cast. Her performance and the laughs that come from her character can feel a little forced at times.

The rest of the cast is actually really

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

“Game Night” was originally set for release on Feb. 14 before getting pushed back to March 2 and then forward to Feb. 23.

Jason Bateman is funny as always, though this is the role the audience has seen him in dozens of times before. Rachel McAdams, on the other

enjoyable, especially Lamorne Morris whom it was nice to see as a truly grounded supporting character, as he is used to being on television and in

smaller film roles.

The cast is great, but what is immensely impressive is the two directors on the film. Daley and Goldstein can actually shoot an action scene, and shoot it like they are filming an action movie. It was truly a surprise, especially with their last disaster of a movie, “Vacation.” The kidnapping scene near the beginning is done so well, one might forget that they were watching a comedy until the movie cuts back to the clueless competitors who are less interested in the assault and more interested in the Gouda.

This smart balance of action and comedy is what ultimately makes this film worth recommending. It is not perfect with the forced jokes and the overextension of an ending, but there are plenty of laughs and a fun ride to be had. At the very least, it can confidently be said that this is 2018’s first solid comedy.

Grade: B-

Car Seat Headrest reexamines and refines their old classic “Famous Prophets,” which has an extra six minutes tacked on.

Toledo does not just do this out of spectacle and Will Toledo, known for his musical project Car grandeur, though. Many of the words have been Seat Headrest, started producing and releasing albums on the music hosting website Bandcamp while altered and entire portions of sections have been he was in high school a decade ago. After a few al- removed or extended. “Beach Life-in-Death” and bums of odd, less-than-fully-developed songs, he re- “Famous Prophets” both have altered and comcorded a cohesive, conceptual album about his own pletely new sections with different elements that it teenage relationships in 2011. The album, “Twin is hard to feel the same way about them as to the Fantasy,” has amassed a large cult following since originals. This is especially true for the somewhat its original release. Now Car Seat Headrest has a re- polished sound it now has that was not there before.

“Twin Fantasy” is an album that rose from some cording contract with Matador Records, and Toledo has decided to use his new funding and recording kid playing indie-rock all on his own into his laptop microphone, so there is a prominent history of amcapabilities to try improving his magnum opus.

What is quite atypical with this new album is that ateur, low-fidelity recording. In the original, parts it is not new. Fans of the band have known these of songs would just omit typical instruments, most songs for years, the lyrics and crescendos etched notably drums, because Toledo did not have easy into their being for some. The trouble with rework- access to them. The new album has been enhanced ing an album that has already been released is that with them added with additional people playing those who have come to love the original may be them, giving a more fleshed out sound. This differoff put to changes. The newest version is 10 min- ence can be heard notably in the songs “Bodys” and utes longer than the original while having the same “Nervous Young Inhumans.”

The song “Bodys” starts with an infectious guitar track list, signifying that a lot more has been added line of repetitious singular notes plucked quickly and changed. This can be evidently seen in the track in succession to an easily danceable rhythm, and Courtesy of Matador Records thumping alteration between closed high hats and snare drums every eighth-note suggest that as well.

But unlike the latest version, the original did not have the slight alterations at the end of the long guitar riff that help characterize each line on its own, and with a seasoned drummer on the stool, the drumming has been improved to a pleasurable degree.

For the previous version of “Nervous Young Inhumans,” it has an overdriven guitar pounding away its power chords, accompanied by drumming that is more advanced than that of “Bodys,” but it is not too compelling overall. However, 2018’s rendition added a lot of atmosphere that was lacking in the original. The layered guitars add a sparkle to the sound that gets embellished by the ethereal crooning of voices in the background, all the while causing a responsive head nodding in rhythm to be Car Seat Headrest has released 12 albums on Bandcamp. more enticing.

Patrick Connell Connector Staff

Courtesy of Consequence of Sound

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ‘Ghost 1.0’: ‘Rogue Legacy’ did it better Vernon Gibbs Connector Staff

“Ghost 1.0” takes a fun little romp and runs it into the ground. Released June 7 on Steam, “Ghost 1.0” can be best described as an unhappy marriage between the Metroidvania and rogue-like genres. The player steps aboard a high-tech space station and is tasked with navigating its corridors and uncovering its secrets.

The core combat of “Ghost 1.0” revolves around the player, Ghost, entering set rooms and fighting their way through waves of enemies. The problem is it is exactly that - waves. Only a small portion of rooms have set placements of enemies, ultimately reducing the level design put into place. Jump around these platforms here, avoid this one laser and try to keep track of the absolute mess the screen can get at later levels.

In an attempt of marrying the Metroidvania and rogue-like genres together, “Ghost 1.0” implemented a confusing array of skills and conditions behind said skills. There are four total types of power-ups one can gather, each one with differing attainment and methods. The problem arises when these systems are not treated with care, like what “Ghost 1.0” did.

With all of these differing traits, and

the inclusion of two separate modes of play, the game often falls flat on its face in providing a balanced skill system, not to mention how certain boss encounters mishandle these systems.

While never truly game-breaking,

thankfully spread out throughout the story, but they always provide a dose of uncanny valley whenever featured.

The in-game graphics are no better, with serviceable pixel sprites and backgrounds. The worst offender is

Courtesy of unepic_fran

Future releases of “Ghost 1.0” are planned for other gaming platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vista, XBox One, Nintendo Switch and Wii U.

these mishandled game mechanics provide little else but players pulling their hair out.

Graphic quality was certainly not a high priority in “Ghost 1.0’s” development, as understandable as it may be. Cutscenes feature rigid 2-D animations, with characters limited to lip flap (or a vigorously ruffling moustache) and the occasional gesture. They are

in the design of the enemies, projectiles and overall color palette. Fighting a wave of robots can be a controlled affair when first playing, but towards the later levels it becomes such a mess of shapes, colors and unhelpful user interface that would make a Touhou player nervous. This lack of attention to graphic design is a serious problem, and it leaves the player with only sour

memories of the gameplay.

The one thing “Ghost 1.0” has going for it is its strong main characters.

Character interaction is mostly limited to the player character and her two allies, and they bounce off each other well. The Freudian trio each have likeable characteristics, and are well written throughout most of the story.

“Ghost 1.0’s” story is a little unoriginal though, and its ending can be seen coming a mile away. The side characters have criminally small amounts of interaction, and are shoehorned into the story to create a lackluster finale, both in story and in gameplay. A wellloved captain does not change the fact that his ship is sinking.

When one looks for a game like “Ghost 1.0,” they will find better options for a similar price. They will find similar mixes of the same genres, but with better integration of mechanics and overall level design. There are similar games with much better graphic design that can form order out of the chaos of a fight. That, and still keep a likeable cast of characters and a game that one would want to pick up for a second time. If one still wants to try this game, expect the main story to take 10 hours.

Final grade: C-

‘Annihilation’ is annihilated by its execution Owen Johnson Connector Staff

The band is currently based in Seatte, Washington.

The trouble in these new songs, and throughout the album as a whole, is that the singing is somewhat tempered compared to the original, which is hard not to expect considering how Toledo wrote these songs out of raw emotion seven years ago, and that those emotions may have changed. They almost certainly have when looking at portions of the lyrics that were chosen for removal; he no longer sings the verse about his corrupted youth in “Beach Life-inDeath,” for example. This portion of the song really caused one to be taken aback due to the powerful statements made, the stripped-down instrumentals and the guttural vocal delivery all in tandem. A few moments like this persist elsewhere on the album, but it is hard to recognize without the context of the old album.

If one is looking for a robust album of great songs to take them on the auditory equivalent to a cinematic journey, listen to the 2018 album of “Twin Fantasy.” By most attributes, it truly is the better album. But the 2011 album should also be heard just for the ability to find the emotive highlights that the new one lacks.

Final grade: A-

“Annihilation” was directed by Alex Garland, the director of the 2015 science fiction thriller “Ex Machina.” “Ex Machina” had an interesting science fiction premise with lackluster execution, and “Annihilation” follows this trend.

After her husband (Oscar Isaac) reappears after a mysterious year-long disappearance, biologist and former soldier Lena (Natalie Portman) volunteers for the exact same assignment that her husband had been on in order to figure out what happened to him, which forces her to enter an ever-expanding scientific anomaly that genetically alters living things.

As already stated, the science fiction premise is interesting. An anomaly that alters genetic structures appears and a small team has to go in to both investigate and find a way to stop it. Along the way, body horror elements set in. It could have been interesting and even fun, but it hits mediocrity instead.

The execution of this idea is incredibly flawed, based on everything from characters’ lapses in judgement to poor story telling. In terms of character judgement, the team’s leader (Jennifer Jason Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

“Annihilation” is based on the novel of the same name by author Jeff Vandermeer.

Leigh) allows Lena to join up with the team despite her having zero government clearance, and then the characters enter an anomaly that only one person has exited from without any protective clothing like masks or gloves. This ends up harming the world of the film. An example of the poor story telling would be the deus ex machina that just solves the plot at the end.

There is almost always some amount of coincidences that exist in a story to either make the plot happen or keep the story going, but “Annihilation” overuses it right off the bat. Lena’s husband is the one person to ever escape the anomaly, and she just so happens to also have the proper criteria to be allowed to accompany another team’s expedition into it.

Speaking of things happening right off the bat, all tension in the movie is dissipated within the first scene. Taking place right after the events of the movie, Lena and an unnamed government agent (Benedict Wong) talk about what happened in the anomaly, and the fates of all the members of the mission is revealed. Due to this, there is no expectation of which characters might live or die nor is there any reason to get invested in any of them if the audience is already aware of what is going to happen.

That is not too big of an issue, though, because it is not like the movie gives any reasons for the audience to be invested in anyone. With the exception of Lena, all of the characters are one dimensional and boring. The most character development any of them really get is a small verbal introduction early on in the movie, and those introductions all feel like the actors just read the descriptions of their characters that a casting director would have given them.

While the characters are nothing more than casting descriptions, the actors do what they can with

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

“Annihilation” will be released internationally on March 12 by Netflix.

the roles. While there is no character that they can work into their performances, they all know what emotions they should be feeling at any given time and no one gives a bad performance. Portman and Leigh are both good in their roles, and the two stand outs are Tessa Thompson and Gina Rodriguez.

Alongside the performances, some of the genetic anomalies that the team encounter throughout the movie are interesting, both scientifically and visually, and the movie could have benefitted from more of these ideas. The best of these ideas by far is the one where plant genetics were infused with the gene that dictates human appearance, so there are human-shaped trees sprouting up all around.

While the strong performances, interesting science fiction concept and creative designs do help the movie to an extent, the rest of the lackluster execution just serves to sabotage the final product.

Final grade: C+

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February 27, 2018

CAMPUS LIFE Andrew Marshall making a name for himself in Lowell UMass Lowell freshman making a splash in Lowell’s music scene Kathryn Leeber Connector Editor

The first time Andrew Marshall’s parents heard their son sing was in a school play when he played Danny Zuko, the male lead in “Grease.”

Following in his sister’s footsteps, the singer-songwriter from Boxford, Mass. started to perform in middle school, but said he had never really sang in front of anyone due to his shyness.

“I did theater when I was growing up, but I never really sang in front of people because my sister was really good at singing, and I was like, ‘Oh Julia’s better than me.’ I was kind of shy too, so it wasn’t really her, I just kind of thought she was awesome,” Marshall said. “And then she went into middle school and high school and I saw her do the productions there, and I was like, ‘Alright, that’s where I need to shine. No guys ever go in there and sing, but I can sing, I can do this.’”

To fast-forward to the present, Marshall is consistently performing at local venues in and around Lowell, Mass. Since he is only in his first year at UMass Lowell, he has plenty of time to perfect his sound and style, but he has always been musically-inclined.

While he said he enjoyed partaking in the theater productions, Marshall was involved in music from an even earlier age. He said he played the saxophone in elementary school and took guitar lessons in fourth grade, but it was not until middle school that he really started to take music seriously.

Courtesy of Michael Miller Photography

“Letters from Lowell” is expected to be released in either the spring or summer.

“Growing up, I just wanted to be in a band,” he said. “Like in the fourth grade I didn’t even know how to play instruments and I was like, ‘Guys, let’s be in a band.’”

With the rise of many male singers during his childhood, Marshall said he had many idols to look up to. As a young kid, he, and the rest of the world, admired Justin Bieber for his

sudden jump to stardom. Marshall said it allowed him and his friends to aspire to succeed, realizing that even a kid from a small town could make it.

“I think when I was younger—I think every young singer, especially a guy—saw Justin Bieber come up, and they were like ‘I want to be like Justin Bieber. That’s so cool,’” Marshall said. “But my main influences now are like John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, those kinds of guys. I listen to jazz; I listen to really everything.

Being a music major, I’m into classical, I’m into jazz, really whatever.”

Marshall said he did eventually join a band in his hometown and recalled that experience as a pivotal part of his career as a musician. It allowed him to step outside of the theater and band environment that essentially existed only within the walls of his high school.

“As much as people [make fun of me] for that, I don’t really care. I thought [being in a band] was a good learning experience, and it was a good opportunity to just perform,” said Marshall. “I was only performing at Courtesy of Zimbio school, so it was cool to get out there and be like, ‘Okay, I can perform at different places if I just put in the work and talk to the people.’ For me, that was really cool. I’ve met some people through that, and some great artists that we’ve performed shows with.”

Courtesy of Michael Miller Photography The music-business major at UMaMarshall used his familiarity with the Lowell community to secure several perforss Lowell said he is just starting to get mances in his first year at UMass Lowell. his feet wet in the Lowell music scene.

Marshall is a member of Hawkapel- collection to be available by the end of his favorite song he has recorded.

Even so, this is no basic or average la, the all-male a cappella group at this semester.

“My thought process behind [the song; Marshall praised the depth and UMass Lowell, and said he credits the EP name] was that it’s all these things emotion that the track packs. As with people he has met through the group that I would say to people, like if I most artists, he explained how somewith helping him get acquainted with was to write a letter to someone,” he times he will write a whole song in Lowell’s music scene.

While Marshall has been perform- said. “These songs are my personal re- one sitting, while other times he will ing at local venues, namely Mill No. actions to people or how I feel about not write anything at all. His goal, as 5 and Cobblestones, he said he also certain people. And though they’re he said is really any songwriter’s goal, has a steady opportunity playing at a not here with me right now, I just is to send a message and allow people café in Newburyport, Mass. Typically want them to know this is how I feel to feel something from the lyrics.

“I think [the song] was a breakperforming by himself, he has his own through for me as a writer because it’s PA system and usually plays either the really easy to just write all these tenguitar or piano. “I use it as an opporder things about someone, but to realtunity to play new music for people or ly dive into how I was feeling or how just try something out. If I fail, it’s not someone made me feel, and the imthat big of a deal,” he said. portance of that relationship… that’s Some members of Hawkapella why I really like this song.” are also sound recording technoloHis can-do attitude and confidence gy majors and have helped Marshall shine through in his personality and it work through ideas and then go on is obvious that he is passionate about to recording them. He said he enjoys his music, and just about anything working within the university because else he sets his mind to. Marshall said everyone looks out for each other. Unhe simply wants to make music that like other engineers he has worked people can truly enjoy and involve his with in the past, current and former friends in the process. students who have helped him with re“I hold myself to a high standard becording and production have not been cause if I don’t like it, why would anyin it for the money; they simply want about them.

[There are] lot of sappy one else like it?” Marshall said. “It’s to help Marshall succeed in a friendly love songs, of course, but you have to really cool, especially if you record a and comfortable environment. have those.” demo, and you play it back and someHe is currently working on his deTrue to his acoustic, singer-song- one’s like, ‘Oh what song is that?’ and but EP titled “Letters to Lowell.” writer style, his upcoming single ti- I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s my song.’ That’s Marshall is aiming to have a single retled “Runaway,” is a self-proclaimed probably the most gratifying thing.” leased by spring break and for the full “cheesy love song,” and he said it is

“My thought process behind [the EP name] was that it’s all these things that I would say to people, like if I was to write a letter to someone.”

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

Page 7

February 27, 2018

SPORTS River Hawks snap five-game losing streak with 5-0 win ► Continued from front page

After a slow first period, with some questionable puck moving but moments of some offensive brilliance, the second period was 20 minutes that River Hawk fans were much more accustomed to seeing.

“Anybody that watches Lowell hockey [knows] there is very little deviation, and they stuck to their game plan… [The River Hawks] were on the balls of their feet tonight, they were playing fast… nothing that they don’t normally do,” said Merrimack head coach Mark Dennehy.

The River Hawks dominated puck possession and zone time and were aggressive on offensive chances. Even on the defensive end of the game they excelled, killing three penalties and clearing the puck three times on one penalty kill.

“Last night, they certainly had the edge and tonight we found a way to finish,” said Bazin.

Beyond that, the River Hawks did something that they had not done in the previous game: shown up and asserted themselves.

“Obviously, our effort was better tonight than it was last night and it was good to get the result,” said Tyler Mueller, senior defenseman and captain of the River Hawks.

Mueller pointed out that the main difference between the play on Friday and Saturday night was the intensity with which UMass Lowell played.

“We were able to clean up some goals on the offensive end and prevent some on the defensive end where they were able to capitalize the night before,” said Mueller.

The River Hawks’ upperclassmen did well for themselves on Friday night, taking four of the five goals of the night and tallying the assists.

Junior forward Ryan Dmowski scored two power play goals for the River Hawks. The burgeoning Dmowski is having somewhat of a breakout season with 11 goals and 21 points in 33 games.

He has smashed his career-best point total of 13, and appears to just be heating up in time for the postseason with four goals in his last six games.

His two-goal night earned him First Star of the Game honors and impressed his coach. “When Ryan’s on, he can be a beast. He’s a strong kid, he has a heavy shot. When he can be heavy down low, he can provide a punch for an offensive unit out there.”

Matt Dwyer/Connector

Sophomore Mattias Göransson celebrates with his teammates following a River Hawk goal.

Senior defenseman Tommy Panico began the goal onslaught with his shot from the blue line just 1:14 into the second period.

Just four minutes later, sophomore defenseman Mattias Göransson shot from the identical spot where Panico scored and junior forward Ryan Dmowski deflected the shot for his first power play goal of the night.

Senior defenseman Chris Forney added on another tally at 6:57 of the third period, bringing

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UMass Lowell its fourth goal. At 10:49, Dmowski struck the final nail in the regular season with his second goal of the night.

Saturday night will not be the last time that UMass Lowell faces Merrimack. Next weekend, starting Friday, March 2, the River Hawks will host the first round of the Hockey East tournament for a series with the Warriors. Merrimack will have six days to lick their wounds, and UMass Lowell six days to continue their momentum.

Bazin said that he and the River Hawks hope to take the playoffs “one series at a time,” and will be focusing hard on the opening round play. It is the first year since the new playoff format was implemented that the River Hawks have not had a first round bye in the Hockey East playoffs, but none of that will keep Bazin up at night.

“It’s Hockey East, you’ve seen it all year long. Anybody can beat anybody.

We’ll concentrate on the next opponent, and that happens to be Merrimack and they’re a great team with a great coaching staff,” said Bazin.

Dennehy was glib about spending another weekend in Lowell.

“Nothing we’d rather do, nothing we’d rather do,” said Dennehy.

February 27, 2018

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

Page 8

SPORTS Men’s basketball defeats Maine Black Bears 88-76 on senior night Matt Kaiser Connector Staff

On Wednesday, Feb. 21 the UMass Lowell men’s basketball team notched a commanding victory over the University of Maine Black Bears. The final home game of the season was also senior night, and senior guard Jahad Thomas led the team to victory with 26 points.

The first half was fast-paced and competitive.

Both teams played hard defense, resulting in both sides having five team fouls with 8:00 left in the first half. The River Hawks led a fast-paced offense, using picks at the top of the key to force backdoor

Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics

Senior Jahad Thomas finished the night with 26 points.

cuts and get players open at the 3-point line.

The River Hawks defense was not as good in the first half, but their rebounding was strong, and the Black Bears were missing a lot of open 3-pointers.

Senior guard Matt Harris hit a deep 3-pointer just before a timeout seven minutes into the first half.

In the first half, junior guard Ryan Jones was on fire. He scored 19 points and hit four 3-pointers.

Halfway through the first half the score was 2624 with Maine owning the lead, and the game continued to be back-and-forth and high energy.

With three minutes left in the first half, Maine sophomore guard Dennis Ashley scored a 3-pointer to tie the game at 41. Then, a steal from sophomore guard Rinardo Perry of UMass Lowell and a two-pointer by junior guard Ryan Jones put the River Hawks up 44-41.

With one minute left in the first half, Thomas made a layup and finished the half with eight points. The River Hawks were up 47-43 at the end of the first half.

The Black Bears played tough on defense, getting multiple steals and blocks leading to scoring on the offensive end. Jones held them off on the UMass Lowell defense, and he also commanded the River Hawks’ offense by hitting multiple shots.

In the second half, the Black Bears offense started to struggle, and they missed lots of open shots.

They pushed the pace of the game but were not able to convert on the offensive end. The River Hawks buckled down on defense and began to get steals and blocks, leading to transition scoring on the other end.

Maine got into early foul trouble in the second half, collecting five fouls not even three minutes into the half. The River Hawks started to move the ball on offense, and Jones and Thomas were working well together to add to UMass Lowell’s lead.

Thomas finished the night with 26 points and 11

U P C OM I N G

River Hawk Games Tuesday, Feb. 27

7 p.m.

MBB at UNH

Friday, March 2

4 p.m.

BB at Wake Forest

Friday, March 2

TBD

Saturday, March 3

1 p.m.

Saturday, March 3

TBD MBB vs. AE Quarterfinals

Saturday, March 3

1 p.m.

MHOC vs TBD

WLAX at Colgate

MLAX vs Monmouth

For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com

rebounds. He got into a strong offensive rhythm in the second half, and was able to get into the paint and score with relative ease. Jones’ 3-point shooting cooled off, but he took less shots and spread the floor to get his teammates open. He finished with 24 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Junior Aaron Calixte, the starting point guard for the Black Bears, led the team with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists. He excelled at pushing the pace of the game and provided strong passes to get his teammates’ open shots. Off their bench, junior guard Vernon Lowndes Jr. scored 16 points and had six rebounds and was able to provide some scoring when their team needed it.

Despite the Black Bears’ best efforts, the River Hawks began to stretch their lead towards the end of the second half. The River Hawks closed out the game 88-76 to improve to an 11-16 record. UMass Lowell will finish the regular season with two away games next week.

Women’s basketball falls to UNH 70-49 on senior night Jason Ounpraseuth Connector Staff

The UMass Lowell women’s basketball team lost 70-49 against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats on senior night on Feb. 22. Forward Kayla Gibbs was the lone senior for the River Hawks. Her night was capped off with 15 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

“I think the biggest thing about Kayla is how she’s evolved over the years. Obviously, her being a 1000-point scorer and leading UMass Lowell in field-goal percentage and being one of the top field-goal percentage shooters in the league is just a testament to how much she has grown over the years, but also how much of an impact she’s been since her freshman year,” said UMass Lowell head coach Jenerrie Harris. “We are very grateful to have had her. I’m more excited to just see what she has for the rest of the season.”

Freshman guard Paula Lopez played all 40 minutes of the game doing a little bit of everything.

She had four points, three assists, five rebounds and three steals. Sophomore guard Megan Hendrick scored 12 points and had five rebounds and two steals. The two guards led the UMass Lowell offense to a great first half.

The first quarter began with a nine to four run for the River Hawks. Defense played a big part in UMass Lowell maintaining their lead in the first

quarter. The team utilized a two to three zone to force turnovers and get baskets in transition.

UMass Lowell kept up the pace for the first half leading the Wildcats 28-23. On the first half start, Harris said, “In the first half we did a good job moving and creating offensive touches. [In the] second half we just didn’t get those same looks. They made some really good adjustments at halftime.”

Those adjustments made by the University of New Hampshire helped them close the gap and eventually take the lead for the rest of the game. The result played similarly to the previous matchup in Durham on Jan. 15. In that game, the River Hawks did not trail for the first 25 minutes. It was not until the fourth quarter where the Wildcats when on a run to win the game.

“I think it’s a great matchup for us,” said Harris on the two games against the Wildcats. “The score doesn’t reflect that which is a bit of a bummer because we felt like it was a closer game. I think that has a little more to do with our mental approach down the stretch as opposed to what the matchups looked like.”

Harris spoke highly of her young squad praising the relentless nature of their play as the team looks to finish strong heading into the postseason for the first time in their history.

UMass Lowell will finish the regular season at home against the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) on Sunday at the Costello

Athletic Center. The River Hawks will then go into postseason play, likely at UMBC, on Feb. 28 in the play-in round of the America East Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics.

Freshman Jennifer Louro dribbles down the court.