First-year cheat sheet How to survive your first year at UMass Lowell
â–ş Page 5
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
September 8, 2015
Hornets sting River Hawks in heated competition
In This Issue Local apartment catches fire
â–ş Page 3
First VPAC show of the year
â–ş Page 4 Volleyball to host tournament
â–ş Page 7
Final River Hawk Scores Team
Score
Overall Record
M. Soccer at LIU Brooklyn
W 1-0
2-2-0
Volleyball at Bradley
L 0-3
0-7
M. Soccer at St. Francis Brooklyn
L 0-3
1-2-0
W. Soccer vs. Delaware State
L 1-2
0-3-0
Sophomore midfielder Rachel Morrier scored the River Hawks’ lone tally in Friday’s loss to Delaware State.
Kyle Gaudette
Opinion: Why the NFL’s appeal won’t succeed Tom Lydon UML Student
Breathe a sigh of relief, friends, for the worst has passed us. New England Patriots legend Tom Brady had his four-game suspension nullified by Judge Richard Berman, meaning he’s free to play a full NFL season. Now we can all focus on the coming season and the Patriots’ quest for that elusive fifth ring, right? Well, yes and no. While Berman exonerated Brady and became something of a New England folk hero, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is buying none of it. He and the rest of the NFL are gearing up to appeal Berman’s decision. Even though Berman clearly had Goodell’s argument dead to rights, he’s going to keep on fighting regardless. To quote a piece of Goodell’s statement following the announcement: “We are grateful to Judge Berman for hearing this matter, but respectfully disagree with today’s decision. We will appeal today’s ruling in order to uphold the collectively bargained responsibility to protect the integrity of the game.â€? He clearly should have said “what’s left of the integrity of the game,â€? if we’re being honest, but that’s not the real issue here. Goodell still believes that he made the right call in suspending Brady four games for his “supposedâ€? â–ş See “Appeal,â€? page 2
Sections News.............................3 Campus Life.................. 5 A&E.............................. 4 Sports........................... 7
Connector Editor
The Delaware State Hornets edged the UMass Lowell River Hawk’s women’s soccer team Friday night at Cushing Field by a final score of 2-1. “I think that they [the team] feel like they let one get away,� said second year coach Joel Bancroft. The River Hawks certainly feel as though they were robbed of at least a draw in this one. A strike from the blue line with about 3:50 left in regulation shot off the crossbar and rocketed straight down on
the goal line. The ball seemed to at least partly cross the line, but it was nonetheless hurriedly played out by Delaware State defenders. UMass Lowell forwards pounced on the loose ball and definitively scored what was believed to be the 2-2 equalizer. Unfortunately, after the UMass Lowell fan section had finished cheering, they were informed that a controversial foul had been committed by their team near the net, and the goal was disallowed. The home team had their fair share of opportunities, outshooting Dela-
ware State 13 shots on goal to the Hornets’ four. The River Hawks applied good early pressure which resulted in five shots on goal in the first half. Sophomore forward Shannon Groffie blasted a strike off the crossbar with 28:30 left to play in the half, which was one of the many memorable of the night. Finally, the River Hawks found the back of the net thanks to the foot of sophomore midfielder Rachel Morrier. The goal came off of a free kick from the blue line that â–ş See “River Hawks,â€? page 8
Album review: ‘The Beauty Behind the Madness’ Jen Desrosiers Connector Editor
There is no question about it: Abel Tesfaye, better known by his stage name “The Weeknd,� seems to have come out of nowhere. Known equally for his strange hairstyle and extremely profane lyrics, the 25-year-old Ontario native has been around for a while now, starting off his career by uploading songs to YouTube under the pseudonym “The Weeknd� (spelling changed as to not have copyright issues with the band, the Weekend). During his time of being an anonymous artist on YouTube, Tesfaye managed to create a character for himself that he brought to life through his music: a tortured soul who suffers from trust issues when it comes to romantic relationships and counters this by abusing substances and sleeping with numerous women. Although his debut album “Kiss Land� was released in 2013, Tesfaye only rose to mainstream stardom recently. He has been taking over the radio this year with hit singles such as “The Hills,� “Can’t Feel My Face�
The Weeknd’s newest album, “The Beauty Behind the Madness,� features hit singles such as “The Hils� and “Can’t Feel My Face.�
â–ş See “The Weeknd,â€? page 4
September 8, 2015
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 2
OPINIONS & EDITORIALS Another losing battle: Why the NFL’s appeal won’t succeed ► Continued from front page
involvement in the ongoing circus that is Deflategate. He believes that Brady had something to do with those deflated footballs found during the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts in January. And now he and the rest of the NFL brass are preparing to try and overturn Berman’s decision and, somehow, prove that they were right. You are forgiven if you tried to stifle a laugh just now. Let’s look at the situation as it stands. The NFL, in the span of almost a month, got throttled in court. Not that they were in no better shape following their bungling of Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson’s suspensions, obviously, but you get the point. Berman took the NFL’s argument for
upholding Brady’s suspension and practically roasted it, exposing gaping holes at every turn. From denying Brady access to various case factors to comparing the punishment to steroid usage, it’s easy to see what went wrong for the NFL. And let’s not forget the fact that this is all being waged over a lack of understanding of the Ideal Gas Law. Of all things for a controversy to spring from, this had to be it. And you wonder why there are so many jokes being made about this. Roger Goodell has been reduced to a joke by now. His reputation was hurting before, but this past year made things exponentially worse. Following the bungling of the aforementioned Rice and Peterson suspensions, the suspension of Brady raised several eyebrows. And every suspension af-
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR
EDITORIAL BOARD MARLON PITTER Editor-In-Chief REGINA ALONGI Operations Manager KATRINA DESROSIERS Copy Editor NINA PETROPOULOS Web Manager MICHAELA HYDE ZACHARY ZUBER Social Media Managers
DAVE RUDDERHAM SAM LINSTEAD-ATKINSON News Editors KYLE GAUDETTE Sports Editors SHANE FOLEY Campus Life Editor
OPEN Distribution Manager
JEN DESROSIERS Arts & Entertainment Editor
KELLY FREITAS JENNA FREITAS Graphic Designers
GRYPHON LAYNE Comics Editor
ARI LAZARINE Advertising Manager
JONATHAN SILVERMAN Advisor
BRENDAN JACQUES EMILY TOOMEY ANDREW HAVERTY LINDY REED NICHOLLES KLEVISHA AMARIS TORRES JACOB SOLOMON SARIFAH CHHOENG MELANIE CASE TYLER PAYMAN
Email | Connector@uml.edu Website | www.UMLConnector.com Phone | 978.934.5017 ext. 45017 Address | University Crossing Club Hub Suite #241 220 Pawtucket St. Lowell, MA 01854
Advertising: The UMass Lowell Connector advertisements reach an estimated 16,000 UMass Lowell students--their friends and families. To tap this group of
it worse is the fact that most people believe him, and even say that he should have been even harder on Brady. And that’s regardless of the criticisms Goodell and friends have received. In the end, this is shaping up to be another losing battle for Goodell. If Berman’s thorough dismantling of his argument is any indication, there’s reason to believe that other judges, positions notwithstanding, will treat it no differently. There is a chance that the NFL may come away with some form of redemption, if not a total win. However, with the hole-ridden argument that was presented to Judge Berman, people who believe Goodell over Brady are advised to refrain from holding their breath. Regardless of what the case might be right now, Deflategate isn’t over yet. Not by the longest of longshots. Yes, Brady will play the first four games of the season, and Goodell will likely watch them all from home in embarrassment. That being said, the world of the NFL is still in for more Deflategate-related stupidity. How long it goes on for depends on how quickly the NFL itself wants it to be resolved. But just like the fear of Brady losing time to suspension, this, too, shall eventually pass.
We’re hiring!
Work-study positions are now available with the Connector. Apply for “Connector Newspaper Distribution Manager� on JobHawk! Email Marlon_Pitter@student.uml.edu for more info. Twitter: @UMLConnector
Staff
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.
terward that was equal to Brady’s, if not less, put Goodell and the NFL in a bad light. How does being allegedly involved in a ball deflation scandal equate to a domestic abuse case? Or substance abuse? What about being charged with illegally owning firearms? Better yet, how does Brady deserve to be suspended for twice as long as Rice initially was, and for something that pales in comparison? The thing is, none of this would be a problem if Goodell’s argument had a sense of rhyme or reason to them. Unfortunately, that’s exactly the issue: There is none of either, and the result is a horridly-flawed argument. Goodell has presented virtually no concrete evidence proving that Brady was involved in the deflation of those footballs. He issued no prior warning to Brady that refusal to cooperate with investigators would result in a suspension. On top of that, Ted Wells said that he didn’t even need Brady’s phone for the investigation, which only makes Goodell’s argument look worse. And the fact that Goodell had the audacity to compare Brady’s possible role in the deflation to steroid use is egregious in and of itself. None of what Goodell has said or done throughout this mess has made any sort of logical sense. What makes
future high-income earners, contact our Advertising Manager at 934-5009. DEADLINE for ALL advertising (TO INCLUDE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF THE UNIVERSITY) is Tuesday, 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 room 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.
September 8, 2015
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 3
NEWS
Fire engulfs residence near University Crossing Marlon Pitter Connector Editor
A multi-family home near University Crossing caught fire Friday afternoon, displacing 19 residents. Fire crews were called to 9 Bowers St. around 3 p.m., where a fire damaged the roof and multiple levels of the building, according to Lowell Fire Department Deputy Chief Patrick McCabe. “They hit it from the outside first, knocked the heavy fire down then went in and continued the extinguishment from inside,” McCabe said of the efforts to put out the fire. Siblings Dahlia Paw, 18, and Billy Doh, 21, live on the first floor of the building and were among those displaced by the blaze. Paw said her brother was home when the fire began and called 911. Nicole Peterson, a junior public health major, said she heard a nearby tree “sparkling and crackling” as she and her roommate witnessed the fire from their apartment at 217 Salem St. “I think it was the grill that caught on fire first, and then the tree, and then the house caught on,” Peterson said. Rebecca Bitegetsimana, 18, said she witnessed the fire from inside the building as smoke rose to the third floor. “It started from behind the house,” she said. “The…smoke was in front of the door.” Residents of the charred building were allowed to retrieve important
possessions, such as medications and critical documents later in the afternoon, but the building is no longer inhabitable, according to Lowell Fire Department Chief Jeff Winward. “We’re working with the Red Cross, CTI [Community Teamwork, Inc.] and our emergency management team to place the 19 people from this build-
Photo courtesy of David Wong
“I think it was the grill that caught on fire first, and then the tree, and then the house caught on.” ing,” he said. “They’re going to go in a hotel over the weekend, and we’re gonna try to get them apartments early next week.” Heidi Laferrie, 26, of 5 Bowers St., an adjacent building damaged by the fire, said she was alerted of the fire by a neighbor and evacuated with her children. She was among 11 residents who were temporarily displaced. “We have a coop in our backyard, and it was on fire, and then it just went up in flames,” said Laferrie. “It was just…crazy.” No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A view from University Avenue bridge of the smoke behind the University Crossing.
Marlon Pitter/Connector
A Lowell fire official surveys the damage to the building, which formerly housed 19 residents, on Bowers Street.
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 4
September 8, 2015
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT MEISA’s VPAC Kick-Off Show recap Michael Page Connector Contributor
Tune up the band, crank those amps to eleven and get your butts out of your seats, as MEISA presented its first VPAC concert of the year. Held in the Fox Common every other Thursday starting at 8 p.m., these VPAC concerts give students the chance to experience live music from local bands. This week’s opening gig consisted of four bands: Sunday Mourning, Moody Street Sound, Steve Oundo and the Travelers, and Professor Caffeine and the Insecurities to close out the night. As the crowd took to their seats, Sunday Mourning took the stage with its motley crew of local UMass Lowell students. Sunday Mourning uses a variety of instruments to indulge the ears in melodic soft rock, including an upright bass played by Ben Silverstein, a trumpet played by Ethan Stadnicki and a
Regina Alongi/Connector
Moody Street Sound on stage at the Fox Common.
trombone used by Johnny Mitchell. Having a very Allman Brothers Band sound to their music, Sunday Mourning entices the crowd to sway back and forth with its combination of acoustic and brass.
After the set, which included covers of The Beatles’ “Come Together” and the Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider” among original songs, lead singer Tyler Chace spoke about what music means to him and his band. “Well, we’re all music majors here and music and education has been their whole life.” Chace finds playing in front of his fellow students “motivating” and “fun” as it both spreads their music out and gives his friends a chance to critique and applaud him after the show. You can find Sunday Mourning on SoundCloud and here at UMass Lowell. Once a brief intermission to set up the next band ended, it was Moody Street Sound’s turn to take the stage. Offering a cantina styled jazz club sound with wailing riffs from the shoeless guitarist Colin Murphy, the band rocked on with the aid of saxophonist Ryder Corey and drummer Nick Campbell. Moody Street’s lead vocalist, Jessenia Moreira, infuses her heritage into her music, even going as far as to perform a whole song in Portuguese. Moreira, when asked about the future of their band, said “We’re hoping add more of the Latin American sound to the North American scene” adding that music, “…is the only option…” She feels that it is the only thing that makes her feel like she has a purpose. You can hear more of Moody Street Sounds at their website moodystreetsound. com. Next to hop on stage was the ensemble crew of Steve Oundo and his Travelers. Forgoing the traditional lyrics, Oundo, a gospel singer from Uganda, lets his music do the singing for him with bits of scat styled vocals thrown in. The Travelers are comprised of an amalgamation of different energies and styles from the ska inspired slap-bass to the R&B style of the saxophone. When asked what music is to him, Oundo bluntly stated, “Music is a weapon, it can amass the people
and spread a message, a message of peace.” He also shared a tip for any up and coming musicians in the world: “If you see the potential in yourself and you have the talent God gave you, use it and never stop practicing.” Hailing from the South Shore, Professor Caf-
Regina Alongi/Connector
Students packed the Common Thursday night.
feine and the Insecurities took the reins. Involving a punk-metal sound with a high pitched vocal style, the band rocked the house with their energy and true passion they have for their craft. Lead singer, or “yeller” as he describes himself, Paul Gaughran, describes his band as a “group of superheroes just saving the world one level at a time.” As their sets came to a close, the band thanked the audience for coming out one last time and wished them a good night. If you missed out on this week’s VPAC concert do not fret as you can catch the next show Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Fox Common. You can also check out MEISA on Facebook to get updates on shows.
The Weeknd’s ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’ review ►Continued from front page and “Earned It,” which was featured in the popular film “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Tesfaye was able to add to his fan base in time of the release of his second album, “Beauty Behind the Madness,” which was released on Aug. 28, 2015. “Beauty Behind the Madness” features a number of big-name artists in the pop scene including Kanye West who helped produce “Tell Your Friends,” Lana Del Rey and Ed Sheeran. Much grittier than conventional pop lyrics, Tesfaye has put out an album that, like his previous work, features stories of alcohol and drug abuse, sexual encounters with strangers and self-destruction. The only difference this time is that now, Tesfaye is catering to the masses and not just his following of fans on YouTube and he proves that he does not have to change or censor himself to become a pop “superstar”. He manages to pull this off with both “The Hills,” in which Tesfaye sings, “I only love it when you touch me, not feel me. When I’m f--ked up, that’s the real me.” and “I Can’t Feel My Face,” a blatant ode to cocaine addiction. Not only do both of these song tell the stories of a drug-fueled “no-strings attached” hookup and drug addiction respectively but are both catchy enough earn top spots on the Billboard 100. While many artists use their music as a way to boast about their sexual conquests and the drugs they consume, Tesfaye uses his lyrics to issue a warning to his listeners and to show the harsh reality about the lifestyle he leads and the effects it can have on a person. This is seen in the first line of the opening track “Real Life,” where Tesfaye seems to apologize for his actions, “Mama called me destructive, said it’d ruin me someday. Cause every woman that loved me, I seem to push them away.” In the same song Tesfaye acknowledges his flaws, fully admitting that he cannot remain faithful to a single partner, “Tell ‘em this boy wasn’t meant for lovin’. Tell ‘em this heart doesn’t stay to one.” “Beauty Behind the Madness” is clearly one of the most controversial al-
bums of the year, combining the depressing and bleak with debauchery, telling the story of a man trapped in a lifestyle he himself calls “empty and so cold” on “Prisoner.” These are indeed love songs, but what makes them different is the absence of any sort of emotional connection. Tesfaye proves himself worthy of currently being one of the biggest names in mainstream pop as he continues his lonely life of womanizing. Photo courtesy of Republic Records
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
Page 5
September 8, 2015
CAMPUS LIFE Cheat sheet: How to own your first year at UMass Lowell Shane Foley Connector Editor
The first year of college can be one of the most turbulent times of your life. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer from another school, you have to deal with the same pressures. You are in a new environment, with possibly worse traffic than your hometown, different fast food spots, and you have a new set of nicknames (noob, new kid, rookie, etc.). So, to help with the transition, a team of experts consisting of only myself came up with this list of tips on how to have a great first year.
1. Do not skip class! Every class you miss is a lecture you did not hear, a quiz you did not take, an assignment you did not turn in, or an extra credit opportunity you did not exploit. Your teachers may also forget you, which means they might not write that letter of recommendation or remember to include you on that important email.
2. Get to know your professors Your professors deal with dozens of students every day, and even though they claim they can, it is impossible to fully dedicate themselves to each of
ng happeni s ’ t a h W us on camp th?! this mon SUNDAY
6
their students completely. If you can make that personal connection with your professor though, he or she will go out of their way to help you. They will notice when you are absent, maybe give you extra tips on assignments and give you better participation grades.
3. Take a tour of campus Do you know where the Registrar Office is? The Wellness Center? The Campus Recreation Center? Where are your classes? Where can you eat? If you cannot answer these questions, you should probably do some searching.
4. Sleep! College is a great time. Especially if you are living on campus, some of the best nights are the late nights. Most of the food outlets are open late, and a good number of the dorms and buildings have pool, ping pong, video games and more. Do not neglect your sleep though, or you are going to burn out quick.
5. Get to know the people who can help you For some people, this is a tutor. For others, it is a roommate, a professor or an upperclassman whom they befriended. People can be your best resources sometimes.
6. Join a club College is not just a place to learn. It is an experience, and if you spend your time locked in a room, you are willingly denying yourself of that experience. Joining a club is a great way to meet people and engage yourself in something your enjoy. Join a couple of clubs if you want; college is where you find yourself.
7. Get a weekly planner College tests your time management skills. You might find yourself balancing schoolwork with a job, club, activity, exercising, and hopefully a sizeable social life. It will only get harder if you try to balance that mentally and fitting in everything last minute. Plan everything and you will not miss anything.
8. Take smart notes In order to record every note your teachers will dictate to you, you would need a mechanical hand. If I am correct, The Winter Soldier from Captain America did not enroll here, so take abbreviated notes. Do not write down stuff you already know. Concentrate on the hard stuff.
CAMPUS CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER MONDAY
7
TUESDAY
8
After Hours at Target Buses running from East, South and CRC - 10 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
9
Karaoke Night Presented by Greek Council CRC - 5-8 p.m.
THURSDAY
10
FRIDAY
11
SATURDAY
12
Tsongas Open Skate Free skate on the Tsongas Center ice 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Chess Tournament
Presented by UML Chess Club 5-10 p.m. UCrossing 242
13
14 FIFA Tournament Hosted by SigRho Xbox One and PS4 UCrossing, 7 p.m.
20
21
15
16
22
17
18
19
25
26
VPAC Show Concert hosted by MEISA in Fox Common - 8 p.m.
Game Night Fox Common 7 p.m. - midnight
23 Sign Language Bingo Hosted by Disable the Label and Sigma Beta Rho USuites 7-9 p.m.
24
Fresh Fridays at The Common “Turn up” at Fox Common. 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
S’mores Night Fox Common 9-11 p.m.
Calendar listings are FREE when space is available. To better ensure your listings placement, send your information in two weeks in advance by e-mailing Connector@uml.edu
September 8, 2015
Page 7
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
SPORTS Women’s volleyball gears up for UMass Lowell invitational Kyle Gaudette Connector Editor
The River Hawks volleyball squad will host a four team invitational this upcoming Friday and Saturday. San Jose State, Holy Cross and Quinnipiac will travel to the Costello Athletic Center to take on the home team. The team has struggled to get some early momentum this season, having yet to post a win. The women’s volleyball team has had some hardship after jumping to division I, but the squad is trending upwards. After a winless season in 2013, the team posted a 4-29 record last year. The invitational this upcoming weekend serves as the perfect stepping stone to turn the team’s early season troubles around. Their work will definitely be cut out for them with the talent coming in this weekend, but the River Hawks are confident they can pull out some wins. The San Jose State Spartans currently possess a 1-3 record and will come into Lowell after
a three game tourney they will play in Texas Sept. 4 and 5. Holy Cross, currently like the River Hawks, are winless on the year (0-4), but will have an opportunity to pick up their first win against the University of New Hampshire this Saturday, Sept. 5. Quinnipiac has the best winning percentage amongst the four teams at this time (1-2, .333) and will look to improve upon that mark this weekend with their meet in Maryland. The River Hawks will look everywhere to find the help they need to succeed this season. Rachel Arnason is the only graduate senior on the team, and Captain Megan Young is only a junior. Five freshmen cracked the roster this year, leaving seven out of the thirteen teammates sophomores or younger. The youth movement will definitely set the foundation for future teams to come in and succeed at the division I level. Lowell defeated Quinnipiac in straight sets last year (3-0) as
part of the Bryant Hampton Invitational in Hamden, Connecticut. The River Hawks will look to duplicate their success of last year in this season’s matchup. The team fell to San Jose State (0-3) in a match last year held at the Chicago State Invitational in Chicago. A win this year would give a huge boost to the River Hawks’ 2015 campaign and provide the team with some revenge from last year. Holy Cross and Lowell have not played each other during the past two seasons. The unfamiliarity will result in some interesting matchups and hopefully will be something that UMass Lowell can take advantage of. These four teams will most certainly provide some quality games at the Costello Athletic Center this weekend. The invitational will hopefully result in the turnaround the River Hawks need to get their season flying high.
Fantasy Corner: A growing need for 1.21 giga-‘Watts’ of being relegated to drafting second string running backs or fifth option wide receiver, studs on ESPN’s list of their top-100 players dropped on the defensive side of the ball could be taken in the Tuesday, and revealed Texans’ Defensive Lineman later rounds. J.J Watt as the “greatest player in the NFL.” In Watt’s case, you have to like his odds of scorWatt has dazzled the league over the past three ing multiple touchdowns when you have four years with his insane defensive prowess, as well combined games against the Tennessee Titans and as his downright Jacksonville JagPhoto Courtesy of J.J Watt Foundation freakish athletic nauars. Plus, Watt is ture. He has become now a prominent famous for batting piece in Houston’s down footballs at goal-line offense, the line of scrimmaking him even mage and giving the more of a threat old Dikembe Muto score. It would tombo finger-wag to be awesome to role the opposing team’s J.J Watt out in say quarterback. There your FLEX posiis simply nothing tion a week where that J.J Watt cannot a couple of your accomplish on the J.J Watt looks to continue his domination of the NFL. key guys are on a field. bye. He is starting to do the unthinkable. Watt is Here is an idea, why can there not be a second phasing out Peyton Manning as the face of the FLEX position in everyone’s lineup created specifNFL with regards to their deal with Papa John’s. ically for defensive players? You could even make Many thought Papa John’s would be Manning’s it so each week your league has a mini draft where dying rock. They believed he would give up his you select a defensive player you deem most likely diminishing chase for a second Superbowl ring to score. To make it as easy as possible, only give before handing over the keys, or should we say that player points if they score a touchdown. cheese rather, to the Papa John’s franchise. As stated last week, fantasy football has gotten It has taken an athlete of Watt’s caliber to re- more serious over the past few years. However, the ceive the sort of attention he is getting, which underlying premise of the game is for everyone to makes that number 1 ranking very well earned and simply have fun. Fantasy football is not work to deserved. most people; it is more so another form of enterWhile last week’s edition of the Fantasy Corner tainment. So why not have the most fun you can? was devoted towards answering a question, this Defensive players would add a more interesting week we are going to ask an important one. Why dynamic to your fantasy team each week, and they can we not draft individual defensive players like should be considered more in leagues run by Yaa J.J Watt or a Richard Sherman on our fantasy hoo or ESPN. teams? Do not underestimate the impact the current That makes everyone’s draft more fun. Instead “greatest player in the NFL” can have on your fanKyle Gaudette Connector Editor
Photo Courtesty of UMass Lowell Athletics
River Hawks look forward to hosting invitational.
River Hawks Surge Late in 3-2 Overtime Win at Dartmouth UMass Lowell Athletics
HANOVER, N.H. – Freshman Torrie Huk (Milford, Del.) tallied her first career goal to complete the UMass Lowell field hockey team’s comeback effort and seal a 3-2 overtime win at Dartmouth (01) on Friday afternoon. With the decision, the River Hawks improve to 3-0 in 2015, marking the squad’s best start since 2010. The game-winning goal came just 53 seconds into the overtime period, as senior Sophie Watt (Sawtell, Australia) dished a pass into the circle for Huk, who would fire a hard shot on target. “I thought we played pretty well in both halves,” said Head Coach Shannon Hlebichuk. “We were down two goals in the first half, but we just collected ourselves for the second, came out and clawed our way back. We showed a lot of character today in how we responded to being down two goals.” Huk and senior Jessica Walsh (North Easton, Mass.) both logged their first career goals in the outing. Junior Annie Villare (Chelmsford, Mass.) added to the come-from-behind win with her first goal of the season, while Watt and sophomore Christa Doiron (Worcester, Mass.) logged one assist each. Sophomore goalkeeper Kelsey Federico (Windham, N.H.) made six stops in the complete-game performance, as well. The Big Green took advantage of back-to-back corners less than four minutes into play, as Brooke Van Valkenburg found the back of the cage to give the home squad an early, 1-0 lead. The River Hawks threatened on corners of their own in the first half. With just over 14 minutes remaining in the period, Watt tallied a pair of shots during a scramble in front of the cage, but both were saved by the opposing keeper. Eight minutes later, Walsh hit the post with a shot from the wing on another set piece. Dartmouth extended its lead to 2-0 with 2:26 left in the first, as Rebecca Hu collected a rebound off of Federico’s pads and swept a follow-up shot into the left corner of the cage. UMass Lowell cut the difference to just one coming out of the break when Villare dribbled around the last Dartmouth defender and chipped a shot up and over the keeper with 29:24 still to play. Walsh knotted the score at 2-2 on a corner with just over 21 minutes remaining, sweeping Doiron’s inserted ball into the far left corner to send the game into overtime. Friday’s contest marked the ninth meeting between UMass Lowell and Dartmouth in the sport of field hockey. The Big Green still own a 7-2 edge in the all-time series. The River Hawks will return to action on Sunday, September 6 when they host in-state foe Holy Cross in a 3 p.m. tilt at Wicked Blue Field.
Page 8
UM ASS L OWELL C ONNECTOR
September 8, 2015
SPORTS Hornets sting River Hawks ►Continued from front page
Delaware State goalkeeper Michele Lammers with 23:21 left in the first half. The River Hawks’ lead was shortlived, however, as Hornet Samantha Bahr scored her first goal of the season just eight minutes later. The equalizer came off of a cross from teammate Ayanna Smith that Bahr was able to corral and shoot into the lower right
corner of the goal past UMass Lowell’s freshman keeper Julia Schnieder. Delaware State then broke open the game only six minutes into the second half. Hornet freshman Taylor Love played the ball off of a couple UMass Lowell defensive miscues from a free kick, and she was able to find the back of the net with a strike. The free kick came from what turned out to be a costly foul. Photo courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
Sophomore midfielder Rachel Morrier celebrates a goal.
“It’s a set piece from U P C OM I N G about half, and I thought River Hawk Games that the whole game we were troubled with our 7 pm WSOC at. Holy Cross marks,” said Bancroft Tuesday, Sept. 8 on his team’s defensive 7 pm WVB at. Northeastern approach on Delaware’s Tuesday, Sept. 8 second goal. “If you 4 pm FH at. Masachusetts don’t give up the foul, Friday, Sept. 11 then you don’t have to Friday, Sept 11 7 pm WVB vs. San Jose St. defend the set piece.” The goal came as a 4 pm WSOC vs. St. Lafayette dagger to UMass Low- Friday, Sept. 11 ell, who could not build 7 pm MSOC vs. Buffalo Friday, Sept. 11 enough momentum to open a two goal lead. For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com Bradel The team certainly had the opportunities, but physically and mentally, for their next was unsuccessful in finding the back of the net more than just game against Holy Cross on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Coach Bancroft remains cononce. Despite the loss, the River Hawks fident that the team will find their first made their fans proud with the way win soon. “We had more shots…we had more they continued to fight until the final whistle. Besides the goal that was corners, more time of possession… taken away, UMass Lowell had nu- it’s easier to make adjustments when merous other opportunities to tie the those things are going well for you,” game, including two straight corner Bancroft said. “We did a lot of positive things, we just need to figure the kicks with 5:30 left to go. The River Hawks will now try to other stuff out.” shake this game off and prepare, both
Justice Berman overrules Goodell’s four-game suspension of Tom Brady Shane Foley Connector Editor
On Thursday, Sept. 3, the home of the American Revolution once again celebrated freedom from tyranny, for their savior, Tom Brady, was released from his four game suspension and allowed to pursue life, liberty and his fifth championship ring. Brady would not be free, however, if it was not for Justice Richard Berman and his recognition of some major flaws in the decision issued by Roger Goodell. Surely, this will result in the rejoice of many loyal members of Pats Nation. For those who want fully comprehend the logic behind this verdict though, it is first important to understand the events that got us to this point. After the incident at the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, Brady was investigated by Ted Wells, a private investigator. Wells interviewed Brady, as well as Jim McNally and John Jastremski, equipment personnel who were working that game. Based on these interviews, the investigator constructed the now infamous “Wells Report,” which claims that McNally did release air from the game balls, and that “it is more probable than not that Brady was at least generally aware” of the deflation. It was based on this report that Brady was suspended for four games. The New England Patriots also were fined $1 million, and lost two draft picks. Brady, with the backing of the NFL Players Association, appealed
the four game suspension, but the appeal was to be heard by Commissioner Goodell under the CBA agreement the NFL lobbied for several years ago. Brady and the NFLPA asked Goodell to recuse himself as arpitrator,
Perhaps the most prominent aspect of this case that tipped the scales in Brady’s favor was the distinction between the Wells Report and Goodell’s decision. Goodell assigned much more blame to Brady than Wells’ claim Photo courtesy of Nick Laham/Getty Images
Tom Brady can now aim his focus at the 2015 season.
since they planned to call Goodell to the stand. This motion was denied by the commissioner, however, and Goodell upheld the four game suspension. Goodell argued that Brady “knew about, approved of, consented to, and provided inducements and rewards in support of a scheme by which, with Mr. Jastremski’s support, Mr. McNally tampered with the game balls.”
of the quarterback being “generally aware.” Justice Berman found that Brady’s awareness was not grounds to warrant a four game suspension, because Brady did not know that being “aware” of locker room misconduct was prohibited. Berman wrote, “No NFL policy or precedent notifies players that they may be disciplined for general awareness of misconduct by others.”
Justice Berman also noted that it was not made clear which part of the four game suspension was for deflating footballs, and which part was for failure to cooperate. Brady destroyed his phone before his interview with Wells, but he had his lawyer provide records relevant to the case. “Goodell thinks that he is above the law and needing evidence,” said UMass Lowell marketing and managing major Mathew Withrow. “Judge Berman showed today that Goodell is a corrupt and injust child.” The other big part of Berman’s decision was the NFL policy that Brady was accused of violating; engaging in conduct detrimental to the integrity of the game. Berman noted that other cases where players were accused of conduct detrimental (Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice namely), they were accused of such after they were found in violation of the domestic abuse policy. Conduct similar to deflating a football, or equipment violations, fall under the Player Policies, which usually result in a fine. Berman brought up the Brett Farve picture scandal, in which Farve was only fined under the Player Policies. “Brady is free, justice wins out,” continued Withrow. “Come game one, that banner is coming down over Gillette.” The Patriots begin their quest for ring number five Thursday night against the Steelers. Goodell said he would not attend.