Campus Living Series: University Suites â–ş Page 8
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
November 14, 2017
River Hawks beat Northeastern 4-2
In This Issue
Closing out three game series with a win
Combating degrading social media with feminism
Andrew Sciascia
â–ş Page 3
Connector Editor
Murder on the Orient Express review â–ş Page 5
First women’s basketball game
â–ş Page 10
Final River Hawk Scores Team
Score
Volleyball at UMBC
L 3-0
Overall Record 5-20
Women’s Basketball at Rhode Island L 81-64 0-1 Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Northeastern W 4-2 6-6-0 Men’s Soccer vs. New Hampshire
W 2-1
10-6-1
Responses to Aramark forum from students Andre Ragel Connector Staff
On Nov. 1, University Dining held its annual Student Open Forum on Campus Dining, sponsored by the Student Government Association. Days after Larry Siegel, associate vice chancellor of student affairs, and Aramark staff gave updates regarding the future of campus dining, students continued to share their concerns and complaints about eating on campus. One of the biggest topics during the forum was the capital renovation project of Hawk’s Nest at University Suites. Hawk’s Nest’s million-dollar renovation, funded by Aramark, is projected to be completed by January 2018. Hawk’s Nest will provide full service dining to residents of University Suites and River Hawk Village, with the hope of easing the volume of students who eat at Fox Dining Commons. Miranda Vieira, a freshman resident of University Suites, is one of the many students who said she is excited for the re-opening of Hawk’s Nest as a dining hall. “[I’m excited] especially that it’s going to be winter soon and it’s really cold. It will be nice how I won’t have to leave the building if I just want to get food,� said Vieira. Another topic that was heavily discussed during the forum was the availability of
Things to clap and cheer about were in no short supply for UMass Lowell students and fans this past weekend. The 4-2 win over the Northeastern University Huskies was certainly among them. The Tsongas Center took to its feet in ovation twice during Saturday night’s men’s ice hockey game; first in a rousing Veteran’s Day tribute to America’s men and women in uniform, in which players on both teams took part by tapping their sticks, and again at the close of the night to celebrate a River Hawk victory. “I thought it was a hardfought game. I thought our team competed this
Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
Ryan Lohin scoring his fifth goal of the season against the Northeastern Huskies.
week; minus one period‌Fortunately for us, that second period wasn’t our downfall. We were able to make it up in that third, and I was happy to see the guys get rewarded,� said Norm Bazin, head coach of UMass Lowell men’s ice hockey. Despite a handful of
fruition, for the most part, in a fast-paced, UMass Lowell-controlled third period. The third period of play saw three points for the River Hawks. Senior defenseman Tommy Panico â–ş See “Hockey,â€? page 11
Same old zombies, just new scenery Call of Duty ‘WWII’ is nothing special Andrew Sciascia Connector Editor
Plain and simple, “Call of Duty: WWII� is nothing new. It is a standard approach. The tried and true “Call of Duty� homage to World War II. Anyone who sunk a couple hours of their childhood into completing any of the first three entries of the “Call of Duty� franchise has played a less
technologically advanced version of Sledgehammer Games’ newest entry into the series. “Call of Duty: WWII� includes the three staple game modes of any entry into the series: a singleplayer campaign experience, a competitive multiplayer experience and a cooperative Nazi Zombie horde-mode. This time, there are no jetpacks, no space ships and no
â–ş See “Forum,â€? page 4
robots. The firearms featured have names the audience is familiar with. This year’s “Call of Dutyâ€? makes absolutely no attempt to reinvent the wheel. And that is without a doubt the most comforting and enjoyable part of this title. In fact, it happens to be what makes it the most anticipated, and possibly the most well received firstâ–ş See “Call of Duty,â€? Page 5
Courtesy of The Verge
Sections
News.............................4 Campus Life..................8 A&E.............................. 6 Sports..........................12
trips to the box and a second period in which Northeastern University dominated possession and shots on goal, the River Hawks were able to control the pace Saturday and deal the Huskies their first loss in Hockey East conference play. The victory came to
Courtesy of Call of Duty
Call of Duty WWII came out on Nov. 3, 2017.
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November 14, 2017
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
The Connector has several opportunities open for students! - Social Media - Graphic Design - Web Managment - Advertising Sales - Photography - And More! THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR
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TAYLOR CARITO Editor-In-Chief
KATRINA DESROSIERS MICHAELA GOSS Copy Editors ALISON MARC-AURELE Advertising Manager ALEXA HYDE Social Media Manager OPEN Web Manager MATT DWYER Photo Editor OPEN Graphic Designer
BRIGID ARCHIBALD PATRICK CONNELL SHANE FOLEY EMMA HARGRAVES ANDREW HAVERTY JESSICA KERGO JASON OUNSPRASEUTH
HANNAH MANNING Managing Editor
ANDREW SCIASCIA News Editor KATHRYN LEEBER Sports Editor
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BROCK JOHNSON Campus Life Editor BRENDAN JACQUES OWEN JOHNSON Arts & Entertainment Editors JONATHAN SILVERMAN DAVID MCGRAW Advisers
Staff
ANDRE RAGEL CHRISTOPHER ROMANO ELEAZAR SAINTIUS KELLY SKELTON ERIC SMITH EMILY TOOMEY
Email | Connector@uml.edu Website | www.UMLConnector.com Phone | 978.934.5017 ext. 45017 Address | University Crossing, Room 241 220 Pawtucket St. Lowell, MA 01854 General: The UMass Lowell Connector is a non-profit student public forum serving the University of Massachusetts Lowell community. The paper is published weekly and distributed to the university community every Tuesday. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please be aware that members of the University community are entitled to free newspapers. Please take one! All UMass Lowell students, regardless of major, are invited to join the Connector staff. Interested students should contact an editor or manager listed above, or visit the Connector Office in University Crossing 241. Advertising: The UMass Lowell Connector advertisements reach an estimated 16,000 UMass Lowell students--their friends and families. To tap this group of
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November 14, 2017
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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS
Student expectations of university dining are unreasonably high Andrew Sciascia Connector Editor
For years it has been said, by employers, alumni, faculty, staff and the student body alike, that one thing that truly sets UMass Lowell apart from other world-class centers of higher education is the unentitled attitude of its students. The Open Forum on Campus Dining this past week was, however, an example to the contrary. This is not to say that UMass Lowell students are not the hard working, no-nonsense bunch they have touted themselves as. Bu, the annual forum, which gives students a chance to voice their concerns with Aramark and campus dining, was a sad commentary on the entitled attitude that many students have adopted on the modern university campus. Many of the comments and concerns voiced by the students were lofty and unreasonable, and the criticisms of the campus dining experience Aramark provides were, for the most part, anything but constructive. In fact, it may bear credence to remind the student body that what makes UMass Lowell great is the hard-nosed, unentitled attitude we boast. Entitled and unreasonable is not a good look for us, and we should keep that in mind when we discuss our campus dining services. With Support Our Students (SOS)
cards at the center of each table asking students to donate a meal swipe to their food-insecure peers, a handful of students voiced petty complaints and murmured insults and whiny remarks to their neighbors in regards to Aramark. Complaints ranged from repeatedly accusations of the floors and tables not being clean enough, which could be solved by students cleaning up after themselves in the mildest capacity and not haphazardly swiping food onto the floor at all times, to lack of hours, which would of course result in higher meal cost if adjusted. Another complaint was voice “on behalf of UMass Lowell’s clubs” by a single representative member of one of UMass Lowell’s 250 clubs. The student took issue with the cost of having a club event catered by Aramark, disregarding the ability of clubs and organizations to apply for a grant for such things through Student Government Association or the fact that when student clubs have events catered, the mess they leave is not one that they must clean; university staff have that responsibility. All this coupled with repeated complaints about dining halls lacking a mass of vegan, and other restrictive dietary choice, options. All of which ignore the fact that Aramark and campus dining provide a number of avenues for students who make specific dietary choices to reach out and
have their needs met; but that would require some sort of effort by those students who have particular requests. Also worthy of note, and possibly most important, is the fact that of the 114 places of higher learning in Massachusetts, Niche.com ranks UMass Lowell 15th in dining. Of the 14 schools that rank ahead of us, 13 are private institutions. The only public university ranked higher in dining in the 2018 Niche report is the University of Massachusetts Amherst, whom students frequently compare to when the speak ill of Aramark’s dining services. Of course, Amherst being a part of the UMass system leads to frequent comparison by UMass students at other locations. But it is important to look at the numbers before we lay complaints at the feet of Aramark. UMass Amherst’s “DC Basic” meal plan, which offers only 224 meal swipes for the semester with a $2,698 price tag, costs $282 more than our “Platinum” unlimited meal plan. The average difference in price between comparative meal plans at UMass Lowell and Amherst is $661. The reality is simple. In an age where college students are not looking to see their pockets emptied any further by bills for higher education, they must be reasonable in their expectations of services. We attend a public university that offers a world-class education in a safe
environment. We are offered numerous services and amenities, and we should be thankful. Multiple dining halls in immaculate condition, serving 5-star dishes with multiple options for every dietary want and need, is a beyond unreasonable request; even if the student body is willing to see a nearly $700 spike in the price of meal plans, and an unlimited plan that costs upwards of $3000 dollars. We get a terrific service for the money we spend. Not to mention Aramark’s willingness to donate several million dollars to university efforts to add and beautify existing dining halls. Of course, there are a handful of things that could be improved in our dining system. This is true of all things; there is always room for improvement. But if the administration is willing to field our concerns and work with us and our food service provider to improve campus dining we need to introduce criticism that is constructive. We need to measure our dining services by a reasonable metric. If administration is willing to work with us and we are unwilling to be reasonable, we can kiss our reputation goodbye. We are going to start looking like every other band of entitled, bratty college students.
How feminism can combat degrading medias Jack Healey Connector Contributor
Everybody knew of him as the misogynist, male chauvinist pig who took advantage of women to grow his millions. You’ve seen him plastered on billboards in his red velvet robe with women less than half his age wrapped around his arm. He’s the west coast of 1849 America, attracting young women to follow the Oregon Trail to the doorstep of his mansion. Ah, Hugh Hefner, what are you trying to accomplish here? The founder of Playboy Magazine, it is no secret that he is a womanizer plain and simple, his doing so on such a tremendous scale shifted the tide much more than one may think at first glance. His creation of the magazine started a new wave of media which corrupted how women were portrayed in popular culture. His magazine inspired the sexualization of women in advertisements, movies, video games and other media. Nonetheless, its impact on American youth and the feminist movement is two-sided. There can be an argument made that these actions were considered liberating and supportive of women, however it is also apparent that those actions were degrading women. In our society, there is no place for a culture which degrades women. Though there were feminist movements which date back to the 15th century, they were not taken very seriously until the 20th century. One of the easiest and most im-
portant things we can do to stop these judgements is by studying them in the classroom. Nancy Selleck, an English professor at UMass Lowell who has studied and used feminist theory for over 25 years, offers some insight to the issue. I got the opportunity to ask her about the importance of feminism, especially at the college campus level. Professor Selleck expressed the concern with studying topics such as feminism at universities, suggesting how “it is essential that such study represents a full range of social and political perspectives in order to allow students to develop a well-informed understanding of the world and their role in it.” Magazines like Playboy pollute these perspectives, distorting the validity of topics such as feminism to their audience. Their lack of acknowledgment to these issues regarding women’s equality and promotion of women as objects of sex is a completely inappropriate and destructive ideology. This can become especially dangerous in places like college campuses, where we are seeing more cases of sexual assault and rape every day. Zach Boudrot, a senior at UMass Lowell studying peace and conflict who has analyzed domestic issues such as these, noted how this increase was no coincidence. He explained how the intellectual market becomes diluted when it depends on partisan sources of media. Likewise, misinformed interpretations of women by media like Playboy can lead to them being treated with a lack of respect by those who let their opinions be influenced
Courtesy of Esquire
The late Hugh Hefner founded Playboy Magazine in 1953.
by such sources. Nonetheless, studying feminism on the campus can help students disregard any inaccurate or demeaning views imposed on them, leading to a greater understanding on their surrounding culture and respect to those who are misrepresented in it.
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November 14, 2017
NEWS UMass Lowell given grant to research smart fabric Kyle Arsenault Connector Contributor
Governor Charlie Baker awarded UMass Lowell an $11.3 million state grant to establish the Fabric Discovery Center, with the mission of fostering innovation and collaboration between multiple academic disciplines and industries to help advance the science of smart fabric technology. Chancellor Jacquie Moloney said, “With our ongoing leadership in the development of advanced fibers and textiles, medical textiles and flexible electronics, today’s announcement continues UMass Lowell’s strong partnership with Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, NextFlex, the U.S. Army and the Commonwealth to build the future of high-tech manufacturing in Lowell and across the nation.” The center will be at the forefront of developing, testing and manufacturing smart fabrics, revolutionary textiles that are infused with wearable electronic capabilities. Conducting the research are UMass Lowell’s Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Dr. Julie Chen and Professor Ramaswamy Nagarajan. “One goal of the FDC research is to seamlessly embed flexible hybrid electronics into fabric by threading conductive wire, which is indistinguishable from normal thread, thereby creating the next generation of smart fabrics,” said Nagarajan. Smart fibers are extremely sophisticated and have the ability to do many things traditional fabrics cannot, providing added benefits to the wearer by incorporating a variety of different features, including sensors, biometrics and temperature control.
Currently the demand for smart fabric technology stems mainly from military applications. These fabrics are often the demanded for performance driven applications. However, in the future, these technologies will transition to consumer applications in health, communications, energy, security, arts and much more. This new generation textile would surpass the functionality of normal gear due to its lightweight design and advanced technological capabilities. Chen said, “One proposed applications would be for Air Force pilots to effortlessly measure their cardiac function without the added need for bulky wires, simply using an external device to read results.” The textiles could even address the issue of heat control, changing in geometric shape to trap or release body heat allowing soldiers, in extreme climates, to more comfortably conduct operations. This ability to shift geometric pattern could also be utilized in preventing odor, making the need for washing garments less frequent or, perhaps, not necessary. This would have a positive effect on the environment by increasing the longevity of a clothing’s lifespan and preventing water waste while washing clothes. The practical applications for smart fabrics are widespread and multifaceted. The behavior of a piece of fabric depends both on the geometric arrangement of the threads and the materials used in the manufacturing process. Nagarajan, who has a research interest in integrated hybrid nanomaterials, said that dimethylformamide (DMF) is used as a solvent for textile coatings because it is valued at around 65 cents a pound. But as Nagarajan
Courtesy of Technical Textiles
UMass Lowell’s foray into smart fabric hearkens back to its history. In 1895, the Lowell Textile Institute was founded and was located on what is now North Campus.
pointed out, it contains chemicals that “can cause liver damage and other adverse health effects.” per the Center for Disease Control. “Through a project funded by the Toxic Use Reduction Institute, the Fabric Discovery center is working to find safer replacements for DMF,” said Nagarajan. This new generation of textiles looks for healthier, more sustainable and more functional alternatives to augment the integrity and durability of the material. Most importantly, the state grant will not only serve to develop research, but will also seek to restore and revitalize Lowell to its heyday as a textile innovator. In the 1950s, cheap labor in the South and overseas moved the textile industry away from the city, taking with it not only jobs but also the technical arts surrounding textiles. State Senator Eileen Donoghue
said, “There was a feeling for a long time that textiles were part of Lowell’s past, but not its future. Lowell has become the leader of the technological revolution that once seemed so disruptive.” Smart fabric technology provides a perfect avenue for Lowell to reemerge as a textile innovator. The grant will help UMass Lowell fund the facility and to acquire the specialized equipment needed to conduct research and ultimately develop flexible electronics. Chen says, “The Fabric Discovery Center at 110 Canal will be a place where the Lowell community – students, faculty, startups, and our industry, government and non-profit partners – can all come together to develop the next innovations in wearable electronics, medical textiles, smart structures, human-robot interaction and many more flexible, 3D, ‘human-centered’ products.”
Students respond to the Student Open Forum on campus dining ►Continued from front page
different food options at the dining halls. Some students at the forum voiced concerns about the lack of Halal meats available at Fox Dining Commons. Although University Dining Executive Chef Frank Hurley mentioned that chicken breasts are readily available to be carved to order even when they are not on the line, a student questioned why this is the only Halal meat. In addition, a student remarked on how there are not a lot of vegan options available in the Fox and McGauvran Dining Halls. “It’s something we’re aware of, but we are working on creating individual experiences for students,” said Hurley. Exercise physiology major Allie McNamara said that the variety of food is not something she worries about at the McGauvran Dining Hall. “I think South’s deli is better. I also like how they have better breakfast options, and more varieties of fresh fruit,” said McNamara. During the forum, Hurley raved about the careful selection of four-week menu cycles, which he and his team create. These menus, which are blocked out from September to December and then again from January to May, include rotational weekly menus for seasonal items such as tomatoes and specific leafy greens.
“There are some days when I’m not really a fan of their options, but other days they have lots of interesting twists on different meals, especially at Fox,” said McNamara. One of the final topics discussed during the forum was the operating hours of the dining halls. Currently, the dining halls open at 7 a.m. on weekdays and
Courtesy of UMass Lowell
On Nov. 1, UMass Lowell students had the opportunity to voice their opinions about campus dining.
close at 8 p.m., with the exception of Fox Dining Commons, which is open an hour later. During the weekends, all of the dining halls close even earlier, at 7 p.m. After the dining halls close for the night, only Rowdy’s Roadhouse on East Campus is open, and some students have complained about the lack of hot meals that are available at this hour besides pizza and French fries. “I think that they should be open until 10 p.m. especially during the weekends. I feel that people tend to wake up later during the weekends,” said Leah Marum, a freshman exercise physiology student. In the end, officials from University Dining made it clear that they are trying their hardest to meet specific student needs and expectations, but it is not something that can happen overnight. “The university is responsible for holding [Aramark] accountable, and we’ll do whatever we have to do to make the best dining experience for students,” said Siegel.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
‘Call of Duty: WWII’ returns the franchise to its roots ►Continued from front page -person shooter to be published by Activision in years. For now, gone are the days when the series puts one in control of a cybernetic, superhuman future-soldier fighting waves of robot enemies, time traveling and blasting through space. This title is everything a “Call of Duty” game should be: a fun and balanced multiplayer experience, a short-andsweet story that brilliantly places the player in the action of World War II and a horde-mode that is full of surprises and never gets old. Beginning as many World War II stories have, with a jarring and emotional depiction of the storming of the beaches of Normandy, the single-player campaign follows the U.S. 1st Infantry Division from the Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of Paris and all the way down to the liberation of the German concentration camps. Despite taking place over the course of only 10 missions, the storyline is dramatic and daring. Each and every mission and cinematic is well done. The voice acting is tremendous, the sound and level design had lofty goals, and met all of them. The experience was awe-inspiring and terrifying. Every moment built the tension, even when combat was not taking place. And to top it all off, the graphical display was bar none. Each and every scene was gritty, realistic and looking dramatically better than most modern gaming experiences. Sledgehammer’s willingness to return the fran-
chise to its roots paid dividends for the campaign experience. The campaign experience was tantamount to, and reminiscent of, Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan.” It was a riveting tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the American everyman in World War II. It encapsulated everything that made early entries into the franchise gaming classics with the benefits of modern gaming technology. The competitive multiplayer remains as it always has. Two teams go head to head on a series of themed maps from the period and attempt to best each other in Capture the Flag, Deathmatch and various objective-based modes. There are only a handful of additions worthy of note when it comes to multiplayer. A new game mode by the name of War, in which a team of Axis soldiers attempts to defend various objectives while an Allied team attempts to push forward and complete the objective to force the Axis to retreat to further objectives before eventual surrender. And a new social hub, in which the player can adventure around a military base in third-person and socialize with other players, shoot targets on a firing range, etc. The multiplayer is fast paced, action packed and a joy to play. The mechanics are exactly the same as they have always been. The gunplay is balanced. And with the exception of several server issues at launch, this mode is exceptional. Finally, there is the Nazi Zombies horde-mode. Much like the previous features, the Nazi Zombies experience is nearly identical to past installments.
The player and up to three teammates take on endless hordes of zombies while attempt to solve the secrets of the map and achieve a high-score by dispatching zombies until all teammates are killed. Despite a handful of menial changes, such as a name change for the currency system and the powerups that can be purchased, it is the same Nazi Zombies people know and love, complete with a new map and a graphical upgrade. The common theme is that all three of the major experiences afforded the player in “Call of Duty: WWII” are nearly identical to those that players have had a chance to play in previous installments of the game. The only difference being that this title looks and sounds superior, as most successive videogame titles do, and it returns “Call of Duty” to its roots in World War II. The game is no modern marvel. It is not a gaming masterpiece. In fact, it is a rehashing of everything “Call of Duty” and every other first-person shooter has done previously. Yet the thing that makes this game such a joy to play is that this is exactly what the fans have been requesting for multiple years now: a return to form. For those who liked the last few “Call of Duty” games and did not have a taste for the originals, do not bother with this one. But for those who need a plainly enjoyable “Call of Duty” experience wrapped up in a nostalgic bow, buy this game immediately. It is everything a “Call of Duty” game is supposed to be and more. Final Grade: A+
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is mysteriously good Owen Johnson Connector Editor
In a surprising turn of events, a movie that is a remake and was relying on its big-name stars to get people into the theaters was better than it should have been. While traveling about the Orient Express on a much-needed break, Detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is forced into an investigation when a passenger aboard the train is killed, and any one of the other passengers could be the killer. The selling gimmick of “Murder on the Orient Express” is its star-studded cast, and that is not a disappointment. Kenneth Branagh is exceptional in his role as Poirot, and the rest of the cast does a good job as well. The two who stand out the most alongside Branagh are Michelle Pfeiffer and “Star Wars” actress Daisy Ridley. The only downsides to the casting are Willem Dafoe, who is underused compared to the rest of the cast, and Johnny Depp. Depp is doing one of his better performances in this movie, but he fails to enunciate his words and is hard to understand at points. While the cast of actors is good, the cast of characters is only subpar. For a cast that is so large it is understandable that some of the characters would receive more development than others, though who receives that development seems to have been decided arbitrarily. Poirot has a character: he is an intelligent and idiosyncratic
detective with a desire to seek out justice. Ridley, Pfeiffer and Depp are the most developed of the characters outside of Poirot, whereas the rest just seem to serve as suspects with one or two character-traits to differentiate
outcome of the mystery in the case of “Murder on the Orient Express” is one that can be seen an hour before the ending when the interrogations of the characters start. While the story is quite generic
Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
“Murder on the Orient Express” is based on the 1934 Agatha Christie novel of the same name.
them. That is fine considering the size of the cast, but some characters do not get a proper introduction, others barely get utilized other than to serve as another potential suspect and one pair of characters disappears for most of the movie and are forgotten about until the half-way point. The plot of the movie is hard to do, as it is a fairly typical mystery story. A bunch of strangers are stranded together in a unique environment and one of them is killed. A detective who just happens to be in the unique environment then solves the case. It has been done many times before, and the
and the murderer’s identity is obvious, “Murder on the Orient Express” does manage to rise above just being a generic and predictable who-done-it murder mystery. The pacing, the actors’ performances and the interesting intricacies of the mystery all serve to elevate a potentially run-of-the-mill story line into something engaging. Along with that, the predictability of who the murderer is can be forgiven a little based on how well the revelation scene is executed and what is done following that scene. There are also a number of impressive technical details to the movie.
Since the majority of the movie takes place on the train, there is very limited room to work with. Due to that, the camera is set up in several creative ways which makes for interesting shots. For example, there are a couple of overhead shots when Poirot is investigating the murder scene. Another noticeable feat is that there are several one shot takes where the camera follows a character or several characters through an environment in a single, fluid motion. Some of these shots are just with the majority of the main cast in a singular train cabin, which is hard, and one of them is done when Poirot boards the train in the station, which is filled with hundreds of extras. When it comes to the story, the generic and predictable elements might be forgivable, but there are a few coincidences that are used to propel the story. It is basically one giant happenstance that the plot even happens, as the murder takes place on a train that Poirot is on because his friend (Tom Bateman) is the director of it and offers him a ride the day before, and then an unexpected avalanche suspends the train where it is to allow the investigation to happen. “Murder on the Orient Express” is nothing new, but it does manage to elevate its already generic and uninspired existence because of strong performances and engaging storytelling. Final Grade: B
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November 14, 2017
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Connector Staff
Sleep On It finally released their first studio album, “Overexposed.” Their first album is definitely a success as they stick to their traditional pop-punk roots and even have a song featuring the lead singer of the band State Champs. Although they are new to the music scene, their debut showcases their true talent as musicians. The album features 12 tracks that certainly do not disappoint. The second single to be released, “Window,” is one of the most emotional tracks on the record despite the upbeat instrumentals. The lyrics are about watching someone close experiencing a death in their life. The first verse plays on the concept of being preoccupied with one’s own problems. The lyrics start off very direct, “always feeling better when I carry less,” and continue the theme to the end when he sings softly, “you can be the hook I wish I never bit. While I’m caught up in a fist fight on a sinking ship.” The instrumentals are slow in the first verse, but pick up drastically in the chorus. The chorus has a much deeper emotional attachment to them. He sings passionately, “you were a window I saw it all differently through you.” These lyrics are about the concept of losing someone so important that they change the way one looks at the world. The album’s 10th track “A Brighter Shade of Blue,” the slowest and most beautiful track on the album, keeps the theme of relationships lyrically
while introducing the concept of depression. The second verse features just an acoustic guitar and a hint of piano which allows the sadness of the track to come to life. The lyrics, “You hold the past over your head, drowning in your self regret. I’ll never be enough for what you wanted,” highlight the vocalist’s despair. The lack of instrumentals takes the listener on an Courtesy of Equal Vision Records
Formed in 2012, Sleep On It is a band based in Chicago, Illinois.
emotional journey throughout the track. The chorus of the track has the most depressing lyrics, but also the most superb instrumentals to give the track a sense of diversity: “Chorus, I’ll never know what’s good for me. So, go ahead tear me down ‘cause I am weaker than I seem.” It shows a more vulnerable
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sleep On It’s debut album is anything but ‘Overexposed’ Emily Toomey
November 14, 2017
side to the vocalist. The track stands out as something so raw on the album because of the powerful lyrics over the simple instrumentals. The album’s final track, “Autumn (I Wish I Was Better),” sticks to the theme of change in a relationship by using the seasons as a metaphor for change. “I feel my soul come alive when I watch the leaves die” is a concept for feeling alive when they change. The pre-chorus lyrics, “I’ve been trying to find the words to get you back around,” are a result of them losing the one they love most. Verse two becomes a bit more somber as he sings “You felt your heart come alive as you watched our love die, and now I’m left feeling cold in the void that you left in my life.” The instrumentals alone in this track tell the story. The first verse and pre-chorus start off slow as a way of searching for acceptance, but the rest of the song has a faster pace to signify coming to terms with their faith. The ending lyrics, “get hurt, people that I let in. I want to be something you still miss. I kind of wish that I was better than this,” keep the theme of darkness going throughout the track. Overall, Sleep On It have definitely made a name for themselves with their debut. Their album flourishes with its pop-punk vibe and lyrical flare. Each track has a different take on their musical style to showcase their diversity. This album definitely earns the hype. Rating: A
‘Jigsaw’ is a puzzle not worth solving Eric Smith Connector Staff
After “Saw 3D: The Final Chapter,” the production companies Twisted Pictures and Lionsgate decided to bring back the franchise despite the last film being titled “The Final Chapter.” Like every other “Saw” film, a group of sinful individuals are trapped in a torture house and must “play the game” to proceed to the next room where more torture and death awaits. The movie is blandly divided into two halves: the torture house and the investigation behind the random bodies appearing in the streets. The two halves of the movie do not mesh well, and it seems as though the audience is watching two different films simultaneously. One is a violent gore fest where all the fun in the movie seems to be. The other is an investigation with bland characters that the audience is supposed to care about. This part feels like a CW crime series that is attempting to be part of a horror flick. Supposedly Jigsaw (the evil man behind all the messiness) is taking the dead bodies from the torture house and displaying them for others to see, because why not? The investigators
and the morticians each do their thing and all signs seem to point to Jigsaw, who has been supposedly dead for 10 years. It is a pretty simple plot without much confusion, although there are
the ridiculous and infuriating ending. Without spoiling anything, the film takes a 180 and gives the audience a supposed “twist” that is designed to “blow our minds.” It does anything
Courtesy of Lionsgate
one is supposed to seem like he is the bad guy because he says stereotypical bad guy stuff. The poor souls in the torture house can be irritating with their decisions (although they need to act stupid since it is a horror movie after all), and annoying due to their personalities. Although the performances are not much to be excited about, they do not ruin the fun of watching people get their legs torn off. While the plot is contrived and messy, it still has plenty of fun and watchable scenes. The torture devices and bloody deaths can be entertaining if one is into that. They may not be as unique and original as the traps in the other movies, but they seem to be the part of “Jigsaw” that makes it somewhat watchable. However, with the incoherent moods, mundane performances, plot holes and a fundamentally broken ending, this film can be missed without any regret. Grade: D-
As of Nov. 12, “Jigsaw” has made $64 million worldwide against a budget of $10 million.
plenty of plot holes that do not seem to be answered, and it is hard not to dwell on them for the entire runtime. The first hour is rough to get through, but it does not compare to
but that, and leaves viewers scratching their heads in confusion and anger. The characters themselves are not interesting on either side. The investigators have bland personalities, and
Choose ‘Monster Hunter: Generations’ and hunt no more
Screen:
but it can be jarring for returning players to have rather bizarre changes to how they hunt. The additions are a mixed bag, but should not be treated as something bad. Sadly, no game is without its faults. As enjoyable as “Generations” is, there is a distinct skill floor for all newcomers. This typically comes in the form of “that one monster,” introduced right after the player gets comfortable with the game. It does not matter if the Hunter can have a team of four carry him: if he cannot hunt ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////// this monster///////////// in a fair manner, then he will be no more than a liability to his hunting partners. While understandable, this skill floor is set noticeably higher than most other games, lending some to compare “Monster Hunter” to the likes of “Dark Souls.” The early hours of the game are also the most boring, as the Hunter must go through simple and easy quests before the difficulty begins to ramp up. Between the opening hours of mediocrity and a sudden skill floor, it is unsurprising that many greenhorns call it quits there. Overall, “Monster Hunter: Generations” is an enjoyable and addicting experience as one climbs through the ranks and builds their gear for the next big hunt. The single player mode is worth over 20 hours on its own, and the multiplayer can keep one playing for at least 50 hours. For those lookRegister now at Framingham.edu/winter ing for a game to invest their time in, or call 508-626-4755. “Monster Hunter: Generations” will make it worth their while. Final Grade: B+
Getting Ahead
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iljho starts playing, the game needs no other signal to tell the player they have to start running. Both the art and music direction plays perfectly with the gameplay and make it truly immersive for the player. However, the biggest draw for “Monster Hunter” is its community. With a 4-player co-op mode, Hunters from all around the world are encouraged to help others, whether they be returning veterans or complete greenhorns. There is an additional portion to the game entirely dedicated toward these multiplayer missions, though they can also be done solo. Despite the seemingly ludicrous advantage given to players by having three allies in a hunt, the multiplayer quests are balanced accordingly with special variants of monsters that can easily wipe a crew of four veteran Hunters. But it is through such challenges that players are able to work together, making for a night of hunting that never seems to end. “Monster Hunter: Generations” is not satisfied with the traditional “Monster Hunter” formula, though. Along with bringing many monster species back from previous entries, the Hunter is given a new tool to use on their hunts: Hunting Styles. With four options to choose from, the Hunter can gain strengths in one area at the cost of somewhat limiting their attack options. Hunting Arts are also brought in, giving the Hunter a gauge system in which they can release powerful attacks or buff themselves with special abilities. The system gels well with the “Monster Hunter” formula,
Notes: grsc
“Monster Hunter: Generations” is a celebration of all its predecessors. Released in the U.S. on July 15, 2016, “Generations” is the eighth localized installment of the “Monster Hunter” series. “Monster Hunter” is exactly what it says on the tin: players hunt monsters. Armed with nothing but their wits and some bottom-feeder equipment, players are tasked with fulfilling the role of a village’s resident Hunter, growing in power with every successful mission. With the game’s brutal—yet fun— gameplay, it provides an endless experience that can be carried in your pocket. Right off the boat, the Hunter is given a staggering amount of customization. With 14 separate weapons at their disposal, players are encouraged to try every one of them out as they find a playstyle that suits them best. From the colossal blades that can tear through monsters with ease to massive staffs that can send the Hunter flying through the air vault through the air, every weapon type has something going for it, and it is up to the Hunter to determine which one they should bring on a hunt. The monsters themselves are nothing simple either. Each one is recognizable in both their appearance and what threat they pose, with special mentions having their own theme play in the background. There is not a single pushover in the entire roster: every large monster is hostile towards the Hunter and will do everything in
their power to knock them down to the ground. They can have more than just claws and muscle to defend themselves, holding elemental properties that they wield in battle. From throwing lightning, flames, poison or even explosives, they live up to their names by being truly threatening monsters. Progression throughout the course of “Monster Hunter” is entirely dependent on what gear the player has equipped. The Hunter may start out with only a flimsy set of armor, but he can create new gear with the materials of monsters they kill on missions. For example, taking down a fire-breathing dragon gives just the right materials to make a sword engulfed in flames. These sets of equipment also carry on the traits seen from monsters and grant the player their strength. A venomous monster’s armor can protect from poison, a gluttonous monster allows the Hunter to scarf down food faster and a giant crab’s shell can bolster defense. If having 14 weapons is overwhelming, then having to pick and choose the proper armor can be a daunting task. Despite the limitations of the 3DS, “Generations” does its best to make everything visually appealing. From the backgrounds of the hunting grounds to the color design behind every monster, everything pops from the background and can be easily seen. The music behind it all is also fitting, keeping up with the blood-pumping action while showing the personality behind each location and the monsters living within them. When the dreadful tune of the aptly named Dev-
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CAMPUS LIFE
Campus Living Series: Honors Living in University Suites Andre Ragel Connector Staff
As UMass Lowell’s primary honors housing located on east campus, University Suites offers a premium living experience for high-achieving students. Opened in 2013, this $54 million residence hall serves as the home to over 450 co-ed students who are a part of the Commonwealth Honors LLC. Each room in University Suites can accommodate four to six students. Every room comes with a standard set of furniture that includes a bed, mattress, wardrobe, dresser and a rolling chair that can be converted to a gaming rocker and a stool. The spacious common area also includes a sink, two bathrooms and showers. There is also individual temperature control on each room in the suites. There are two lounges on every floor each with a full kitchen and big windows that offer spectacular views of Lowell. A feature unique to University Suites is a conference room that is located in the middle of every floor that is complete with whiteboards and TVs. Students can utilize this space at night and on the weekends to study with other students and help them focus. The ground floor of University Suites is currently undergoing a full renovation that is slated to finish by January 2018. Hawk’s Nest is set to reopen to offer a small-scale full dining experience to residents of University Suites and River Hawk Village, similar to what is currently available at the Inn and Conference Center. Although disruption is kept to a minimum because of construction, some students are not amused by the early starts. “I would leave the window open when I sleep at night, and there are days when I wake up and realize that
they are starting construction way before 7 a.m.,” said resident Gregory Smelkov. However, many students are looking forward to this new addition to University Suites which will offer convenience for many. “I wouldn’t need to leave the building to grab food on weekends or on days with bad weather. It’ll be so helpful during finals since you can just grab a quick snack then go back to studying,” said computer science major Yash Patel. Living at University Suites does come with a relatively high price tag. At $11,023 per year, some students do say that the premium amenities that come with living in a new building like University Suites are worth splurging a few extra hundred per semester. “The building is definitely much nicer than Fox. I definitely recommend it if you have the option of living here and you could afford it,” said freshman Zachary Belisle. Amenities are not the only bene-
fit that students noted when talking about University Suite’s positive qualities. “People here are likeminded, studious scholars, everyone is proactive about fulfilling their different honors requirements,” said Belisle. Students living in University Suites may park in two lots around East Campus including the East Campus garage and the Perkins Street lot. In addition, University Suites is directly serviced by the Orange North shuttle that runs every 10 minutes to North Campus. As with any residence hall, there are a few things future students should keep in mind when considering to live in University Suites. “The soundproofing sucks between the rooms so we can hear each other’s conversations all the time. We have an electric room next to our suite, so we randomly hear noises throughout the night,” said freshman business major Diana Bui. Sound problems were not the only
concern expressed by students living in the building. “The ovens [in the kitchen located in the common area] either don’t work at all or don’t cook food thoroughly. It’s very unreliable,” said Belisle. But overall, the community that is built among the residents of University Suites and their resident advisors is considered to be the highest draw for students living in University Suites. “Our RA really takes the time to get to know all of us. She is really impressive, and she’s a role model for all of us,” said Amanda Martel of her RA Brianna Atwood, a plastics engineering student who has been repeatedly recognized in the Honors College for her community service project with St. Patrick’s School in Lowell. If a high-quality, state-of-the-art residence hall is on the top of your list when choosing a place to live, then University Suites is a no-brainer. “Not only are the people phenomenal, but we’re basically a mini community here,” said Martel. Andre Ragel/Connector
November 14, 2017
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CAMPUS LIFE
Storytelling events in Boston give platform to artists Mary Everett Connector Contributor
Alex Glover was not expecting to share a personal story with the crowd when he went to Laugh Boston on a Tuesday night in October. “I showed up and I didn’t know that it was a participatory event. I actually thought I was going to see a stand-up comedy routine,” Glover said, a pretty safe assumption when going to a comedy club. But what Glover, a 28-year-old musician from Jamaica Plain, actually attended was a story slam. The evening was part of a larger national storytelling series called The Moth, sponsored by Boston University’s radio station WBUR and Public Radio Exchange. Although he had not planned on sharing, Glover said that when he saw what the evening’s theme was and what the organizers were looking for, he knew he had something to share. Glover’s story is just one of many told in the Boston area as part of the growing popularity of live storytelling, and some are sponsored by The Moth. But there are many others, including Story Space, which is somewhat of a Boston institution. There are many variations of live storytelling, and Glover participated in a popular version: the slam. Slams are competition style evenings, where teams in the audience vote on the stories told based on criteria such as story length and adherence to the night’s theme. These events welcome first-timers to put their name in the hat, or rather, the tote bag, for a chance to share. That theme of that evening was competition, and Glover’s tale about jumping off a cliff into a quarry and breaking his back was the winner of the slam. Glover said the short prep time made for a better experience, giving him less time to rehearse his tale. “The goal was just to talk about something I hadn’t talked about before. And I guess also to sort of widen myself,” he said. The Moth has been hosting storytelling since 1997 and now hosts events in over 30 major cities
within the United States. The Moth has told 20,000 stories since its start, said publicist Meryl Cooper. The events in the Boston area range from StorySlams and GrandSlams, which are evenings of competitive storytelling held in small venues with a predetermined theme, to larger mainstage events, with storytellers who have worked with Moth directors to refine their tales. This month in Boston, the Moth is hosting two more slams and one mainstage event. On Nov. 15, a StorySlam with the theme of revelations will be held at the ONCE Ballroom in Somerville. On Nov. 21, a StorySlam will be held at Oberon in Cambridge with the theme of control. Tickets to slams can be purchased one week prior to the event via their website, themoth.org. Price of admission is $10; all seating is general admission with stories beginning at 8 p.m. The Mainstage event will be on the Nov. 16 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Storytelling events as a whole have been increasing in popularity with nights and festivals dedicated to different types of tales popping up across the country. Boston is no exception with events each week ranging from curated, competition-style story slams like the Moth to more relaxed events such as those hosted by The Story Space every Tuesday night, which features a blend of personal stories, fantasy and folklore. The Story Space has been holding storytelling nights each Tuesday for the past seven years, although its origins go back to 1992 when a man called Brother Blue and his wife started a weekly storytelling event in Porter Square. Although he has since passed and the group’s leadership has shifted, the current iteration is still going strong as a weekly event, welcoming any manner of storytelling - true, embellished, fantasy or folklore. All are welcome at Story Space. There is also a featured teller for their events. Story Space organizer Michael Cohen said he looks to book anyone with an interesting story, whether
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The Writing Center offers students free writing tutoring Connector Contributor
.In a corner on the third floor of O’Leary Library lies the check-in desk to a tutoring center that many students on campus do not know exists. .“It started out with a paper notebook and a pen to sign in, and now we have student tutors in all areas of study including [English as a Second Language (ESL)], graduate school specific and online services,” says Sheila Torigian, administrative assistant for both the Writing Center and Advising Center. “We just need to get kids in the door because when they come once, they usually come back.” .The Writing Center has come a long way since its first year, but even now it may not be a well-known place on campus. .“I have heard about it from my professors and they always encourage our class to attend if we need extra help,” says senior Julianne Russo. She says that she has never used the Writing Center, but has had many professors tell her about their services. .“Since my freshman year, more and more of my professors have made it part of their syllabus or part of their paper assignments,” Russo said.
.What students may not know is how the center works, which may make them hesitant to stop by. “Student tutors are not there to simply ‘edit’ their peers’ work. They are actually there to help them become better writers,” said senior tutor Alex Silva. .“Our goal is to work with students on improving their writing skills, whether it’s introductions, organization or properly citing sources,” says Silva. .Silva has been a tutor since 2014 and says she loves what she is doing for her peers. .“It’s very gratifying to be able to help my fellow students with their work, and I think they respond better to peers with criticism, and also feel less pressured than going to a professor’s office hours,” says Silva. .Tutors are trained to work with students of all majors, type of writing assignments and writing levels. In the past couple of years, they have expanded to using their resources to accommodate ESL specific sessions, as well as graduate specific and online sessions, according to Silva. .“Students can sign up for their desired time online using a scheduler on the Writing Center’s homepage. Here they can also pick with whom they wish to conduct their session with and at the time of day
that works best for them; hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Fridays. They may visit up to three times a week, with either a 30 minute session or a 45 minute session,” said Silva. .With classroom visits every semester, Write Night and the participation of other professors spreading word on campus, the Writing Center is opening its doors to more students that are eager for writing help. .Professor Mary Gormley, an English professor at the university as well as the director of the Writing Center, has been there since the center’s beginning stages of development. .“Since we opened in March 2014, our numbers have continually grown. In 2014-15, we did a total of 822 tutoring sessions. In 2015-16, we did 1,639 sessions and we increased to a total of 1,806 sessions for 2016-17,” said Gormley. .“All writers benefit from tutoring. There is no shame in working with a peer on your writing. The Writing Center is not here because students can’t write; we are here because students do write,” said Gormley.
they are a storyteller, a musician working on a new album or a comedian looking to strip back from a formal set and talk about their creative process instead. Cohen said the goal is give these people an opportunity to talk about their art and to give listeners an understanding of what it is like to be in the teller’s shoes. The evening’s time is otherwise split between firsttime storytellers and those who have shared at the Story Space before. Cohen said that even if someone is a seasoned storyteller, if they have not told at Story Space before, their name goes in the first-time tellers can. This rule belies the type of experience that can be expected at Story Space: a group dedicated less to scoring and the competition-style telling of slams and more to the idea of hearing someone else’s experience, whatever it may be. “We don’t have any content restrictions. We don’t have a theme because when it started, Brother Blue said he wanted somebody who had a story, who never had the chance to tell [it], to walk in off the street and share this incredible story and just be able to do that without judgement,” Cohen said. To get a fix, one could head down to Somerville on any given Tuesday. Nov. 7 marked their move to a new location: Havurat Shalom in Somerville. The evening begins at 6:45 p.m, and ends at 9 p.m. Those wishing to share are asked to submit their name by 7 p.m. Cohen said that the starting intention back in 1992 was to have something like a jazz club for storytelling, where anyone could improvise and “riff ” on a tale, true or otherwise. “You’re right there, seeing the fires of creation - someone tells a brand-new story that no one’s ever heard before and it’s interactive between the listener and the teller, because they feed off of each other,” he said. That sort of relationship between the teller and the audience is something that Cohen says many people do not realize they crave: “You can just sit there and hear people’s stories, all kinds of stories, and it’s ok, and you realize, hey, I’m story deprived.”
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SPORTS
River Hawks Fall at Rhode Island, 81-64, to Open Season UMass Lowell Athletics
KINGSTON, R.I. – Led by freshman Paula Lopez’s (Leon, Spain) 19 points in her collegiate debut, the UMass Lowell women’s basketball team fell to the Rhode Island Rams, 81-64, in both team’s season opener. Lopez shot 58.3 percent from the field, including three-of-four from beyond the arc to pace the River Hawks (0-1). Senior Kayla Gibbs (Teaneck, N.J.) chipped in 17 points as well. In the first quarter, UMass Lowell was lead by freshman Jennifer Louro (Belmar, N.J.)
and junior Cierra Stanciel (Chicago, Ill.), who each scored six points as the Rams (1-0) held onto a 19-16 advantage after 10 minutes of play. Led by six points from Lopez, UMass Lowell went on a 9-6 run over the first 5:25 of the second quarter to take a 25-24 lead. From that point Rhode Island took control of the contest with a 15-4 run, before Katie McKie (Austin, Texas) brought the River Hawks within 39-32 to end the half. The hosts opened the second half on a 19-6 spurt to open up a 58-38 advantage
with 3:45 left in the third. Lopez scored 12 in the first half and reached the 15-point plateau with 75 seconds left in the third The freshman wrapped up her debut with her third three as time ran down in the fourth. Gibbs added 12 of her points in the final two frames and recorded five steals to begin her senior season. Rhode Island had four scorers in double-figures, as Elemy Colome (19 pts), Abby Streeter (17 pts), Nicole Jorgensen (15 pts) and Marta Vargas (12 pts) paced the offense. Colome added nine assists and five steals.
SPORTS River Hawks beat Northeastern 4-2 Saturday night at home ► Continued from front page
played a large role in the come-frombehind effort, having a hand in each of the third period goals. Panico scored two goals. The first of which came on a five-hole shot off the rebound with helpers from freshman
Alongside freshman defenseman Anthony Baxter, Panico also assisted junior forward Nick Master’s gamewinning wrist shot. The River Hawks did, however, enter their impressive third period coming off what very well might have
Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
Forward Kayla Gibbs scored 17 points in the season opener.
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Defenseman Tommy Panico scored twice for UMass Lowell.
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forward Charlie Levesque, who assisted both Panico’s goals Saturday, and junior forward Ryan Dmowski. Panico’s second goal came in the form of a rink-wide clearing attempt which found an empty Northeastern net in the final minute of regulation. “We were really working together in tandem. Communicating and playing aggressive, and just sticking with the play,” said Panico.
been a disastrous second, had it not been for strong pay on the back end. “I thought we attacked for part of that game, however, I refer back to that second period where we just didn’t. And we get in trouble. We know what gives us trouble, we just need to learn to stay away from those things that give us trouble,” said Bazin. The second period saw Northeastern dominating play and keeping UMass
UP CO MI N G
River Hawk Games
Lowell locked in their Wednesday, Nov. 15 5 p.m. WBB vs Columbia defensive zone for a Wednesday, Nov. 15 7:30 p.m. MBB vs Marist majority of the time. In one of the River Friday, Nov. 17 7:15 p.m.S MICE vs UConn Hawks’ few offensive zone opportunities 12 p.m. WBB at Longwood Saturday, Nov. 18 in the second period, freshman forward Saturday, Nov. 18 3:30 p.m. MICE at UConn Connor Sodergren was dealt a five-minute 1 p.m. MBB vs Cornell Sunday, Nov. 19 major and game misconduct for goaltender For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com interference. Despite immense pressure, Northeastern was only Gaudette. The River Hawks answered able to come away with one goal on the lengthy man late in the period with a power play advantage. The go-ahead goal came goal of their own. Freshman forward late in the period by way of senior Ryan Lohin tallied his fifth goal of forward captain Nolan Stevens, who the year when he capitalized on a netwas assisted by junior forward Adam front pass from a patient sophomore Gaudette and freshman forward Zach forward Kenny Hausinger. The win Saturday night left the Solow. The River Hawks managed to River Hawks perfect on the weekend, weather the storm and close out the and allowed them to close out the period down only one goal. UMass three game season series against Lowell junior goaltender Christoffer Northeastern with a win. The River Hernberg had a large role in keep- Hawks had been dealt two defeats by ing the score to a one-goal game. He the Huskies just two weekends prior. “Too much is made from the media, stopped 33 shots on the night, and 20 and whoever else, of a particular of those shots came in the second peweekend,” Bazin said. “You inch your riod. He has maintained a 1.64 goals against average and a .941 save per- way forward, and make sure your team is improving. The last few weekends centage. “Chris gave us a chance. I thought the points haven’t been terrific, but I he came up with a monster save on the feel we are inching forward.” Now at .500 on the season, the Rivpenalty kill. A goalie is a big part of er Hawks look to learn from struggles the penalty kill and he has been playearly on and carry as much good as ing well for us so far this half,” Bazin possible into the remainder of their said. The other two goals Saturday night season. “I think the guys are learning that came in the first period of play, one to each team. The first team to break onto without a high compete level, you’re the scoreboard was the Huskies, when just not going to have a chance in sophomore defenseman Jeffrey Davies Hockey East. It’s just that good. But I scored from the slot on the power think we’re giving ourselves a chance play with assists from Stevens and now,” said Bazin.
River Hawks Battle to the End in 74-69 Loss at Massachusetts UMass Lowell Athletics
LOWELL, Mass. – Senior Matt Harris (Erie, Pa.) logged a game-high 19 points, as the UMass Lowell men’s basketball team (0-1) fell behind in the final minutes of a 74-69, season-opening loss at Massachusetts (1-0) on Friday. The closely-contested battle saw 12 lead changes and 12 tied scores, including at 58-58 with less than five minutes left to play. However, the Minutemen followed with eight unanswered points to take their largest advantage of the night. The River Hawks used a 9-2 run to cut the difference to one with just 31 seconds remaining, but the home squad would score six of the last eight points to hold on for the decision. “I thought both teams played hard and I was happy with the way our guys defended, particularly in the perimeter,” said Head Coach Pat Duquette. “We made a couple mistakes down the stretch, but
overall I thought it was a good basketball game. We’ll learn from this, grow and get better.” Harris, who also led UMass Lowell on the boards with six, scored all four of his field goals from beyond the arc in the outing. Redshirt-junior Josh Gantz (Grove City, Ohio) and junior Shawn Jones (Bridge City, La.) added to the offense with 13 and 12 points, respectively. The defense dominated the opening minutes of the contest, but redshirt-sophomore Connor Bennett (Wilmington, Mass.) banked in the River Hawks’ first points of the season in his first career start. Harris pulled up for a three and Gantz followed with an and-1 to give the visitors their first lead of the night at 8-7 with 15:35 remaining in the first half. The teams battled for control, while the margin stayed within just one possession for the next 10 minutes. The Minutemen were able to pull ahead by as many as five before a steal and a fast-break layup by S. Jones sparked a 10-2 run to put the River
Hawks on top, 31-27. Harris and Massachusetts’ Rayshawn Miller then traded long balls in the waning seconds, as UMass Lowell took a slight, 3432 edge into the break. Coming out of halftime, freshman Obadiah Noel (Frederick, Md.) got things started with an explosive dunk, although the home squad quickly knotted the score at 36-36. The board was even once more before a floater from junior Ryan Jones (Rio Rancho, N.M.) and another three from Harris gave the visitors’ their largest at 43-38 with 15:44 left to play. Massachusetts would use a 7-1 spurt to regain the upper hand, but the River Hawks continued to pressure, forcing five more tied scores. As a team, the Minutemen shot 47.1 percent (2451) from the floor with five players scoring in double digits. Malik Hines notched a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Friday’s contest marked the fifth meeting between UMass Lowell and Massachusetts. The Minutemen now lead the series, 4-1.
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
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November 14, 2017
SPORTS Unsung Heroes: Sebouh Majarian, River Hawk wunderkind Hannah Manning Connector Editor
Sebouh Majarian, the assistant director of New Media for the UMass Lowell athletic department, had his first welcome to college sports on Dec. 8, 2013 when he walked into an office in chaos. He remembers being warned as he walked in that it would be a tough day at work, and it was quite an understatement. It was the last day at the office for the assistant director of communications at the time, and another integral employee had been let go that same day. As Majarian walked in after working a shift at his other job, he saw a whopping two people: Bob Ellis and another part-time worker. So, Majarian saw, it was going to be one of those days. “I was like alright man, like whatever. I’m just going to make, you know, the best of it that I can understanding the circumstances,” said Majarian. “It was a really weird day.” Majarian has been touting that same philosophy for his entire time at UMass Lowell, which began in
October 2013. For those at home doing the math, Majarian had his trial by fire a mere two months after being hired. And for what it is worth, Majarian did not even intend to end up where he was today. At the beginning of his professional career, Majarian relied on the help of Ben Jewart, the director of audio visual services at the Tsongas Center, to help bring him up to speed. “If I’m an unsung hero, he’s the unsung hero to the unsung hero. I didn’t know what an SDI cable was, I didn’t know anything,” he said. To be fair, he was a bit more accustomed to working on the other side of a camera. During his time at West Virginia University, Majarian served as the sports anchor for WVU News and wrote for the school newspaper. Ending up as the multimedia go-to of UMass Lowell Athletics was not a path that Majarian expected to go down, but life has a funny way of doing what it wants. The transition from his work as a writer to the man behind the camera began as he was assigned a role as a sports information director (SID) for men’s basketball, baseball, softball and women’s basketball. “I had never done anything like that
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Majarian is the assistant director of New Media for the athletic department.
before. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But I was just like, ‘Oh, travelling with men’s basketball. Sounds like fun. Let’s do it.’ It was right up my alley,” said Majarian. In addition to serving as those sports’ primary contact, Majarian also did video highlights for the department and found himself becoming overwhelmed at the different directions he was being pulled in. So, he was given a choice: SID or video. “It was just kind of a perfect storm. The chips fell, it was like right place right time. I kind of stumbled into it and tried to make the most of it as I went,” said Majarian. It is all fine for him; Majarian says that all he wanted was to work in sports. West Virginia’s electric atmosphere and love for their teams drew him in to pursue a degree. Sports made him tick. He loves basketball and has several bits and pieces of Celtics memorabilia scattered around his office/studio complex in the Tsongas Center. Much of his motivation in working
for the university is to get students excited about their sports teams. “UMass Lowell wasn’t really on the map [in 2013], besides like hockey or whatever… that’s something I want to establish here, making people like the students here as crazy about the sports as I was,” said Majarian. Going from the frenzy of Dec. 8 to putting basketball and hockey games on ESPN3 is stupefying for Majarian to consider. His first highlights pale in comparison to the ones that he and the department put out now, and the Rise Up campaign has been exemplary of the progress that the university has made in such a short time. UMass Lowell has gone from using flip cameras to interview coaches to equipment that is on par with the rest of its peers in Division I. And while the stress of putting games on television and compiling highlights has made him lose some hair, as Majarian jokes, the work is rewarding in the product he turns out. “How often can you make a game yours?” Majarian said.
River Hawks defeated in three sets at UMBC UMass Lowell Athletics
BALTIMORE -- The UMass Lowell Volleyball fell in straight sets at UMBC on Friday night at RAC Arena. The set scores were 25-23, 2522 and 25-13. With the loss, the River Hawks drop to 5-20 overall (0-11 AE), while the Retrievers improve to 14-11 overall and 6-5 in America East play. Sophomore outside hitter Katherine Claybaugh (Danville, Calif.) notched a match-high 12 kills with a .360
hitting percentage and seven digs. Junior middle blocker Lade Adeniyi (Springfield, Ill.) also chipped in with seven kills and a team-best .429 hitting percentage. Sophomore outside hitter Madi Bell (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) also registered six kills in the losing effort. Junior libero Lindsey Visvardis (Homer Glen, Ill.) totaled a team-high 13 digs to pace the River Hawks on defense.