University administration responds to DACA â–ş Page 3
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
September 26, 2017
Questionable success of River Hawk Villiage
In This Issue
Morgyn Joubert
Car crash into Polichino-Tong building
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2017 Emmys recap
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Volleyball loses match against UNH
Courtesy of UMass Lowell
Connector Contributor
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Final River Hawk Scores Team
Score
Overall Record
Volleyball vs. Coppin State
W 3-1
4-9
Field Hockey vs. Stanford
L 3-4
4-5
Women’s Soccer vs. Providence
L 2-0 3-2-3
Men’s Soccer vs. Dartmouth
L 1-0
4-2-1
Rubber and Road:
The beauty of bicycles Patrick Connell Connector Staff
The newest art exhibit showcased in Mahoney Hall on South Campus is “Rubber and Road.â€? Katina Huston is the artist responsible for this gallery. The exhibit features a series of ink drawings of bicycles and their parts on Mylar paper. Mylar is a partially translucent sheet, and its plastic nature causes the ink to dry on top of it as opposed to being absorbed. This adds a peculiar effect not typically seen in most paintings. About a dozen of these pieces are currently on display. Her main focus was to capture the shadows that bikes make. In a presentation Huston gave before the gallery’s reception Sept. 19, she provided an anecdote for how she was raised in a particular way due to being a girl. She wanted to express the weight of social pressures and bikes were a good metaphor because they become worn and rusted, and after being used they are just chained up. With a supplementary note hanging in the gallery, Huston wrote of her series, “My first independent navigations of the world were on a bicycle‌ Later I was a bicycle messenger in punk San Francisco’s gritty culture of pop tarts, cigarettes and contempt for the yuppie bankers we delivered to. Even in New York I biked to work but stopped because I arrived
With the growing number of students attending UMass Lowell in the fall of 2017, quick decisions had to be made as to where and how to accommodate the new members of the growing university. UMass Lowell has made a university town of an industrial city in a short period of time, and with that comes its newest residence hall, River Hawk Village, which was previously known as the Perkins Complex. Students who decided that the River Hawk Village was for them had a few choices when determining what their new living arrangements would be come this semester. The Village offers three separate styles which include Townhouse Deluxe, Deluxe and Standard
River Hawk Village, formally known as Perkins, houses 780 students.
units. All three units are outfitted with a dishwasher and kitchen complete with a stovetop, oven, microwave and refrigerator. The apartments are also supplied a washer and dryers, and students who have vehicles on campus are allowed access to the Hall Street Parking Garage. “River Hawk Village provides many benefits to students, including a
highly desirable location of East Campus, adjacent to the Tsongas Center, LeLacheur Park and just a few steps away from the Campus Recreation Center,� Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney said. River Hawk Village is also located on a historic site that was formally owned by a Lawrence Mills complex along with the Hoff Alumni Center, which is located next
â–ş See “Success,â€? page 3
Rachel Morrier proves to be pivotal player Andrew Sciascia Connector Editor
Having tallied nine points in eight appearances this season, Plaistow, N.H. native Rachel Morrier has been a key offensive weapon in what has been a strong showing from the UMass Lowell women’s soccer team (3-2-3) at the outset of their 2017 campaign.
“As a player, you wish you had eleven of her,� said head coach Frankie D’Agostino. “Her qualities aren’t just in the attacking side of the field. She does work off the ball, gets back and defends. She can play a final ball and shoot with both feet.� Despite transferring from Providence College in pursuit of
â–ş See “Rubber and Road,â€? page 5
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door. Courtesy of Metro.com “River Hawk Village has retained that historic look, but has undergone extensive remodeling and upgrades, so that it has all of the modern conveniences of other university housing and some additional features,� said the chancellor. The university’s newest housing strategy con-
Rachel Morrier proves to be a key offensive player for the 2017 season.
a strong nursing program midway through her freshman year and being unable to participate for the majority of her sophomore season due to injury, Morrier’s leadership and talents have been integral to the team’s starting core since her arrival. Raised alongside six siblings and homeschooled until her sophomore year of high school, Morrier developed a competitive spirit at a young age. “That’s really what motivates me. I want to win. Whether it’s on the soccer field or in the classroom, I want to do my best,â€? said Morrier.“It’s the way I was brought up. We were always competing at something, whether it was with my older brother or my sister who’s here at Lowell.â€? Morrier’s competitive, no-lessthan-best attitude does not seem to find pause in any of her endeavors. Morrier is consistently busy throughout the week with work from her nursing major classes. â–ş See “Morrier,â€? page 10
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September 26, 2017
OPINIONS & EDITORIALS Outlook on the abnormal weather around the country Eleazar Saintus Connector Contributor
This year has been extreme with varying weather patterns across the country. Depending on where you were, the weather has been either good or bad. Here in New England, mother nature spared us in terms of an overall bad winter. Two years’ prior multiple snowstorms buried Massachusetts over seven feet. California, I believe, had its driest February in 2015. This past winter temperature varied from extreme warm days in February followed by extreme cold. I think overall winter was slightly above normal in terms of snowfall. This year in California there was a bit of rain helping the unprecedented drought. This is good for Californians. As the summer comes to a close, the weather overall in New England has been normal. There were warm days, rainy days, and a fair amount of dry days. When I went to Long Beach, New
York for 12 days, the weather overall was good with some hot days and some wet days. Down in Texas the weather has been bad. Hurricane Harvey took aim at Houston and the surrounding areas. 52 inches of rain fell in a matter of a few days. Texas has times where it is wet. This is normal to see the streets flooded. There are also times when it is dry. Sometimes certain parts in Texas will be dry with no rain for months. What made Harvey unique from other hurricanes was the aftermath. Over 30 people died as a result. Over millions of dollars was damaged in terms of property. I believe it will be a long time before Houston and the surrounding areas affected will fully recover. Houston received more rainfall in three or four days, than Boston and Lowell receive in a year. Following Harvey was Hurricane Irma. Irma took aim down south in Florida. 12 inches of rain fell in certain places. It is a bit abnormal but not extraordinary. Florida has times when it rains con-
sistently. It also has times when it is dry. Florida is humid thunderstorms and downpours are nothing new. There were property damages done as expected from any hurricane. Irma was nowhere near as intense as Harvey. Not as many fatalities occurred. Following Irma was Hurricane Jose. Predominately all of the East Coast lucked out. Jose went off to sea on Sept. 20 which effected very few areas. The south shore of Massachusetts and Cape Cod were the exceptions. Boston and points north did not get as much rain. I saw on seven news weather Jose was off shore. Power lines also were down in Taunton. The weather has been abnormal this year. From Earthquakes in Mexico, to California once again in a continuous dry pattern. As the hurricane season progresses, the next named hurricane on the horizon is Maria.
Students! This section is for you to share your opinions. We want to know what you care about.
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR
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September 26, 2017
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NEWS
UMass Lowell stresses inclusive environment in wake of Trump’s DACA decision Andrew Sciascia Connector Editor
To much controversy, President Donald Trump announced his plans to roll back the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. Rolled out by the Obama administration in June of 2012, DACA allowed for those who were brought by their parents illegally to the United States to remain in the U.S. under a bi-yearly renewable working permit under condition of remaining in good legal standing. The Obama administration’s policy allowed for these immigrant populations to remain in the U.S. as students and employees under the assumption that they would behave as upstanding citizens and contribute to the American economy. Trump’s decision to roll back the policy has been met with outrage on news and social media outlets and has gathered legislators on both sides of the aisle to stand in opposition. Despite Trump’s decision being delayed six months by Congress for a closer look, many college campuses fear their students being forcibly removed from the country as a result. “We’re looking nationwide. College campuses are a dynamic and fluid place. We are bound by incidents
such as these. They definitely have an impact and we respond accordingly,” says Leslie Wong, assistant dean of Student Affairs for Equity and Inclusion, “We look at what is the impact our students and faculty have face, and we look at how do we provide support. How do we find educable moments and create advocacy?” UMass Lowell administrators say, however, that they have not been phased by decisions like this coming out of Washington. Citing a state of heightened alert since the new year began as a source of preparedness for anything. “The indecisiveness puts us in a state of emergency preparedness. We don’t have a chance to let our guard down. It could be something else each day. And frankly, that’s fine. Anything permanent and decisive would not benefit our student’s interests. I hope Washington remains indecisive until the next election cycle,” said Larry Siegel, associate vice chancellor of Student Affairs. The vice chancellor also indicated that such events are, more than anything, an indicator of how inclusive and driven the UMass Lowell student body is. Whether it be a national disaster or the Trump Immigration Order from earlier this year, the UMass Lowell student body steps up to support one another.
“In 2010, we made a very public statement of our values and identify with five, and only five, pillars. One of those five equally important pillars is an inclusive community. We rally around whoever is being oppressed today… We are not going to stop rallying, because it could be anyone tomorrow,” said Siegel. Wong reiterated saying that “we are a community that steps up. That’s that.” The White House’s movements this year on DACA and the Middle Eastern Immigration Ban from earlier this year have, however, forced administrators to think of new and unique solutions for bringing substantive resources to effected students. “Response is important, as well as proactive measures. We work on inclusive curriculum… We’re looking to connect students to legal resources that we believe will provide accurate legal advice. Immigration attorneys are very beneficial in this regard. We’re putting together a ‘Myths on Immigration’ type of event for this semester,” said Wong. UMass Lowell administrators have had to walk a thin line in recent months in these regards. Being a state and federally funded research institution, the boundary between serving all students in need of protection and ensuring that student aid is not put at
risk by those pursuits. Siegel stressed how much has been thought about and discussed in that regard of late. “We understand our responsibilities and obligations. Our boundaries. We want to make sure we do nothing that jeopardizes any of our funding or misleads students we are trying to protect,” says Siegel. “That’s the most challenging part of walking the tight rope. You have to stay on course, because often these are competing issues. We cannot jeopardize student well-being.” Along with ensuring that students felt at ease in terms of recent political and economic tensions brought about in recent months, Student Affairs also sought to assure students that UMass Lowell faculty and staff was receptive to complaints and needs of students by reminding students that administration’s job was to best serve the student body by listening and supporting them. “Our doors are open. We value our student’s input. Don’t ever hesitate to call on any of us. Faculty, staff, support services. At the end of the day we are here for you. We are here and we hear you,” said Wong.
Students split on River Hawk Village price tag ►Continued from front page
-sists of providing 50 percent of undergraduates the ability to live on campus. The new apartment style housing complex now offers over 700 incoming or returning students the ability to live on campus rather than commute from home. And just two weeks into the semester, students have already started voicing their opinions on the new building and what it may offer to the growing campus. Veronica Uk and Jalyssa Pena are two of those students that both share a standard apartment unit in River Hawk Village. Both major in international business with a concentration in marketing. Both said they thought, at first, that River Hawk Village was the ideal location for them when deciding on their new living arrangements for the coming semester since they both have classes on North Campus. “It’s like a loft, but there are no walls separating the bedroom and the kitchen. By the looks of it, they turned a studio apartment into a quad. You can see everything. There is simply no privacy,” said Pena. Both said they are equally content with the fact that they can make their own food and wash their clothes whenever they see fit, but it seems to be very complicated to go about their morning without waking up another one of their roommates. “The building itself is really nice. I just don’t enjoy that we got put into a studio style quad,” said Uk. Despite both students having a kitchen and food at their disposal, both said they are still required to have a meal plan under the university because they do not have a dining room table, regardless of the
Courtesy of UMass Lowell
The River Hawk Village complex was a $61 million dollar investment for UMass Lowell, but students are still unsure whether living their is enough bang for their buck.
full counter top and chairs provided for them to eat upon. Uk and Pena are not the only students that have concerns involving River Hawk Village. Damon Best, another business major, who lives in a deluxe style unit has said he has concerns for the coming winter. “Living this far away from North Campus makes me worried, because we don’t have a shuttle that will be provided for us in the winter. I don’t know about you, but I am not ready to enter into that
weather and cross that bridge,” said Best. River Hawk Village is the most expensive building currently on campus. The Standard unit alone is $11,023 and the Townhouse Deluxe unit reaches $11,851. With the overwhelming issues brought about by residents in the new building, many students wonder if living in the complex is worth the cost. “Overall I don’t know if it’s worth the amount they’re making us pay,” said Pena.
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September 26, 2017
NEWS
Multiple charges filed after rogue vehicle crashes into Pulichino Tong Business Center Christopher Romano
Courtesy of UMass Lowell PD
Connector Staff
Just before 7 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, a vehicle crashed into the newly erected Pulichino Tong Business Center on North Campus. Deputy Chief of UMass Lowell Police Department Ronald Dickerson said the driver, Genesis Moreno, was heading south towards the intersection at University Avenue and Riverside Street, swerved to avoid traffic, jumped two curbs and crashed into an empty classroom on the backside of the business building. Moreno lost control of the vehicle due to her speed, and Dickerson said it broke three 16-foot-tall panes of glass. He also said that “the metal mounts were also damaged. The vehicle hit an interior support for the building.” Dickerson said Moreno was charged
“There was damage to the substructure underneath the glass, but no damge to the building.” with two counts of motor vehicle hit and run, operating a motor vehicle without a license, operating to endanger, a marked lane violation, failure to stop at a red light and providing a false name to a police officer.
Among seven charges brought against the operator of the vehicle there are two counts of motor vehicle hit and run, one count of operating unlicensed, and one count of operating to endanger.
The Pulichino Tong building was not the only victim. Moreno hit two other vehicles before crashing into UMass Lowell’s new business building. Dickerson said, “We were notified Courtesy of Gavin Vincent
The crash left three custom panes of glass shattered, damaged the metal mounts and contacted an interior support for the building.
by the Lowell Police Department they were investigating a hit and run accident on University Ave. It was the vehicle that crashed into the building that was the suspect vehicle.” Luckily, classes had not started for the day and no students or faculty were injured. Both Moreno and the passenger in the car were brought to a local hospital with minor injuries. The classroom, which was closed that morning, has since been temporarily repaired with wood paneling to close the gaps between the standing glass. TJ McCarthy, director of Operations and Services at UMass Lowell Facilities Management, said, “There was damage to the substructure underneath the glass, but no damage to the building.” When asked about a time frame for when the building would be completely repaired, McCarthy said, “Definitely this semester, hopefully before winter starts.” The pieces of glass and metal were custom made for the building, and it will take some time for them to be replaced, he said. While describing the complicated repair, McCarthy said Facilities is meeting with the architect and construction company for the building. As Facilities Management put up a temporary repair so quickly, McCarthy said, “I want to commend UMass
Facility folks for at least getting the class up and operable in the days after.”
“I want to commend the UMass Lowell Facility folks for at least getting the class Dickerson said he is unable to recall any other car accidents involving buildings on campus during his sixyear tenure with the university. When asked if the university is taking any steps to prevent another crash like this from happening, Dickerson said, “If that was discussed, I’m not aware of it.” Dickerson also said that this type of accident is not something anyone was expecting to happen, nor is it expected to happen again. For students interested in more information on any incident on campus, Dickerson said, “You can always just come down to the dispatch window if you had a question on a particular report.”
September 26, 2017
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Is this the ‘mother!’ of all 2017 films? Eric Smith Connector Staff
Darren Aronofsky, the unusual filmmaker behind the masterpieces of “Requiem for a Dream” and “Black Swan,” has made his most unusual film yet. “mother!” may be the most unique and bizarre movie since the works of filmmaking genius Stanley Kubrick. The problem with films like “mother!” is that sometimes it can be so strange to audiences that it becomes unenjoyable for some and the most amazing cinematic experience for others. Jennifer Lawrence plays Mother and Javier Bardem plays Him. They live together in an old, isolated house where they can start a paradise together and live their dreams. Him is a poet looking to find the right words and the
inspiration for them, while Mother enjoys fixing up the house to make it the way they both desire. Things start to get strange when a couple enters their house and invades their space. These two are played by Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer, and they are known to us as Man and Woman. Man is an enormous fan of Him’s poetry and desires his attention as he is sick and will not live much longer. Woman is a sassy woman who likes to stick her nose where it does not belong. Their lives are being invaded and Mother’s life begins to spiral into chaos, leading to unfortunate and horrifying events. Aronofsky’s directing is genius, and the way he wrote his characters makes the audience wonder what this film is all about. It is not easy to figure out, but it is one of those films that can be analyzed for days.
The entire film is full of bizarre and terrifying imagery that will puzzle the audience, but they should not forget there is a point to the madness. This film does mean something, even though it can be seen as chaotic nonsense. The film’s intensity builds with each act and becomes more distressing and disturbing as it goes. With Aronofsky’s brilliant direction and Jennifer Lawrence’s stunning performance, the audience can really feel Mother’s stress and anxiety as she experiences the increasingly strange phenomena that abruptly entered her seemingly normal life. It is difficult to classify this film as horror or not. While it is intimidating and will take something from your soul, it is also a mysterious allegory at the same time. Aronofsky had some clear influences for this film,
one of them being Roman Polanski’s psychological horror masterpiece, “Rosemary’s Baby.” The creepy older couple invading their space is a main giveaway, but the ending of the film closely resembles parts of “Rosemary’s Baby,” while not stealing anything from it. “mother!” is not even close to being a film for everyone. Many people despise it, calling it the worst film they have seen in years. This is understandable due to its confusing and disturbing nature, but it is a film that is worth the risk. When the meaning behind the film is discovered, it is an incredible movie. Final grade: A
Rubber and Roads comes to Mahoney Hall ►Continue from front page
Patrick Connell/UML Connector
furious, often trapped in the 18” between panel trucks on First Avenue.” Though the “Rubber and Road” series has the aforementioned idea of pushing against social pressure, there are other aspects she tries to make jump out at her audience; some in a very literal sense. Two of the pieces in Mahoney are titled “Slinky,” with bike wheels bouncing in an arch like the children’s toys of the same name. In a couple others, the artist has the wheel silhouettes energetically bouncing around the Mylar in a fashion she referred to as a “dynamo.” Though not in the gallery at UMass Lowell, Huston does have another work in her series showing the front of a bicycle that makes it look like a crucifixion. Huston’s presentation was a good means of showing how she has evolved as an artist, as it goes through many significant events of her life both personally and culturally. She used a timeline as a Huston’s “Giant Shadow” shown here at UMass Lowell.
direct means of conveying that, but she also talked about various people that had inspired her, such as Margaret Atwood and Lee Bontecou, and other works she had done. One example she brought up was how she had sewn a dress out of flowers when she was in college. Huston will have her works shown in UMass Lowell’s Mahoney Hall until Oct. 12, and if audience like them be sure to go to her series called “Dysphoria” on Friday, Oct. 6 from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at the Chase Young Gallery in Boston.
69th Primetime Emmy: what you missed Kyle Arsenault Connector Contributor
The 69th Primetime Emmy Awards took place on Sunday, Sept. 17 in the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. The event was hosted by American comedian Stephen Colbert, host of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which is the second most popular late night show on television. The award show began with Colbert making the famed “golden Emmys” in his workshop. He converses with actress Allison Janney and actor Anthony Anderson, who express deep concern over the current state of political affairs in the United States and express the emergence of a great era of television. Colbert breaks into song about how “[e]verything is better on TV.” That is, everything that does not include the news. He sings alongside a scene of Selina Meyer behind the podium of the White House press secretary, with lyrics such as: “Even
treason is better on TV.” Chance the Rapper makes an appearance in the opening, rapping: “ I love television. It’s a pleasant distraction, but just imagine taking action.” Stephen Colbert’s monologue made light of some of the most popular TV shows in the industry, from “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” to “Stranger Things.” However, viewers could not overlook the heavy undertone of politics throughout the speech. Perhaps the most shocking moment of the night was the cameo made by former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer when he rolled a mock podium from back to center stage and said: “This will be the largest audience to witness an Emmys period, both in person and around the world.” Faces in the audience were shocked, particularly Melissa McCarthy, who is wellknown for her performances on the hit show “Saturday Night Live” for playing Spicer. Furthering the political tone, Col-
bert makes reference to Trump’s former reality TV show called “Celebrity Apprentice,” which failed to win an Emmy. He said : “If he had won an Emmy, I bet he wouldn’t have run for president.” Although President Trump may not have taken home an Emmy, “Saturday Night Live” presidential impersonator Alec Baldwin received an award for his impersonation of the commander-in-chief. In his acceptance speech he said: “I should say, at long last Mr. President, here is your Emmy.” In total, “Saturday Night Live” had 22 nominations, including a win for Kate McKinnon for Outstanding Support Actress in a Comedy Series. Some of the big winners include “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Big Little Lies,” both winning eight Emmy awards. The Emmy Awards made history by awarding Donald Glover of “Atlanta” an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, mak-
ing him the first black director to ever win the award. In addition, Sterling K. Brown was the first black actor in two decades to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for “This is Us.” Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the star of “Veep,” made history by winning six Emmy Awards for the same role as Selina Meyer, and said it was: “[a] role of a lifetime and an adventure of utter joy.” One memorable moment from the show was the In Memoriam. Tribute was paid to Nelsan Ellis, John Heard, Gwen Ifill, Adam West, Mary Tyler Moore and many other television icons who died over the past year, complete with a stunning performance by Chris Jackson from “Hamilton.” The Emmy Awards were viewed by approximately 11.4 million viewers, skewing from Sean Spicer’s estimate, but ultimately the night was truly unforgettable.
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September 26, 2017
September 26, 2017
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The ‘Kingsman’ franchise has done it again Taylor Dorian Connector Contributor
Mathew Vaughn, producer and director of “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” returned to produce and direct the second installment of the Kingsman franchise. He was challenged with meeting the expectations set by the first film released in 2014, and he does not disappoint. Where the first “Kingsman” movie tells the story of series protagonist Eggsy’s (played by Taron Egerton) experience going through the Kingsman interview process to join the service, the sequel shows what the day to day life looks like on the job. “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” picks up with Eggsy working as an official Kingsman spy, but still making mistakes and figuring out how to master his craft. Peace does not last long however, as The Kingsman organization immediately faces adversity when the London headquarters is blown up by a missile, as shown in the trailer. This leaves the few remaining members solely responsible for regrouping the secret service, and forces them to seek out help from The Statesman, the “American cousin” to the London based organization. The Statesman have some of the qualities that fans love about the Kingsman organization, but they also bring to the table a gritty style, a southern attitude and of course their own set of awesome gadgets, including an electrified lasso and some good ole revolvers.
The official trailer for “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” also revealed the resurrection of Eggsy’s mentor Harry (aka Galahad), played by Colin Firth, who was presumed dead after the previous movie. Harry returns in a way that might be unanticipated to audience members, and audiences get to explore details of his personal life that were never touched Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Director Matthew Vaugn wants to make a third film.
in the first film. This movie has an underlying theme of drug use and legalization that feels very relevant during the time of its release. The legalization of marijuana in various states across the country is raising discussions on the ethics of drug use and criminalization, and including these modern debates in the film with compelling arguments on both sides forces the view-
er to consider their stance on the issue and makes the film feel more realistic. The producers were able to recruit some big Hollywood names to add to the already talented cast list, such as Channing Tatum, Halle Berry and Jeff Bridges, who each brought something new to the table. Even still, the star of the show is Egerton, and while he was excellent in the first movie, he has only become better at playing a charming, sophisticated British spy in the sequel. Eggsy’s character development is drastic and visual in the first movie, as he transforms from a hoodlum to a gentleman. In “The Golden Circle,” however, the character’s growth is more introspective, as he deals with the death of his mentor Harry (aka Galahad), balancing an exclusive relationship while putting his job first and being tasked with saving the world once again. The only weaknesses the film had were the overuse of the close-up, frantically shifting camera angles for the action sequences and the occasional use of spy movie clichés that cannot be discussed without giving away the plot. Overall, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” is a great stand-alone movie, with a one-of-a-kind style and filled with non-stop entertainment. The Kingsman franchise is a refreshing take on the spy movie genre, and has set a strong foundation to create a solid trilogy or even a cinematic universe. Final Grade: B+
‘Destiny 2’ returns to the same troubled solar system Andrew Sciascia Connector Staff
The squad-based, sci-fi, first-person shooter and massively-multiplayer online game “Destiny” first hit shelves in September 2014. Highly anticipated, the game fell flat on its face initially. Riddled with bugs and driven by the worst loot drop system of its time, this storiless, grindy MMO did not stand up to the hype. However, over the course of its lifespan developer Bungie poured new life into the game and dropped massive patches that made the game not only playable but fun enough for people to invest hundreds of hours playing. Initially slated for 2016, a sequel seemed unnecessary to much of the game’s devoted fanbase. Nevertheless, it dropped in mid-September. The release was an immense success, but, truth be told, “Destiny 2” returns players to more of the exact same experience every step of the way. As can be said with every Bungie title, the game looks beautiful. Locations new and old look breathtaking. The four new planets are all distinctly different and are all equally lovely to look at. From the new social zone, the Farm, to the watery moon, Titan, the structures and backdrops are simply stunning. Another nice addition is a real storyline to follow. Bungie clearly took fan input from the first game into account when creating the sequel, because the original had no story. Every piece of DLC, the entirety of the base game, was a string of missions and strikes one had to play in order. The story, the voicing and the characters
all brought no life, personality or immersion to the original “Destiny.” This time that changed. To a point. “Destiny 2” is a tale of redemption. The Last City on Earth has been overrun by the Red Legion, a Spartan-like people lead by the great warrior Ghaul. He has taken “the light”:,a mythical source of power that chose the Guardians and seeks to use it to
er enjoys some exploration along the way. The exposition is there, and the cut scenes are great-looking. Is the story bad? No. At least it exists this time. The missions are fun, but the storyline is not where “Destiny 2” shines. Yet besides the settings and something of a narrative storyline, nothing at all is new.
Courtesy of Activision
The PC version of “Destiny 2” will be released October 24, 2017.
power his legion to take over the Universe. The player’s guardian must find a way to get the light back and take on the forces of the Red Legion to free the solar system from Cabal tyranny. Despite an active effort to include a real narrative in “Destiny 2,” the story is nothing special. The comic relief characters are great for a laugh, but when characters are in harm’s way the player will not have any reason to care. There are no emotionally gripping moments, just the story, the dialogue and its cliché science fiction. Overall, the story will take no more than 10 hours, and that is if the play-
“Destiny 2” is nearly identical to “Destiny.” The gameplay is fun, but mildly grindy. It mirrors the most updated version of “Destiny.” The loot drop system rewards repetition, hard work and replaying key missions and strikes. The AI is a bit more intelligent. The game provides challenge and a sense of excitement, but it is still the same game “Destiny” was at its core. Nothing at all has changed. Even the enemies are the same: the war-like Cabal, the horde-like Hive, the twitchy Taken, the robotic Vex and the Fallen. Some of the enemy models are a bit more beefed up, they
look crisper, larger and stronger. But even the enemy types do not vary. Each class of enemy is exactly the same and few of them have any new abilities. The Guardians have very few new abilities. In fact, the three classes are exactly the same as they were before. There are still Strike Missions, Patrols and competitive player-versus-player in the form of the Crucible. All of these side missions and methods for scoring new gear are far more expansive and rewarding. In fact, the exploration aspect is greatly expanded. The player is set free to explore the planets and play as you feel far earlier. Nothing else is new here. “Destiny 2” is “Destiny” one with a different setting and some slight bit of exposition. Is all this to say that “Destiny 2” is a bad game? Absolutely not. It is a terrific game, just like “Destiny” before it. But it does not try to do anything new. It is terrific that Bungie stuck to the formula that made “Destiny” great and did not attempt to reinvent the wheel, but this went beyond that. The game calls fans of the original to return and gives those who never played a chance to jump in as well, but it does nothing to bring in a new audience. The game is amazing, fun and incredibly easy to replay, but any honest person would admit that it could have just been a $60 expansion to the original. Marketing it as a whole new game was a mistake that leaves the player wanting something more out of “Destiny 2.”
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Alvvays’ avoids the sophomore slump Patrick Connell Connector Staff
first half of the guitar solo has a somewhat outof-place, somewhat obnoxious tone which causes unneeded irritation, while the ending is just a few faded synth-pad tones that draw out a song that was meant to have a curt ending. “Your Type” is a great energetic tune with a bouncy melody, and the only qualm is the vocals are not brought to the energy level the rest of the sound suggests it to be at. Aside from the verses of “Not My Baby” that lean too heavily on a vocal performance and melody that are unable to keep the listener fully attentive, the rest of the song has enjoyable parts to hear.
Alvvays is a Toronto-based indie band who has just released its sophomore album, “Antisocialites.” The band’s first album, “Alvvays,” was a decent showing of heavily reverbed instruments with ethereal vocals on top, but there was not too much of great substance outside of the singles. This time around, they have bulked up their song writing capabilities across the board. “In Undertow,” the album’s opener, begins with a lone short keyboard quietly playing a chord, and then the rest of the instruments quickly exploding Courtesy of Polyvinyl Record Co. in, like the wave that lead singer Molly Rankin starts singing about. It is an excellent way to start off the album and a definite highlight, but the rest of the song continues to deliver with Rankin’s vocals and the wall of guitar distortion working perfectly in tandem with each other. The second song and the album’s second single is “Dreams Tonite,” and just like the first track, it is about lost love. The song is a bit slower than its predecessor, but the way Rankin croons over a guitar lead that sounds like it was ripped straight from the Cocteau Twins is so melancholic and dreamy that it would be set perfectly playing in a bar in Twin Peaks, Wash. For the next few tracks, the album picks up pace. There are three somewhat strong tracks, but their flow does not necessarily work in the best manner. “Plimsoll Punk” falls into the trap of trying to spice Sheridan Riley is the most recent addition to the band, up the song structure but doing so ineffectively. The replacing Phil MacIsaac on drums.
The album’s B-side commences with “Hey.” The song has a nice bassline thumping to keep the flow going while the intermittent jolts of guitar help keep the energy up. “Lollipop (Ode to Jim)” has great vocals that when added to the backing track create a seamlessly chugging beat to nod along with, and the oscillating of them during certain parts helps greatly as well. In terms of album structure, “Already Gone” serves a great purpose to break up the speedy jamming to harp on the beauty that ballads could elicit; however, it fails in doing an adequate job of sounding good for itself, with the main guitar line just losing its impact from the repetitiousness it has. The closing track “Forget About Life” has such a great build up and honest emotion in it, yet it ends too abruptly, and the listener is unable to fully soak in all that the song has to offer. For the most part, Alvvays know how to concoct pleasurable sounds for the ear. The biggest issue with “Antisocialites” is its lack of structural prowess. Many of the songs have parts that should be excluded, added to, extended or altered that may sound fine on a first listen, but become apparent after repeated listens in their proper order. The song structures themselves are a bit underdeveloped at some points when moments capable on musical ingenuity are forgone for lengthened choruses. This would be a good album indie fans to listen to while doing a task that allows attentive ears without allowing to divert total focus.
‘Gremlins 2:’ It somehow works Owen Johnson Connector Staff
“Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is quite possibly the only narratively sound and comprehensible movie that makes the audience member wonder: “What did I just watch?” Set in New York City in the technologically wondrous Clamp Tower, Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) finds Gizmo, the pet Mogwai he had in the first “Gremlins” movie. As per the events in the first movie, the Mogwai multiply, turn into ravenous and destructive creatures and wreak havoc on the technological wonderland that is the movie’s setting. “Gremlins 2” shares several aspects that the first movie had, both positive and negative. It has an array of colorful characters, a location that is well developed to the point of being a character in and of itself and wonderful, dark comedy. It still has the issue of the nonsensical rules in regards to the Mogwai and there is a little sloppiness to the writing in terms of coincidental plot-progression moments and a potential source for drama between Billy and his girlfriend Kate (Phoebe Cates) that has almost no stakes in the movie. As aforementioned, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is a baffling movie to watch, not just because of the ridiculous nature of it, but because it somehow manages to pull everything off without stopping the story or just being a cluster of nonsensical ideas.
It seems impossible, but somehow a movie with a genetic research lab, a technologically eccentric building, Gremlins drinking vials of scientific formulas that turn them into an assortment of things from a vegetable to a bolt of electricity and a full
from the first movie Murray Futterman (Dick Miller) and his wife (Jackie Joseph) return. The new characters include the building’s owner and eccentric billionaire Daniel Clamp (John Glover), the overly orthodox chief of security Forster (Robert Picardo),
Courtesy of Warner Bros.
Director Joe Dante only came back to direct the sequel when he was offered complete creative control.
out Gremlin-performed rendition of the John Kander and Fred Ebb song “New York, New York” manages to work extremely well. Criminologist and physician Cesare Lombroso was evidently correct when he said, “Genius is one of the many forms of insanity.” What helps to tie the movie together are the varying colorful and well-developed personalities that litter the world of Clamp Tower. Alongside Billy, Kate and Gizmo, Billy’s neighbors
Billy’s boss Marla Bloodstone (Havilland Morris), insane genetics scientist Dr. Catheter (Christopher Lee) and a monster movie show host who longs to be a television journalist named Grandpa Fred (Robert Prosky). While the first “Gremlins” was more of a dark comedy, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is an all out absurdist comedy. The tone is a lot more light-hearted, and it makes self-referential jokes about not just itself, but the state of film in general. For ex-
ample, Gremlins attack a person who begins to question the Mogwai rules, especially the one that says that they cannot be fed after midnight. In a way, it is the movie punishing the character for even pointing out how little sense it makes while at the same time telling the audience to not think too much about it. The tone and the absurd ideas allow for the movie to have a lot of fun with itself. Watching all the eccentric characters interact with one another is always entertaining. There is a lot of creativity with the design of the creatures, especially when they drink the formulas and shift into different kinds of Gremlins and all of the crazy ideas spliced together is insanity of the best sort. “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is a movie with no right to be as good as it is, and everything stated above should be evidence to prove that point. Somehow though, the movie is good, courtesy of its well written and wacky characters, and thanks to what must have been sheer insanity on the part of the filmmakers. Final grade: A-
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September 26, 2017
Studying abroad offers students a unique learning experience Veronica Cashman Connector Contributor
UMass Lowell pledges to prepare its students for real world experiences and looks to follow through on its mission through extensive and successful study abroad programs. The Office of International Experiences and Study Abroad offers over 1,400 program opportunities for sophomore, junior and senior students of all majors to take advantage of throughout their time at UMass
Lowell. Students can travel for as little three weeks up to an entire year through partner-led, faculty-led and even exchange programs. “I highly encourage every student who’s considering studying abroad to do it. This opportunity is unique and expensive, but absolutely worth it,” said Malinda Reed, an English and history double major who spent three weeks in Cadiz, Spain studying Spanish. “If you’re independent and interested in travel to learn through immersion, then study abroad is the Courtesy of Not on the High Street
Students can choose to study abroad in various locations in Europe.
perfect fit for you.” Finances seem to be the biggest hindrance for students seeking to travel internationally. However, the Office of Study Abroad reassures that the university does provide both financial aid and scholarship possibilities for students who qualify. “It is perceivable that a student could go abroad for an entire semester and pay the equivalent or sometimes even less than a full semester at UMass Lowell,” says Fern MacKinnon, the director of the Office of Study Abroad. “There are both internal and external opportunities for scholarships and there is a list of all of these on our website.” .With the university willing to assist many of its students, they are now able to focus on reaping all of the benefits these programs have to offer, including the unique atmospheres students otherwise would not be able to experience. “My overall experience with the program was great. I was able to see a lot of different things throughout London, which is packed with history,” said Erik Dane, a graphic design major who completed a summer course in England for studio art credits. “My greatest takeaway from the trip was going to an unfamiliar place and exploring all the different things it has to offer,” Dane said. “It was such
an enriching experience that I think everyone should experience once in their lifetime.” The Office of International Experiences and Study Abroad encourage students to expand their worldviews and intercultural relationships that they believe will assist them in the long run. “Employers value students who can work interculturally and understand how to work with people who have different perspectives and different cultural backgrounds,” Mackinnon said. “Going abroad, you certainly learn how to be independent and work with others in a scenario that may be unfamiliar to them, which is very applicable to the workforce.” .Students who have previously participated in these programs say that it is an investment worthwhile and one which they will never regret. .“Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s an experience that broadens your perspective, challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new environment. The people, food and places are unforgettable” said Reed.
September 26, 2017
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
ng happeni s ’ t a h W us on camp h?! t this mon SUNDAY
CAMPUS CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER MONDAY
25
Fall Open House 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Tsongas Center, Campus Tours
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2
TUESDAY
26
Study Abroad Info 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. O’Leary Lobby
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WEDNESDAY
27
28
Bites -N- Bingo 8:30p.m.-10:00p.m. Fox Hall Common Free food, bingo, prizes
Let’s Taco ‘Bout Sex 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. McGauvran Student Center (Room 311)
3
4
5
Career Cafe & Internship Search 2:30p.m.-3:30p.m. University Crossing (Room 255)
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10 Let’s Taco ‘Bout Sex 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. McGauvran Student Center (Room 311)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
29
SATURDAY
30 Mid-Autumn Festival 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Cumnock Hall Chinese Students and Scholars Association
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7
13
14
Fresh Check Day 10:30a.m.-2:30p.m. South Campus Quad Activites, mental health education
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12
Juan William Chávez: Artist’s Talk 3:30p.m.-4:30p.m. O’Leary Library 222
Homecoming Week Begins
Campus Living Series: Newly opened River Hawk Village Brigid Archibald Connector Contributor
This fall semester there have been a lot of changes implemented regarding campus living. One such change was the opening of a new residential hall, The River Hawk village. River Hawk Village is a renovated building that overlooks the Merrimack River and is situated next to the Tsongas Center. The building offers four types of apartment-style living including: Traditional, standard, deluxe and townhouse deluxe. All styles come with a full kitchen, a washer-dryer set, climate control, its own bathroom. Each floor is complete with a lounge and a group study area. The main lobby houses a mailroom and a lounge area with pool and ping-pong tables for recreation. Additionally, the Hall street parking garage is a quick walk from the building, and this coming spring so will a new dining hall at University Suites. When River Hawk Village was announced last year, the large price tag turned many heads. The cheapest accommodation is the traditional costing $9,755 a year, which is the same price as a single at Concordia on South Campus, and the townhouse deluxe costs $11,851 a year. At almost $12,000 a year, the townhouses here are the most expensive housing on campus. After about a month living in the River Hawk Village, some residents seem to think the price is worth it. Students love the building’s design and interior. Sophomore Morgan Irons who lives in a Deluxe suite said that she loved the exposed brick and rustic industrial look. However, the building is more than just its appealing interior and amazing views. The full kitchens and the spacious living quarters evoke a feeling of independence and adulthood that normal dorms do not. “It’s freedom,” said Irons. This is a sentiment that many of her neighbors said they agreed with. “Here it feels like my space and I feel that I can
learn how to be successful in the real world, and you can’t really do that in a dorm when you’re literally only responsible for a bed,” said chemical engineering major Jordan D’Abbarrio who lives in one of the townhouses. D’Abbarrio also said that it is easier to make the apartments your own, and they provide a better way to learn real world skills while living on campus. Another resident, James Fontaine, a medical lab science junior who dorms in the Standard accommodations, said “the amount of breathing room you have here is much better than a dorm that it makes [the price compared to other dorms] somewhat even.” A common complaint among residents inter. viewed was that there are no shuttle stops near the building. Residents say that the hike to North Campus or to Fox Hall is inconvenient, and they fear what winter weather may bring.
“The orange line goes from East to North, but we have to rush to catch it, so I have to leave another 15 minutes early” said Fontaine. D’Abbrarrio said that a walk from the village to north was 25 minutes and she had seen students with crutches struggling to make shuttles. Residents said they think that a shuttle stop near University Suites or River Hawk Village would make getting around campus exponentially easier. .For those still not sold on the idea of River Hawk Village, D’Abbrarrio said that the building acts as a good trial run for apartment living where students get a chance to learn how to cook and clean their own space without the commitment and cost of having to buy their own furniture. “It’s a good experience for before you leave college, because it forces you to grow and to learn how to function in the real world,” said D’Abbrarrio. Courtesy of WordPress
Townhouse deluxe units pictured on Perkins street cost $11,851 a year.
Boston Marathon bombing survivor and UMass lacrosse star who lost leg last year helping other amputees in need Heather Abbot Foundation
Heather Abbott’s life changed forever on April 15, 2013, when the Boston Marathon bomb explosions left her severely injured. With the support of amputees who visited her in the hospital, Heather made the difficult decision to live life as an amputee. Her recovery was a journey through pain, anger, fear, disbelief, self-doubt and questioning. But the support she received carried her through. Now, Heather is paying it forward by helping others through The Heather Abbott Foundation, the nonprofit she founded to help people who have lost limbs due to traumatic circumstances. The Heather Abbott Foundation recently hosted its 2017 Fall Kick-Off at the Barking Crab in Boston, a highly successful event attended by several hundred people. The event featured amazing seafood dishes prepared by The Barking Crab, open bar, live musical entertainment by Sean Rivers, raffles and prizes, and an opportunity to hear life-changing stories from some inspirational amputees. 20-year-old Noelle Lambert of Manchester, NH was the featured speaker
at the event. Noelle, a member of the UMass Lowell lacrosse team, lost a leg following a moped accident last summer. As the most recent recipient of a grant from the Foundation, Noelle received a new waterproof knee and foot and is now able to continue actively playing lacrosse. Not only is Noelle able to play lacrosse at UMass Lowell, she also just returned from a Myrtle Beach vacation, where she was able to swim, jet ski and enjoy the water with her friends. The Fall Kick-Off event helped raise awareness and funds for those who have lost limbs as well as for the Foundation’s Marathon team, Team Limb-It-Less. Team Limb-It-Less is currently accepting applications for those interested in running the 2018 Boston Marathon in support of the Foundation. For more information on The Heather Abbott Foundation, please visit www.heatherabbottfoundation. org
Courtesy of Heather Abbot Foundation
Pictured left to right: Judy Lambert, Heather Abbott, and Noelle Lambert at the Heather Abbott Foundation’s Annual Fall Kick-Off.
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September 26, 2017
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SPORTS
Morrier emerges as a team leader for women’s soccer ► Continued from front page
Even on her off day, she can be found working at the hospital. “It’s tough trying to balance the two. There’s really only one time slot per class, and I just have to hope that the time slot isn’t during practice time. With clinical, which is an all-day thing at the hospital, I have to schedule [it] around soccer… My off day really isn’t much of an off day,” said Morrier. Despite an incredibly full schedule, Morrier said she is always looking forward to the next exciting challenge on the field, including the upcoming start of conference play and possible playoff contention. With women’s soccer finally eligible for the America East playoffs at the end of the 2017 season, the team has its sights set on a chance to compete at the next level, and the strong start they have seen this year indicates they are more than able should the opportunity arise. In their early matches, Morrier registered four
goals, one of which was the game winner against Sacred Heart University. She also had 37 shots and played a total of 641 minutes. Much of her success she attributes to the coaching changeup that occurred in the off-season, and the hard work of her teammates. “I think it just goes to show where the team is going. Just this past year our success has been much better. We’re playing better as a team… [and] the coaching staff. They do a great job. A lot of credit goes to them, and to the team for staying focused and wanting to compete,” she said. D’Agostino also stressed the importance of team success in individual success by saying: “She opens up a lot of space, and there’s a lot of kids on the team that have been underrated in the past and played out of position. This team is going to surprise some people.” Coming out of the gate, they have done just that. Losing only two of eight games in the
first half of the season, the River Hawks are on track to have their best season yet. There is no doubt that Rachel Morrier will be a key factor in offensive success going forward
makes her a player to watch is not that she produces, but how she does so. “She’s the type of player that can be misunderstood because she likes to have the
Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
Morrier celebrates after scoring against Sacred Heart.
with a tough conference schedule, now just days away. Yet what
ball at her feet,” said D’Agostinto. “You have to have a mix. The
players that are going to stick to their job, and then you have to have that flare. If not, you’re only going to get certain things.” Morrier’s standout ability to make big moves and score key goals comes from a willingness and comfort in using both feet. “I know growing up it was if I do something with my right foot, do the same thing with my left foot. When I’m going forward I can take a shot with either foot, whereas other players may only be dangerous to one side,” she said. Along with her offensive abilities, Morrier is a strong passer and piece of the defensive effort. Her emphasis on togetherness and hard work often match, and even best, her offensive flare. It is these qualities that make captain Morrier someone the River Hawks can rally around. Looking past her athletic talent and describing her as intelligent, grounded and fearless person, D’Agostino is sure that Morrier was just the leader for the
culture change he had in mind for the women’s soccer team this season. “I don’t think she is ever intimidated by anyone we play. Rachel faces it all, and that rubs off on everyone else,” says D’Agostino, “There’s players, few and farther in between, who command that respect on the field, but also off the field. She leads by example and a silent leader is sometimes the strongest one.” With one more season following this current one, Morrier cites a yearby-year approach to planning the future. She is unsure exactly what is to come after UMass Lowell, but D’Agostino did not display the same uncertainty. “I think Rachel is a pro. I’ve coached the [Boston] Breakers [and watched] them play. Knowing those teams, [there’s] no reason why she can’t be on that roster. She has the talent for it. The way we look this year, she’ll start turning some heads, and she’ll have that opportunity,” said D’Agostino.
Field hockey falls to Stanford 4-3 in back and forth game Kathryn Leeber Connector Editor
The UMass Lowell field hockey team fell to the No. 12 Stanford Cardinal, 4-3, on Thursday afternoon at Cushing Field. Three different players scored for the River Hawks, but a Cardinal goal with just over a minute left to play secured the win for Stanford. Stanford forward Marissa Cicione scored three goals. “I thought we played a really good game of field hockey. We asked the team to sort of dial in today and play a structured game and know that Stanford was going to bring their best and we did it for 70 minutes,” said UMass Lowell head coach Shannon Hlebichuk. “I thought we recovered well from our mistakes and I thought we scored when we needed to.” The River Hawks struggled to maintain possession to start the game. An early penalty corner taken by Stanford midfielder Millie Stefanowicz challenged UMass Lowell but goalkeeper Eva Burkhout made the save. Five minutes later, Cicione scored to give the Cardinal the first lead of the match. Burhout came out the goal to try and make the save, but the ball slipped past her foot.
Stanford looked to extend their lead as they kept the ball near the River Hawks’ goal. Forward Emma Alderton took a shot at the corner of the net but it crossed the goal and went out of bounds. Two penalty corners followed, but each shot taken by the Cardinal was saved by Burkhout. UMass Lowell started to find their groove and played a more offensive match, but continually turned the ball over. They were able to get near the net and ultimately scored in the 21st minute. Forward Anouk Lalande received a pass from forward Sophie Gehrels and was wide open to take the first shot of the game for the River Hawks. The ball went to the lower, right-hand corner of the net to tie the game at 1-1. This was Lalande’s eighth goal of the season and she leads the team in both goals and total points. UMass Lowell scored again in the 26th minute after multiple shot attempts. Lalande stole the ball from Stanford and attempted a shot, but Cardinal goalkeeper Kelsey Bing came out of the net to stop the ball. Midfielder Carleen O’Connell grabbed the rebound and took a shot, but was denied by Bing. The following rebound was gathered by Gehrels who scored
to give the River Hawks the lead. “Sometimes when the aura of Stanford comes onto your field, you’re a little bit in awe just because of the university and the fact that they’re 12th in the country. I thought [the River Hawks] did an awesome job of answering that [first] goal and not stopping there and taking the lead,” said Hlebichuk. “That showed a lot of character in the team.” With 5:15 left to play, Stanford maintained their composure and tied the game again off a penalty corner. Back Sarah Johnson played the ball in and forward Kristina Bassi sent in a shot that whizzed past Burkhout and tied the game, 2-2. Stanford ended the half with 22 shots as opposed to UMass Lowell’s four. Consequently, Burkhout had 10 saves while Bing had two. To start the second half, the Cardinal mirrored the start of the game by scoring early on. After taking a penalty corner, the ball was played to Cicione who shot from the top of the circle that went to the top corner of the net. Stanford led 3-2 with over 30 minutes left to play. Stanford continued to keep the ball in their favor. Forward Corinne Zanolli took a shot in the 45th minute,
but the ball went wide of the net. The Cardinal had two penalty corners, but neither were successful. Immediately following the second penalty corner, the River Hawks ran with the ball towards Stanford’s goal. Forward Christa Doiron took the ball all the way into the circle and slid a shot into the net to tie the game again at 3-3. With under two minutes left to play and a tied game, both teams rallied to get a shot off. Stanford was blocked multiple times by the River Hawks’ defense, resulting in a fast break for UMass Lowell. As the ball made its way down the field, Doiron found Lalande who went one-on-one with Bing, but the Cardinal goalkeeper made the save. The ball went back down the field and was played to Cicione. She sent the ball into the net to score her third goal of the game, resulting in a 4-3 final. “It’s nice when you spread out the scoring. For us to have three different goal scorers, it’s awesome to watch. I just think we can build off a lot that we saw today and we’re in a really good position going forward,” Hlebichuk said.
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September 26, 2017
SPORTS
River Hawks tamed by Wildcats in hardfought 3-2 match Hannah Manning Connector Editor
The UMass Lowell volleyball team had a strong showing against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, but ultimately fell 3-2 on Friday at Costello Athletic Center. The loss extended the team’s losing streak to five. Gutsy play on both sides defined the night, and much of the fourth and fifth sets had the River Hawks and Wildcats in close contention. By the end of the fourth set, both fanbases in the stands knew that it was anybody’s game – and they were along for the ride.
Courtesty of UMass Lowell Athletics
Claybaugh leads the team with 133 kills this season.
It was the team’s first America East game of the season and UMass Lowell head coach Resa Provenzano believed that despite the loss, the River Hawks’ play shone through. “They were staying focused on gameplay, going for every ball, just putting in all kinds of effort,” Provenzano said. Sophomore outside hitter Katherine Claybaugh commanded much of the game with her energy and power. Claybaugh, the team’s leader in kills, had a busy night with 15 kills and 13 digs. Team captain Lindsey Visvardis also delivered a good game. The junior libero/defensive specialist had 22 digs of her own. Visvardis’s classmates, setter Delaney Mendez and middle blocker Lade Adeniyi, led the team in assists and blocks respectively. Provenzano said that going into the game, the River Hawks knew it would be a battle. They played accordingly. UMass Lowell zoomed out in the first set, commanding a 6-2 lead early into the game. The team moved and communicated well, and their synergy caught the Wildcats off-guard for that first set. The River Hawks capitalized on early UNH mistakes, but did allow the Wildcats to tighten the score as the set went on. UMass Lowell took the first set 25-19. The second set ended with the same score, but unfortunately was reversed in favor of the Wildcats. UNH owned that set as the River Hawks struggled to respond to their resurgence. The Wildcats took a 22-14 lead, but the River Hawks did score five points before the second set ended. The two opponents were evenly matched and much of the game from the second set on was very close. The River Hawks kept it loose and cool as they charged ahead to take the third set 25-23. UNH had trouble responding to the River Hawks, especially when UMass Lowell would shake things up at the net.
UP CO MI N G
River Hawk Games Tuesday, Sept. 26
7 p.m.
WVB vs Bryant
Thursday, Sept. 28
7 p.m. WSOC at Stony Brook
Friday, Sept. 29
2 p.m.
FH at UAlbany
Friday, Sept. 29
7 p.m.
WVB at Binghamton
Saturday, Sept. 30
7 p.m.
MSOC at UAlbany
Saturday, Sept. 30
7 p.m.
MICE vs Acadia
For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com
Each point the River Hawks scored felt as if they had won – the energy and jubilation that they played with spread to the fans in the stands. The River Hawks would fall in the next two sets and ultimately lose the match. But in many ways, UMass Lowell won the game. “Other than not getting the win, I was very happy with the team,” Provenzano said. The team played with more confidence than they have in the past and never let the Wildcats get too comfortable with any lead. Provenzano was especially proud of how her players conducted themselves. “They wanted to leave it all out on the floor,” Provenzano said. The River Hawks will play on Saturday night against Coppin State at 6 p.m. and hope to bring the same level of enthusiasm to the court that they did on Friday. “We want to bring a lot of the same intensity and focus and good team volleyball… I think staying composed down the stretch is something that we want to really work on,” Provenzano said.
River Hawks show depth at Coast to Coast UMass Lowell Athletics
BOSTON, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women’s cross country team reached down deep, Friday afternoon, and turned in a strong performance with an 11th place finish at the Coast to Coast Invitational in Franklin Park. “We got a team effort,” said UMass Lowell Head Coach Gary Gardner. “That’s the best we’ve run as a team, but there’s still more to give. We’ll take it and get back to work.” UMass Lowell accumulated 321-points (20, 52, 75, 83, 91 - 95, 102) in a field of competition that included several nationally ranked programs. Providence won the event with 71-points, (4, 5, 6, 18, 38 - 45, 46.) Indiana was second and Georgetown third with 78 points a piece. The host school, Boston College, was 10th matching the River Hawks with 321-points. UMass Lowell was second among five schools that represented America East. New Hampshire was the top finishing America East school with 241-points and a seventh place finish. The Wildcats Elinor Purrier was the women’s individual champion. Vermont was 12th with 359-points. Albany and Maine were 17th and 21st respectively. Senior Kathryn Loughnane (North Attleboro, Mass.) was the top River Hawk finisher placing 20th in a field of nearly 200 runners. She put up a time of 17-minutes and 39-seconds over the 5k course. “She was outstanding,” said Gardner. “It’s her confidence. She put herself right in the middle of things. For a woman who’s been a pretty good
cross country runner, but not a great cross country runner, she ran a great race today.” Loughnane is more typically a middle distance rather than distance runner, but turned in a terrific performance. Another middle distance runner, senior Alli Wood (Chelmsford, Mass.), was the second River Hawk scorer. Her time of 18:22 was good for 52nd place.
“You could see it coming in practice,” according to Gardner. “You can see how good she’s going to be.” Senior Marissa Richards (Lowell, Mass.) and junior Allie Morris (Walpole, Mass.) were the next two UMass Lowell runners to finish the day’s work. They clocked in just four-seconds apart with times of 18:39 and 18:43 respectively.
Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
UMass Lowell women’s cross country team earned 321 points at the Coast to Coast Invitational.
September 26, 2017
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
One Celebration. Every Generation.
It’s a D-I celebration for every generation! Join us Oct. 12-15 at River Hawk Homecoming and revel in our rise to Division I athletics at a special celebration. Enjoy a weekend full of entertainment, reunions and family fun.
OCT. 12-15, 2017 ★
uml.edu/homecoming Hawkey Way Homecoming Festival ✶ Division I Hockey Reunions ✶ East Campus Block Party ✶ Live music Annual Jennifer’s 5K Run/Walk
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