Cardinal Points Issue 8 Fall 2024

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

FLIP FOR WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW FALL 2024 | ISSUE 8 MSOC

BBALL

HOCKEY

Cards fall in epic playoff showdown PAGE 10

Platts sets sights on SUNYAC playoffs PAGE 11

Cardinals embark on SUNYAC revenge tour PAGES 12 AND 13

DECISION MADE Donald Trump wins second presidential term in unexpectedly decisive race, securing ‘blue wall’ swing states

GAGE SKIDMORE via Creative Commons Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the race to her opponent, President Donald Trump, on Nov. 6. Trump had crossed the 270 electoral vote threshold at 5:34 a.m.

‘What just happened?’

Political science professor predicts election implications

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor

Ten hours after the Associated Press called the presidential race in favor of Donald Trump, political science professor Daniel Lake explored how the country might change when he takes office.

ELECTION > 4

A&C

OPINION

Professors break down results

Death of a democracy

SUNY Plattsburgh’s political science professors addressed the community’s election concerns.

Opinion Editor Nadia Paschal checked in with students at BridgePSU’s watch party.

READ THE STORY ON PAGE 5

READ THE STORY ON PAGE 8

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▪ Photography Editor Jayne Smith

PHOTO SPREAD

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Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Celebrating Diwali Photos by Jayne Smith

Sandesh Proudel (left) and Abishek Subedi accept first place in the Rangoli competition.

Rangoli is art made from colored powders, intended to welcome Lakshmi at Diwali.

Attendees serve themselves South Asian foods at the event’s buffet.

Club International teamed up with Nepalese at Plattsburgh and the Global Education Office to host their annual Diwali festival Nov. 2 in the Warren Ballrooms in the Angell College Center.

Diwali, also called the festival of lights, is a holiday associated with the Hindu prosperity goddess Lakshmi. The event featured dances, games and a dinner cooked by members of the clubs which hosted it.

Sujal Karki (behind) and Dhir Jain raise a candle to the shrine of Lakshmi.

Jain performs a dance routine. Dance performances are common at Diwali festivals due to the celebratory nature of the event.

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▪ News Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

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NEWS

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Student Association

Oct. 10 University Police reported racially motivated graffiti on the Saranac River Trail.

Oct. 12

UP arrested a drunk driver whose license and registration were both suspended, at midnight on Cornelia Street.

Oct. 16

UP received a report of fraud at the Angell College Center at 1:44 p.m. The incident was closed by investigation.

Oct. 18

UP is investigating “sex offenses” alleged to have occurred in Mason Hall around 12:15 p.m.

Oct. 19

UP caught an underage student in possession of alcohol and a fake ID in Harrington Hall at 12:41 p.m.

Oct. 29

UP is investigating a false report made from Broad Street Commons at 10:06 a.m.

Oct. 30

UP is investigating graffiti at the Myers Fine Arts Building.

Weekly Meme

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Advertise with Cardinal Points To learn more, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Student Association President Kalema Gooding (right) introduces Tiara Smith to the SA Senate. Smith was approved as chief justice of the SA Court.

Senate approves first student bill, appoints SA Court justices

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor

The Student Association Senate approved the first student bill of the 62nd legislation and appointed SA Court justices at its meeting Oct. 23.

Student Bill 1 establishes a committee that would distribute a survey to gather student feedback. The Senate unanimously approved the bill.

“We are creating the Ad-Hoc Student Survey Committee to create a survey that will assess and give recommendations based on student needs — what students are expecting of SA — so that upcoming legislations can make those changes as well,” said SA Vice President Sandesh Poudel, who proposed the bill.

The Senate also approved Tiara Smith as chief justice for the SA Court with no additional discussion. Brionne Thompson, Naomi Adebayo and Jayson Smith were approved as associate justices of the SA’s judicial branch.

The SA Court hears challenges to the SA’s actions and handles cases of impeachment and other SA-related disputes, according to the SA’s page on the SUNY Plattsburgh website.

BridgePSU, a chapter of the national organization BridgeUSA

aimed at engaging students in civil discussions about their personal and political beliefs, requested $500 toward its Election Day Expo held Tuesday, Nov. 5. The funding went to refreshments and decorations for the conclusion of the all-day event — the election watch party. The Senate approved the funding.

The club Mail-a-Hug, which performs community service aimed at nursing home residents and disadvantaged children, received $270 to support events Oct. 25 and 26 and Nov. 8: personalized portrait painting, tai chi lessons and a finger-painting workshop respectively.

The funds primarily cover the costs to take an estimated 20 students to the off-campus locations where Mail-a-Hug is hosting the events: Pine Harbour — an assisted living facility located two miles away from the SUNY Plattsburgh campus — and Ted K. Center, which provides services to children living in housing owned by the Plattsburgh Housing Authority and is 1.5 miles away.

The Senate also approved Alexandria Armstrong, Sara Brunell, Abigail Bruno, Jaay Guess, Ginny Lucchetti and Dorothy Jayne Smith as members of the Art Acquisition Board.

Cameron Greaves, SA coordinator for the arts and public relations, said all the named students attended the required number of meetings and had a demonstrated interest in art. The Arts Acquisition Board is researching Black artists in an effort to purchase more diverse artwork.

Senator Elizabeth Alden noted in her report that College Auxiliary Services brought in as a temporary response to student issues with campus dining, and students misunderstood the measure as a permanent upgrade. Alden noted she has been in meetings with CAS, but is “hearing different stories.”

Senator Janiyah James said she is planning a “Hygiene-palooza” drive in collaboration with Planned Parenthood. The idea is for dorms to temporarily have free and accessible period products.

Senator Charlotte Feliz announced plans to redecorate the SA office, located next to the Cardinal Market and Cafe in the Angell College Center, to be more colorful and feel more cozy.

Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

SA swears in new senator

BY GRANT HOCHMUTH Contributor

The Student Association Senate swore in a new senator — Hassani St. John — at its Oct. 30 meeting.

St. John takes the place

of Harmony Sanders, who resigned. He is a sophomore and said involvement means a lot to him.

“It’s very important to me,” Hassani said. “I’m an international student, so it is always good to make sure there is a lev-

el of inclusivity when it constructive conversacomes to students.” tions about their personal The Senate also ap- and political beliefs. proved the club BridgePSU for permanent status.

The club is a chapter of Email GRANT the national organization HOCHMUTH BridgeUSA that aims to cp@cardinalpointsonline.com engage young people in

CP Corrections NEWS: 1) The previous issue’s article “Late Night for the Planet hosts mayoral candidates” misstates Rachel LaMar’s major. It is environmental science.

2) In the previous issue, the article “Student group encourages peers to vote” had inaccurate information about BridgePSU’s Election Expo. It was Nov. 5.

If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.

GRANT HOCHMUTH/Cardinal Points

Senator Hassani St. John (fifth from right) sits with the Student Association Senate, taking the place of Harmony Sanders, who resigned.

GOT A NEWS TIP? Reach our editors at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.

BE OUR STUDENT ASSOCIATION REPORTER! Attend SA meetings and write about what happens, with the opportunity to earn one academic credit.

Contact editor in chief Collin Bolebruch at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com or news editor Aleksandra (Aleks) Sidorova at asido001@plattsburgh.edu.

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▪

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NEWS

News Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

New course to train aspiring actors, nurses

BY KAMIKO CHAMBLE Staff Writer

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Fuerza: the BIPOC Student Union set up an ofrenda — an altar that displays photos of departed family members to preserve their memory — in the Warren Ballrooms on Día de los Muertos on Nov. 1.

Alumni bring family photos to Día de los Muertos ofrenda

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor

The Warren Ballrooms filled with music, marigolds and memories at the Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1, hosted by Fuerza: The BIPOC Student Union.

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead in English, is a holiday celebrating the connection between life and death and remembering late friends and family. It is mainly celebrated in Mexico and Mexican diasporic communities worldwide, but countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala and Peru have similar celebrations as well.

Twins Omar and Oscar Saldivar both made the trip from Brooklyn, New York, to attend. They both graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh last year with degrees in marketing.

“It was a trip to be remembered for decades,” Omar Saldivar said.

The Saldivars identify as Mexican, but this year was their first time celebrating Día de los Muertos.

“At home, we never took the time to do it because my family’s always doing something, or my parents always working,” Oscar Saldivar said.

Observing the holiday at Plattsburgh is special to the brothers.

“It’s like getting in touch with my roots — my culture — and appreciating it,” Omar Saldivar said. “And hopefully, in the future, I’ll be doing this with my kids, and hopefully, they’ll be doing it with me when I pass. I don’t want to be forgotten, you know?”

Omar and Oscar Saldivar brought a photo of their Abuelito Goyo. who died about four years ago.

The brothers are about 5 years old,

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Oscar and Omar Saldivar brought a photo of them with their Abuelito Goyo, who died about four years ago. standing next to their grandfather.

Oscar blinked — making the only difference between the twins.

Oscar Saldivar described his grandfather as a hardworking farmer.

“He was very much a hands-on type of person, very similar to my dad,” Oscar Saldivar said.

Ivonne Diaz, who graduated in May with a degree in both TV and video production and broadcast journalism, is Colombian and Puerto Rican. Neither culture celebrates Día de los Muertos, but Diaz took the opportunity to cherish the memory of her grandparents, both of whom had died within the past two years.

Diaz also brought a photo of a parrot belonging to her grandmother, named OG, who died a week before. She said an occasion such as Día de los Muertos allows her to reflect on her feelings and process her grief.

ELECTION Continued from page 1

The discussion titled “What Just Happened?” was hosted by the Institute of Ethics in Public Life, which Lake is the director of.

The greatest consequences of the election are already felt: stocks and cryptocurrencies are seeing gains — even breaking records, as Reuters reports.

“People react to the prospective economic policies, even if we don’t know what most of them are yet,” Lake said.

One of the policies Trump has proposed includes tariffs on imported goods intended to move production to the United States. However, companies are likely to pass the cost onto consumers. A participant asked Lake why the increased costs didn’t turn away voters concerned for the economy.

“When I’m teaching politics to students, I tell them that perception matters and reality doesn’t, because people don’t vote based on reality,” Lake said. “People vote based on what they think reality is. So when they think this is good for the economy because they’ve been told it’s good for the economy, they’ll respond to it.”

Lake weighed in on foreign policy as he specializes in international relations.

Trump may cut foreign aid to Ukraine, in which case other European countries, or even South Korea, may need to step in, Lake said. Lake also noted Trump’s dislike of NATO, a military alliance between 30 European countries, Canada and the United States, which he may try to pull out from.

Iran, Israel and Russia may also be more free to operate. However, the exact outcomes will depend on whom Trump decides to appoint to executive positions, as Trump’s perspectives are known to change.

Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

“If you don’t want to say it or talk about it, it’s nice to just write about it and visually see it,” Diaz said.

She made the trip to Plattsburgh together with the Saldivars.

“It means a lot being back with my Fuerza family and just seeing everybody again,” Diaz said.

Día de los Muertos is sometimes misunderstood. To the Saldivars, the occasion is a joyful one.

“Occasionally, I hear a comparison to Satanic rituals or a negative connotation to it, but it has nothing to do with that,” Oscar Saldivar said. “It’s just celebrating the memories and the life that you shared with somebody, and just making sure that they’re not forgotten.”

Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

SUNY Plattsburgh is launching a one-credit course next semester that would bring student actors into nursing classrooms.

A standardized, or simulated, patient is someone who is trained to portray a patient in a realistic way for the purpose of teaching and evaluating clinical skills. Standardized patients can be used in a variety of settings, including interactive teaching environments, group demonstrations and clinical examinations.

“Two years ago, the nursing program reached out to the theater department,” said Julia Devine, lecturer of English and theater. “They were interested in starting a program like this, so it’s been talked about and now we’re finally going to give it a go.”

Theater students help students in healthcare practice their skills in a safe space before working with real patients. Even after the student actors graduate, they can be employed as standardized patients.

Students don’t have to be a theater major or minor to sign up for the course — the only prerequisite is the THE106 Acting for Everyone class.

“You’ll definitely want to feel comfortable enough

that you could go into a clinical space and act as this patient with the goal of helping train these nursing students,” Devine said.

The one-hour credit course THE320A will meet twice a week for an hour and 15 minutes from Feb. 3 through March 9. After the in-class component, the practicum begins with students serving as standardized patients for the nursing clinicals.

“I’ll be figuring some of this out with the nursing program for the remainder of the semester, in terms of if they’re going to give me the particular profiles of these patients ahead of time, or we’ll work on sample patient profiles,” Devine said.

Before getting started, actors will be scheduled for up to three sessions with the nursing program as their schedules allow.

“You’re helping train healthcare workers, which impacts the healthcare profession, and so you’re using your skills to serve the healthcare space, which I think is great,” Devine said.

Once the course and practicum are over, you can become a teaching assistant working as a standardized patient for the nursing program.

Email KAMIKO CHAMBLE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

CAMERON GREAVES/Cardinal Points

Simulated patients are actors who help nurses in training.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8, 2024

Spamalot cast, crew connect through comedy

BY CINARA MARQUIS Arts & Culture Editor

Adapted from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

The musical is filled with catchy tunes and outrageous numbers and features an array of quirky characters, including beautiful showgirls, killer rabbits and French people.

The 2005 Broadway production of Monty Python’s Spamalot won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the SUNY Plattsburgh theater department is set to bring the show to campus with their production this weekend.

The cast and crew are filled with a variety of skilled individuals who all share a passion for the theater.

LIBERATED LAUGHTER

“This show is absolutely ridiculous; there are truly no dull moments,” said Micaela Lynch, who plays Sir Robin, a guard and Brother Maynard in the show. “If you want to have a good time, I highly suggest this show.”

Spamalot isn’t Lynch’s first production at SUNY Plattsburgh, and neither is it Lydya Felix’s.

“I personally love musicals, and if there is an opportunity to audition for one that I know I will like and love being a part of, I will always audition,” said Felix, who plays Patsy and works as assistant lighting designer for Spamalot.

Both students are in their fourth year at SUNY Plattsburgh and said the secure environment that the directors and crew fostered created a place for bold creativity.

Felix was encouraged to challenge herself and wear many hats in the performance.

“It is a bit difficult to tackle being an actor in the show and designing,” Felix said. “It was a very fun challenge, to say the least.”

For Lynch, she was given area for experimentation. “(The directors) were honestly so kind and understanding,” Lynch explained. “They fostered a safe environment, and I felt I could try different things without judgment.”

Lynch is excited about the performance, but what she most eagerly awaits, though, is the comedy.

“My father said ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ was

one of the funniest movies he’s seen, so I am looking forward to making him and others laugh,” Lynch said.

FROM START TO SEVERAL

Monty Python’s Spamalot marks Lillian Faulkner’s first performance with SUNY Plattsburgh. She plays several roles, including Lancelot, The French Taunter, The Knight of Ni and Tim. “I couldn’t ask for a better experience for my first show.

Everyone involved is so talented, kind and understanding,” Faulkner said.

For Reg Sutphen, Spamalot marks their seventh show at SUNY Plattsburgh and their eighth in the Plattsburgh area. They play the Lady of the Lake, a diva character with a wide vocal range.

“I’ve never had a role that was mostly singing, so auditioning for Lady was something very special to me as a music major specializing in voice,” Sutphen said.

COMEDY > 7

Provided by production photographer Tom Wolosz

Reg Sutphen and Walker Alan.

Reflecting on Post-election insights support the community Kent Cottage,

BY PHILO YUNRUI WANG Associate A&C Editor

The day after Election Day, the “Lifelong Learning for All” speaker series at Plattsburgh Public Library hosted a post-election analysis, offering SUNY Plattsburgh students and community members insights into the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

With the election results stirring complex emotions and concerns, three political science professors from SUNY Plattsburgh, Raymond Carman, John McMahon and Daniel Lake, provided a comprehensive breakdown of election outcomes, voting trends and their broader implications.

POLITICAL POWER, POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Carman began by summarizing the election’s outcomes, highlighting that Trump won at least

295 electoral votes, with projections estimating an increase if trends hold, which surpass his 2016 performance.

“The Republican party gained ground in the Senate, securing at least 52 seats with potential for more pending final counts, which gives the administration critical control over judicial appointments and cabinet approvals,” Carman said.

Carman illustrated the tangible effects these changes could have, from the Supreme Court to individuals’ lives.

“If current conservative justices retire during Trump’s term, their replacements could solidify a deeply conservative court for decades,” Carman said. “We could see attempts to re-litigate rights we thought were settled, such as same-sex marriage, contraception access and even fundamental privacy protections.”

BEYOND THE BALLOT

“What we’ve seen following Trump’s first term is a mobilization not limited to formal politics but one where people increasingly take to social movements to express their values,” McMahon said.

McMahon acknowledged the rollback of rights would disproportionately impact racial minorities and the economically vulnerable, and the frustration many felt.

He also urged attendees to view civic engagement as extending beyond the ballot box, turning to the social ramifications.

“The way forward isn’t only voting but also supporting and building grassroots networks that stand against injustice,” McMahon said.

ELECTION > 6

PHILO YUNRUI WANG/Cardinal Points Professor Daniel Lake offered insights into the election results.

letters, legacy

BY GRANT TERWILLIGER Staff Writer

The assistant professor of communication studies at SUNY Plattsburgh, Lauren Zito, presented as part of the series called Tuesday Talks on Oct. 29. Zito shared her experiences in Brigus, Newfoundland, as part of an artist residency and learning about the life of Kathleen Kent during the three weeks she spent at the Kent Cottage this summer.

The Kent Cottage was occupied by artist Rockwell Kent from 1914 to 1915 with his wife, Kathleen Kent, and their three children. There is a famous picture of Kathleen Kent and the three children during this time period at the Kent Cottage; she was thought to be pregnant in the photo.

Kathleen Kent was born in 1890 as Kathleen Whiting and was Rockwell Kent’s first wife. The two married in 1908 and had five children — after their divorce in 1925, she moved to Vermont.

One of the things that Zito was interested in going into the artist residency at Kent Cottage was the letters between Kathleen and Rockwell Kent. Their relationship was tumultuous, as Rockwell outwardly had relationships with other women and Kathleen knew them by name.

“He had open mis-

tresses that she had to attend to, but (Kathleen and Rockwell Kent) kept coming back together.

So many of Rockwell’s letters are still archived and stay safe because he often wrote on really nice paper. She would write on whatever she could find, because she didn’t have a whole lot of money,” Zito said.

After being accepted into the residency, Zito set out with all of the gear she needed to feed her creative ambitions and bring her projects into reality.

“I actually drove to Newfoundland because I didn’t want to go on a plane and travel light because of my cameras. I wouldn’t be able to have as much as I could have.

So I put everything in the car and took a ferry across,” Zito said.

According to Zito, the cottage was off a beaten path and had limited electricity from a solar panel, no wifi and little cell service. Not only do the organizers and preservers of the site offer visual artist residencies, but they also invite writers and musicians among other creatives to get a residency at the site.

On Zito’s first day at the cottage, she sprained her foot, which transformed the journey that she was embarking on.

KENT > 6

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▪ Arts & Culture Editor Cinara Marquis

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ARTS & CULTURE

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

“Cardinal Creatives” is a weekly column that celebrates creators in Plattsburgh, both present and past. By spotlighting diverse talents throughout our community in all forms, we create a window into Plattsburgh’s art scene.

Hobby to career: Annunziata speaks on game design

BY KOLIN KRINER Public Relations Chair

From gaming with his brothers in his youth to designing video games as a career, Lucas Annunziata built a life for himself driven by passion — and he has found himself here, in Plattsburgh.

Annunziata grew up in Southern Vermont, a place that offered little for activity, so he traveled to an alternative place — video games. This gravitation created a love for video games, as they were something that brought him joy and fondness.

As he entered high school, Annunziata wasn’t sure yet what he wanted to do. He was taking art classes at the time and decided design was something that he enjoyed. He would also commonly see ads for Florida’s Full Sail University, which offered course work in video games, which inspired him to look into making them a career. However, Full Sail University was a place Annunziata couldn’t afford.

When he started his college hunt, he took a tour of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, as it was close to home but offered a degree in game design. After the tour, he decided that Champlain College was the right school for him.

“I didn’t even look at any other schools,” Annunziata said.

“Once I committed, I began applying for every scholarship I could.”

He was awarded the Vermont First Scholarship, which paid for a majority of his tuition. He graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in game design. After that, Annunziata took on an internship in Los Angeles.

The unpaid internship saw him doing design for small games for the Sony Playstation for Home. The company he was working for shut down shortly after his internship ended, but it led to him receiving a handful of job offers. Amongst these

Provided by Lucas Annunziata

Annunziata was the primary level artist for the Shambali Area 3 in Overwatch 2. offers was one for a Canadian video game developer Torn Banner, which he decided to take a chance on.

The company was just starting, had no funding, and was fully remote. This allowed him to stay in Burlington with some friends while working for the developer. Torn Banner released its first game in 2012 called Chivalry, which was available on Steam and served as a good kickstarter for success. The game did better than the group had expected, selling 1.5 million copies.

This allowed for the company to settle in Toronto and have aphysical studio, where it began working on Mirage: Arcane Warfare. Mirage allowed Annunziata to work on more stylized art, drifting away from the realism art he had previously been working on with Chivalry. This creativity gave him confidence in his work.

However, the game tanked, and so Torn Banner began working on Chivalry 2. Annunziata wasn’t interested in this prospect but remained with the company for a few months before deciding to search for another job.

While looking for different work, a recruiter from Blizzard

reached out to Annunziata to work on its popular game, Overwatch. In 2018, he moved to Irvine, California, to begin work.

At Blizzard, he worked on environment design. The first map he worked on was Busan, which allowed him to gain more experience with map design. He worked on various other maps as well, but one that he holds close to his heart was Toronto.

Annunziata himself pitched the idea for the map and pushed hard to make it happen. He explained that the experience was really cool, as he was able to design a map based on a place where he had actually lived.

“It was a way for me to write a love letter to the city,” Annunziata said. “It’s a big place for the media, as many films utilize the city to impersonate other cities. It was cool to be like, ‘No, this is Toronto.’”

In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic launched Blizzard into what Annunziata described as a “weird period.”. Due to quarantine, many people were home, creating a large market for investment in video games.

Many were tempted away from Blizzard for higher paychecks,

ELECTION

KENT

Continued from page 5

Continued from page 5

FOREIGN POLICY

“If allies in Europe and Asia suffer due to Trump’s historically transactional approach, which seeks to solidify their defense strategies independently, it could lead to greater global instability.” Lake said.

Lake provided an outlook on how Trump’s foreign policy might impact global alliances and domestic stability, as well as the economic consequences.

“With increased tariffs and an unpredictable trade environment exacerbating inflation, Americans are likely to see price spikes, especially if trade policies limit imports,” he said.

EMOTIONAL RESPONSES

Throughout the evening, attendees expressed their anxieties about the country’s future and the personal implications of these shifts. As the discussion opened to questions, one audience member raised concerns about parallels to authoritarianism in other historical contexts, which McMahon acknowledged thoughtfully.

“Authoritarian regimes often rise with citizen disengagement,” McMahon said. “If we care about the future, we must stay engaged in ways that uplift our communities, especially as democratic norms face unprecedented tests.”

but Annunziata decided to stay with the company. During this time there was a lot going on in California, including natural disasters such as wildfires, which people had to evacuate. This made Annunziata and his wife decide they wanted to leave Southern California.

The couple decided to relocate to Plattsburgh as they had family in the area. Life was comfortable, and while working remotely, he was promoted to lead environment artist for Overwatch. In 2023, however, Blizzard started to push back on remote work, and a merger with Microsoft made job stability begin to feel tarnished. Due to this, he gave a 6-week notice, and shortly after, thousands of employees were laid off.

Since leaving Blizzard, Annunziata now works for Moonshot Games, where he is currently working on an unannounced project. Additionally, he works as a mentor to aspiring game designers. He and his brother are also working on making a game together.

“Every project I’ve worked on has been someone else’s,” Annunziata said. “I want to make a game that’s my own.”

PHILO YUNRUI WANG/Cardinal Points

People at the post-election event.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Instead of exploring the cottage and places around the Brigus, she was now forced to think smaller.

“It kind of hobbled me for the rest of the trip. So I had to sit down and think, OK, what can I do here?

The rest of me is still working, you know, so what else

Provided by Lucas Annunziata

Ravine, Mirage: Arcane Warfare.

He now has a 1-year-old son, and when his son doesn’t have Annunziata’s attention, Annunziata is painting and 3D printing. He also takes some time to play video games every now and then on his Steam Deck and enjoy taking walks.

“Working from home is more taxing than you realize,” Annunziata said. “It sort of disorients reality, so I try to take a walk every day.”

Annunziata believes anyone can get into designing video games if they really set their mind to it.

“If you want to do it, you can do it,” he said. “They have videos that can teach you. You just have to commit to it.”

View Lucas Annunziata’s portfolio at lucasannunziata.com

can I do?” Zito said. “Most of what I shot and what I explored (ended up being) in the cottage itself.”

Zito was able to piece together a sketch and a working script based on the emotions and feelings she felt within the cottage as well as how Kathleen Kent may have felt throughout her life and marriage.

“I imagined Kathleen at three different ages: very young when she was in New England, with a few

Email KOLIN KRINER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

children after the divorce, at middle age and then when she’s older, and they come together in this space and have these conversations,” Zito said. “I’ve sort of built the script off the letters. It’s really more about her mindset — what it must have been like to be there and just sort of experiencing that space.”

Email GRANT TERWILLIGER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

The “Lifelong Learning for All Speaker Series,” a monthly event co-organized by Ben Carman, director of Plattsburgh Public Library and professor Raymond Carman, strives to make expert knowledge accessible to the public.

Created to encourage open dialogue, the series allows community members to engage with topics ranging from judicial decisions to electoral outcomes in an accessible setting​.

This month’s speaker series underscored the importance of informed community engagement, especially during politically divisive times. The evening served as both a call to action and a reminder that, even in challenging times, collective resilience remains a powerful force.

Email PHILO YUNRUI WANG cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

PHILO YUNRUI WANG/Cardinal Points

Lauren Zito stands in front of a projection of the film draft that she made at Kent Cottage.

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▪ Arts & Culture Editor Cinara Marquis

CARDINAL CALENDAR Nov. 11 to Nov. 17

MONDAY 11/11 African Unity general meeting Join the African Unity club to discuss topics surrounding African heritage and culture.

TUESDAY 11/12 Sailesh the Hypnotist Watch Sailesh the hypnotist perform his renowned comedic hypnosis show.

The Cardinal Lounge from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Warren Ballrooms from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 11/13 Zoom interview with novelist Jennifer Egan

THURSDAY 11/14 Jersey Mike’s fundraiser

Join Pulitzer Prize winner and the former president of PEN America in an interview with the ENG389 class.

Donate 25% of your funds to Sigma Delta Tau with each sandwhich you buy.

Zoom link on Cardinal Link from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

FRI. and SAT. 11/15 and 11/16 Band Blitz Weekend

114 Consumer Square from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SAT. and SUN. 11/16 and 11/17 Arts and Craft Fair

Listen to Daniel GorThis year marks the don’s Symphonic Band 52nd anniversary of the on Friday and Matthew arts and crafts show at Pray’s Jazz Ensemble SUNY Plattsburgh.

Fall Concert.

Come support local Support both music artisans in their crafts: students and faculty Over 100 vendors of through watching the various mediums will free event. sell their works and wares at the event.

The E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium in Haw- The Field House from kins Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Thank you for reading!

Scan above to enter a giveaway sponsored by Koffee Kat and Norma J’s Cafe & Bake Shop.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

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ARTS & CULTURE

COMEDY Continued from page 5

“My vocal abilities are what I’ve been working on for the past few years now, and this feels like the ultimate test.”

To Sutphen, the show has been one of the most challenging ones yet, but also one of the most rewarding.

Spamalot has given Sutphen the space to showcase their skill and what they have learned throughout their nearly four years attending SUNY Plattsburgh.

“I’ve also gained a huge arsenal of talented, passionate people who I am lucky to call friends through this show and become closer to those I already held dear,” they explained.

Although this is Faulkner’s first year at SUNY Plattsburgh, she already feels similarly.

“It makes all the difference to do a show with such amazing people,” she said.

NEW ROLES

Emily Fagan and Claire Ragusa are the production stage managers for Monty Python’s Spamalot. For

Fagan, that means attending auditions and maintaining contact with the cast and crew members — just like them, she is a student. Ragusa works more with administrative duties, which consist of sending emails and filling out paperwork.

Both Fagan and Ragusa take notes during rehearsal to relay to the cast, crew and staff of the theater department, as well as call cues. This is also both of their first experiences as a production manager at SUNY Plattsburgh.

“My experience has been amazing while working on this show.

Seeing how far the cast members have come since the beginning of the semester compared to now has been an honor,” Fagan said. “This experience has definitely had its hardships, but I am so glad that I have picked up this role.”

Originally, Fagan was going to be a spotlight operator, but when the time came, she was happy to step up to the position of stage manager.

Ragusa is also happy about her role.

“This is my first musical I’ve ever worked on, and it’s really unlike anything else,” she said.

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Provided by production photographer Tom Wolosz

Standing left to right: Cali Kelley, Micaela Lynch, Vincent Ferrara; kneeling left to right: Katelynn Kruger, Janiah Johnson.

“The amount of coordination and focus that goes into just about everything is mind-blowing and has given me an elevated respect for Broadway work.

The team in particular has been a joy to work with, a lot of which are very talented freshmen.”

Monty Python’s Spamalot will run from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and November 10 at 2 p.m. at the Hartman Theatre in the John Myers Fine Arts Building.

Tickets are available via Cardinal Link and cost $6 for students, $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors.

Purchase tickets for Monty Python’s Spamalot at campusgroups.plattsburgh.edu/themus/home/

Email CINARA MARQUIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

HERE AND THERE IN THE HOCKEY RINK 1. puck 2. stick 3. goal 4. skates 5. rink 6. shot 7. pass 8. goalie 9. penalty 10. powerplay 11. faceoff 12. defense 13. offense 14. slapshot 15. wristshot 16. backhand 17. checking 18. board 19. icing 20. crease

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

The Lovers card refers to passion. Possible romantic partnerships are blooming this week.

Harmony will follow you everywhere.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

The Tower card symbolizes Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) revelation. Chaos will bring about a dramatic change this week. Find liberation in these surprises.

The Empress card represents fruitfulness.

Your creativity is flourishing this week — be certain to utilize it to empower yourself and others.

The reversed Emperor card represents immaturity. You may be facing challenges with commitment or confidence that are leading you to shy away from meaningful opportunities.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

The reversed Judgement card is about denial. Take action this week; no longer is the time to delay or avoid potential problems.

You are missing out on life — address the situation and move on.

The Sun card represents positivity. Your hard work is now being rewarded with joy and contentment.

You deserve this; let yourself reap the benefits.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) The reversed Strength card The reversed Fool card entails fragility. This card entails foolishness. implores you to be brave Reevaluate your intentions and have more confidence and motivations, as you in yourself. Take some time may be holding yourself to reflect on how far you back from great things. have come as there are great things ahead.

The Judgment card depicts destiny. Now may be the appropriate time to take decisive action in your life.

Listen to your instincts and be sincere with those around you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

The reversed Star card entails doubt. It may feel like everything is turning against you, like all of your hopes are gone, but it is only pessimism. Take time to replenish your energy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

The World card entails fulfillment. Keep doing what you are doing. Your motivations empower you to continue striving for success, as it is nearly in your hands.

The reversed Justice card refers to dishonesty. You may be avoiding responsibility for a misguided action. Be more honest with yourself and others as everybody makes mistakes.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8, 2024

CAMERON GREAVES/Cardinal Points

Death of democracy: nation fractured

BY NADIA PASCHAL Opinion Editor

The election has been weighing heavy on students’ minds, and dozens showed up to see it through at BridgePSU’s election watch party.

Although the event started at 8 p.m., students started showing up at 7 p.m., as told to me by one of the executive board members of the club.

There was a buzz in the room as feelings of hope, fear and excitement swirled around.

Despite Vice President Kamala Harris joining the presidential race only in July, many were optimistic and enthusiastic about her chances.

Sophia Sabatini, a senior, was not aware that this event was happening at first, but thought it was too important not to go.

“I think that when I look back on this, from my life, I think that I’ll want to know that I was

there witnessing it and watching it,” Sabatini said.

This is not the first presidential election with a woman in the race, but there was a different energy surrounding it than the first time around. In 2016, when Hillary Clinton ran against President Donald Trump, we were not quite sure what to expect, nor how much this country was going to change.

Now, in 2024, many were much more optimistic that this time was going to be different.

VIEWPOINTS

With vastly different views and policies, there was practically no middle ground between Harris and Trump. One focus of this election has been the proposed Project 2025 going up against Harris’ promise to fight to keep reproductive healthcare. There was so much on the line, in terms of human rights. “(I have) this fear that the rights I currently have could

be taken away from me,” Sabatini said. “Not only taken away, but taken away from the people that I love.”

Dayton Cubillo-Dreher, also a senior, said that she was in support of Harris’ first homeowner policy. This plan’s aim was to lower housing costs within four years, by allotting $25,000 to first time house owners to assist with down payments. If put into motion, it would also include tax incentives for the construction of starter homes.

Cubillo-Dreher feels that Vice President Harris and nominee Tim Walz would look out for the middle class, and this would be really beneficial as a college student about to enter the real world.

The overturning of Roe v.

Wade in 2022 was devastating for women all across the country, but now, many more healthcare services are being threatened. Trump has been

discussing making massive cuts and changes to both Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. He also claimed that he would ban some vaccines, in an interview with NBC News on Nov 3.

Those in favor of Trump support his proposals of closing the border, immigration policies and education. They also voice their enthusiasm that he will lower gas and grocery prices.

Senior Jon Tarlen was able to voice his hopes for both sides, depending on the outcome. If Harris won, he hoped that student loan forgiveness would be implemented within the next few years. If Trump won, he would be in favor of more tariffs.

Sabatini said she is able to remain unbiased and see both sides of an issue as well as respect the opposing side. However, it’s been slightly different this time.

“Everyone has values and beliefs and I feel strongly that those values and beliefs correlate with who you vote for,” Sabatini said.

Senior Dylan Greco said that some of his friends did not agree on certain subjects and they went their separate ways.

Other friends of his chose not to vote at all.

“They refused to see why it’s so important to be voting, especially with this election,” Greco said.

One reason that has been given by many voters is the GREAT DIVIDE A common issue that’s been character of their preferred prevalent because of the last candidate. few elections has been personal relationships being strained or ruined completely due to POLL > 8 opposing political views.

Compiled by Kolin Kriner

What do you think about the election?

Rebecca Christie Senior Business administration

Maggie Deans Sophomore Social work

“I definitely think it’s very close and I am nervous with “Now that I have the choice to vote for a woman in my first what the outcome could election, I think it’s pretty potentially be. I’m excited to awesome.” see what it is going to be. But overall, nervous.”

Elena Tompkins Sophomore Marketing

Nadia Potts Senior Poli-sci/Public relations

“I just hope that everybody makes the right choice.”

“I am very excited to see how it turns out. Mildly worried, but overall looking forward to it.”

9

▪ Opinion Editor Nadia Paschal

▪

OPINION

Tyler inspires as he sheds mask

BY MICHAEL PURTELL Sports Editor

After being nominated for his last three albums, Tyler, the Creator has thrown his hat into the ring for his third Rap Album of the Year Grammy with his newest release, “Chromakopia.”

Tyler’s eighth studio album hit streaming services worldwide Oct. 28, nearly three and a half years after the release of his last album, “Call Me If You Get Lost.” The break was the longest since he began releasing music in 2009.

“Chromakopia” was well worth the wait, as Tyler’s sound and emotional prose is as sharp as ever.

Chromakopia’s sound overall can be described as very polished. The album feels like a full realization of Tyler’s songwriting style, albeit it is distinctly lacking a rawer edge that his previous work had been acclaimed for.

While this has turned some fans away, I believe the polish brings a consistency across all 14 tracks. No single song stands out as weak.

Thematically, Tyler is as emotionally affluent as ever.

“Chromakopia” explores Tyler’s relationship with his mother, his lack of relationship with his father, his disdain for monogamous relationships, his aversion to

parenthood and how these personal struggles impact his creative process and life as a musician.

It would not be inappropriate to say the album feels like you are listening to the 33-year-old rapper navigate a midlife crisis.

Despite leading a very different life from Tyler — sadly, I have yet to receive my first nomination for a Grammy — his vulnerability over the album’s 52 minute runtime resonated with me. He paints a very clear picture of his struggles and how he has grown through and around them.

“Chromakopia” can be separated into two distinct parts, as Tyler assesses his life first with insecurity, and then later with more self-assurance. The flip in perspective occurs during the ninth track of the album, “Take Your Mask Off.” These parts are made more distinct in the videos for each song, in which Tyler dons a dark mask until reaching the second part of the album, where it is absent.

“St. Chroma” is the album’s opening track, and is one of the album’s highest points.

Tyler both sings and raps phenomenally as he ponders whether it’s worth it or not to continue living his life the way he has been and frames his words around his mother’s words of inspiration.

Daniel Caesar appears on this song, singing alongside Tyler on the chorus. Their voices work phenomenally together.

“Noid,” short for paranoid, is the third track on the album. It is also the single which preceded the album’s release. Tyler raps about fearing something going horrifically wrong in his life because he’s so successful as a musician.

His verses are slow at first, and the song builds to a beat-drop that never comes, much like how paranoia builds expectations for something bad to happen, when nothing is coming.

Track number five, “Hey Jane,” is a contemplative, consistently paced emotional gut-punch. Tyler contemplates an accidental pregnancy, first as himself, and then as Jane, the woman he impregnated. He has yet to comment on if this story is anecdotal or fictional.

The song transitions immediately into track six, titled “I Killed You,” a hard, loud track about changing himself — specifically his hair — due to insecurity.

The placement of the two songs is not incidental, and the juxtaposition of two very different tracks creates a strong impression of each.

“Sticky,” is going to be everywhere, I’m sure of it. The song is a feature-fest, with

Via Wikipedia

“Chromokopia” is Tyler the Creator’s eighth studio album.

Many also feel that Harris and Walz are more relatable to the average person than Trump and JD Vance.

Continued from page 8 “Kamala and Walz are just much more correct, in my opinion, and “I think the biggest thing for me is they seem much more grounded and that Kamala is kind,” Sabatini said. know what they’re doing,” Cubil“I’ve never seen any kind of animos- lo-Dreher said about her vote. ity or any kind of act-out or rage-out AFTERMATH or anything like that. I feel like that’s I could not sleep at all the night of something to take into account, the election.

Instead, I kept refreshwhen you are putting someone in ing the page that showed the procharge of the entire country.” jected polls. Switching between that, social media, new outlets and text messages from friends, my concern grew more and more.

Even as Trump pulled further and further ahead, I still had hope. I put down my phone for a while, not expecting any more updates for the next day or so, until I saw the news at 6 a.m. Trump had won.

The only words I have for that moment, and even now, are utter shock and disbelief.

The hope and strength I had and saw from everyone over the past few months disappeared all at once. This election was not just candidate vs. candidate.

Via Adobe Stock Trump recieved 50.9% of the popular It was hate vs. America. A campaign based solely on hate, fear mongering vote, while Harris had 47.6%. and manipulation had won.

POLL

GloRilla, Sexxy Redd and Lil Wayne making appearances. Each is featured on a short verse and one turn of the chorus each, but all of them eat down.

The song is fun, and uses a marching band-style sound in its production, almost giving the song a rollcall feeling. Every verse is quotable and memorable.

“Take Your Mask Off” is an emotional high point in the album, three distinct verses tell three similar stories of people living in dissatisfying roles in their own lives, before Tyler takes a critical look at himself to end the song.

The production on this track is some of my favorite on the album, with a deceptively simple sound that is incredibly strong.

TikTok is already running wild with the album’s eleventh song, “Like Him.” The song is about Tyler identifying, willingly or not, with his absent father. Tyler is joined by Lola Young on the track and the pair combine to provide a sweeping and emotional sound.

Baby Keem also makes an uncredited appearance on “Like Him,” with only three ad-libs. Fans have already begun speculating that it could mean a full feature is in the cards in a deluxe edition. This gains more traction as a theory when you consider the Playboy Carti verse on “Thought I Was Dead” which was released on the album’s vinyl.

The album is produced top-to-bottom in a way I can only describe as inspiring. As Tyler jumps around morose topics he faces in his always advancing age, his songs push an undertone of hope.

Synths sing in long, romantic tones, vocalists push their will into each note and the rap verses are passionate.

“Chromakopia” is a five out of five album in my book, and quickly shot up the ranks of my favorite albums with every relisten. If you’re looking for bangers, emotional introspection, sorrow or joy St. Chroma has gifted it to us.

Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Over the past 12 years, cruel words and nasty messages have been broadcast to every citizen in the country. It did not deter the majority from Trump, but it actually won them over. This election showed that hatred and vitriol have planted their roots deep within the nation.

I’ve been thinking about all of the girls who are too young to vote, so hopeful to have a woman finally be elected and all of the older women voting for something they have been waiting to see happen for decades.

We were all so close yet so far.

It is truly heartbreaking. I hurt for myself. For my sister, my mother and my friends. My thoughts go out to men who fear for their daughters, no matter their age. To all of the men who voted for Harris, even if they did not fear their lives were going to change radically, I want to thank you.

To everyone who may have voted differently in the past but went out and voted in honor of their country and their people, you are proof that it is never too late to change.

Email NADIA PASCHAL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Collin Bolebruch

Managing Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

News Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

Arts & Culture Editor

Sports Editor Michael Purtell

Opinion Editor Nadia Paschal

Graphics Editor Cameron Greaves

Photography Editor Jayne Smith

Multimedia Editor Vacant

Sumeet Vishwakarma

Cinara Marquis

Web Editor

Public Relations Chair Kolin Kriner Faculty Adviser Jack Downs

Contact CP cp@cardinalpointsonline.com 118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY

Awards Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP): ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010 All American Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2001, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2000, four Marks of Distinction First Class Spring 2013, three Marks of Distinction Fall 2012, three Marks of Distinction Fall 2011, three Marks of Distinction Spring 2010, two Marks of Distinction Spring 2008, three Marks of Distinction Spring 2007, one Mark of Distinction Fall 2007, three Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2010, Honorable Mention 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist

10 ▪ Sports Editor Michael Purtell

SPORTS

▪

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Cardinals eliminated by penalty kicks

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief

The 2024 Cardinals are undefeated at home, and their defense ranks among the best in the league. They’ve been ranked nationally. After playing 110 minutes of its best playoff soccer, five kicks decided whether they would advance.

The No. 25 Plattsburgh State Cardinals (11-2-5, 6-2-1) were eliminated in the SUNYAC Quarterfinal by the New Paltz Hawks (9-8-2, 5-3-1), finishing both overtimes in a 2-2 tie, and falling on penalty kicks 3-5 on Nov. 2 at the Field House.

Plattsburgh is undefeated at home and allowed just one regular season goal at the Field House. The Cardinals defeated the Hawks by a score of 1-0 at home Oct. 16.

While the Cardinals have a slight chance at receiving an atlarge bid for the NCAA Tournament on Monday, head coach Chris Taylor acknowledged it was slim and that the season is likely over.

Senior midfielder John Hayes posted his sixth collegiate brace, assisted by sophomore forward Connor Howe on his second score.

Hayes, who took a seasonhigh nine shots, has an uncanny ability to take over games.

Taylor was more than impressed with the performance.

“That was one of the alltime great playoff performances from an individual player,” Taylor said.

Hayes scored the game’s first goal at the 4:43 mark, stealing a pass within the penalty area and getting a shot past two-time All-SUNYAC selection Christian Micheli. The lead was erased just under two minutes later at 1-1.

Neither team recorded a shot for the next 19 minutes, until Plattsburgh senior Teddy Healy made a save to keep it tied.

The Cards made three substitutions of starters from 27:21 to 29:41. Less than a minute after

the final sub, New Paltz took the lead.

Entering the locker room at half, Taylor made his message to the team clear: don’t panic, stay composed and don’t chase the game. Players stepped up, requesting bigger roles in the second half.

“I think a lot of them just decided it was time to take responsibility to get us back in the game,” Taylor said.

At 68:17, Howe collected a long crosser, tapped it forward, and Hayes found it in the mess of bodies, putting it in. The Cardinals ran to the sideline, meeting the men’s lacrosse team to celebrate.

“It’s that desperation, knowing that it’s going to be possibly your last game if you don’t come back and win,” Hayes said.

Multiple Plattsburgh teams showed up to support men’s COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points soccer, such as men’s hock- A New Paltz Hawk skips past the Cardinals after his team secures the penalty shoootout win Nov. 2. ey, women’s soccer, women’s “The fact that the players I lacrosse, men’s basketball penalty kicks advanced in the the back of their hands,” Taylor tournament. said.

He didn’t watch the kick. love and have done so much for and men’s soccer alumni. The Plattsburgh selected Hayes, In practice Friday, O’Neill me had to go through that was crowd of over two hundred cresenior center back Brian practiced his penalty kick so painful,” Taylor said. ated an intense environment Coughlan, graduate student spot.

He knew Micheli knew For Taylor, this season for New Paltz to play in. midfielder Thomas O’Neill, that he liked to go left, so he shouldn’t be celebrated as a junior midfielder Santiago decided to shoot right. “dream” year, but rather be used Vargas, senior forward Modou When it was time to go, he as a standard for what he expects.

Badjie and sophomore for- ran up and fired the ball low Playoffs are the minimum.

I feel like I made ward Tristan Laundree to take bottom right, where Micheli “Do not pat yourselves on the the kicks. was there to save it. back for doing what we think the right decision.

Cardinal athletes lined the Though Vargas made his, we should be doing,” Taylor I don’t have any sideline fence on the Field House New Paltz scored two to win said. “Unless we’re raising a side, making the place rowdy. the game. It’s their first playoff trophy at the end of the year or regrets.

“It makes you feel like the win in 12 years. an NCAA Tournament game, game means more,” O’Neill said.

“I feel like I made the right there’s more to do.”

The Cards and Hawks traded decision,” O’Neill said. “I don’t The team will need its young Thomas O’Neill, two successful tries, and then have any regrets.” talent and strong juniors to New Paltz made its third. O’Neill The Cardinals returned to step up to replicate their sucformer Hawk stepped up for his attempt. the locker room upset, sad and cess in 2025. Plattsburgh’s O’Neill spent the previous angry. Taylor gave a short pep senior stars — Hayes, Coughthree seasons with New Paltz, talk, thanking them for their lan, Healy, O’Neill and Badjie “I’m so happy that our play- playing 48 games as a Hawk. contributions and telling them — have all likely played their ers got to experience an atmo- He knew nearly everyone on he was proud, but acknowl- final game.

“It was tough to process,” sphere like that,” Taylor said. the pitch, but no one as well as edged those moments were one Micheli — the two played club of his “flaws” as a coach.

Hayes said. “All good things “We’re obviously grateful to soccer from fifth grade onward.

Taylor spoke with O’Neill, recome to an end.” everyone who showed up and O’Neill said it was “extremeassuring him the game didn’t made it a special day.”

After finishing regulation 2-2, ly weird” to face his old friend. come down to that moment.

When he played for the Carneither team put up a shot in 20 Taylor knew about their relationship, and went forward dinals, Taylor missed a penalty minutes of overtime.

Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH with O’Neill. kick on the same goal to lose the The game officially ended cp@cardinalpointsonline.com “They knew each other like 2009 SUNYAC Championship. in a tie, and the winner of

“

”

Women’s rugby club loses playoffs, coach WHAT’S NEXT

BY MICHAEL PURTELL Sports Editor

Losing a playoff match is difficult to digest. Saying goodbye to your coach afterwards is even harder.

The 2024 women’s rugby season wrapped up with a 0-13 first-round playoff loss to Geneseo on Oct. 27. The team went undefeated in the regular season and earned the program’s first national ranking from NAtional Collegiate Rugby, peaking at No. 8 among Division III. Now that the season has concluded, Plattsburgh State women’s rugby is parting ways with head coach Jake “Reptar” Mainville. Mainville has helmed the team for the last four years.

“We definitely had a moment of explosive anger (after the loss),” said Evie Hatch, president of women’s rugby.

“Once we got that initial anger out and it sunk in that the season was over, it was a lot sadder.”

PLAYOFFS

The Cardinals hosted the first game of the playoffs, and it was a grueling, defensive contest as neither team scored for the majority of the match. Geneseo broke through the Plattsburgh defense in the closing minutes of the game to take a late lead that secured the win.

“Obviously we wanted to win, but at the end of the day we are proud that we were able to come as far as we did and do as well as we did.” senior captain Lauren Gonyo said.

The team was inspired by the imminent departure of Mainville.

“We played this game the hardest we’ve ever played. We played it for something more than just ourselves or for the team,” Hatch said. “We played it for Reptar.”

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Coach Jake Mainville embraces Lauren Gonyo after the playoff loss Oct. 27.

He’s been coaching the club since its resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincides with the arrival of a majority of the team’s large senior class.

The connection of everyone arriving at a tumultuous time created a strong bond COACH REPTAR between the team and Mainville.

Mainville announced mid-way through “At the end of every practice we put the 15’s season that this would be his our hands in and chant ‘Three, two, last as the head coach of the program. one family,’ and that word alone sums

up both the men and women’s teams as well as rugby as a whole outside of Plattsburgh,” Mainville said. “It’s a sport you cannot play without the support of everyone on the roster.”

Mainville is leaving Plattsburgh in order to pursue his graduate degree in Eastern Virginia. He hopes coaching rugby will continue to be in the cards during the next chapter of his life.

As the team enjoys the winter off, attention shifts to improving for the spring semester and the sevens season. Despite the high rank and playoff appearance, Mainville believes the team can achieve more in the later season.

“I would say they’re more suited to be successful in the sevens season because of the way they approach the game,” Mainville said.

Once temperatures are warm enough for clubs to announce their tournaments, the team will announce the participants in Plattsburgh’s annual TnT tournament.

Instead of the usual last weekend of April scheduling, the tournament is being planned for mid-April to avoid conflicting with rugby nationals.

“I don’t put this lightly, but one of the reasons that you don’t want to schedule TnT for nationals is I think they’ve got a real shot at it if they play to their potential,” Mainville said.

The team will also need to focus on recruiting, as at the end of the spring, 15 seniors will be saying goodbye to Plattsburgh State. However, the team is not worried for the future of the club.

“There’s still a season to go and a season to recruit,” Mainville said. “As long as everyone keeps pushing along, I am very optimistic that this club is going to continue to succeed.”

Especially energizing is the fact that the team currently boasts a roster of 32.

Last year’s recruitment efforts were more than successful.

“Last semester, we were worried that we were going to leave here and there would be no team because the numbers were not there,” Gonyo said. “But the fact that we brought in 16 or so athletes is amazing.”

Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

11 ▪ Sports Editor Michael Purtell

▪

SPORTS

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Cards aim to make deep SUNYAC run

BY JUSTIN RUSHIA Associate Sports Editor

After a season that ended with a dramatic loss in the first round of the SUNYAC playoffs, the Plattsburgh State men’s basketball team is more determined than ever to reclaim the SUNYAC championship and bring the title home to Cardinal Country.

“I just want to win,” senior forward Ikechukwu Ezike said.

“I think that’s something we all have in common. We just want to win however it comes.”

Last season was a step in the right direction for Cardinal basketball. The 2023-2024 season marked Plattsburgh’s return to a winning record and its first playoff appearance since the 2018-2019 season, where the team was the runner up in the SUNYAC and made the NCAA tournament.

Head coach Mike Blaine believes the team is ready to take another step this season.

To do that, consistency will be key for the Cardinals.

“We want to be more consistent day to day,” Blaine said. “The last couple of years, it took us a while to find our groove, so we hope to be a little sharper a little sooner.”

The Cardinals’ defense finished around the middle of the pack in the SUNYAC last season. They ranked third in defensive efficiency and defensive field goal percentage and sixth in points allowed.

This season, Plattsburgh will try to hang its hat on the defense end of the court, and Blaine has emphasized its importance in practice.

“We are going to run teams out the gym,” senior guard/forward Jeremiah Love-Smith said. “In practice, it’s 45 minutes straight of drills where if you don’t get a stop or a certain amount of stops, you have to stay on that whole 45 minutes.”

The Cardinals are optimistic that a strong defense will create opportunities for their offense to thrive.

“The defense is going to open the offense. When we get defensive stops, we want to get fast breaks, so we can get good looks,” Ezike said. “It all starts with defense.”

Plattsburgh’s offense was led by now senior guard Kevin Tabb last season, who was the team’s top scorer, averaging 15.7 points per game and earning a spot on the Second Team All-SUNYAC. Other significant contributors to the offense included Dylan Trombley, who averaged 11.7 points per game and led the team in total rebounds and three-pointers; Franklin Infante, who had an average of 9.8 points per game and topped the team in overall assists; and Ezike, who ranked second on the team in rebounds and was the closest active player on the roster trailing Tabb in total points.

This season, the Cardinals aim for a dynamic offensive strategy with a team-oriented attack featuring a multitude of players.

“I don’t think there’s just two or three guys that can produce,” Ezike said.

“We’re definitely doing it by committee. I think everybody’s something that they can bring to the table,” Four players from the 20232024 roster graduated: Willard Anderson Jr., Darren Wright, Tim Thomas and Trombley, who is now an assistant coach for the team.

Plattsburgh is returning 11 players from last year’s roster: seniors forward Orlando Dawkins, guard/forward Ezike, forward Ladan Graves, guard Infante, guard Matt KoneBradshaw, guard/forward Love-Smith, guard Tabb, guard Sasha Vidrini, juniors guard/ forward Jeremy Jolly and guard AJ Williams Jr; and sophomore center Aidan McGuire.

The Cardinals are adding seven new players to their roster this season, including first-year players Jaiden Gladney, Colin Hartig and Nate Pondexter Jr., and transfers Irwayne Connell Jr., Damari Johnson, Wol Machteng and Kareem Welch.

“We’ve got a ton of options, and right now, we’re just kind of figuring out what we think is best for us and gives us the best opportunity to win,” Blaine said. “We’ve got way more roster flexibility and versatility than we’ve had in years past.”

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Ikechukwu Ezike looks for an opening against Cortland’s defense in the playoff matchup Feb. 20.

Two of the newcomers played in New York junior colleges last season: sophomore forward Wol Machteng from NJCAA Division III Cayuga Community College and junior guard/ forward Damari Johnson from NJCAA Division III Tompkins Cortland Community College.

Junior forward Connell Jr. last played college basketball at NJCAA Division III Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, from 2018 to 2019 and started at NCAA Division II St. Thomas Aquinas College in Orangeburg, New York, from 2017 to 2018.

Junior guard Welch was an NJCAA Division II All-American and All-Region XV Player of the Year when he last played at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, New York in 2021-22.

Each player on the 18-man roster brings a dynamic and unique skill set to the table.

According to Blaine and LoveSmith, this situation allows the Cardinals to adjust their lineup to effectively match up against any team they face.

“There’s going to be a lot of times it’s going to be a game-togame situational type alignment or lineup. Sometimes we may need a bigger, more physical lineup, and boom, there it is, but the next game might be a smaller, quicker lineup,” Blaine said. “I told all of our guys that they’ve got to make sure that they’re ready, regardless of circumstance, regardless of situation.”

Having such a large roster also leads to a highly competitive practice environment where players know they can’t take a day off because someone else is ready to take their spot, Blaine said. “(Having so many players) It makes practice really competitive, but not competitive in a way where it’s starting to bring animosity.

More competitive in the way of holding someone accountable to the same standard you have for yourself,” Ezike said.

Plattsburgh will have a conference schedule of 18 games, playing each SUNYAC team twice.

With the departure of Brockport and Geneseo from the SUNYAC, the conference replaced them with Canton and Morrisville from the North Atlantic Conference.

Morrisville could pose an early threat in the SUNYAC. Last season, Morrisville had an overall record of 20-5 and were 13-1 in the NAC. The Cardinals will start their journey toward a championship with seven non-conference games, including one against Division I University of Vermont on Nov. 27.

Plattsburgh’s first matchup this season will be a home game against Skidmore College on Friday, Nov. 8.

“We just have to be able to compete with the best of them,” Love-Smith said. “Nothing’s going to be given to us. We have to go and take it.”

Email JUSTIN RUSHIA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Young Cardinal team seeks postseason bid

BY EMMA DEO Staff Writer

After a bitter ending last year, Plattsburgh State women’s basketball’s young squad is hungry for a SUNYAC playoff berth. The team missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker, just one win away from earning a spot.

In the 2023-2024 season, the Cardinals finished 10-14, 7-11, placing eighth in the SUNYAC. The team has not reached the tournament in a decade, following their 2013-2014 championship win.

“By every way that you could measure experience, we had the youngest team in the conference, whether it was by lineup, rotation or full roster,” head coach Ben Sarraf said.

On average, the Plattsburgh State roster has 1.7 seasons of collegiate basketball experience. Considering the youth of the lineup, the team gained a lot of experience in just one season. The team also nearly doubled their conference wins from the season prior, jumping from four SUNYAC wins to seven.

The Cardinals lost their lone 2023-2024 senior Mya Smith to graduation. Smith started all 24 games for the Cardinals.

Plattsburgh State will welcome five guards from New York in their freshman class, including Katie Cunningham from Heuvelton, Emily Smith from Greenville, Meredith Bush from Gouverneur, Tori Russo from Schenectady and Kayla Johannesen from Hyde Park. Kaelyn Morgan from Chateaugay, New York also joins the first-years as a forward.

“It’s only been 15 practices, but they’re doing well, they’re acclimating well, and more than anything, their attitudes are

phenomenal,” Sarraf said. “They all definitely have the ability to prove themselves on this team.”

Plattsburgh will return ten players from last season’s roster. These include the following sophomores: guard Julia Greek, guard/forward Felicia Caarls, guard Selma Deisz, forward Kassidy Flayter, and guard Lauren LaFountain.

The juniors returning are guard/forward Kathy Peterson-Ross, center Imani Walcott, and guard Jaden Wilson.

Additionally, senior guard/forward Payton Couture will also return.

Deisz and Peterson-Ross appeared in all 24 games for the Cardinals last season, with Peterson-Ross starting in each.

Couture and Wilson will captain the Cardinals this season. Couture, reigning from Redford, N.Y. was named to the All-SUNYAC Third team in 20232024, starting in all 24 games she appeared in and leading the team in assists. Wilson appeared in 21 games in her sophomore season, putting up a career high 24 points against Buffalo State on Jan. 6.

“Payton is one of the best players in the conference. She upholds the standards of our team and definitely meets or exceeds the expectations that we try to set.

She’s definitely quiet, but she leads in her own way,” Sarraf said. “Jaden Wilson is the more vocal one. You can see how she leads with her voice and her energy.

Wilson said the Cardinals are looking to continue to build team chemistry as their season continues, pushing them to become stronger defensively and finally achieve a spot in the SUNYAC championship.

“With a young roster, building trust and cohesion is essential, so we

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Jaden Wilson weaves around an Oneonta defender Feb. 17. are focusing on communication and playing to each other’s strengths,” Wilson wrote in a text. “On the court, we’re aiming to limit our opponents’ scoring through effective rotations and strong defense.”

Plattsburgh State also returns junior center Imani Walcott, who was also named to the All-SUNYAC Third team in 2023-2024. Walcott started in all 24 games she appeared in, averaging a team high of 14 points per game, boasting a 51.1 shooting percentage which was third in the SUNYAC. Walcott

also led the team and conference in blocks per game, averaging 2.6.

“I would say we’ve been doing a good job coming together as a team and being able to read everyone, even the new freshmen,” Walcott said.

Walcott also emphasized the team’s desire to reach the SUNYAC tournament, looking to place in the top three in the conference.

Email EMMA DEO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

12 ▪ Sports Editor Michael Purtell

SPORTS

▪

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Cardinals fights for national spotlight

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief

The 2023-24 Plattsburgh Cardinals men’s hockey team came one puck bounce away from being back-to-back SUNYAC Champions.

The Cards hosted its first SUNYAC title since 2016, losing to the Cortland Red Dragons in overtime. Plattsburgh finished 215-2, 12-3-1 and missed an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.

This year’s squad wants to rectify that finish.

“It lights a huge fire under our bums,” said Spencer Bellina, junior defenseman. “I think guys really understand how valuable every game is and how important it is to win.”

They’re already on the right track at 1-0.

“Anytime you lose on home ice in the last game of the season, if you don’t have motivation for the next season, you’ve got to check your pulse,” said Jake Lanyi, senior forward.

The program has undergone a revitalization with head coach Steve Moffat. In the season before his arrival in 2019, the Cards won just 13 games — its worst record in 42 years.

Plattsburgh has now at least 20 games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 201415 and 2015-16, and received a No. 1 ranking for the first time since 2016.

After a brief rebuild, the Cardinals are back on the national stage.

“Pressure is privilege, and it’s something that you earn with being a top team,” said Luk Jirousek, senior forward. “We love that pressure. We rise to the occasion. Guys love to play in the big games.”

FORWARDS

The Cardinals lost their top scorer and All-SUNYAC First Team forward selection Bennett Stockdale after he signed with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL this past summer. Stockdale provided 19 goals and 17 assists during the 2023-24 campaign and scored 89 points through his three seasons with the team.

Also missing from the roster is last year’s captain and fiveyear vet Adam Tretowicz, who graduated. Tretowicz scored seven goals and 14 assists in his final year and 69 points in four seasons.

Fellow forward departures include Thomas Maia, Ryan Butler, Trey Thomas and Paul Bryer — who was good for 20 points last year, and 52 over three seasons.

Seven forwards have joined Plattsburgh for a total of 16 on the roster.

The most exciting addition is junior Division I transfer Jake Sacratini from American International College, who scored a power play goal in the exhibition against Skidmore College on Oct. 26.

The Montréaler is the son of 17-year hockey pro and Italian Olympian Vezio Sacratini.

The team’s close proximity to home and a larger offensive role were sellers to Jake Sacratini.

“It honestly feels like it’s not my first year here,” Sacratini said. “It’s been pretty easy adapting and the chemistry is kind of there with everyone.”

Sacratini is the fifth DI transfer to Plattsburgh since 2021-22, a list including Stockdale, Jacob Modry ‘23, Marcus Mitchell ‘23 and Carson Gallagher. Two — Stockdale and Modry — were All-SUNYAC First Team selections and play in the ECHL. The six first-year forwards on the team include: Shane Bondy and Patrick Cole from the OJHL, Blake Hall from the GOJHL, Brody Spencer-Ha from the AJHL, William Jasmin from the NCDC and Tyler Ramm from the NAHL. “We’re getting to a point where we can be pretty selec-

tive with our recruits coming in,” Moffat said. “I think we’ve done a decent job, but you’re always a class away from struggling again.”

Moffat said it was “huge” that the rookies got game experience in the exhibition against No. 12 Skidmore. They’ve been picking up Plattsburgh’s systems, and he said their success will hinge on how quickly they adjust to pace of play.

“I could have never expected this. I’ve never glued and meshed with a team so quickly,” Ramm said. “I had no idea what I was walking into on day one and the second everyone was here it was like I’ve known them my whole life.”

Nine returners round out the group including: seniors Jagger Benson, Jirousek and Lanyi; juniors Joshua Belgrave, Ryan Bonfield, Colin Callanan and Riley Sutherland and sophomores Aaron Catron and SUNYAC Rookie of the Year Tio D’Addario.

Jirousek said he anticipates having more poise on the ice, holding onto the puck longer and creating more space for his teammates. He acknowledged the concern that is Stockdale’s departure, but said the offense could be even better with Sacratini.

Belgrave, D’Addario and Jirousek were the team’s top-three returning scorers, notching more than 20 points each. Lanyi was “snakebit,” according to Moffat, scoring a career-low three goals but providing 16 assists on 84 shots.

Bonfield played just 14 of 28 games because of health, but scored nine points and both goals in the SUNYAC Championship.

Jirousek described the group as “dogs,” and that it’s especially tenacious with the foreCOLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points check and refusing other teams Team captain Jake Lanyi fends off an Oswego skater in a loss Dec. 2, 2023. space. D’Addario said the lines help to keep the puck out of the we’re going to be a lot better preseason poll, ahead of 2023 are balanced, and each one is defensive zone and accommo- when we just have four,” playoff team Potsdam. expected to produce points. date the forwards’ playstyles, Moffat said.

The Cardinals play each and Lanyi called the group the The team is full of unique SUNYAC team twice, once at team’s “security blanket.” The players and personalities, home and once on the road. vets agree. but they haven’t split off into Plattsburgh will participate “Our offense stems from our cliques. Each guy leads in his in two annual tournaments this season: the LayerEight Shootout Our plan this year defense,” Weaver-Vitale said. own way, “C” or not.

“We’re really excited that we “You have certain guys in Middlebury the weekend afis to attack every have everyone back.” who are talkers. You have ter Thanksgiving and the ComThe goaltender room looks certain guys who are lead fort Inn Winter Classic in Plattsgame like it’s the entirely the same, with senior by example,” Bellina said. burgh the second weekend of SUNYAC final.

All-SUNYAC Second Team se- “I think it’s really good that January 2025. lection Jacob Hearne, junior everybody brings their own In the Shootout, the Cards 2022-23 Team MVP Eli Shiller piece to this one big puzzle.” play Norwich on Nov. 29 and Luk Jirousek, and sophomore Dominik Bovan Lanyi said the players se- the winner between Marian and returning to the crease. lected to wear the letters make Middlebury on Nov. 30.

Captain Plattsburgh has greatly ben- great sense, having experiIn the Classic, Plattsburgh efitted from having two start- enced both the highs and lows plays Wentworth Institute of ing-quality goalies, alternating of college hockey.

Technology on Jan. 11, 2025 and games and riding a hot hand “The neat thing about all the winner between Wilkes and into playoffs. In 2023-24, that the “C”s this year is we’ve all the University of New England DEFENSE On the blueline, the Cardi- was Hearne — Shiller finished struggled in the beginning of on Jan. 12.

Outside of the conference and nals lost just one player in cap- last season 3-2 in conference our careers,” Lanyi said. “If a guy is not in the lineup, we tournaments, the Cardinals will tain Ryan Hogg. The fifth-year games while Hearne was 12-2.

Both have reached the can relate.” play Keene State, Wesleyan, scored 17 points last season and The captains serve as exam- Middlebury, Williams and Amwas named to the All-SUNYAC SUNYAC Championship as Second Team. During his ten- the primary starter, with ples of what every player can herst. Plattsburgh plays No. 11 Shiller in 2023 and Hearne in be, down to the fourth line and Plymouth State tonight at 6 p.m. ure, Hogg scored 45 points. on the road.

Plattsburgh added one rook- 2024. Hearne started the first the sixth defenseman.

“Just because we have letters “Especially early on in the ie defenseman in Nick Recupe- game against Vermont State on our chest, it doesn’t mean year, it’s good to play a top ro, teammate of Ramm on the University Castleton.

“Being able to have coach- really anything,” Weaver-Vitale team, because you actually Northeast Generals.

Recupero and Ramm have es have confidence in me in said. “We’re all one big group.” learn something,” Bellina said.

While the Cardinals’ official been friends for over a decade. high-pressure situations helped home opener isn’t until the Nov. SCHEDULE After playing together for the me grow as a player and as a The Cardinals were ranked 22 rematch against Cortland, last two years of juniors, made person,” Hearne said. “I feel a “package deal” commitment, like I’m able to manage adversi- No. 8 by U.S. College Hock- Plattsburgh will host an exhity and conflict a lot better.” ey Online on Nov. 4. Cortland bition game against DI hopeful Recupero said. stands at No. 10. In the SUNYAC club Simon Fraser from BurnEight of nine defensemen are LEADERSHIP preseason poll Oct. 22, Platts- aby, British Columbia, Canada returners: graduate student AllThe Cardinals ditched last burgh finished first, Oswego tomorrow at 7 p.m.

SUNYAC Second Team selection Plattsburgh can’t afford to Kevin Weaver-Vitale; seniors season’s format of two cap- second and Cortland third.

Plattsburgh’s SUNYAC sched- make the same mistakes as Ryan Poorman and 2022-23 All- tains and two alternate capSUNYAC Second Team selec- tains in favor of four “C”s ule will look significantly differ- last season. The Cards need to tion Jack Ring; juniors Bellina, on the ice: Bellina, Jirousek, ent this season as SUNY Brock- build momentum every day and port and SUNY Geneseo elected approach each game with the Lonan Bulger and Brannon But- Lanyi and Weaver-Vitale.

“Whether you have a ‘C’ or to depart for the United Colle- same intensity. ler and sophomores Sam D’Ami“We just take the foot off not, guys are helping each giate Hockey Conference. co and Simon Singher.

The Geneseo Knights won the gas for one minute, that’s Bulger and Ring each had 14 other,” Jirousek said. “It points last season, and Weav- makes being a leader on this five of the last eight SUNYAC all it takes and it can change Championships and have been your season,” Jirousek said. er-Vitale scored 15. All had at team really easy.”

Moffat said the team culture ranked No. 7 ahead of the season “Our plan this year is to least a dozen assists. attack every game like it’s the While the forwards gel, there wasn’t where it needed to be by U.S. College Hockey Online.

The conference has added SUNYAC final.” will be added pressure on the when he was hired, and that defense to start the season, the team is better off with the the Canton Kangaroos to bring Moffat told Plattsburgh State players leading the locker room. the league’s number to eight.

Every player has stepped up to The ‘Roos finished last season Athletics.

Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH 8-16-1 as an independent and The chemistry the defensem- serve in some capacity. cp@cardinalpointsonline.com “If we have 28 guys leading, are ranked sixth in the SUNYAC en have already established will

“

”

13 ▪ Sports Editor Michael Purtell

▪

SPORTS

Senior wing Bridget Orr dekes the puck through the legs of Norwich first year defensemen Alex Leslie at the Field House on Nov. 2.

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Cards look to add to program’s legacy

BY MICHAEL PURTELL Sports Editor

As always, Plattsburgh women’s ice hockey enters SUNYAC play shouldering high expectations.

U.S. College Hockey Online listed the Cardinals at No. 6 in its preseason coaching poll. The team jumped to No. 3 after its 3-1 win over No. 14 Norwich on Nov. 2.

Despite being a young team with 11 firstyears and six sophomores on the roster, Plattsburgh State is priming itself to conquer Division III hockey.

“At Plattsburgh State, there’s obviously a high standard that you walk into, and it’s very well known from the day you step on campus for the recruiting process. We all come here because of the success of the team in previous years,” senior defenseman Mattie Norton said.

‘Learning on the job’

The Cardinals are defined by a massive recruiting class. Eleven of the team’s 26 players are first-years, and they bring with them a new level of talent from the first-years of the past.

The seven rookies include: Julia and Emma Holmes, two triplets from Worcester Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts; Kayson Ruegge from the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers in West Chester, Pennsylvania; Ashley O’Hara from the Syracuse Valley Eagles in Syracuse, New York; Ella Procyk from Lovell Academy in Rockland, Massachusetts; Kate Conlon from Little Caesars in Farmington, Michigan and Tessa Morris from Rome Girl’s Hockey in Rome, New York.

The first-year blueliners are Yoo Seoyoung from the Ontario Hockey Academy in Cornwall, Ontario and Marina McCann from the St. Louis Lady Blues in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

The goaltender group features two first-years: Ava Varecka from Nichols School in Buffalo, New York and Maddy Stetson from Little Caesars.

“Going back to last year, every time we played a NESCAC team, they were always so fast. We’ve never really been like the fastest team,” sophomore goaltender Chloe Lewis said. “This year, these freshmen bring speed to our team, and I feel

like a lot of the older skaters have been capitalizing on that.”

The talent is indicative of a trend across sports in which players are getting more talented at younger ages, increasing the level of play from new recruits every year. “(The first-years) bring such a different level of talent and skill that you didn’t see five years ago throughout youth hockey, and it’s just awesome to see that in our team and in our play,” Lewis said.

But the SUNYAC is a college league, and the new faces are being met with new challenges on the ice. Luckily for the Cardinals, head coach Kevin Houle will be at the helm for his 22nd season to help acclimate the new skaters.

“We don’t have any transfers this year,” Houle said. “So they’re all learning on the job here, probably more so than most first-years, but they will have more of an impact on our program when it comes to playing time.”

‘We always want to go hard’

On the ice, the Cardinals are buckling down on the blue line to redefine Plattsburgh State hockey.

“This year, I think we try to play a shutdown defensive game first, and then we go on the offense, and as soon as we can attack, we attack hard and fast. Try to keep other teams on their toes and catch them when they’re maybe not ready for it,” Norton said. “I think, honestly, our grit and determination seem to be our identity on the ice. We always want to go hard.”

Defensemen back for another year are sophomores Maegan Forsyth and Adriana Urban and juniors Taya Balfour and Su-An Cho. Lewis will be the primary starting goalie.

The offensive identity of the team will come from that gritty mentality.

“We really want to focus on getting, like, a lot of changes on the rush, so kind of going off that defensive mentality,” fifth-year forward Mae Olshansky said.

“It’s like the oldest cliche in sports: great defense makes great offense.”

The philosophy of the team leans more toward win by committee, with everyone who touches the ice understanding that they need to contribute

where they can on offense, especially with the team losing its two goal leaders from last season, forwards Julia Masotta and Zsófia Pázmándi.

Masotta graduated and Pázmándi transferred to Division I Lindenwood.

“It’s hard to lose some of your top players like that and have a good turnover the following year. But we have four solid lines. We rely a lot on one and two to maybe put goals in the net, but three and four if you don’t take them seriously enough, they can easily do the same thing,” Norton said.

Graduates not listed also include: AllSUNYAC First Teamer forward Ivy Boric and defenseman Kendall Wasik, starting goaltender Lilla Nease and forward Tatem Cheney.

Senior forward Riley Calhoun transferred to Utica University. Players left off this year’s roster include forwards Lilli Bills, Dani Longuemare and Grace Yarkosky and defenseman Aizah Thompson Returning fifth-year forward Ciara Wall recorded the second most points on the team last year and the third most goals, and will be critical for the team in an expanded offensive role.

“Ciara Wall certainly was one of our top scorers last year. We expect a lot from her. She’s been a very good player for us for two years now, going on year three,” Houle said.

Houle also noted forwards Bridget Orr, a senior, and Emily Kasprzak, a sophomore, as returners to look out for on the offensive end.

Also returning in the forwards group are sophomores Sydnee Francis and Ava Mattaliano and juniors Ella Fesette, Emma McLean and Molly Riggi.

Norton will serve as the “C,” with Orr and Wall as “A’s.”

‘Fired up to play’

The Cardinals faced a brutal stretch of play to open the season, seeing both the No. 14 Norwich Cadets last Saturday and the No. 10 Cortland Red Dragons today.

Both these matchups proved to be difficult last season.

“We tied and lost to Norwich last year, and we know what happened with Cortland. Everyone is fired up to play them, we want to beat those teams, especially

after last year,” Lewis said. “Even the freshmen know how much of a rivalry those two teams are for us.”

After handling the Cadets 3-1 and flying up the rankings, the Cardinals now look to prove themselves again against the team that punched them in the mouth at the end of last season. “(Cortland) is going to be a battle.

They lost a lot of good players as did we.

So we’ll prepare for them as we always would,” Houle said. “We’re obviously going in with the attitude of playing the best we can and coming out with a win.”

It is likely that one of these SUNYAC powerhouses is going to have to start their conference play with a loss, setting an important tone for the rest of the season. For the skaters, there’s almost nothing more exciting.

“I’m super excited. Norwich and Cortland are the two biggest rivals from my college career,” Olshansky said.

“When playing teams like that, I know that I’m going into what’s gonna be a really fun, fast and hard game.”

Former Cardinal Julia Duquette left the coaching staff, and has been replaced with former teammate and national champion Emma Killeen.

The Cardinals play each SUNYAC team three times.

Plattsburgh will host the annual Panther/Cardinal Classic the last weekend of November, featuring Middlebury, St. Norbert and Endicott.

The Cards travel to play in the Norwich East-West Classic the first weekend of January 2025, competing against Nazareth, Norwich and Amherst.

Plattsburgh has two more non-conference games scheduled, playing Middlebury and Williams.

The strong competition will ramp the Cardinals up for their annual trip to the NCAA Tournament, having not reached the big game since 2019.

“We obviously strive for the national championship,” Norton said. “That’s always our number one goal.”

Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

XC SUNYAcs RESULTS men’s (8k): fifth

WOmen’s (6K): fifth

14

MICHAEL BROCKWAY

27:39.0

10

SARAH SMITH

24:46.5

16

SAM FAGA

27:41.8

23

GRACE ESTUS

26:15.6

19

ERIK KUCERA

27:58.8

34

LILLIAN MORAN

26:54.9

32

PETER BASILE

28:42.3

35

ELLA STUTTARD

27:05.4

35

GRAHAM RICHARD

28:52.4

36

ISABELLE CUNNINGHAM

27:13.2

38

DENALI RODRIGUEZ-GARNICA

28:55.6

43

GINNY LUCCHETTI

28:05.5

48

BRODY OLDEN

29:44.1

52

JILLIAN HEAD

30:35.1

(PR)

FRIDAY, NOV. 8, 2024

PREVIEWS: MBB page 11 WBB page 11 MHKY page 12 WHKY page 13

WINTER

PLAYOFFS: MSOC page 10 RUGBY page 10 XC page 13

2024-25

Ikechukwu Ezike MBB 5 Forward

Payton Couture WBB 33 Forward

34

Ciara Wall Forward WHKY

23

Brannon Butler Defensemen MHKY