The Connector - November 1, 2016

Page 1

Men’s soccer takes sole possession of first place ► Page 12

THE UMASS LOWELL

Serving the Student Body Since 1976

November 1, 2016

Field hockey earns first-ever America East tournament berth with 7-2 win over Vermont

In This Issue Ballot questions: Pros and cons

Kathryn Leeber

â–ş Page 3

Connector Staff

Music majors to perform in early music concert

â–ş Page 8 Hockey splits series with Omaha

â–ş Page 12

Final River Hawk Scores Team

Score

Overall Record

Field Hockey at 19 UAlbany

L 5-1

Hockey at Nebraska-Omaha

W 4-2

Men’s Soccer vs. UAlbany

W 1-0 12-1-2

Hockey at Nebraska-Omaha

L 5-1

8-10 4-2-2

3-2-2

‘Battlefield 1’ comes out on the warpath Andrew Sciascia Connector Staff

The video game industry has become so saturated with first person shooters that gamers everywhere are positively fed up with the annual combat titles. They provide the same retread storyline and gameplay with a new gimmick or game-mode each and every year in an attempt to suck 60 more dollars out of the fan base. At this point franchises like “Call of Duty� are selling copies on name alone. Popular first person shooters are not only white noise, but they are honestly degrading into garbage. But leave it to Electronic Arts, of all places, to once again give fans everything they have been asking for. Where every other shooter is diving headlong into the future attempting to reinvent the wheel with jet packs, wall running and the works, “Battlefield 1� is taking a new approach with a game set in the Great War; World War I. Despite an overall lack of substance, the game exceeds expectations. That is because everything it does, it does beautifully. The game’s intro is a roughly 15-minute “mission� in which the player is a number of American soldiers fighting their way through no-man’s land in Western European battle.

Despite a cold and rainy night, the UMass Lowell River Hawks were able to come out with a win against the University of Vermont Catamounts. Going into the game, the River Hawks were 7-9 overall, and 2-4 in America East play. UMass Lowell was going into the game with the knowledge that if they won this game, they would secure their first-ever spot in the America East tournament and postseason appearance since becoming a Division I team. Vermont was 7-10 overall and 0-6 in America East play. The last time these two teams met, the River Hawks won 3-2.

Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics

The River Hawks will prepare for their first-ever America East tournament appearance.

They were able to build on that confidence for this game, even with a strong start from Vermont. The Catamounts had the first goal 1:38 into the game. Sophomore Lauren Tucker scored off a direct corner shot with

assists from Olivia Hurd and Rachael Picchi. Six minutes later, after a few failed penalty corners, UMass Lowell’s Christa Doiran was able to score with an assist from Anouk Lalande. This was her 11th goal of the sea-

â–ş See “Hockey,â€? page 7

Rocktoberfest sets the stage for local musicians Kathryn Leeber Connector Staff

Halloween weekend was off to a great start Thursday night at UnchARTed with three amazing live performances. UMass Lowell’s Music Entertainment Industry Student Association (MEISA) hosted Rocktoberfest which featured local bands Bicycle Inn, Jagweed and MILES. The event took place at

a small art gallery in downtown Lowell with an intimate crowd of about 30 people. Surrounded by distinct art pieces and minimal lighting, UnchARTed was the perfect place for this event, as these bands were just as unique and quirky as the gallery itself. Despite the small area, the music was loud and the bands played as if they were performing for a crowded venue in Boston.

â–ş See “Battlefield,â€? page 5

Sections News.............................3 Campus Life..................8 A&E.............................. 5 Sports.......................... 11

son, making her the leading scorer for the River Hawks. The cool weather did not seem to slow down either team. Opening strong, Vermont won the ball to start the game.

Christina Laderoute/Connector

The guitarist of Jagweed performs at Rocktoberfest Thursday night in Lowell.

First to play was indie rock/punk band Bicycle Inn. They were truly talented, playing as if they had been together for years. The group just released an EP titled “Rerunsâ€? and mostly played songs off of it. Lead singer Noah Aguiar displayed his incredible vocal abilities, not only in the band’s songs, but in some covers the group also performed. Playing a slower song, Moose Blood’s “Cherry,â€? this performance was just Aguiar and his guitar. It was performed after the group thought they were done for the night, but they did a great job of figuring out what to perform on the spot, displaying a maturity and confidence that most local bands do not possess. Bassist Declan Moloney and drummer Joshua Carrascal also showed their skills, occasionally singing backing vocals and performing seamlessly through their set. Carrascal said he is a senior in high school, but his talent made it seem as though he were an experienced touring musician. â–ş See “Rocktoberfest,â€? page 6


UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

Page 2

October 18, 2016

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

THE UMASS LOWELL

Twitter: @UMLConnector Serving the Student Body Since 1976

UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR

EDITORIAL BOARD COLE FITZGERALD Managing Editor

MARLON PITTER Editor-In-Chief

KATRINA DESROSIERS MICHAELA GOSS Copy Editors OPEN Web Manager GEORGE DELUCA Photo Editor ALEXA HYDE DAN RAFFERTY Social Media Managers OPEN Graphic Designer ELIZABETH WING Advertising Manager

OPEN Operations Manager

TAYLOR CARITO News Editor HANNAH MANNING Sports Editor SHANE FOLEY Campus Life Editor JEN DESROSIERS BRENDAN JACQUES Arts & Entertainment Editors ALEXANDER J. SALUCCO Multimedia Director JONATHAN SILVERMAN DAVID MCGRAW Advisers

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

future high-income earners, contact our Advertising Manager at 934-5017. DEADLINE for ALL advertising (TO INCLUDE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF THE UNIVERSITY) is Thursday, 12 p.m. for the following Tuesday’s publication. No exceptions will be made. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted. Classified advertisements are free for students. The UMass Lowell Connector does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any product or service advertised in this publication. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The UMass Lowell Connector disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The UMass Lowell Connector reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Editorial: Letters to the editor must be less than 500 words in length and may be

Instagram: @UMLConnector Facebook.com/UMLConnector www.UMLConnector.com

The Connector meets every Monday at 6 p.m. in University Crossing 241 in the Club Hub. All are welcome to join! submitted via campus mail, e-mail, or in person. All letters must bear the author’s name, relationship to the University and student body, and a phone number. The author may request to have any part of this information withheld, if published. Opinions expressed in individual columns, the Opinions Section, advertising, and/or features are those of the author, NOT of the Connector. The Opinions and Editorials section will not be edited in any way, to include spelling/grammar mistakes. Submission: The deadline for all submissions (to include Letters to the Editors and Opinions) is Friday at midnight for the following Tuesday’s publication. Submissions must be e-mailed to Marlon_Pitter@student.uml.edu, attached as a Word document (any version). Accompanying visuals must

be submitted separately; do NOT include graphics in Word file. All press releases, articles, advertisements, and photographs submitted become the property of The UMass Lowell Connector and will not be returned. The Connector reserves the right to edit or refuse all submissions for copy, content, and length. The Connector will make every effort to prevent inaccuracy, but assumes no responsibility for errors in advertisements or opinion letters. The Connector will reprint without charge any advertisement which is incorrect. Credit for errors are made only for first insertion.


UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

November 1, 2016

Page 3

NEWS

The questions to expect on the 2016 ballot Jessica Kergo Connector Staff

Given the chaotic and unorthodox nature of the 2016 presidential election, it can be easy for voters to lose sight of other important issues on the ballot. Finding oneself in a sea of “yes on” and “no on” at this point in the election cycle can contribute to uncertainty and doubt at the polls. However, votes based on informed opinions are a crucial aspect of a democracy and much of the UMass Lowell community has not put the questions on the back burner. Question one, expanded slot-machine gaming, would permit the state Gaming Commission to license one additional category two, or slot-machine gaming establishment, license which would authorize the opening of a slot parlor with no table games and up to 1,250 slot machines on a property that meets certain qualifications. Political science professor, Morgan Marietta, cautions of the “ramifications of gambling on a society” claiming that “it does a lot of social damage” and “prays on the lower class.” Senior history and economics major Gerrit Boldt says that “a yes on question one is a yes for jobs”. He predicts that an additional category two license “will increase competition in the market for state gaming” and provide Revere residents with an “opportunity for new jobs”. Question two, charter school expansion, would allow for the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually approve either up to 12 new charter schools or expanded enrollments in existing charter schools, but to not exceed 1 percent of the state’s public school enrollment. Under this law, new and expanded charter schools would be exempt from existing limits on the number of charter schools, the number of students enrolled in them and the amount of local school districts’ funding for them. If the board were to receive more

than 12 applications in a year, the law requires it to prioritize districts where student performance on statewide assessments is in the bottom 25 percent of all districts in the last two years, and where parents have demonstrated demand for charter schools the most. Freshman and political science major Tom Baranowski said he does not support question two because he suspects that “it would take money away from the already underfunded public school systems.” Baranowski volunteers for state senator Barbara L’italien’s reelection campaign in his free time, a proponent of the No on Question 2 campaign. Conversely, sophomore and political science major Yoni Tsiukin supports the expansion. He appreciates the ability for students to “choose to go to a better school” based on his personal experiences growing up in Boston. He said it has very “racially segregated public schools.” He recollects his high school years, “I went to Newton South High but most people didn’t have the opportunity to go to a private school,”he says. Question three, conditions for farm animals, would prohibit any confinement of breeding pigs, veal calves and egg-laying hens that prevents them from lying down, standing up, fully extending their limbs or freely turning around. It would also prohibit any business from selling whole eggs or any uncooked cut of veal or pork if the business owner knows or should know that the animal that produced it was confined in a way that is prohibited by the law. Political science professor John Cluverius said he is skeptical of the economic repercussions of this proposal.“Massachusetts is a small state located closely to other states that don’t have these regulations.” He said, “What we see is that people are willing to travel great distances to save money on regulated products.”

Sophomore and political science major David Todisco said he feels that what question three is asking for is “incredibly minimal” and sees it as “basic animal rights” to say that “these animals deserve the right to stretch out and have just enough room to turn around in their cages.” Question four, legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana, would allow citizens 21 and older to possess, use and transfer marijuana and products containing marijuana, to cultivate marijuana and would provide for the regulation and taxation of commercial sales of marijuana and marijuana products. Specifically, the law would allow individuals to possess up to one ounce of marijuana inside their residences, grow up to six marijuana plants in their residences, give up to one ounce of marijuana for free to a person at least 21 years old, or make or transfer items related to marijuana use, storage, cultivation or processing. Retail sales of Marijuana would subject to the state retail tax and an additional excise tax of 3.75 percent. Sophomore and political science major Yutha Basuseto sais she believes that question four will help make Massachusetts safer because it will allow “law enforcement focus on real, dangerous criminals” and give citizens the option to use marijuana “from the comfort and safety of their own home” instead of having to secretly do it in unsafe areas. Sophomore Andrew M., however, feels as though question four challenges “the solidarity between the state and federal governments” and that “in order to retain a Republican government, the laws mustn’t deviate drastically from state to state.” Elections will take place on November 8th. Polling locations can be verified at www.mass.gov and will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. Per Massachusetts law, if a voter is already in line while the polls close, he/she must be allowed to vote.

UMass Lowell police log highlights From 10/22/16: 0804 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY Arrest(s) Made 2 Location: PASTEUR HALL Narrative: #161 reports a suspicious black male on the second floor of Pasteur Hall. #161 approached the male and the male stated he is not a student and not affiliated with UML but is working with a friend. #161 reports he did not see a friend and the male is alone. The male is currently in Ball Hall second floor men’s bathroom. Unknown if he is homeless. Narrative: Units are off with the male. Narrative: Trespassed from UML. Narrative: One male in custody for trespassing on UML property and for a warrant. Male will be transported to LPD. Male transported from Ball Hall to University Crossing to pick up paperwork. Narrative: Transporting male from University Crossing to LPD. From 10/23/16 1046 MOTOR VEHICLE STOP Arrest(s) Made 3 Location: [LOW] PAWTUCKET AT FLETCHER Narrative: Vehicle is stopped in the rear of the Jimmy John’s parking lot. Narrative: One party in custody for a court warrant, operating with a suspended license, operating with a revoked registration,

and for no inspection sticker. 138 transporting one male party starting mileage 29983.3 from rear of Jimmy John’s to Lowell Police at 1109. Narrative: Ending mileage for 29984.2 at 1112. Vehicle is being towed From 10/24/16 LARCENY /FORGERY/ FRAUD Report Taken 2 Location: TSONGAS CENTER Narrative: Lucas Kistler reports Equiptment Manager, Ron Grove, discovered two hockey sticks were stolen from the Tsongas Center during an alumni event on 10/22/2016 between 10001430 hrs. From 10/26/16 Malicious Destruction Report Taken 3 Location: UNIVERSITY CROSSING RM 200 Narrative: Student was unhappy with an outcome of meeting and upon exiting broke the door at student affairs. Connie Crooker reports Bo (director) wants to handle this situation though will need police report for payment of damages.

Basketball Issue is Nov. 15!!! The Connector is looking for writers. Interested? Apply here at umlconnector.com/about/join-the-connector/ Meetings are every Monday at UCrossing Rm 241 Basketball Issue submissions due Nov. 10


November 1, 2016

Page 4

NEWS

Tuition increase effects and benefits for students James Luong Connector Contributor

While talks about tuition-free college and debtfree higher education are brought up in the 2016 election and other aspects of politics, students at UMass Lowell face hardships of raised tuition In July, the Board of Trustees agreed and voted for the decision to raise the tuition for UMass Lowell, along with other schools in the UMass system (Boston, Amherst, Dartmouth, and UMass Medical). The new tuition rate was met with great approval, and accepted after a 11-2 vote. It was agreed that tuition will increase by approximately 5.8 percent; this will boost up tuition by around $758 not including fees. However, not all students are too pleased with the jump in tuition. “It’s an unfair choice. Raising it for current stu-

dents is unjust, as we’re already paying a lot, and now we’d be paying more”, said Seaghan Kinneen, a second year student. As students fear for the increase of tuition and fees, Christine Gillette, the director of Media Relations for UMass Lowell, tells students that the university awards millions of dollars in financial aid each year to pay for their education. Last year, the university awarded $167 million in financial aid. All students pay the same tuition, but fees will differ between undergraduates and graduate students and amongst other factors, such as the choice of dorming on campus. Tuition, Gillette says, is added onto the operating budget of the school. The increased money generated from hiked tuition will allow the school to pay the expenses of the recent projects the school has undertaken, with the need of expanding and con-

structing new facilities, maintenance and employee salaries. This will bring improvement over time to many of the university’s resources. Many students find frustrations with various aspects of the school, including the technology and need to support the number of students on campus. The operating budget, Gillette says, is also funded by a variety of other sources, including our annual state appropriation, private donations, grants and revenue from entrepreneurial units such as the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell and University Events. The tuition rise, a decision not open to the students, is something that will be beneficial to support the ever-growing number of students on campus, and improve the quality of the school.

DEC 28 to JAN 12

Take Courses Over Winter Break and Accelerate Your Progress Towards a Degree or Certificate!

WINTER INTERSESSION LGST.3760-001 Family Law Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm

Biology LIFE.1010-001 Life Science I Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm

Chemistry CHEM.1010-002 Applied Chemistry for Non-Scientists Mon.-Fri., 6:00-9:30pm Sat., 1:00-4:30pm Economics ECON.2010-001 Economics I (Microeconomics) Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm ECON.2020-001 Economics II (Macroeconomics) Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm English ENGL.2120-001 The Short Story Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm ENGL.2170-002 The Horror Story Mon.-Fri., 6:00-9:30pm Sat., 1:00-4:30pm Health HSCI.3060-001 Introduction to Gerontology Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm Legal Studies LGST.2620-002 Introduction to Business Law Mon.-Fri., 6:00-9:30pm Sat., 1:00-4:30pm

Philosophy PHIL.2010-002 Introduction to Philosophy Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm PHIL.2020-001 Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning Mon.-Fri., 6:00-9:30pm Sat., 1:00-4:30pm PHIL.2030-002 Introduction to Ethics Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm Physical Therapy DPTH.5010-001 Pharmacology Evenings, 6:00-9:20pm (12/29, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/7, 1/9, 1/10, 1/12) Note: Graduate-level course (2cr.) Political Science POLI.1010-001 Introduction to American Politics Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm POLI.1100-001 Introduction to Politics Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm POLI.1210-002 Introduction to International Relations Mon.-Fri., 6:00-9:30pm Sat., 1:00-4:30pm

Psychology PSYC.1010-001 Introduction to Psychological Science Mon.-Sat., 9:00am-12:30pm

PSYC.2550-002 Community Psychology Blended Course. Face-to-Face classes meet Mon. through Fri. 6:009:00pm and Sat. 1:00-4:30pm. Online session schedule TBA. PSYC.2600-001 Child & Adolescent Development Blended Course. Face-to-Face classes meet Mon. through Wed. 9:00am-12:30pm. Thurs. through Sat. meet online. PSYC.3280-002 Dynamics of Interpersonal Relations Mon.-Fri., 6:00-9:30pm Sat., 1:00-4:30pm

PSYC.4740-002 Seminar in Developmental Psychology Blended Course. Face-to-Face classes meet Mon. through Wed. 6:00pm-9:30pm. Thurs. through Sat. meet online.

Sociology SOCI.1010-001 Introduction to Sociology Mon.-Fri., 6:00-9:30pm Sat., 1:00-4:30pm

QUESTIONS? Call 800-480-3190

PSYC.3350-001 Psychology and Women Blended Course. Face-to-Face classes meet Mon. through Wed. 9:00am-12:30pm. Thurs. through Sat. meet online. PSYC.4730-001 Seminar in Social Psychology Blended Course. Face-to-Face classes meet Tues. & Thurs. from 12:30-3:45pm. Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. meet online.

UMass Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX, H/V, ADA 1990 University. This ad was produced at no cost to the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit http://continuinged.uml.edu/winter


UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

Page 5

November 1, 2016

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Lady Gaga takes on glam pop with “Joanne” Christopher Romano Connector Writer

It has been three years since the world has last heard a Lady Gaga album, with the exception of her duet album with Tony Bennett, “Cheek to Cheek,” released in 2014. The glam pop ruler has taken a step away from her stadium-rocking anthems in exchange for a more intimate, genre varying album. “Joanne,” Gaga’s fifth album, is named after her aunt who died of lupus at a young age. Though it is named after her aunt, “Joanne” does not focus solely on this topic. Gaga’s adventurous album begins on a familiar note. On “Diamond Heart,” Gaga builds upon a beating country melody with a chorus intended to break listeners into her new style. Though the first song may be an easily recognizable Gaga tune, it ends on an awkward note. The second song on the album, however, is a real ear worm. “A-YO” has a feel good rhythm that listeners cannot help but clap their hands along to. This track, among many others on the album, has an impressive lineup of musicians playing along to it. Josh Homme, of Queens of The Stone Age; Mark Ronson, famous for “Uptown Funk;” Este Haim, of HAIM; and many others are involved in the making of this track. This is the kind of upbeat song that will probably be in a half dozen commercials by Christmas. After “A-YO,” the album starts to take several twists and turns. Gaga's direction changes numerous times through-

out "Joanne." Songs varying between pop, country pop, modern folk, R&B and indie all appear on the album. At first, the listener is presented with a familiar Gaga style pop song. The style changes hapCourtesy of Interscope

This is Lady Gaga’s fifth album since her debut in 2008.

genre changes are unexpected, a few listens through allows a listener to welcome the varying styles. The many players and producers on the album may have something to do with the stylistic changes throughout. The whole album was produced by Mark Ronson, but several tracks feature guest producers, performers, and writers. “Perfect Illusion,” the lead single from the album, was produced by Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. Tame Impala’s release of “Currents” in 2015 has resulted in Parker’s ever growing pop influence. “Sinner’s Prayer” and “Come To Mama” both have song writing and performance credits to Josh Tillman, better known as Father John Misty. Fans of Tillman will immediately recognize his presence in these two songs. On “Hey Girl,” Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine provides the album’s only guest vocalist. This mellow, synth heavy song is what Mac Demarco meeting R&B would sound like. It is the producers and players that provide continuity and structure in an otherwise slightly messy album. “Joanne” may not be Gaga fans’ favorite album. There is no “Poker Face” or “Bad Romance” on this album. On Gaga’s newest release, listeners of all different musical genres can find something to appreciate. Although there are occasional awkward and forgettable moments, “Joanne” is a massive success.

pen almost without warning. Following “Perfect Illusion” is “Million Reasons,” one of Gaga’s slower tracks. While at first the

Classic game review: ‘Yugioh: Forbidden Memories’ Shane Foley Connector Editor

Some gamers have described certain titles as being comparable to “work.” Anybody who has done the artifact hunt in “Metroid Prime” can relate. Some games, as fun as they are, have certain aspects that require the gamer to engage in long, tedious tasks to complete the game. Think of diffusing all the bombs in “Metal Gear Solid 2” or anytime anything is done in the “Dark Souls” series. This is something fans refer to as “farming” or “grinding.” Well, if “Yugioh: Forbidden Memories” were to be summed up in one phrase, lots of grinding would be pretty accurate. A Konami title released stateside in 2002 for the Play Station 1, “Yugioh: Forbidden Memories” in part borrows much from the anime and popular trading card game, and in part completely alters it. At its core, it is a card game where cards represent monsters and are assigned attack and defense points, and the goal is to attack the opponent’s life points from 8000 to zero. The majority of the game is spent in duels, but there is a storyline that is revealed through cut scenes in between duels. While the mechanics are pretty adherent to the actual trading card game, there is one giant new mechanic in “Yugioh: Forbidden Memories.” In the card game, the card “Polymerization” is required to fuse monsters

together at times to create a stronger monster. In this game, fusing is done whenever like it. The player has the ability at any time to fuse to cards together and, if they are compatible, will spawn a superior card. There are a litany of different card combinations that will yield a variety of rare monsters. The good news is that the process of building a deck with monsters that can fuse to optimal cards is an incredibly fun aspect of the game. The bad news is that, in order to beat the game, one must only engage in that process to fuse into one card: Twin Headed Thunder Dragon. Most decks that are viable to beat the game are literally built around this card. Twin Headed Thunder Dragon has a base attack of 2800, making it extremely viable, and can be spawned by fusing a dragon card with a thunder card. So, why is this the only viable card in the game? It is really due to the difficulty progression in the game. Most decks will get a player halfway through the game, which is fairly easy. After the halfway point, however, enemies become impossible to defeat. They pull out cards like Gate Guardian (base attack of 3750), Black Skull Dragon (base attack of 3200) and the popular Blue Eyes White Dragon (base attack of 3000). In general, there have been two schools of thought developed to defeat these large enemies. The first is to battle opponents in free mode, where

they give the player a card every time they beat them. However, the cards that are given are based on a probability factor, and there is no way to guarantee getting a card from someone. The big card to get is Meteor Black Dragon (base attack 3500), which has a very low probability of being given. A player would most likely have to duel an opponent up to 200 times to earn this card. The other, quicker,school of thought is to get Twin Headed Thunder Dragon all the time and use enough equips (cards that increase attack power) to win. It is due to these reasons that this game is considered a lot of grinding, because players need the right cards to win. There are two major saving graces of this game, however, and one is the backstory. The player assumes the role of Yami Yugi, a duelist from ancient times in a setting that they try not to specify but is basically ancient Egypt. Yami Yugi is given a Millennium Puzzle which, after experiencing some turmoil, he must break. This puts him in a coma Ocarina of Time style. Waking up in the future, the player then takes on the role of modern day Yugi, whose appearance greatly resembles that in the popular anime “Yugioh” show which aired around that time. Here, Yugi duels alongside friends Tea and Joey to defeat Seto Kaiba, just like in the show. The story in this game deserves much credit for working with very little capability. The story is incorpo-

rated exclusively through the use of cut scenes, which have texts boxes the player scrolls through. Most of the cut scenes include a static backdrop with the profile of the character talking on screen. That being said, the graphics team for this game did a great job of recreating Ancient Egypt, as much of the backdrops are visually captivating. The other saving grace is that the game is addicting. Though players spend a lot of time grinding to get certain cards, creating a personal deck that is based on fusion is quite fun. This game does require a guide,. It is not necessarily a walkthrough, but is at least an FAQ on which fusions work, because trying them out yourself is just way too tedious. Using a guide to create your deck is a very fulfilling activity. So, in a nutshell, this game is painful. This game requires dueling the same person multiple times. It requires intricate knowledge of the game to build a proper deck. It requires multiple attempts at duels because the enemy’s cards are just too powerful. However, “Yugioh: Forbidden Memories” is so addicting that the pain is worth it. Final Grade: C


November 1, 2016

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

Page 6

Page 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rocktoberfest set the stage for local musicians ►Continued from front page Next to take the stage was another local group, Jagweed. The group had a more melodic and instrumental feel to their performance. Both the bassist and guitarist sang throughout their set, while the drummer rhythmically followed their lead. Jagweed’s performance was very theatrical, and the bassist was particularly entertaining. He was dancing all around the stage and holding his bass in various ways. He was so into his performance that he actually broke a string but kept playing as though nothing had happened. The group was more of an experimental indie rock band, with songs comprised of long instrumental breaks and then smaller bouts of singing. Although there was not a lot of

variation in their songs, the group as a whole brought a unique and quirky sound. Jagweed just recorded a new album, but they have not determined when it will be released. Closing out the night was the insanely talented headlining band MILES. Making the trip from Albany, N.Y., this hip hop group was so enjoyable and interactive. They were another theatrical group and played with many instruments, creating an old school hip hop feel. One member was playing the guitar, flute, saxophone and keyboard to create electronic sounds at various times during the show. There was also a bassist and drummer, who each had many solos showing off their incredible talents. The lead singer had an astonishing voice, effortlessly switching Christina Laderoute/UML Connector

Jagweed (pictured above) is in the process of developing their first album.

Christina Laderoute/UML Connector

MILES shares its name with a Bangladeshi rock group that premiered in 1979.

between singing and rapping. Their first song started with a small instrumental introduction, for which the singer was hanging back in the crowd before popping up to the front. With such a small area, this was a really unique way of making the most of the space and incorporating the crowd. He was incredibly skilled in rapping, spewing out phrases as quickly as possible, in a melodic and pleasing way. Nothing felt over the top with this group, despite the numerous instruments. What was most enjoyable about MILES was that they sincerely interacted with the crowd, even though it was small. The singer would walk around, get some water and start taking a video of himself singing with the crowd near the front. At one point, he

stopped performing to talk with them about what they wanted to do with their musical aspirations. He then explained how they all have a variety of talents, but they can join together to make something special, just like MILES themselves did. All in all, even with a small venue and not a lot of listeners, these talented bands put on an incredible show. A laidback environment with easygoing musicians made the night all the more enjoyable. These are definitely some hardworking, rising bands, so be sure to give them a listen.

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT “Battlefield 1” has won shooter season 2016 ►Continued from front page

incredibly fun. “Battlefield 1” does an excellent job adapting the usual “Battlefield” approach to an unusual Each character dies and the player setting. The sprawling maps not only shifts point of view countless times. look wonderful, but are also incrediThe introduction gives a fantastic bly diverse, lending themselves to each glimpse into precisely how the Great and every style of play. The classes and War was: gritty, bloody, messy and weapons are balanced, leaving no-one seemingly endless. Despite being simunable to make an impact. The levply a trial for the player, it is indicative eling system does not handicap new of the entire “Battlefield 1” experiplayers with atrocious loadouts, but ence. still rewards players who sink countThe single player campaign is a masless hours into play. Ground troops terpiece, plain and simple. The playnot your style? The vehicle combat is er takes the role of multiple soldiers still integral to large game modes like from various participatory nations as Conquest and Rush, where the game Courtesy of Electronic Arts finds a way to take primitive modern war machines and make them thrilling to pilot. The cherry on the cake? The multiplayer experience was expanded tremendously with the addition of one simple yet enthralling mode: Operations. In this new mode, the classic Rush game-type is expanded to a massive scale. One team attempts to move forward from one side of the map to the other, taking objectives and gaining ground by doing away with enemies. When the attackers take the final fortress, however, the game is not “Battlefield One” is the fifteenth entry in the “Battlefield” series, which began in 2002. over, the game moves to another map the men tell their six respective “war stories.” The stories unravel over multiple missions and provide a variety of fun objectives, stories and insights into the war. Each war story is unique, beautiful, well voice acted and intriguing. Bringing the player an emotional attachment, in what is essentially six separate mini-campaigns, is no small feat. EA’s creative team pulled no punches and spared nothing to bring the player a stunning World War I experience, if not always realistic. The multiplayer experience is no different; positively stunning and

Connector Writer

After the season six finale ended on a cliffhanger right before revealing which of the show’s 11 characters met their gruesome end at the hands of Negan (Jeffery Dean Morgan), there was some worry that the show had reached its low point. Fortunately, the premiere for season seven manages to regain the footing of the series and make up for missteps of the previous season. The first 20 minutes of the episode, entitled “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be,” are a bit worrisome. After over six months of fans waiting for the pointless reveal that should have happened in the season six finale, the show runners decided that everyone should wait for 20 extra minutes to find out who the victim was. While they did that, they let Rick (Andrew Lincoln) have a flashback about all of the survivors who were lined up with him to annoyingly taunt the audience even more with, “Who was it? You still don’t know. You have to wait just a little longer.” While there was still that pointless aspect to this episode, which plagued a lot of episodes last season and especially in the season six finale, this premiere seems to reaffirm that the show runners know what the problems of last season were and are going to work on them. This episode confirms that this is indeed a bad time for the characters to be living in, and any one of them can die at any time. Past episodes featured

the deaths of characters, but it felt a lot of the time like you could see the deaths coming, especially last season. While I said in the article I wrote about the season finale back in April that there were only three possible characters that could die to live up Provided by AMC

17 million viewers tuned in for the Season 7 premiere.

to the scene’s expectations (Daryl, Glenn or Abraham), there was still some amount of uncertainty over who it could be. The premiere continues to enforce this idea by having Negan kill off a second character in the line up, after his initial selection. Another reaffirming quality of the episode is its

building of the character of Negan. The previous season was filled with flat characters that lacked a lot of reasoning for why their characters were acting a certain way; even characters that had been established in the first couple of seasons were flat and seemed to lack any sort of emotional or character reasoning. Negan, on the other hand, gets built up as an aggressive dictator with a ruthless but logical sense of justice and a dark sense of humor. If more characters are built like him, then the characters will be able to carry the show through its missteps. The episode mostly focuses on the dynamics between Rick and Negan, and how hopeless things have become for Rick’s group. Not only are two important members of the group dead, but Negan demonstrates that he can get the group, or at least Rick the leader, to do anything he wants, regardless of what it is. “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” is a well orchestrated episode that is used to ease the worries of fans and to show understanding of the show’s previous faults that the show runners mean to work on and fix. Final Grade: B+

that is set in the same country and the attackers’ war campaign continues until they have achieved full victory over the enemy forces. The attackers are given a set number of lives. If they are brought to zero, “reinforcements” arrive with a battleship, zeppelin or train to support them on the field. This new mode may be simple, but it provides a new feel. It is long and grueling, progress may come in inches, yards or not at all. The player feels as though they are actually engaging in a full scale military offensive rather than just one battle. It is a fantastic new mode to cap off a fantastic addition to the series. “Battlefield 1” is everything a first-person shooter should be: realistic, gritty and fun. There is no other way to say it; the game is a masterpiece. Final Grade: A+

Something

BIG

‘The Walking Dead’ regains its footing Owen Johnson

November 1, 2016

Is Coming to Lowell Don’t miss your chance to live in the BRAND NEW, high end, student housing community. Contact us today for a sneak peak! Now Leasing For Fall 2017 1 Merrimack Plaza (1 Block East of Tsongas Center)

(978) 455-5220

EdgeMerrimackRiver.com


UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

Page 8

November 1, 2016

CAMPUS LIFE

Students vs. faculty: Can you hear me now? Michaela Goss Connector Editor

A musical journey through history Contact: Dr. Paula Telesco Associate Professor, UML Music Department Paula_Telesco@uml.edu On Thursday, Nov 10, from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program and the music department will host UMass Lowell’s first Medieval and Renaissance Music Concert. It will be held at the Mezzanine in O’Leary Library. Students, faculty, family and friends are all encouraged to come, and admission is free. This concert will provide a Recital Credit or an E1 Credit for students. UMass Lowell’s Early Music Concert will chart a course through hundreds of years of European history with the music of the times. All of the performances are genuine compositions from the time periods and will be performed by both faculty and students. The concert is organized by Dr. Laura Barefield, director of UMass Lowell’s newly founded Medieval and

Renaissance Studies minor, and Dr. Paula Telesco, associate professor of the music department. Award-winning choral director Dr. Brian OConnell will direct the chamber singers in their performances. Dr. Rick Schilling will be performing lute songs on his guitar, tuned in the fashion of a lute. He will also play in accompaniment of some students singing their pieces. Dr. Telesco said, “People have been preparing for this Concert since before the semester began.” The performers will demonstrate that the culture and art of Europe’s past are still relevant. “What I find fascinating is that these pieces from the 1500s and 1600s echo the human condition much in the same way as our popular music of today,” said Dr. OConnell. A surprising amount of art from those times is still recognizable. Shakespeare was writing his plays in the 17th century, and his work is more widely known today than modern works. “Love songs have existed, I think, as long as there have been people,” said Dr. Telesco. “People had the same urges that they then write about.”

A variety of secular and religious songs will be performed, from Gregorian Chants pre-dating Notation, all the way to the dawn of the Baroque period, and from differing nationalities: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. All of the facets of human expression will be represented with songs ranging from the happy little Frottola “El Grillo” to the ominous Hymn Dies Irae, which was an inspiration for some tracks in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Classical icons like Mozart and Beethoven are well appreciated, but what about Des Prez and Palestrina, the masters of Renaissance Polyphony, Monteverdi, a pioneer of Opera, and Dowland, who was composing his music in England while Shakespeare was composing his plays? To go, or not to go? That is the question… Every year, crowds from all over the world travel to the Early Music Festivals in Boston to see musical history brought to life. Instead of having to drive into Boston and pay for tickets, UMass Lowell faculty, staff and students have the luxury of having Medieval and Renaissance music brought to them on campus for

free. Everyone is invited to explore new frontiers of music they may have never listened to and to support and connect with the UMass Lowell community. The concert is the day before Veteran’s Day, so students will not have to worry about classes on Friday morning. The performers are all very excited and hope to see everyone there. Any inquiries about the event should be directed to Dr. Telesco of the music department. About the Program of Events: 1. Chamber Singers: Seven songs featuring El Grillo-Josquin Desprez (1450-15210) 2. Solo Chant -Kyrie from Mass IV -Sanctus from Mass IV -Part of the Dies Irae 3. Trio of singers Jesu, admirabilis- Palestrina (c. 1525-1594) 4. Lute Pieces Several pieces selected from English, Italian, and Spanish lute music Such as francesco da Milano’s music. (1497-1543)

Bible Talks defies expectation, brings grounded reality

Open discussion welcome to all people Hannah Manning Connector Editor

Bible Talks has been inviting students to have a discussion about the Bible since 2007 when it was revived from an earlier version had in the 1980s. Despite any expectations that people may have about the concept of a bible talk, the UMass Lowell version strives to be a gentler, more casual affair. It meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday, and is hosted by Everyday People Imitating Christ in University Crossing Room 242. Meetings are small, with the number of expected guests at 15. Members of the group are of different majors, ranging from graphic design to music to anything in between, with two graduate students in the mix. “We’re trying to have a conversation about the Bible instead of a debate about the Bible, or a browbeating about the Bible, or an angry yelling match about the Bible. Just a conversation, and the more

perspectives that we can get on the Bible, the better,” said Campus Minister Jeremy Minsk. Everyone, regardless of denomination, is welcome to attend Bible Talks. “Everyone is the target audience, and specifically everyone who doesn’t

“[Bible Talk is] a more casual and easygoing environment for everyone. Anyone can come in and see what we talk about,” normally talk about the Bible,” Minsk said. The meeting’s 60 minutes are not solely devoted to religion; the Oct. 11 meeting began with an icebreaker to make any new members comfortable and to tie into the theme for that day. Then, Minsk spoke about a Bible passage and then opened the discussion to in-

terpretations on the text, and provided context to chapters to make sure that everyone in the room understood. The group worked in a roundtable discussion where guests would raise their hands and offer their thoughts, often bouncing off of other points made in earlier parts of the discussion. Sheriden Costello, a sophomore transfer student, said appreciated the casual tone of the discussion. “[Bible Talk is] a more casual and easygoing environment for everyone. Anyone can come in and see what we talk about,” she said. Costello said that outsiders to the group may feel turned off, but assures them that the event is far from intimidating. “This is kind of more like a casual way to bring people out, because, you know, sometimes people can get freaked out, like ‘oh yeah, Church.’ I know that probably if I wasn’t here, I would think of ‘big, Catholic Church’ and I would be kind of freaked out,” she said.

Minsk says that he used to feel like an outsider when he would attend religious events, but the inviting atmosphere of Bible Talks helped him immensely, and that he has learned an incredible amount from what guests of other religions have had to say in discussions. “We had a Jewish guy in here last week, his perspective was cool. We had an atheist guy in, and his perspective was... it was amazing how spot-on it was in terms of what that passage means. It was like, ‘Yeah! Yeah, you totally got it,’” Minsk said. Bible Talks discusses religious text and dissects it as students would to a novel in an English class. It may be easier for students who are not familiar with the Bible to approach it in a way they would a classic work of literature. The group works hard to not alienate anyone who wants to participate in discussion; their mission is to provide “a safe and organized environment to discuss the Bible

Page 9

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

CAMPUS LIFE

First ever UMass Lowell Medieval and Renaissance Music Concert FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2016

and work together to see its application,” as posted on the event’s CollegiateLink page. Morgan Minsk is Jeremy Mirsk’s wife and a graduate of Berklee College of Music. She says that she has an appreciation for UMass Lowell’s Bible Talks event because she feels that there is a sense of family, and that she leaves each meeting feeling thought-provoked. “I think that the Bible discussions that Jeremy comes up with are so different each week, and they’re so diverse in content that I feel that each week is just something new... I think that it can be easy to be a part of a community where you meet, read the Bible, leave and never talk to anyone again, but something I really appreciate is that we’re actually friends who do stuff together, eat together, laugh together and, study the Bible together.” she said.

In college, students learn to find their voices, and many have said that the support of faculty members has helped them to do so. .For the most part, UMass Lowell students and faculty said they have strong relationships. They said the implementation of faculty advisors has helped them become closer and helped to make sure students graduate and succeed after college. While students are not required to meet with their advisors, students said it often benefits them during their time here. Yet senior psychology major Courtney Carnevale said she has managed without these meetings. “I’ve never met with my advisor,” she said. “I don’t know why—I didn’t think about it.” She said she was even unsure of her advisor’s name. This situation differs from other student and advisor relationships. Junior criminal justice major Mike Steere said he highly regards his relationship with his advisor. “I have a really good relationship with [him],” he said. Steere said he has had a very positive experience since he transferred from Middlesex Community College. “I’ve never had an advisor or teacher that didn’t want to help me,” he said. One faculty member that said she loves to help her students is Pauline Ladebauche, the assistant dean of the College of Health Sciences. She said she takes student concerns very seriously. “I think visibility is very important,” she said. “Students are our best source of information, so, if you’re visible and you’re interacting with students,

then you know what their concerns are.” The College of Health Sciences is one of the largest colleges within the University. They have dozens of programs from undergraduate through doctoral degrees and more students than there are faculty in the whole University. Despite its size, Ladebauche said that she thinks their faculty and students have great relation-

her feel like she can rely on him more. “[Our relationship is] really good,” she said. “He seems really knowledgeable.” Since she came from the healthcare world 25 years ago to work in the University’s nursing department, Ladebauche said that she has seen student and faculty relationships grow in a great way. She said she is very proud of how far they have come.

Michaela Goss/Connector

The Health Sciences Students Center is one of the offices where advising takes place.

ships. “I am very pleased with [these relationships] in the College of Health Sciences,” she said. “And I think, if you talk to [students,] they will tell you that one of the very positive aspects of being a student here in this college is the relationships with the people who work here.” Freshman nursing major Betsey Brayton said she agreed with Ladebauche about her own student advisor relationship. She said her advisor is also one of her professors, and she finds this beneficial because it helps

“I think [these relationships have] changed in a very positive way,” she said. “Higher education has recognized that the needs of students are really the driving force in education and they put lots of strategies in place to address those needs.” One strategy put into place is the faculty advisors; this semester, faculty advisors have designated Oct. 24 until Nov. 7 for the advising period. During the advising period, students choose what classes they will take for the following semester. As students are around more facul-

ty than just their designated advisor, there are also dozens of professors whose relationships vary just as student and advisor relationships do. Carnavale said she did not have a personal relationship with her professors. “I’m not going to tell them about my day,” she said. “But if I have questions I’ll ask them.” Brayton said she felt differently about her other professors than she did about her advisor. She said that some professors seemed approachable, but not all of them. Steere said he has had a positive experience with professors overall since he transferred here because they create personal relationships with students. “They can talk to you about anything,” he said. “I actually consider some of my professors like friends.” Because of their positive experiences, both Steere and Brayton said that they could not think of any way that they could improve their relationships with faculty, but Carnevale said that the format of her advising sessions has made her reluctant to get advised. “I know we do group advising in psychology,” she said. “The way I’ve heard it’s set up is you sign up for a time and there’s multiple people there, but they can only talk to you one at a time so it doesn’t really work. That’s why I’ve never gone. It just sounds like a waste of time.” Students have said, despite whatever their relationship with their advisor is, that they feel that their voices are being heard and their needs are being met, which is something Ladebauche thinks is important. “Students are our business,” she said. “If there were no students, there would be no UMass Lowell.”

Halloween costumes and cultural appropriation Christina Laderoute Connector Staff

A big topic of concern this year is cultural appropriation in costumes. Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of another culture. As of lately, more and more people have been speaking out on Halloween costumes that can be considered offensive. On one side, there are people that feel that these costumes are not an issue, while on the other side, there are people writing letters to companies to have costumes removed from shelves and expressing their feelings that they are offended by these costumes. A look that has received . a lot of backlash recently is the “Native American” or “Indian” costume. The Native American headdress that

many have used to accessorize is not just cultural garb, but it is also spiritual garb. Revered elders have earned them through their selflessness and leadership. According to Simon Moya-Smith, “Wearing one, even an imitation headdress, belittles what our elders have spent a lifetime to earn.” In the case of feathers and face paint, these too also have purpose and spiritual significance. These items are earned through actions and deeds that bring honor to tribes and nations. Dennis Zotigh, a cultural specialist, compares wearing feathers and face paint to wearing a purple heart or medal of honor by those who have not earned them. Another costume that is accused of appropriation is a “Gypsy.”

The Roma are often stereotyped as being beggars, pickpockets and con-artists. The terms “I got conned” and “I got gypped” are used interchangeably. Instead of offsetting these stereotypes, Gypsy costumes encourage them. The Roma have been persecuted for a long time now and they continue to face discrimination throughout Europe. Around 1.5 million Roma were executed during the Holocaust. According to Amnesty International, the Roma are presently denied housing rights, employment, healthcare and education. A Romani woman said, “It’s unfortunate that this fascination does not extend to philanthropy, awareness, education and actual respect, something we seem to be denied as a people time and time again. It’s

much more fun to perpetuate the stereotypes than to talk about the dreary truth.” Perhaps learning more about a costumes background before deciding to wear it would be beneficial. There have been remarks . made pertaining to a costume related to the upcoming Disney movie, “Moana.” Disney put out a costume for the character Maui, a big muscled Hawaiian, who is voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the movie. When the costume debuted there was a large uproar over the elements of it. Someone who identifies as Polynesian tweeted, “Our Brown Skin/Ink’s NOT a costume.” The use of “brownfacing” was deemed offensive, although this is the replica of what the movie character looked like.

.When it comes to Halloween costumes, there are many blurred lines on what people deem appropriate and inappropriate. People we cannot always please everyone. Someone is always going to be offended. So this year when it comes to picking a costume, if one has to ask, “is someone going to be offended by this costume choice?” then pick another costume. That is all up to personal preference though. Just be aware that comments may be made. Do not wear anything in bad taste and be prepared to answer questions if the costume seems to be culturally appropriating.


UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

Page 10

ng happeni What’s us on camp th?! this mon SUNDAY

30

CAMPUS CALENDAR

NOVEMBER MONDAY

31

TUESDAY

1

7

WEDNESDAY

2 Disabilities Panel University Suites 7 p.m.

Halloween

6

November 1, 2016

Leadership Expo University Crossing 240 3-7 p.m.

8

9

THURSDAY

3

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

4

5

11

12

Dealing with a Changing World Cumnock Hall 3-5 p.m.

10

Medieval Renaissance Concert O’Leary Mezzanine 7:30 p.m.

Calendar listings are FREE when space is available. To better ensure your listings placement, get your information in two weeks in advance by e-mailing connector@uml.edu

GO WEST! Earn Your Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at the Western New England University College of Pharmacy.

Western New England University is here to assist UMass Lowell students in your search for a PharmD program that fits your goals, ambitions, and learning style. Located on a picture-perfect campus in western Massachusetts, Western New England University offers you the personalized attention and outstanding facilities of a new and evolving College of Pharmacy.

Discover the Western New England University Difference: • Individualized Attention—Enrolled class size just 75 students • State-of-the-art $40 million Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy • Outstanding faculty mentors with expertise in clinical, retail, and research settings • Access to a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities • Individual counseling to assist with your application • Opportunities to live on our beautiful, walkable campus all four years • Just a 90-minute drive from Boston Experience more at Western New England University College of Pharmacy. Call us at 413-796-2300 to have a one-on-one session with a College of Pharmacy admissions officer.

Visit wne.edu/lowell for more information.


Page 11

UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

November 1, 2016

SPORTS Field hockey nabs first-ever D-I playoff berth ► Continued from front page

They had a few shots but could not score. The Catamounts did not have strong passes, shooting the ball out of bounds quite a few times. Both teams had many corner penalty opportunities with some leading to goals. The game went back and forth for a bit, with strong defense from the Riv-

er Hawks. After UMass Lowell’s goal, Vermont tried to step up their pressure and showed aggressive advances through the River Hawk’s defense. This led to many corner opportunities for Vermont. Tucker was able to score again off a corner with assists from Hurd and Picchi. Following this goal, the River Hawks looked to in-

Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics

The River Hawks won 2 Division II national championships before becoming D-I.

River Hawks finish third at America East Championships UMass Lowell Athletics

KINGSVILLE, Md. – UMass Lowell senior Jaclyn Solimine (Haverhill, Mass.) earned All-Conference honors with a seventh place finish as the River Hawk women’s Cross Country team put four runners in the top 15 and turned in their strongest conference performance, Saturday morning, in Jerusalem Mills Park, at the America East Cross Country Championships hosted by UMBC. “We had a good day; we ran well, but two teams ran better,” said UMass Lowell Head Coach Gary Gardner. “We were very competitive in a very competitive women’s cross country conference, but UNH was great. It’s probably the first time that we have been competitive at this level.” UMass Lowell women grabbed a third place finish, their best finish since beginning the transition to Division I. Three River Hawk runners earned All-Conference honors. UMass Lowell totaled 67 points, (7, 10, 12, 15, 23 - 28, 41.) New Hampshire won the team title with 45 points, (1, 6, 9, 13, 16 - 17, 25.) Stony Brook was second with 47 points. New Hampshire’s Elinor Purrier won the individual title; she was never challenged and finished some 34-seconds ahead of the rest of the field. Solimine was the top River Hawk scorer and earned First Team All-Conference honors with a seventh place finish. She clocked in at 17-minutes, 38.4-seconds. It was an excellent run by a woman who has battled throughout her collegiate career. “Jackie let the front group get away

from her a little bit and that was tough to make up,” said Gardner. “But she’s a competitor and ran very very well today.” Junior Kathryn Loughnane (North Attleboro, Mass.) was the second River Hawk to cross the finish line. She claimed tenth place with a time of 17:43.6. Junior Alli Wood hit the finish line in a time of 17:49.9. It was good for 12th position. Loughnane and Wood both earned Second Team All-Conference honors. “Kathryn always runs well when it counts the most,” said Gardner. “The same thing for Alli; she’s a racer.” Freshman Kaley Richards (Lowell, Mass.) and sophomore Allie Morris (Walpole, Mass.) closed out the River Hawk scoring grabbing 15th and 23rd place respectively with times of 18:00.3 and 18:12.1. For both Richards and Morris it was likely their best race of the season. The third place finish is the team’s best showing at the conference championships. A year ago the River Hawks finished fourth and this year they took the next step. “We can’t hang our heads, we took another step,” said Gardner about a team that graduates just one senior. “This was a good experience for them; we know what it is to compete. We’re in a good spot moving forward.” The America East Championships wraps up the cross country season for the River Hawks in their final year of the transition to Division I.

crease their pressure, and the back and forth play continued. UMass Lowell’s passing was weak at times. There were a few turnovers in the first half, but, despite this, the River Hawks were able to score again. Anouk Lalande scored her ninth goal of the season in the 26th minute with an assist from Katie Luchino. Neither team had a clear advantage in this first half. After the goals were scored, both teams settled down. There were only a few substitutes on both sides, as neither team wanted to disturb the momentum of their respective side. Similarly, even with many corner penalties, there were no penalty cards handed out. The game was tied 2-2 going into the second half, but both teams were slow to warm up. UMass Lowell was not moving or passing very much, leading to a few turnovers. Despite this, the River Hawks held nearly all of the possession in the second half. When they did warm up, they were unstoppable. “I thought we played the best field hockey game we’ve played

all year,” said head coach Shannon Hlebichuk. The River Hawks scored five more goals, with two from Kristin Aveni. A lot of scoring opportunities came from UMass Lowell pushing the ball forward after gaining possession and barreling past Vermont’s defense. The Catamount’s defense was very weak in this half, and although they did have some good attempts to stop the shots, the River Hawks were able to find the openings. UMass Lowell had an overwhelming number of shots: 23 in total compared to Vermont’s nine. River Hawk’s goaltender Kelsey Federico had four saves while Vermont’s had eight. Even with a high number of stops, Vermont was not able to prevent the shots from UMass Lowell in the second half. It may have been a slow start for the River Hawks, but the team came out strong in the second half. Hlebichuk said, “We stayed composed and we know we are capable of scoring goals, and that’s what we came out and did.”

No. 5 River Hawk hockey falls in series opener 5-1 UMass Lowell Athletics

OMAHA, Nebraska – The No. 5 ranked UMass Lowell Hockey team fell at NCHC foe Nebraska-Omaha, 5-1, on Friday night at Baxter Arena in non-conference action. With the defeat, the River Hawks are now 3-2-2 overall on the year, while the Mavericks improve their record to 3-1-1 overall. In the first period, the Mavericks took a two-goal lead out of the gate on pair of power play goals by Austin Ortega (7:13) and Justin Parizek (8:14). Junior forward Jake Kamrass (Atlanta, Ga.) got the River Hawks on the board with 4:39 left in the opening frame for his second goal of the year to make it a 2-1 game. UMass Lowell outshot the Mavericks, 135, in the first period.

Omaha’s Tyler Vesel made it a 3-1 game in favor of the Mavericks with a power play goal just one minute into the second frame. Omaha outshot the River Hawks, 14-13, in the middle stanza. Steven Spinner added a fourth goal for Omaha at 10:58 of the third and Vesel added his second of the game, which was a shorthanded tally with just 1:11 remaining in the final frame to seal the win for the Mavericks. Sophomore Sean Cleary (Centerville, Mass.) notched his first career start for the River Hawks, making 25 stops in the losing effort, which included 13 saves in the second period. Omaha goalie Evan Weninger stopped 29 shots in his third win of the season. Both teams finished the night with 30 shots on goal.

Donate to Jumpstart: Children’s Lives Matter Jumpstart is an organization that is dedicated in changing children’s lives. They help prepare children for school by providing language, literacy and social emotional programming. The average jumpstart child makes kindergarten readiness gains of more than one full developmental level. To donate, please use the link provided and follow directions to donate. Thank you! https://www.razoo.com/us/story/The-Kickstarters


UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR

November 1, 2016

Page 12

SPORTS Men’s soccer edges out UAlbany for first place in America East Andrew Sciascia Connector Staff

The River Hawks secured a 1-0 victory over the UAlbany Great Danes in a nail-biter at the Cushing Field Complex Saturday night, with UMass Lowell’s goal being Wulito Fernandes’s 10th of the season. The stakes were high Saturday night at Cushing Field Complex. Both the River Hawks and Great Danes came into the match 3-1-1 in the America East Conference play this season. The competition was fierce with both teams aware that the game would be incredibly important in deciding the division title. “It was a great performance by the guys. [They were] able to dictate the tempo early on. [With] that first half

goal; you’re going to have to defend a bit, especially at the end of the game. I thought our guys did a great job doing that,” said coach Figueroa. Starting out slow, with possession in their half, the River Hawks eventually began to make strides up front as well. UMass Lowell also subbed in sophomore goalkeeper Zach Rowell for starter Austin Kroll at the midpoint of the half. The River Hawks soon began to hunt for breakaway passes and crosses on offense. Several attempts were cut off by UAlbany, but eventually UMass Lowell broke through with a couple of shots on net. “They play that back three. They’re tough. They’re organized. I give a lot of respect to that back line, but I think that our guys felt confident with them

Matt Dwyer/Connector

Franky Martinez prevents the ball from going out of bounds.

U P C OM I N G

River Hawk Games

so we gave them a little Tuesday, Nov. 1 6 p.m. WSOC vs. Dartmouth bit of freedom to run at them,” said coach Wednesday, Nov. 2 7 p.m. MSOC vs. Hartford Figueroa of the plan on offense Saturday. Thursday, Nov. 3 TBD FH at AE Tournament UMass Lowell broke the scoreboard in the 7 p.m. WVB at New Hampshire Friday, Nov. 4 first half when freshman midfielder Dario Friday, Nov. 4 7:15 p.m. MHOC vs. Vermont Jovanovski connected with senior Wulito 7 p.m. MHOC vs. Vermont Saturday, Nov. 5 Fernandes. Fernandes For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com deked out the defender off the high cross into the box and scored to ing it through to Rowell. give the River Hawks a UAlbany’s pressure grew as the min1-0 lead. “Every goal is a goal. I just try to utes disappeared; urgency was present score as much as I can. Every chance in every attempt, but the River Hawk I have I just try to put it away. As long defense stood tall, fighting off every as the team is winning that’s all I care corner and rush. With no shots regisabout,” said Fernandes of his game tered in the second half for the Great Danes, the game came to an end with winning goal. Despite rallying on offense, the the score unaltered. UMass Lowell, now 4-1-1 in conGreat Danes only managed to get ference play, clinched a share in the through for one shot on net before the America East 2016 regular season tihalf. Defense seemed to be the key focus tle Saturday night. Coming up against for both teams after intermission, with Hartford on Wednesday at Cushing several big takeaways and slide tackles Field, the River Hawks look to win a near perfect season and a solo division on both sides of the pitch. The second half began with both title. “Recovery and regeneration… Taksides strong and coming at each other ing care of our bodies has been numwith energy. UMass Lowell provided a thrilling attempt in the box in which ber one priority between every single University of Albany sophomore goal- game,” said coach Figueroa. keeper Danny Vitiello came up with a big save. The Great Danes came back with a strong offensive presence, but UMass Lowell’s defense came up big and prevented most plays from mak-

No. 5 River Hawk hockey takes series finale at Omaha 4-2 UMass Lowell Athletics

OMAHA, Nebraska - Senior forward Joe Gambardella (Staten Island, N.Y.) notched a game-high three points (1g,2a) to lift the No. 5 ranked UMass Lowell Hockey team to a 4-2 victory at Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday night at Baxter Arena in non-conference action in front of 4,460 fans.

With the win, the River Hawks improve to 4-2-2 overall and split the series with the Mavericks, while Omaha drops to 3-2-1 with the loss. Junior forward C.J. Smith (Des Moines, Iowa) got the River Hawks on the scoreboard first with a power play goal for his fifth tally of the season at 4:38 of the opening frame. Fredrik Olaffson tied the game at 1-1 on a power play goal at the 10-minute mark

Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics

C.J. Smith had one goal on two shots on the Saturday night contest against Nebraska-Omaha.

of the first period. The Mavericks outshot UMass Lowell, 10-7, in the first period of play. Junior Jake Kamrass (Atlanta, Ga.) scored a goal for the second straight night on a penalty shot to give the River Hawks a 2-1 lead at 2:41 of the third period after he was hauled down on a breakaway. Kamrass’ goal was the third of the season, as finished the night with a team-high four shots on goal. The Mavericks tied the game with just 1:18 left in the second on a 5x3 power play goal by David Pope. Junior forward John Edwardh (Calgary, Alta.) scored the game-winning goal with 4:18 left in the game with a pretty backhander for his fourth marker of the season for the River Hawks. Gambardella added an empty-netter to seal the win for the River Hawk with just seven seconds remaining for his fifth goal of the season. Freshman goaltender Tyler Wall (Leamington, Ont.) made his fifth career start for the River Hawks, notching 25 saves in his fourth of the season. Evan Weninger stopped 22 shots in his fourth start of the season in the loss for UNO. The Mavericks outshot UMass Lowell, 27-26, for the game, but the River Hawks owned a 10-6 shot advantage in the third period. The River Hawks return to action on Friday, Nov. 4th against Vermont in their Hockey East opener. Game time from the Tsongas Center is 7:15 p.m.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.