4/21/2009

Women's Tennis

2009 MAAC Champions

See story on p. 16

WEEK OF April

Junior Paulina Rys named Most Outstanding Performer WWW.FAIRFIELDMIRROR.COM

23, 2009

The independent student newspaper of Fairfield University

Vol. 34, Iss. 26- 16 pages FREE - Take one

'Love doesn't hurt'

Thirty percent of college students have been involved in abusive relationships

by Janelle

Cecco

Tension leads to anger and hurtful words. Cursing leads to an outward fight that turns physical. Next, he goes to punch you but hits the wall instead. You're lucky. This time.

You cry.

H e becomes remorseful and buys you flowers. Then the tension builds again and this time the punch hits you, not the wall.

This is the Contributed Photo

The Mirror in brief Commentary:

"Students come together for worthy cause" — Fight apathy, give to a worth cause See p. 8

He Said/She Said:

"Rules of the Road" — Josh Kenney and Kristen McManus talk about driving.

See p. 12

Entertainment:

"2009 summer music festival preview" — Bonnaroo and more. See p. 9

Sports:

vicious cycle that 30 percent of the nation's college students experience due to involvement in abusive relationships, according to Dr. Elise Harrison, assistant director of the counseling services at Fairfield University.

When the celebrity singing couple, Chris Brown, famous for his hit song "Forever" and Rihanna, famous for her hit song, "Disturbia," did not show up at the Grammy Awards this year, fans were skeptical.

Word got out and so did the horrifying pictures of Rihanna's unrecognizable face. However, after the curses, punching, bruises and choking, Rihanna did not want a stay-away order for Brown, according to the March 23, 2009 edition of People Magazine.

She has chosen to forgive her alleged abuser and wants to drop the two felony charges against suspect Chris Brown.

"I hope that young adults who see publicity about Chris Brown and Rihanna are upset to hear that she returned to the relationship and that it is raising awareness and

Pancreatic passion

Hey ma, if you could see me now

University grad discovers breakthrough linking hepatitis B to cancer

by Annie

Rooney

Who would have known that one of the world's primary leaders in the clinical study and treatment of pancreatic cancer graduated from Fairfield University?

Dr. James Abbruzzese graduated in 1974 in the first co-ed class at Fairfield, and has gone on to achieve more than just a PhD. He is actively involved in the assessment of pancreatic cancer and specializes in investigating phase I drug development from the National Cancer Institute. This has landed him the position of chairman of the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

"I work with a group of difficult cancers, so many of the patients that I get to know eventually die," Abbruzzese said.

"However, it is rewarding to me that we can do so much more

See "Grad" on p. 6

"Down but not out" — Coverage of men's lacrosse.

See p. 16

conversation about the issue of relationPhoto Illustration by ship abuse," said Peter Caty Harrison.

A survey was out of it," said recently conducted by Pelazza. the Boston Public Health But many Commission concerning teen times the abused dating violence.

Out of the 200 teen- victims are willagers questioned, 46 percent said Rihanna ing to forgive the was responsible for what happened, as stated abuser and feel that in The New York Times. the situation is their Todd Pelazza, director of Public Safety own fault. at Fairfield University, emphasized the need "Many people who are for more readily available literature regard- involved in abusive relationing abusive relationships, so that teens ships blame themselves and would not have this type of reaction to such have a lot of shame about their incidents. relationship," said Harrison.

"The more educated that people are on This shame, along with the any particular topic involving assault, then problems that young people encounthe more empowered they are in recognizing the sings and are able to take action to get See "Nearly" on p. 5

Just click it! www.fairfieldmirror.com

Trish Konefal/The Mirror

The class of 2009 celebrated Mock Wedding in a special ceremony on the beach on April 18. After the beach wedding, the class boarded a boat to continue the celebration.

Watch this week's exclusive video on Jail N' Bail

Read The Mirror online as an electronic paper by clicking on the e-Mirror box in the right column.

2 April 23, 2009

PAGE 2

News

The

Mirror

... where Sunday morning came way too early, especially for Mock Wedding.

Jesuit R undup

News from the 27 other Jesuit colleges in the U.S. by

Courtney Kern

Georgetown President Obama visits Campus President Barack Obama visited Georgetown to address the nation's economy. In Georgetown's Gaston Hall, among media, students and other guests, he spoke about his recovery plan and how educated citizens will be an integral part in saving the economy.

Only several hundred students were able to attend after applying on an online lottery system.

The rest of the student body was able to watch Obama speak on stations set up around campus. White House guests made up half of the audience. A protest in response to Obama's views on aborContributed Photo tion was staged outside.

Ridin on a dolphin

Source: The Hoya

Fordham University implements veteran program Fordham's new program, FordhamVets, has been created to make academic and support programs accessible to veterans. This applies to the undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Fordham also participates in the government's Yellow Ribbon program which as a part of the GI Bill encourages educational institutions to assist with veteran's tuition. The program will launch in the fall and open houses are planned for later this semester.

Source: Inside Fordham

Canisius Hair raising event held The third annual "Goin' Bald for Bucks" and "Locks of Love" challenges are being held to raise money for cancer research and patient care at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Pledges are collected for those who are cutting off their hair.

Hair must have at least ten inches to spare for someone to participate. The hair will be donated to Locks of Contributed Photo Love. "Bald for Bucks" was founded by Canisius student, Anthony George to benefit his sister, an alumnus of the college who lost her battle with cancer in 2004.

Source: News Headlines

Trish Konefal/The Mirror

News

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Gauntlet grant

April 23, 2009

3

Fairfield must raise $2 million for Bellarmine Museum by 2013 by

Kristen McManus

Forget the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Bellarmine Hall might be your Art History class' next field trip.

Fairfield University recently received a $500,000 challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for the Bellarmine Museum, which is set to open in fall 2010. Museum highlights include items on loan from the Cloisters Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art along with the University's collection of Italian Baroque and Renaissance period paintings.

By July 31, 2013, the University must match the grant four to one, completing a $2.5 million endowment for the museum.

The University is currently fund-raising the $2 million needed.

When asked about the fund-raising process amid the difficult economic climate, Vice President of Advancement Stephanie Frost said she sees the NEH grant as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

"Gifts to the project's endowment will help the institution receive the NEH monies, so there is a great opportunity here for leverage and for having one donor's gift count in helping to raise another gift," Frost said. "Challenge grants are always welcome, especially those from a prominent organization such as the NEH, but are even more welcome in difficult economic times."

Frost said the fund-raising team spends a large amount of time reaching out to alumni, parents and friends of the University to secure such funds.

"Based on those many conversations, we are able to reach out to individuals who we know have an interest in the arts," she said.

John Meditz '70, a University trustee and vice chairman and co-founder of Horizon Asset Management in New York City, gave a $2.5 million gift to support the capital part of the project. Before that the Charles and Mabel P. Jost Foundation and the Samuel Mirror File Photo H. Kress Foundation offered The Bellarmine Museum, set to open in the fall of 2010, has received a $500,000 challenge grant $125,000 and $50,000, re- from the National Endowment for the Humanities. spectively.

"To the extent the Belgreat regularity and success," said Deu- years down the road that may be colarmine Museum will augment the greater pi. "The process of hands-on learning will curated by faculty from Art History and, goal of more fully integrating life and only be facilitated when these works are all say, Biology," she said. learning on campus, I believe it represents gathered together in one central location; Centerbrook Architects and Planners a great milestone for Fairfield," said Meditz a location that will also include a 'Smart' of Centerbrook, Conn. are designing the in a 2008 Fairfield Now article. classroom on-site." museum. Its other projects include the According to a recent press release, Art History student Nadine Hov- Hood Museum at Dartmouth College, the the NEH grant will add to an endowment nanian '09 said the museum will serve Williams College Museum of Art and the to fund a full-time museum director, faculty students in their required Visual and Fairfield Museum and History Center, acand staff workshops on integrating visual Performing Arts courses as well as the cording to the Fairfield Now article. arts into the curriculum, a lecture series, greater Fairfield community.

The museum will be the third art "galplanning to find and install exhibitions and "I find that the Museum will greatly lery" on campus. Others are the Thomas J. loans, and web site development. complement Fairfield University's mis- Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center and the Jill Deupi, interim director for the sion, and will encourage interdisciplinary Lukacs Gallery in Loyola Hall. museum, said the Bellarmine Museum inquiry among its students," Hovnanian "I think it is fair to say that the "will substantially enhance the Art Histo- said. "I believe it will serve as a wonder- Bellarmine Museum can only enhance ry program and what it has to offer," and ful supplement to courses, not just those Fairfield University and what it offers its said she and her colleagues use "many strictly focused on the arts." students, as well as its faculty, staff, alums, of the objects slated for the museum in Deupi said she wants to invite all de- supporters and members of the surrounding [their] day-to-day teaching." partments to benefit from the museum. communities," said Deupi.

"These pieces are already used with "Indeed I foresee exhibitions several

The new doodling by

Kelly Belchere

In the past, students simply did not have enough distractions to keep them occupied in class. There was only daydreaming, texting, passing notes and doodling.

In the new wireless world, students are abandoning the outdated distractions and adopting the laptop computer to kill time in class by updating their Facebook page, checking out the pictures of their sister's new baby and getting in a few games of Solitaire.

But there is a downside to this new trend that students may be overlooking; a recent study by researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder showed that using Inside: laptops actually has a negative effect on "I love my students' performance in class. blackberry" – Fairfield professors say they One teacher's take have been wrestling with the pros and on Blackberries on cons of allowing students computer access during class. Some find this class "laptop-free" policy hard to enforce p. 8 and believe Internet access can "enrich" classroom discussions.

English Professor Frank Moliterno, who allows the use of laptops during class, has found that only about two to three students bring their laptops regularly to class, and those students have "done well" in his courses.

"I haven't noticed widespread use of laptops. What's more, most students seem to be using them responsibly," White said.

Richard Regan, an English professor, who has been called by students "one of the most tech savvy professors" at Fairfield University, also supports the use of laptops; in fact, he requires them in his EN11 Composition class.

However, he does not deny laptops are being misused.

To avoid students becoming too distracted by their laptops, he said he uses the command "tops down" (meaning literally: close your laptops) when he wants their undivided attention.

Yet Professor Lynne Porter, a theatre teacher, strictly

Students distracted by laptops in class

prohibits the use of laptops during her classes.

"There is too much chance for students' misusing the technology," she said. "The act of writing by hand is an act of memory — you are actively creating neural pathways to memorize and learn."

Porter also added, "writing on a computer keyboard puts the emphasis on the document, not on the students learning."

All of the professors interviewed suspect that students do use computers inappropriately during class time. However, the matter of whether it affects their learning and grades is still being debated.

Diane Sieber, an associate professor Contributed Photo teaching engineering undergraduates, reThe jury is still out on whether or not laptops are a benefit to students ported that 17 of her students in one class during classes. Some students grades may suffer due to the distraction. used laptops last semester. Those students did 11 percent worse, on average, then to play games and talk to their friends," said Safir. their peers who did not use laptops as much. It is no surprise Sarah Wheeler '11, a student at Georgetown, said her then that as the laptop usage declined, the students' grades school allows students to have laptops in most classes except increased. larger lecture classes. She said, "I use [a laptop] in all my In reaction to these findings, professors at various law- classes. I think it's helpful especially because it's faster for me schools have started to implement laptop-free zones. Schools to take notes and I have horrible handwriting!" such as Florida International, Georgetown, Harvard and the When asked if she suspected that other students were Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin have also supported misusing their laptops during class she said, "Some people will this policy. just sit on Facebook or iChat for the entire class but their grades Interviews with 10 Fairfield students showed that most definitely reflect this." Wheeler also added that students who use students do not regularly bring their laptops to class. "I know their laptops responsibly get better grades. that if I did (bring my laptop to class) I would go on the Internet There seems to be a similar trend at Fairfield. Using your causing me to lose focus," Hope Curtis '11 said. laptop to take notes, do research and organize class notes will A few students feel that laptops should be used more work to students' benefit. However, the tendency to become frequently in class. "I think they're helpful because you can distracted is overwhelming. relate information from one source to another quickly whether As Religious Studies Professor Rosemarie Gorman stated, it be the Internet to the student or the teacher to the student!" "Grades do suffer since the temptation to do other things Nicholas Lattimore '09 said. [rather] than take notes is frequently present. We are losing Jessica Safir '11 disagreed and feels laptops shouldn't be the sense of what it takes to be a community of learners when used in class. "They are a distraction because students want some escape into their laptops."

4 April 23, 2009

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News

Nearly 20 percent of University students utilized counseling services on campus Continued from p. 1 ter in relationships, comes from many struggles that college students tend to experience.

"Most college students are struggling with important transitional life decisions – careers, independence, sex, values, intimacy and commitment …" said psychology professor Rona Preli. "Often they struggle with issues of distance and time … having to commit time to studies interferes with seeing each other and being able to nurture and sustain relationships."

In a survey taken at Fairfield University, of ten undergraduate students – five males and five females – six out of the ten students confirmed that they knew of someone involved in an abusive relationship – verbal or physical – in college.

Whether a person is involved in such a relationship or is aware of one, "There are many stigmas attached to abuse in young adult relationships," Pelazza said. "Many of the abused feel like the abusive cycle will be broken. They think that things are going to change for the better."

Situations rarely change for the better. Abusive relationships are progressive, so once there has been abuse the likelihood of another episode is high. In a survey of 500 young women, ages 15 to 24, 60 percent were currently involved in an ongoing abusive relationship, as stated in a Bureau of Justice Special Report on Intimate Partner Violence in May 2000.

"Love doesn't hurt. If he hits you once, he'll hit you again," Oprah Winfrey said on the March 9, 2009 episode of her daily talk show when discussing the Chris Brown and Rihanna scandal.

Hitting, punching and strangling are only a few examples of physical abuse. There are many warning signs and one of the major most obvious ones, especially among young adults, is the excessive consumption of alcohol.

Ninety-five percent of cases of abuse in relationships involve alcohol. Alcohol gives the abuser a temporary self-esteem boost and leads to more conflict and violence.

When alcohol is involved, "the victim may feel that they are unsure of the details of the sexual assault. They may feel that they are partially at fault because they were intoxicated," said Harrison.

Luckily, help is readily available for young adults right on their college campus.

"Last year 19.8 percent of undergraduate students at Fairfield University utilized the Counseling and Psychological Services compared to the national average of 11 percent," Harrison said.

Knowing the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy relationship is key as well as the ability to detect the warning signs of abuse. Since abuse is an issue of "control and power," Pelazza said, if the situation is controlled during the early stages of verbal abuse, the chances of physical abuse reaching its peak are much lower.

"The more educated people are on any particular topic involving assault, the more empowered they are in recognizing the signs and are able to take action to get out of it. My strongest recommendation is, if you are in one, try to get out as soon as possible," said Pelazza.

In the Jeanne Clery Crime Report of 2008 for Fairfield University, there was one reported incident of forcible sexual offense and five reported incidents of aggravated assault.

"Statistically, studies throughout the country state that the crime is under reported," said Pelazza. "This is why it is important that students are aware that help in available and that reporting an incident is OK." Abuse in young adult relationships exists. "Tell someone, do not keep your concerns a secret," said Harrison.

"Meet with a counselor to develop strategies for leaving the relationship and to deal with feelings about the relationship.

Abusive relationships may be difficult to end."

April 23, 2009

5

Rihanna and Chris Brown's relationship did not end well for Rihanna.

However, 46 percent of teenagers in a survey blamed Rihanna for the incident.

Fairfield provides counseling services for those who wish to speak to someone and last year Contributed Photo 19.8 percent of students sought counseling in some form. There was only one reported sexual offense at Fairfield in 2008.

By the numbers: 60

Percent of young women have been in an abusive relationship, according to a study by the Bureau of Justice.

30

Percent of college students have been in an abusive relationship, according to Dr. Elise Harrison, assistant direc-

tor of the counseling services.

19.8

Percent of undergraduate students at Fairfield have utilized counseling services last year

11

The national average of students who use counseling services.

1

Reported forcible sexual offense on Fairfield's campus in 2008, according to the Jeanne Clery Crime Report.

6 April 23, 2009

Grad leading the way to cancer cure, credits Fairfield Continued from p. 1

for GI cancers today than in the past."

Abbruzzese has written over 150 original articles and book chapters, granting him the Editor in Chief position at the International Journal of Pancreatology.

Abbruzzese also holds the Annie Laurie Howard Research Distinguished Professorship.

Abbruzzese is the principal investigator of a phase I drug development grant from the National Cancer Institute and received another grant to develop techniques Abbruzzese to asses the impact of novel targeted therapeutic agents in cancer patients, which is the main focus of his research.

In Oct. 2008, he published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology his findings showing that exposure to Hepatitis B may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Along with the advances in technology, Abbruzzese's love for his medical profession is full of hard work but he said, "I think that there are so many opportunities in medicine that the work is worth it."

His call to the medical field was heard after graduating high school.

"I would not [have considered] myself to be a stellar student in high school," Abbruzzese said. "Too much goofing off." Like most high school students, he wasn't fo-

cused on his future during those four years; it wasn't until his four years at Fairfield when Abbruzzese grew intellectually and passionately toward medicine. What he liked most about Fairfield University was that he could not only enroll directly in their pre-med program but also its environment and size.

"We had great access to our teachers," he said. "So if you wanted to work hard you could do very well with the faculty really making the effort to help you."

Without Fairfield University, Abbruzzese said that he may have had a harder time receiving acceptance into a good medical school. The school not only taught him the essence of hard work and its correlation to achieving goals, but "the fact that we were required to take lots of courses in religion and philosophy" benefited him as well.

"I think this broadened my thinking and has made me a better physician," Abbruzzese added.

"If there is one regret it is that I spent too much time studying and too little time getting involved in the many opportunities that exist at Fairfield," said Abbruzzese. He advises pre-med students "to take the time to get experiences outside of just the academic aspects of college."

Abbruzzese said he cannot be more proud of his skyrocketing career and accomplishments. "You have the opportunity to make an impact and do something you love everyday," he said.

This driven doctor does more than the required work hours toward the cure for pancreatic cancer; he does it with a smile.

News

The

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Commentary

Editorial

Editor: Veronica Florentino

April 23, 2009

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Welcome to Fairfield

Editorial Board Tom Cleary - Editor in Chief Lily Norton - Executive Editor Chris Simmons - Managing Editor Veronica Florentino - Commentary Editor Keith Connors - General Manager Joe Cefoli - Online Project Manager

7

Jail N' Bail nominees

In honor of this week's Jail N' Bail, these are the people we would like to see arrested.

Alex Gross, Student, Former (tear) Editor in Chief of The Mirror Description of Jailee: Curly hair, one blue eye – one brown eye, likes to talk about environmental issues.

Reason for arrest: Littering, and driving a SUV. Orin Grossman, Academic Vice President Description of Jailee: Wears a suit, glasses.

Reason for arrest: Allowing "the Stagweb cheater" a.k.a. "the Banner Bandit" to graduate, but still ... Grossman can play piano like a pro.

Peter Bayers, English Professor Description: Wearing climbing pants, flip-flops, and a Patagonia fleece.

Reason for arrest: Murdering a mole.

Phil Lane, Economics Professor Description: Dressed like Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel (red sweater vest).

Reason for arrest: Always saying "himself."

Carole Ann Maxwell, Musical Director Description: Always carrying a cup of soda, likes to wear extravagant dresses at Clee Club concerts.

Reason for arrest: Letting Glee Club "go wild" in their upcoming Pops Concert.

Fr. Jeffrey von Arx, University President Description: Roman collar, black suit, glasses, lefthanded.

Reason for arrest: Improper use of a golf cart.

Fr. Michael Doody, Director of Campus Ministry Description: Roman collar, glasses.

Reason for arrest: For flicking people's faces and punching students.

Josh Kenney, He Said Description: Dark hair, glasses, likes to give a peace sign.

Reason for arrest: Not sending in his column to The Mirror on time this week.

Fran Silverman, Journalism professor and advisor of The Mirror Description: Small stature, short curly hair, high voice.

Reason for arrest: Being too nice.

Jeff Seiser, FUSA President Description: Dark hair, slacks and tie.

Reason for arrest: The Mirror has done extensive research to determine that size does not matter.

Kid who got home run off The Mirror Description: We don't know you ... but we will find you.

Reason for arrest: We lost, 7-6.

In reference to Homeless Village, Jail N' Bail, and the influx of tours all at the same time.

Students coming together for worthy cause by

Tom Cleary

Every year around basketball season and FUSA elections, the same big question arises.

Are Fairfield students too apathetic?

Whether or not that is true, certain events always spark activism among students on campus.

Two weeks ago, a record 657 students turned out for Hunger Cleanup, waking up early in the morning and helping those in need.

Another event, now in its third year at Fairfield, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, is also an opportunity for students to show that in reality, they do care about things other than drinking and sometimes doing work for class.

Since its first year, the event, which is sponsored by the University's chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, has grown exponentially. On the fund-raising side, $30,000 was raised last year, more than double the amount of the year before. Also 350 students walked in the event, more than the 250 that participated the first year.

That is the point of this column, join with those people and show that Fairfield really does care.

Sometimes an event or topic sparks such strong feeling in a writer that it is almost wrong to not use the opportunity, the pedestal so to speak, to promote it. Relay for Life is one such event for me.

If you talk to almost anyone on campus, it is

The editorial represents the opinion of the majority of The Mirror editorial board.

What is your opinion? Write to us: mirror.comment@gmail.com

likely that they have been somewhat affected by cancer. It is a disease that is devastating and widespread.

It affects everyone, from a child with leukemia who has to leave school and misses half of their childhood to a retired grandfather. It does not discriminate based on race, religion or economic status.

I know first hand the way that cancer can disrupt a life. It is a subject I rarely talk about, but one that has shaped my entire life. When I was in eighth grade, my father died at the age of 50 from cancer.

It was a tough time, but one that has made me even more aware of the pain that cancer can cause. For my first two years at Fairfield I considered writing a column like this or finding a way to get more involved in the event.

I know what it is like to lose a loved one, to watch a hero battle and then lose to the debilitating disease of cancer. And I want to help make sure that no other family has to endure what I went through.

Fund-raising is important for every charity and is important to help fight any disease. But for cancer it seems even more dire. Every year the technology and medicine improve, bringing the world closer and closer to a cure. Each year the death rate from cancer drops by one or two percent, which seems small, but in reality is a drastic amount, when considering the scope of the amount of people who have cancer.

Healthier lifestyles, improved screening and better treatment options have led to a drop in up to 20 percent in cancer-related deaths since the 90s.

So this weekend, take a moment and think about giving a few dollars to the cause. Or pick another cause. One that affects you more.

Think about buying a less-expensive brand of beer and giving the money you save to a worthy cause.

It is actually worth it.

THE FAIRFIELD MIRROR The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers:

Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted by disk, e-mailed to themirror.feedback@mail.com or submitted through our Web site: www.fairfieldmirror.com.

Once received, all letters become property of The Mirror.

There are no guarantees of publication and all submissions must be signed.

The Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, length and grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities and personal attacks, and should contain correct and factual information.

Please keep letters to under 350 words.

Include a daytime phone number at which the author can be reached.

Relaying the spirit at Relay for Life this weekend.

Mirror file photo

Relay for Life will take place on Friday, April 24 starting at 6 p.m. in the circle outside of the Barone Campus Center and will end at 6 a.m. on April 25. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Relay for Life page of the American Cancer society at www.main. ascevents.org.

8 April 23, 2009

Commentary

Trusting the karmic gods of registration

I understand that the cost of one student's struggle with registration was paid for by the ease of my registration. I understand On Tuesday, April 14 at 9:57 a.m., that there are other rising seniors who could while sitting in my Comparative Economic not get seats in their preferred major classes Systems class, I pulled out my laptop and because I took them to fulfill my minor. And went on StagWeb. At exactly 10:01, I regisbefore anyone comes after me with pitchforks tered for the six classes I was interested in, for saving myself seats in two classes, know checked to make sure all six were processed that both classes are still open and students correctly, and put my laptop back in my bag can register for them. But I also believe in the and resumed class. karmic gods of registration, who understand I loved the new registration the struggles I have system. I would like to take this faced with registraopportunity to thank everyone tion and are now from the Administration and the finally letting me Registrar who put together this have everything I plan and system. want and need for I would also like to thank in my senior year. particular whoever chose to have Has this new students with last names beginsystem corrected ning with E and F have the first all the problems registration time slot. with registration?

For me, registration was a It's too soon to tell. glorious experience. I registered A lot of students for some of the most unattainable are struggling with classes outside of my major and it, but that comes got a seat with no difficulty. with any transiFor the first time in my tion. Yes, I lucked Fairfield career, I even regisout, but is it really tered for two visual and perworth it when you forming arts classes, so that I consider the stress Contributed Photo can save myself a seat in both Your computer is the oracle of the karmic registration gods. it caused so many as I take extra time to decide other students when which course I'll keep and which I'll drop. who somehow find a loophole, a means to StagWeb crashed, or when students signed on There was no running to the registrar or trick the system into getting exactly what to register at 5 p.m. only to discover they waiting in line. I didn't have to assure the they need, or to save a seat in several classes were shut out of their major courses? If the registrar that I do have three minors even while you decide what you want. I know that Banner system can be improved to handle though the computer doesn't display more some of the problems I have had getting into the loads of students who will be registering than two and I did not have to rearrange my classes were because students were saving at any given time, then the system might be schedule in the office when I found that the seats before I could register. successful. That is, if the karmic registration courses that I wanted were filled.

But is there really a problem with all of gods will set a balance to ensure that over Best of all, I did not have to leave class that? As students ranging in age from 18- time you'll be able to take all the courses you to register and I did not have to miss my reg- 23, everyone should know that nothing is need to graduate. In addition, if Banner can istration time in order to attend class because perfect, and you cannot always get exactly handle it, then online course shopping is a lot skipping class to register is explicitly forbid- what you want — if you don't understand easier than going in to see the registrar both den, so obviously no one ever skips class. this, it might be time for you to learn it. The for us and for them.

I cannot remember one semester at registration system has never been perfect, In the meantime, I sympathize with Fairfield where I did not have some sort of admittedly, but it never will be. Getting into everyone who struggled, but I'm going to sit problem registering for classes, aside from the PH 10 section I wanted freshman year back and enjoy my stress-free registration. the semester when Dean of Freshmen Deb was a struggle, but if I did not get it, I still After all, the karmic gods may make me pay Chappell prepares your classes for you. As had more time to take it in future. for it next semester. by

Veronica Florentino

by Javier Campos

a freshman with the worst lottery number, I quickly learned that if I was going to get the classes I wanted, I would have to work for it and get to know professors as I tried to get written into classes.

When the wait-list system was enacted, I was heartbroken because it killed all my techniques of getting into classes. I could not imagine getting any of the classes I needed freshman year if I could not get written in.

Furthermore, there are always the students

I love my Blackberry

for more information about the documentary? However, I do not think so). Out of 22 students in my current class, five have that obsession.

This year I am teaching an Intermediate Spanish course sequence At least it is not my complete class. Thank goodness! for First Year Students. I would say that the majority use their cellular The other day I happened to see another language professor phone or "Blackberry" like another teaching a class in Canisius Hall. That part of their body. Of course, there is professor was writing something in nothing wrong with that. They are the the board and there were two students "Generation @" (or "Generation Y"). checking their Blackberry! Perhaps in They grew up with the digital revoluour languages classes it is particularly tion (Internet, Cellular, Google, Youtroubling if our students are checking Tube, Facebook, Blackberry, laptops, their "blackberry." We teach in another IPods, etc). language and students must think and be In fact, they say they cannot immersed in the target language. live without these items. If electricWhen they are checking that beautiity disappears from the planet for 24 ful device, they "check out" of class and hours, they will panic. They seem to lose contact (like NASA losing contact fear short-term loss of contact with with a satellite in orbit). What if suddenly people (virtual contact). I understand an alien from another planet starts talking that too. to you when you check your Blackberry.

But for their professors, this de"What did u say?, omg!", the student pendence is new, different from even would say (not the alien from another one year ago, especially the obsesplanet). sion with their Blackberry. They use Some students are getting bad it in classes while I am teaching even grades because they are disconnecting though I wrote in my syllabus that they from class on an ongoing basis. In other lose points from their participation. words, the beautiful "Blackberry" helps Even so, they are so obsessed that they to connect us fast with the world, but it use it when I am looking at the other can also "totally disconnect" you from an Photo Illustration by Peter Caty/ The Mirror opportunity to learn more about another side of the room or when I write on the board. Even if I show part of a film or a Your Blackberry doesn't always keep you connected. language, another culture and civilizadocumentary, they choose that moment tion. The end. to check something in their Blackberry.

Editor's Note: Javier Campos is a writer, and columnist for Of course, what appears there could be infinitely more important several Latin American newspapers, and professor of Modern than anything they will learn in class. (Or maybe they are searching Languages and Literatures at Fairfield University.

The

Mirror

iPods preventing student apathy by

Annie Rooney

Are you sick of going to events for the free pizza, ice cream, barbeque or T-shirt? Recently the Student Government at the University of Kentucky has begun giving away free iPods in order to gain attendance at campus events. If you can't fit anymore "Fairfield Red" shirts into your University provided dresser drawers anymore, this option could be very tempting.

According to a recent University article in the Kentucky Kernel, the Student Government "budgeted to give 20 iPod Touches to event organizers on UK's campus, 10 for diversity events and 10 for educational events." Apparently you can only encourage students to support diversity and education in Kentucky if you give them a free iPod. What's going to happen when students get tired of iPods?

It's sad to see that this is the only way to motivate students to get involved. Obviously there are students planning these events, did they chose to do so because they were given a free iPod? My guess is probably not.

I think it's safe to say that we live in a world of consuming. University groups and organizations have caught on to this trick and are not letting go.

Free is a word you wouldn't think about hearing in college, yet we are bombarded with the word on almost every FUSA poster on this campus.

It seems like one big oxymoron to me. We are paying this University so we can get a good education and hopefully a good job in a few years, yet they're paying us with consumer goods to gain higher attendance at campus events. If we're not interested in certain academic events, so be it.

Not going to these academic events is frustrating to administrators but in reality, we're saving them money.

We're saving them money so that maybe we can get healthier and more appealing food options on campus, or more reliable bus services. Why give us an iPod or an Xbox when the students would appreciate better amenities as a whole. Going to an academic event should be out of a personal decision to become more educated or involved in a topic. Not because of a bribe.

Contributed Photo

Entertainment

Editor: Whitney Douglas

April 23, 2009

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2009 summer music festivals offer lots of options

The entrance to the Bonnaroo music festival, held annually in Tennessee. by

JP Porretta

the most impressive of all summer festivals. Rock icon Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be headlining the four-day event, along with mega stars Phish, the Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Snoop Dogg, Elvis Costello, The Mars Volta, MGMT, Coheed and Cambria, Fairfield favorite Girl Talk and tons more will be taking part in the eclectic show.

If Tennessee is too far a trek for most of you, then the Lollapalooza festival is a great alternative for summer fun. Taking place the weekend on Aug. 7 in Grant Park, Chicago, this year's festival will be following its successful style of bringing hundreds of the scenes biggest names for an affordable price.

Don't feel like traveling at all? Then the All Points West Festival may be the show for you. Taking place July 31- Aug. 2 in Liberty State Park, the New Jersey festival is a great alternative for us east coasters, featuring a great list of performers. The Beastie Boys, Coldplay, Tool, Vampire Weekend, My Bloody Valentine, Arctic Monkeys, MGMT and others will be rocking out Jersey City at this years event.

If weekend long festivals isn't really your thing, don't fret, there are a plethora of summer tours that will have you using up your vacation days. Possibly the most anticipated tour of the last four years, recently a reunited Blink 182 will be touring the United States come July, bringing along with them nerd rockers Weezer. Dates and tickets will be released sometime this month. Also touring the states this summer is the recently reunited No Doubt. Bringing along with them popular pop punkers Paramore; the group will kick off their summer tour following their Bamboozle appearance, marking their first U.S. tour in over five years.

Other tours worth checking out this summer include the awesome combo Contributed Photo of The Fray and Jack's Mannequin and Irish mega rockers U2.

Whether you like pop, rock, punk, hip hop, trance or techno, there is a summer concert for anyone this year, guaranteeing you a good time.

Well it looks like the 40th anniversary Woodstock extravaganza won't be going down as planned this summer, but have no fear. There are still plenty of summer festivals to occupy your nights and drain your wallets.

Anyone living in the tristate area has probably become familiar with the Bamboozle Festival, an annual festival in New Jersey featuring some of the biggest mainstream names. The festival will be returning once again May 2 and May 3, with one of its strongest lineups to date. Fall Out Boy, No Doubt, Third Eye Blind, Asher Roth, New Found Glory, Boys Like Girls, Metro Station, We the Kings, Kid Cudi, All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday, Rise Against, The Used, Sum 41 and Demi Lovato are just a handful of the 100+ bands performing at the weekend long event. With the event less than two weeks away, those who plan to attend should head over to thebamboozle.com to check out the full lineup and purchase tickets, which are running at $55 per day.

The real fun won't be starting till the prime of summer, though, with the never disappointing festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and the Virgin Festival.

Once again taking place down south in Tennessee, this year's Bonnaroo Festival will take place July 11-14, and as always will feature The on stage view from one of the many Bamboozle 2008 performances.

Contributed Photo

Of Montreal injects individual style into Toad's Place performance

by

Mikaela Tierney

The crowd snaked around the corner of Toad's Place more than an hour before the doors even opened. Audience members, tickets clutched in their hands, played Hacky Sack while waiting to get inside. Once the doors finally opened, the venue was packed within minutes.

As Janelle Monae, the opening act, was introduced, the crowd was hesitant to cheer. Monae, a Grammy-nominated artist, creates an imaginative concept on her latest album that is incomparable to any other artist on the airwaves today; she believes that she is an android, a member of a futuristic world as profiled through the lyrics to her songs.

Monae kicked the night off with her biggest hit, "Violet Stars Happy Hunting". She then pulled a full 180, switching from her futuristic performance style to a jazzy serenade entitled "Smile". Her songs were met with lukewarm enthusiasm from the crowd, who was most likely too confused by her performance to truly appreciate its artistic merit.

The audience did enjoy her final song, however, when she sang a new composition (which she did not name) while simultaneously painting on a large canvas on an easel in the center of the stage. Her unique perContributed Photo formance, though unexpected at a show headlined by Despite mainstream success, Of Montreal manages to maintain Of Montreal, was impressive and eventually enjoyed their quirky style. by the entire crowd.

More than an hour after the beginning of the concert, Of Montreal finally made their entrance onstage. And what an entrance it was — barreling onstage in elaborate costumes, the band immediately engaged the crowd in their twisted, trippy performance. As three projection screens danced with psychedelic images behind the band members, actors ran back and forth onstage in costumes that ranged from pig masks to parrot hats to full-body leotards.

The Of Montreal guitarist vindicated his use of a pink fuzzy guitar strap and his outfit of matching angel wings and sunglasses by playing multiple impressive solos throughout the show.

Lead singer Kevin Barnes impressed the crowd with his ability to simultaneously sing and act in the other-realm skits. After opening with "Nonpareil," the band quickly segued into "Plastis Wafers" and "Women Studies Victim" after taking quenching swigs from their plentiful Heineken bottles onstage. The onstage insanity covered for the lack of audible words coming from Of Montreal's microphones, though the audience didn't seem to mind.

The concert was definitely one of the more unique shows at Toad's Place so far this year, as both of the acts brought their own individual, very different performances to the stage. Although the two acts did not seem to fit together well, except for their obvious oddities that differentiate them from any of today's other popular alternative groups, they both still managed to give stellar performances that audience members are unlikely to forget anytime soon.

www.fairfieldmirror.com

Entertainment April 23, 2009

Kings of Leon rule: Heirs to a whole new throne

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Sarah Frank

of their retro-chic looks and garage-rock sound. But despite Well past its days of travthe fact that the band rose to eling through the South alongfame in the UK at this time, it side their preacher father in failed to make a deep impact a back-firing Chrysler, the in the US. Kings of Leon have been The Kings' second album, heating up radio and televi"Aha Shake Heartbreak," came sion, and have been labeled out in 2005, debuting at number "Rock’s Hottest Band" by three on the British charts. The Rolling Stone Magazine ever band was yet to top the charts since the release of their fourth in the US, but its tour supportalbum, "Only By The Night." ing U2 caused a rise in interest.

It seemed as though the Kings Prior to the release of their third achieved star status overnight, album, "Because of the Times" but where did they come from, in late 2006, the Kings opened and how did they first break in for Bob Dylan at some shows. to the music scene?

The Kings reinvented their Brothers Nathan, Caleb sound yet again with their and Jared were raised on the fourth album "Only By The road by their preacher man Night," which released in 2008 father, Leon Followill, and and is named after a line in had spent most of their youth “Eleonora,” an Edgar Allan traveling through the South Poe short story about love and from one Pentecostal church forgiveness beyond the grave, service to the next. Their lives according to Spin Magazine. took a sharp turn in 1997 when Front man Caleb does the story their father resigned from justice, pairing his turned-up the church; the two eldest howl with purring guitars and brothers, Nathan and Caleb, Contributed Photo overtly emotional melodies, decided to move to Nashville, With unparalleled success in the last year, the Southern sons of Leon have certainly found their 'Kingdom' reportedly influenced by pain Tennessee, in hopes of pursumeds he had been taking for his ing a career in music. group. By 2002, Kings of Leon captured the interest of shoulder surgery. Pulsating hit Shortly after the move, they ran into Nashville song- nine record labels; after several bids, the band decided to "Sex on Fire" has been all over the radio, and made it in to writer Angelo Petraglia, who turned the brothers onto the go with RCA Records. an episode of pop culture phenomenon Gossip Girl. music of the Rolling Stones and Johnny Cash. In 2000, After the 2003 release of the Kings EP Holy Roller A fun fact about the Kings: they recently told Rolling they met a singer who helped them find a manager.

Novocaine, and album 'Youth and Young Manhood" — Stone that they all actually go by their middle names. Their Kings of Leon was officially formed when younger both produced by Petraglia and Ethan Johns (sons of Led real first names are Anthony (Caleb, singer),; Ivan (Nathan, brother Jared and cousin Matthew Followill came in to the Zeppelin and Who producer Glyn Johns), they were hailed drummer); Cameron (Matthew, guitarist); and Michael picture. Nathan and Caleb’s musical influences were very by the British Press as the second coming of rock & roll, (Jared, bassist). For more information on Kings of Leon few, but Jared, having gone to public school, brought his were named 2004’s “Best New Band,” and inspired com- and their upcoming tour dates, visit kingsofleon.com. knowledge of the Pixies and Velvet Underground to the parisons to both Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Strokes because by

'Adventureland' a perfect balance of nostalgia, humor and poignancy

"Adventureland" hits it big with it's all-star comedic cast. by

Emily Gates (U-Wire/The Hoya)

I can feel it coming. In just five short weeks, summer will be here. All of the lazy days on the beach, the late nights hanging out in a friend’s driveway and the sweet smell of freedom. Except — wait a second — it turns out that smell isn’t so sweet and it’s not freedom at all. It is the smell of the sweaty uniform that most of us will have to don for an underpaid and overworked summer job.

Luckily, we are not alone. "Adventureland," the latest release from "Superbad" director Greg Mottola, is suffering right there with us. Centered on a recent college graduate, James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) who finds himself with no financing for his planned trip to Europe, "Adventureland" takes the audience back to an amusement park of the same name in 1987. Despite the time change, the teenage angst, awkward interactions and indie music fit the bill for any of today’s youth hits such as "Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist" and "Juno."

With these films as inspiration, it comes as no surprise that Eisenberg is drawing

comparisons to fellow awkward teenage hero Michael Cera. His self-aware and straight-faced delivery endears him to the audience, and makes it believable that he could have made it through college a virgin. As James explains to his friend Eric, “We’re romantics. I read poetry for pleasure sometimes.” So while the audience may be expecting a raucous follow-up to "Superbad" in which James scours the park in a fervent search for sex, this is not what they will find.

"Adventureland" is less boner jokes (though it has its fair share) and more coming-of-age. When James meets Em (Kristen Stewart), a screwed up but captivating fellow games-worker on his second day, his mind drifts toward falling in love and not getting into her pants. This is not to say that the movie isn’t a comedy. It very much is — and a funny one at that. The park’s clueless owners, married couple Bobby (Bill Hader) and Paulette (Kristen Wiig), are hilarious with their deadpan dialogue and sincere devotion to "Adventureland." The same goes for Frigo (Matt Bush), who is the movie’s most one-dimensional character.

His only purpose is to dole out ill-timed punches to the crotch and make sexual jokes, but he serves it well.

Of course, like any good teenage film, there is more than just sexual jokes and vomit-related gags. Cue the obligatory twisted hook-up web. Despite the initial attraction between Em and James, she is also sleeping with the married, wannabe rock Rottentomatoes.com star/maintenance man, Connell (Ryan Reynolds), while James finds himself getting mixed up with the park’s resident flirt, Lisa P. (Margarita Levieva). It is believable, though at one point, it seems that all the employees of the park have either made out with each other or have wanted to make out with each other.

Family drama is less prominent, though still present. This ranges from James’ alcoholic father being let go from his job, Connell’s miserable marriage and Em’s new evil stepmother and absent father.

The film is heavily reliant on the soundtrack, as it spins '80s greats like the Replacements, The Cure and Lou Reed. Like most modern teen movies, this sometimes feels like you’re listening to your cool, alternative friend’s playlist set to pretty pictures, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

"Adventureland" is the perfect balance of nostalgia, humor and poignancy. There are characters you care about and jokes that you laugh at. Most importantly, it convinces you that your crappy life problems can all be fixed with a beer, some weed and a great mixtape. So pre-spend some of your hard-earned summer paycheck and go see this movie. At the very least, you’ll get comfort in knowing that there’s hope in your miserable summer job.

Coffee Break

Editor: Tom Cleary

Josh Kenney

T

he fundamental difference between the driving skills of men and women are purely biological. It has been proven in one psychological study after another that men have better spatial memory than women, effectively enabling them to become better drivers. But I’m sure no one really wants that kind of explanation.

Aside from their biological bases of behavior, men and women view driving at opposite ends of the spectrum. For women driving is about from getting from point A to point B. For men it is about getting from and to those points with efficiency.

This is about the most effective use of a majority of the vehicles horsepower.

If you feel as though sitting shotgun is hard for women, imagine how hard it is for us men.

Every man knows the speed limit should only be observed in the event of a blizzard, hurricanes and hailstorms. Anyone who has ever told you otherwise, including your driving instructor, is an outright liar.

April 23, 2009

HE said / SHE said The rules of the road

It is said that men get into more accidents on average than women. While this may be true most of these accidents happen to the worst of us men; namely those who get behind of the wheel after they’ve had enough beers to maintain the assertion that a 3:00 a.m. trip to McDonald's is more important than their license, safety, and the safety of others.

Aside from these sad statistics men’s impulsivity behind the wheel makes them better drivers when not under the influence. I mean, come on, when’s the last time you sat in traffic on Post Road when you were driving? A man’s sense of direction is like a woman’s intuition, only correct 100 percent of the time.

The mastery of back roads is the true measure of male driving superiority. Women just don’t have the same faculties.

Short of a GPS, most female drivers couldn’t find their way out of a parking lot.

T

he drive from campus to the beach compares to the school cafeteria as portrayed in the film “Mean Girls.” You see drivers and their vehicles from all walks of life: your jocks, your mean girls, your sexually active band geeks (read: guidos), your beach bums and your “Who cares, I’m in college!” kids.

The following is a random assortment of rules of the road he you should be following to ensure a smooth ride.

Jocks usually pile other team members into their gas guzzlers from southern or Midwestern states (or Manhasset/ Garden City). Instead of a Fairfield lacrosse, tennis or golf sticker on your illegally tinted rear window, just write “bro” on your beach patrol sticker and go to practice.

Now, you will be even easier to identify.

Speaking of blackened windows, perhaps people wouldn’t be suspicious that the driver of the approaching car in the Canisius parking lot is a gang member if the windows were semi-translucent. Although we can only slightly see your diamond earring and/or Ray Bans through the

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Kristen McManus

dark glass, chances are you’re oddly tan, you just got a new haircut and the only thing you’re pimpin’ is your ride.

Bums and Asher Roth’s college protégés: “smoke and mirrors” is out, a.k.a. blowing smoke out into your side view mirror while driving.

This usually happens while smoking reef on Reef. Don’t add to air pollution; be green in your actions, not in your smoking selection.

Male drivers, take note: the “lean back” should not apply to the driver’s seat when giving us a ride. Also, when you are chauffeuring us (points off if we have to throw trash into the backseat before sitting down), pay attention and keep your own head to the road.

If your best pick up line is to beep loudly at runners, or better yet, to beep, turn the opposite direction and wave at empty space, then turn up the bass on the speakers in your trunk and roll up your tinted windows – maybe she won’t notice it was you.

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Coffee Break April 23, 2009

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14 April 23, 2009

Sports

Mirror

'Stag Shot' of the Week he said it... "[The NCAA Tournament] is a tournament where only 64 teams are selected and there are hundreds of teams. It is a privilege and an honor."

Junior Paulina Rys on the prospect of playing in a national tournament for the first time.

Women's Lacrosse

Eight is great: One way or another, March 24 matchup against No. 17 Dartmouth was destined to be a turning point for the Stags.

As it turns out, the 17-8 loss to the Big Green may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since the defeat, Fairfield has reeled off eight consecutive wins, including six Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) wins. All in all, Fairfield has won 14 games on the year and eleven of its past twelve games.

The Stags travel to New Rochelle, N.Y. and draw Manhattan as its first opponent for this weekend's MAAC Tournament.

Game of the Week

Softball @ Sacred Heart Thurs., Apr. 23

Men's Tennis

Marist loss mars season's end: As the wins mounted and the success sustained, it seemed as if the men's tennis team's goal of finally dethroning Marist, the perennial top team in the conference, as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's (MAAC's) best was very much within reach.

The Stags, however, fell one match short of their ultimate prize, as the Red Foxes topped Fairfield, 5-2, in the MAAC Championship in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., marking the second consecutive year that Marist ended Fairfield's season in the conference's final game of the season.

Despite the abrupt conclusion, men's tennis enjoyed a banner year for the programming, topped by a 15-match winning streak and a conference-best 18-2 record.

Furthermore, sophomore Rob Ferrante and freshman Joe Michalisin, two of the team's top individual performers this spring, will return next year, making Fairfield an early favorite to contend for the MAAC Championship and, more importantly, make the added leap past Marist next season.

Peter Caty/The Mirror Despite strong showings, freshman midfielder Brandon McTague and the Stags have lost four consecutive games, including a 12-6 setback to UMass at Alumni Field on Tuesday.

The Stags look to extend the team's midseason surge with a win over Fairfield's crosstown rivals on Thursday afternoon at Pioneer Park.

Head coach Julie Brzezinski and the Stags have won four of the team's last five games and boast a conference-best 8-2 record. Conversely, Sacred Heart swept NEC opponent Monmouth last weekend to pull itself to above .500 in a difficult softball conference.

Male Stag-lete of the Week ATHLETE: Charlie Cipriano '12 SPORT: Men's Lacrosse ACHIEVEMENT: Despite a 12-7 loss to Loyola (Md.) this past Saturday, Cipriano earned his third ECAC Rookie of the Week honors with a season-high 17 save effort.

Female Stag-lete of the Week ATHLETE: Paulina Rys '12 SPORT: Women's Tennis ACHIEVEMENT: Rys, who was named the Most Outstanding Player in this weekend's MAAC Tournament, paced Fairfield with a stunning 5-0 record (3-0 in singles) in the tournament.

Sports

Editor: Keith Connors

16

April 23, 2009

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Women's tennis goes dancing after stunning MAAC Championship win

Down, but not out

by

Tom Cleary

Last week women's tennis head coach Ed Paige said that for his team to win in the MAAC championships, it would take an error-free performance. The Stags did just that.

Now, for the eighth time in program history, Fairfield will make a trip to the NCAA tournament, its first since the 2004 Rys squad lost to Washington in the first round.

Fairfield defeated Saint Peter's in the first round, Loyola in the second round and Niagara in the finals at the tournament in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. The Stags were led by junior Paulina Rys, who was named the Most Outstanding Player after a 3-0 performance in doubles and a 2-0 performance in singles.

Rys said that winning was "the most amazing feeling, I can't describe it. It came down to two matches, myself and Dana Postupack."

While Rys was ahead 5-3 in the third set of her match, her classmate Postupack defeated her opponent to win the championship.

Peter Caty/The Mirror "It was very tough. I knew she was close to the end Midfielder Steve Golmont (above) is one of several up-and-coming contributors for head coach Andy Copelan. and the crowd was behind her," Rys said. "I couldn't see the score, but I could tell from the crowd. There was a lot of yelling and jumping when she won."

Also, winning matches on the day were junior Gretchen Keith Connors Amberg, who finished the season 16-0 and freshman KrisImpressive starts and slow fin- and the Stags youngest contributors Sports Editor ishes seem to be a recurring theme continue to grow on the field. ten Liu. Rys and sophomore Alyssa Ruiz had their matches stopped when Postupack clinched the victory. for Fairfield, but this year is the clear Freshmen midfielder Brent Adams Rys said that last year's loss to Marist in the finals The rain fell exception to the rule. and attackman John Snellman have the motivated the team to rebound with a victory this year. softly upon LessAside from the obvious grow- look of future ECAC studs and, already, "Last year we saw the final. The loss last year made ing Field Tuesday ing pains that come with a young freshman goalkeeper Charlie Cipriano, us know we are a good team," Rys said. "We had to work afternoon. A few hundred feet away in offense and a first-year head coach, a three-time ECAC Rookie of the harder.

I'm really proud of our team, everyone really bethe depths of the Walsh Athletic Center, Fairfield has, on occasion, shown Week, has established himself as one lieved, that was what was so great about our team." men's lacrosse huddled and prepped for flashes of brilliance. of the conference's best talents.

The Stags defeated St. Peter's 7-0, and then Loyola yet another Eastern Coastal Athletic "I think communication is critical, "Yeah, we're maturing," senior 4-3 in the semifinals.

Fairfield finished the season with Conference (ECAC) showdown against execution is critical and I think having defenseman Matt Petre said. "We’re a 16-4 record and will now wait until April 28, when the Massachusetts. a workman-like attitude is critical," maturing in the sense that every game bracket for the NCAA tournament will be announced live The game, as it turns out, was head coach Andy Copelan said after we come out we are fighting hard." on ESPNnews. moved to Alumni Field, a reflection of the team's last win, a 10-8 win against Those lessons — coping with the "I had a couple of goals entering a Division I school, a season marked by change, unpredict- Vermont on March 31. losses and showing fight — coupled but my number one goal was getting to see the NCAA ably and a few growing pains.

"And I think we’ve shown a few of with more experience and as good of tournament," Rys said. "That is a tournament where only Fairfield fell to UMass, 12-6, drop- those qualities and characteristics, but a recruiting class as any the program 64 teams are selected and there are hundreds of teams. It ping to a .500 record for the first time we haven’t yet shown the ability to put has ever seen on its way in for 2010, is is a privilege and a honor." since an early-season loss to Colgate, it all together," he added. enough for me to make one bold predicwhile also suffering the team's fourth Putting it all together, however, tion: things will be a lot different come consecutive loss. only comes as a product of maturation, this time next season.

Despite four consecutive losses, men's lacrosse has seen "consistent improvement"

Golden gloves

Keith Connors

other weekend opponents, were the only teams in the Stags' spring conference with a winsuccess is apparning record. ently contagious.

Fairfield followed Lost in the the strong effort with a stunning success of Sunday split with Purple women's lacrosse Eagles at Alumni Diaand the national mond to conclude a the recognition of the weekend and improve women's tennis the team's conference team, softball has record to 8-2.

Brzezinski also emerged as The victory also the Metro Atlantic marked the team's sixth Athletic Conference's (MAAC) home win in seven regularpreeminent contender. season games.

Head coach Julie Brzezinski A season ago, the Stags finand the Stags continued their ban- ished third in the MAAC standner season with a doubleheader ings and qualified for the postsweep of Canisius on Saturday. season prior. This season, a rookie The Griffs and Niagara, Fairfield's catcher, a sophomore pitcher and by

Softball continues to surge in MAAC play, improves to a conference-best 8-2 record

a talented group of upperclassmen are at the core of the team's drive for even greater end results.

On the mound, sophomore Sarah Minice, a first-team AllMAAC selection a season ago leading the team with 15 wins, is well on her way to adding to her already impressive collegiate stats. Minice has already totaled 15 victories this season, including four shutouts and a team-high 17 complete games.

Minice's battery mate, freshman catcher Kayla Marth, has followed in suite with an impressive start to her Fairfield career.

This past week, Marth slugged her way to her second MAAC Rookie of the Week Honors this season. The Easton, Md. native

totaled three runs batted in and led the team in slugging percentage.

Furthermore, her work behind the plate aided her pitching staff and helped the Stags to three conference wins and an 8-3 victory over America East conference opponent Stonybrook.

Marth, 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI in that win, had a multi-hit effort in five of the team's seven games last week.

Another young position player, outfielder Kristina Lingo, seems poised to finish with the team's highest batting average yet again this season. One season after leading the Stags in hits, Lingo leads the team with a .302 batting average.

As important as Lingo, Marth

and Minice have been to the Fairfield's midseason improvement, the team's upperclassmen have paced the Stags' successes.

Junior outfielder Meghan Borst has developed into one of the conference's top talents.

At the moment, Borst ranks among the top five players in the MAAC in virtually every important offensive category, including hits, RBIs, doubles, triples and total bases.

Prior to a weekend doubleheader against conference rival St. Peter's, the Stags head across town for an afternoon game at Pioneer Park against Sacred Heart.

The Lady Pioneers currently hold a 9-7 record in the Northeast Conference (NEC).

insideSPORTS: This week in Sports: Women's Lax heads to Iona, Men's tennis falls to Marist in MAAC Finals, p. 14