Lock Haven Eagle Eye Vol. 92 Issue 1

lockhaveneagleeye@gmail. com

the Eagle Eye volume 92

feb. 5, 2021

IS COVID TESTING WORTH IT? - PAGE 12

issue 01

NEWS (4)

A&E (6) 2021 NFL PRO BOWL: VIRTUAL EDITION - PAGE 14

LIFESTYLE (9)

STATE UNIVERSITY INTEGRATION UPDATE - PAGE 3

SPORTS (16)

News 2

Feb. 5, 2021

Upcoming Events Friday, February 5, 2021

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Family Game Night Zoom ID: 924 6734 1789

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Tailgate Party for The Big Game Upper Bentley

Registration Deadline for Letters of Hope Register to volunteer here: http:// bit.ly/3c0xbQQ

Monday, February 8, 2021

6:30 p.m.

LGBTQ+ Support Group with Counseling Services Contact counselingservices@lockhaven. edu for more details

7:00 p.m.

Sorority Showcase Zoom ID: 967 4435 7345

9:00 p.m.

Tune-in Tuesday Vote here to pick which movie to watch

Covid-19 Total

For more information about Covid-19 on campus, please go to : https://www.lockhaven.edu/Covid19Dashboard/

Eagle Eye Staff Managing Editor Kiara Carson knc9459@lockhaven. edu

Online Editor Tess English tae7002@lockhaven. edu

Lifestyles Editor Brittany Robertson bnr888@lockhaven.edu

Opinion Editor Kristin Turner kat5364@lockhaven. edu

Copy Editor Levi Deitz lwd6497@lockhaven. edu

Advisor Dr. Sharon Stringer SStringe@lockhaven. edu

Design & Ads Manager Kerri Hoover kah4338@lockhaven. edu

News Editor Kerri Hoover kah4338@lockhaven. edu

Sports Editor Cassandra Keller cmk2356@lockhaven. edu

A&E Editor Kiara Carson knc9459@lockhaven. edu

Staff Writers Madison Buxton meb6586@lockhaven. edu

Full staff list at lhueagleeye. wordpress.com

Feb. 5, 2021

3 News

University integration progressing Cassandra Keller Sports Editor cmk2356@lockhaven.edu

With positive feedback from virtual meetings with over 200 government, business and community leaders in January, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)’s Chancellor, Dan Greenstein, and the university presidents from Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield continues to gain support for the university integration.

These meetings were held as part of the integration process plan voted on back in October of last year.

The PASSHE board of governors affirmed the system’s efforts to continue planning for the integration of six of its universities; a California-Clarion-Edinboro merge and a Bloomsburg-Lock Haven-Mansfield merge. To see those full meetings, go to the PASSHE youtube channel.

The integration of these universities is the third phase of the system redesign that began after the system review in 2016-17.

The goal is to address the falling enrollment in the higher education system. Each of the

integrations would operate as a single accredited entity with a single leadership, faculty, enrollment management strategy, and budget while honoring local identity.

LHU and the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties(APSCUF) hosted a solidarity event back in September 2020 because the retrenchment of 100 LHU faculty and staff that was part of that plan.

The January meetings were part of the development of an implementation plan that is set to be present to the board of governors as early as April 2021.

Bloomsburg president, Bashar Hanna said “This is an ambitious undertaking aimed at preserving our legacies while sustainably building a new institution that will serve the commonwealth’s students for generations to come.”

For more information regarding the integration process and other frequently asked questions, go to the PASSHE page.

Front page image courtesy of www.pennlive.com

News 4

Feb. 5, 2021

COVID Vaccine Updates Brittany Robertson Lifestyles Editor bnr888@lockhaven.edu

For all of us, COVID-19 has been something we have been living with for the past (almost) year.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers have been developing the vaccines that people would be able to receive for help in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

This research process has led us to two different vaccine options: Pfizer and Moderna.

Both vaccines require an initial shot and then a booster.

The Pfizer vaccine booster is done three weeks later from the initial shot while the Moderna booster is done about a month later from when the initial shot was given. Each vaccine is a mRNA vaccine.

There are different phases of eligibility in vaccine distribution.

Currently in Pennsylvania, vaccines are available for select individuals that are in Phase 1A based on availability and appointments made.

Phase 1A makes the following groups eligible for the vaccine: healthcare workers, long-term healthcare residents, people age 65 or older,

people age 16-65 with high-risk conditions, as well as people who are immunocompromised, obese or severe obese, pregnant, have sickle cell disease, smoke and have Type II diabetes mellitus.

Phase 1B includes groups of people who get community-based services, community residential rehab facilities, behavioral health/rehab facilities, government offices, correctional officers, first responders who do not have a high-risk condition, post office workers, grocery store workers, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, clergy workers, manufacturing workers, public transit workers, and individuals who care for children in the early education setting or adult day programs.

Locations for vaccine distribution are being finalized other than at hospitals.

Please check out https://www.health.pa.gov/ topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx for the latest updated information.

Together, we will get through this!

Feb. 5, 2021

Events & Weeklies Moment of the week In Turkey, a loyal dog follows an ambulance and waits nearly a week to be reunited with her human at the hospital.

Moment provided by: www.goodnewsnetwork. org

Joke of the week What’s the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.

Joke provided by: www.rd.com

Fun fact The first oranges weren’t orange. The original oranges from Southeast Asia were a tangerinepomelo hybrid, and they were actually green. In fact, oranges in warmer regions like Vietnam and Thailand still stay green through maturity.

Fact provided by: www.rd.com If you would like to submit your own momnet, joke or fun fact, Email Kerri Hoover at kah4338@lockhaven.edu with “Weeklies” in the subject line.

5 News

A&E 6 Where’s that one from?

Feb. 5, 2021 “WandaVision” is packing quite a mental punch

Movie Quote: “There you have it. No more colored restrooms.

No more white restrooms.

Just plain old toilets. Go wherever you damn well please. Preferably close to your desk. Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.”

Kerri Hoover kah4338@lockhaven.edu Ads/Design/News Editor

The fourth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) commenced on Jan. 15 after the first two episodes of the new television miniseries, WandaVision, debuted exclusively on Disney+.

To date, four episodes have been released on Disney+. The season will consist of nine episodes with each one debuting every Friday through March 5. WandaVision shines an exclusive light on the reunitement of Wanda Maximoff, aka Scarlet Witch, and Vision. In the miniseries, the young newlyweds move into the “ideal” suburban town of Westview where they find themselves living in an alternate reality that phases through different decades as they try to disguise their powers from the local community.

Throughout the series, Wanda is in constant conflict with herself as well as different community members residing in Westview. She lives in an alternate reality - that I think she created for herself - to escape the harsh realities of a post-Endgame, Visionless world.

However, she traps herself so deeply into this alternate reality that her magic grows more chaotic and dangerous. The F.B.I. and S.W.O.R.D., the MCU’s counterterrorism and intelligence agency, know what’s going on and want to help Wanda. But, because she isn’t ready to face reality yet, she continuously resists any help that is sent to her and poses them as threats.

After initially watching the miniseries, I think Marvel hyped up the show too much prior to its release. But with this being the first Marvel Cinematic release since July 2019, maybe Marvel Studios had to excessively hype up the show in order to excite fans. While I still think it was overhyped, I became more immersed into the show during the fourth episode.

Up until the fourth episode (that premiered on Jan. 29), I think the plotline drug out too long. The conflict of the series wasn’t boldly introduced until the second or third episode so I had trouble maintaining interest up until that point.

I also thought the start of the series was super cheesy. The first episode was supposed to be staged as a mid-20th century American sitcom; however, it lacked purpose to me. It more so introduced the characters than establishing any sort of long-lasting conflict.

There was also a lot of forced humor that I didn’t find funny at all, and I normally find parts of Marvel films funny.

It took me a while to get used to the show because it appears very different - in tone, mood and setting - from traditional Marvel films and shows. The MCU is also highly interconnected - someone and something is always connected to someone and something else. This is also something I thought WandaVision lacked from the start. However, in episode four the audience was introduced to a possible interconnectedness with the Captain Marvel storyline something I’m very excited to see how it plays out.

While I wasn’t on board with the series at first, Marvel finally peaked my interest. Even though I don’t think it will be my new favorite Marvel cinematic release, I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the miniseries plays out as well as Wanda’s influence on future Marvel films including Doctor Strange’s Multiverse of Madness and the third Spiderman movie. Until then, you bet I’m going to be spending every Friday night watching the new episode.

7 A&E

Feb. 5, 2021 New Disney+ Release “Raya and the Last Dragon”

Did you know that?

Disney turned down the chance to make Back to the Future claiming the mother/son relationship was too risqué.

Info courtesy of nme.com

Brittany Robertson bnr888@lockhaven.edu Lifestyles Editor “Raya and the Last Dragon” is the latest movie to get the

Awkwafina. The movie is directed by directors Don Hall and Car-

“VIP” treatment on Disney +. This adventure starts in the town

los López Estrada, co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, pro-

of Kumandra, where for centuries dragons and humans lived in

ducers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho.

harmony with each other.

Keep an eye out on Disney + starting March 5 and it will also

However, when the Druun people threatened the land, the

be released in theaters at the same time. Premier Access on Dis-

dragons sacrificed themselves for humanity. 500 years have past

ney + requires both a subscription to the streaming service and

since that battle, and the Druun are back to cause more trouble

$29.99. There is no word as to when the movie will be available

and it is up to a warrior by the name of Raya to go on a quest to

regularly on the streaming platform however the movie will be

find the last dragon from the first battle years ago. The dragon

released to DVD on June 15, 2021.

can help her defeat the Druun for good. Along the way, Raya will realize that it will take more than a dragon to help defeat this group of people.

The main character, Raya is played by Kelly Marie Tran. Kelly played “Rose’’ in the Star Wars movies. The dragon is played by

A&E 8

Feb. 5, 2021

Billboards Top 10 songs 3.

2.

1.

Driver’s License by

Olivia Rodrigo

by

Mood

24kGoldn featuring

by

7.

Ariana Grande

by

Levitating

34 + 35

The Weeknd

by

by

by

9.

Holy

Justin Bieber Featuring Chance the Rapper

Ariana Grande

Go Crazy

6.

Dua Lipa Featuring Dababy

8.

by

Blinding Lights

iann dior

5.

Positions

4.

Chris Brown and Young Thug

10.

Good Days by

SZA

Bang! by

AJR

Feb. 5, 2021

9 Lifestyles

A Case of the Winter Blues Kerri Hoover Ad/Design Editor and News Editor kah4338@lockhaven.edu Having a bad case of the “winter blues?” You’re not alone. More than 10 million Americans (including me!) suffer from symptoms exhibited by the “winter blues,” also known as seasonal affective order (Psychology Today, 2019).

According to Psychology Today, seasonal affective order, or SAD, is a type of recurrent major depressive disorder in which episodes of depression occur during the same season of the year (2019). Normally, individuals affected by SAD experience bouts of depression or other related symptoms, during the fall and winter months because of the lack of light exposure.

Some common symptoms of SAD include feelings of hopelessness and sadness, decreased physical activity, weight gain, change in appetite, irritability, fatigue (even though you receive plenty of sleep), increased sensitivity, social avoidance, and difficulty concentrating.

If you are like me and think you may suffer from a case of the “winter blues” check out the following essential and affordable tips to help combat SAD this winter.

Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help suppress many SAD-related symptoms while relieving stress and anxiety, lifting your mood, boosting confidence, increasing energy levels and improving quality of sleep. If you don’t already have a regular exercise schedule, consider starting one. The internet as well as the Apple and Google Play Stores provide a plethora of resources to help get you started. If you’re new to workout programs, look for shorter, less intensive workout tutorials on YouTube, and then work your way up from there as your body becomes stronger. Personally, I try to workout three to four days a week while combining different five-minute workouts to tone my whole body.

Get outside (when you can), and if not make your environment brighter. Living in Pennsylvania during February often means the days are categorized by

cold, blustery, and snowy weather conditions. Every now and then, there are winter days with beautiful weather. So, take advantage of them! Whether it’s an afternoon at the park, a scroll around the neighborhood, or talking your dog for a walk, try to get outside and soak up the natural light as much as possible.

When weather conditions permit you to stay inside, try making your living environment brighter by opening up the blinds or curtains, sitting closer to bright windows when completing schoolwork, or investing in a small light box to help replenish vitamin D deficiency.

Get social. When didn’t a get-together with your friends or family help curb bouts of depressed emotions? During the wintertime, human beings tend to get less social and prefer staying home. (Times that by ten during a global pandemic). If you can, schedule some time to spend with family and friends on a regular basis. Whether it be going shopping at your favorite store, eating-out for dinner once a week, or planning a game or movie night, try surrounding yourself with the people you love the most to help boost your spirits.

If you are not comfortable meeting up with loved ones because of COVID, try making an effort to call them more often or arrange a time to meet via video chat.

Lifestyles10

Feb. 5, 2021

⭑ Horoscopes ⭑ Aries (March 31-April 19)-Your focus today is likely to be on learning. Something you've wanted to study for a long time may finally be within your grasp.

Perhaps money makes this possible, or you've finally settled on a workable course of action. Travel might be involved. If you've been thinking about going back to school, get everything started today. If you do, you will probably attain what you want. Go for it.

Taurus (April 30-May 30)-If you’ve been investing, look for it to pay off big. Or you could execute a new contract, settle a claim, or even win something. Expect the unexpected where money is concerned. It might have you reeling. In the past few weeks you’ve been releasing a lot of negative energy and clearing the way for today’s good fortune. Plan to have some wonderful dreams tonight as well.

Gemini (May 31-June 30)-Plans for a social event that you were going to host in your home may have to be changed at the last minute. Even so, it should go very well. You’re feeling exceptionally sociable now, Gemini, not to mention romantic and sexy. If you aren’t presently involved, expect to meet more than one possibility. If you are involved, anticipate events that will bring you closer to your partner.

Image provided by Cafe Astrology

Cancer (June 21-July 22)-An unexpected letter or call could totally turn your working situation in a new direction. This can be disconcerting, Cancer, but it’s a very positive and fortunate development. Relations with colleagues should involve new respect and enthusiasm. By the end of the day, you will likely feel very good about the way your life is going. Don’t expect it to be the same as it was this morning!

Virgo (August 23- September 22)-An unexpected opportunity could temporarily throw your life into disorder, Virgo, but you will see from the start that this is a definite stroke of good luck that you shouldn’t let pass. It could involve money, a chance to move to your dream home, or relationships in some way. Whatever it is, you’re definitely going to be happy about it.

Leo (July 23- August 22)-For you, Leo, relationships with other people should be going so well that you feel more loved than ever. A new friend or perhaps an old one you haven’t seen in a while could suddenly become a powerful part of your life. You’re probably feeling exceptionally innovative and more likely to make a success of whatever new ideas you have. Prepare for a busy and satisfying day.

Libra (September 23-October 22)-A lot of letters, calls, and other communications could skyrocket you into a new and unexpected space, Libra. If you’ve been thinking of trying your hand at writing or speaking, this is the day to work on it. All signs indicate good fortune will come your way at this time, though it might sneak up on you and leave you a bit disconcerted. Pull yourself together and go for it.

Feb. 5, 2021

⭑ Horoscopes ⭑

11 Lifestyles

Scorpio (Oct 23-November 21)-Good fortune continues to come your way, Scorpio, and your life may finally seem to be moving in the direction you wanted.

Today, however, you may feel frustrated by a lot of minor, if somewhat bizarre, upsets. Dropping things, losing objects you just had in your hand, forgetting names - just about anything could happen. Try to see the humor in it and stay cool.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)-All the planets are very fortunately aligned for you, and the coming weeks should be great, Sagittarius. Minor irritations today could make you wonder, though. You might worry that this good fortune won’t last. Don’t work yourself into a panic. This all continues through the next six months. However, you may need to focus sufficient effort if you’d like to make it last for a long time.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)-You may wonder why increased intuition has seemed to replace your usual logical self. An unexpected intellectual, spiritual, or metaphysical insight might come to you from another realm. It may seem so profound that you wonder if it really came from you. Write it down in detail. Whatever you come up with is going to keep you in the clouds all day, Capricorn. Don’t trip or bump into anyone!

Aquarius (Jan 22-February 18)-You should feel especially sociable today, Aquarius. You might attend one or more events, or perhaps you will choose another type of group activity. Relationships of all kinds should prove satisfying and comforting. Expect to grow closer to the friends you have and meet new friends with whom you share many interests. You continue to meet professional, creative, and financial goals in a big way.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)-Today an important goal might reach a point you’ve been aiming at for a long time. All those in your entourage have new respect for you. In fact, Pisces, relationships of all kinds are warm, open, and honest, and you will probably enjoy the company of others immensely now. Romance, in particular, goes well. Feel free to indulge in a little celebration.

Horoscopes provided by horoscopes.com

Opinions 12

Feb. 5, 2021

COVID-19 Testing Opinion Kristin Turner kat5346@lockhaven.edu Opinions Editor

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard last year in

cines. Some common issues short term are pain and

March it shook up everyday life for everyone and con-

swelling on the injection site as well as chills, fatigue,

tinues to be a source of stress for many. It’s been ad-

headache. Additionally, there were some people that

vised by the government and other health agencies to

were having an allergic reaction to the vaccine. The

be aggressive in testing to help stop the spread.

long term effects are currently unknown and may pose

These pushes for testing are driven by fear because as a country we do not want to be beaten by the pan-

greater health risks down the line.

Wearing a mask can protect you from either spread-

demic. Even though this may seem like a good plan in

ing COVID-19 to someone else or catching COVID from

combating the virus, knowing your COVID-19 status

someone who is infected. However, wearing a mask

won’t stop you from contracting it later. When you test

could be quite a problem for people with breathing is-

positive you quarantine, and in radical cases, you may

sues, making the mask a bit suffocating for them.

end up in the hospital. However, if you test negative you

As far as social distancing goes, the guidelines seem

could still contract the disease and still get it a few days

interesting to say the least. If someone coughs or sneez-

later. When symptoms present mildly they are similar

es, the germs will travel fast and further than six feet.

to the flu and colds it can be tough to tell when it is nec-

This spread can be lessened by a mask, but it’s also not

essary to you out and get tested.

100% effective making things even more frustrating.

There is a danger to the new line of COVID-19 vac-

Feb. 5, 2021

13 Opinions

Businesses Reshaped Customer Service Operations During COVID-19 Blayne Shell Guest Writer As organizations throughout the world continue to reshape their business operations under the “new normal” lights of the pandemic economy, many have taken a close look inward to identify areas where they can become more streamlined and efficient, as well as pay closer attention to how they can cater to their most critical asset – human capital.

Sure, it’s important to find ways to recover lost revenue as quickly as possible, and this most likely was driven by the need to reshape and rebuild a company culture that may have worked pre-pandemic. However, while businesses have the tools and technologies available to work remotely, many companies have found this to be an entirely different journey when their entire workforce found itself working from home.

Call Centers Among Hardest Impacted Among the hardest hit were companies that rely upon call centers, whose number-one job is to be a direct point of contact with its customers handling everything from new sales to resolving customer satisfaction inquiries on previous sales and experiences.

Many business leaders today are reflecting on how agile teams built with speed and precision were in many cases able to make important decisions faster and better.

The lesson learned in many cases is that an organization that delegates decision-making to a constantly fluid network of teams is extremely effective. This means decisions can be made faster, with more positive outcomes for customers by leveraging real-time data and advanced technologies that are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) architectures.

These steps are not only helping to navigate the unprecedented waters of today, they are paving the way for leadership positions tomorrow.

Technology Helping to Reshape CX Cultures These leading organizations have quickly redesigned their customer service operations to outsource critical customer needs and engage with expert teams that leverage resolution-centered customer experience (CX) technologies that seamlessly combine call-center agent support with AI-driven self-service functionality. Sophisticated chatbots have also been deployed to assist both the agent and customer where necessary. In some highly technical cases, customers originating with self-service support and chatbots are seamlessly redirected over to a human agent.

The days of frustrating long wait times resulting in customers failing to get resolution are a thing of the past for these companies. This process is helping organizations to grow revenue, reduce costs, and deliver a resolution-centered, differentiated customer experience.

AI-powered customer resolution technologies and chatbots have grown increasingly important to leading businesses. Over 80% of companies expect to compete primarily based on their customer experience this year, up from only 36% in 20101. Furthermore, companies that are leading in customer experience are three times more likely to have significantly exceeded their 2019 business goals2.

Through the use of advanced technology, these contact center solutions improve overall CX efficiency without sacrificing the human element through a balanced human/digital CX model: self-service and bot technology work in concert to simplify transactional support and AI-empowered human engagement teams to resolve complex or emotional customer needs.

Sports 14

Feb. 05, 2021

2021 NFL Pro Bowl: Virtual edition Brittany Robertson Lifestyles Editor bnr888@lockhaven.edu

This year the NFL Pro Bowl looked a little bit different!

This event is typically held in person, but for the first time since 1949, that is not the case. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the decision was made to have the Pro Bowl virtually.

This event featured both celebrities and NFL football players. It included players like Kyler Murray, Marshawn Lynch, Derrick Henry, Bubba Wallace, and others. The celebrities included Michael Strahan, Snoop Dogg and some others. The

game was played virtually on Madden 21.

The Pro Bowl was played after a weeklong celebration of all the Pro Bowl selections from across the NFL. The game was streamed online through Twitch streaming. The NFC won the Pro Bowl 32-12 with Kyler Murray being selected as the MVP of the Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl Virtual Edition was sponsored between EA Sports and Verizon Wireless.

Feb. 05, 2021

15 Sports

Lacrosse picked 4th in PSAC West, Haven opens season March 17 John Davern LHU Communications Intern jmd7247@lockhaven.edu The LHU lacrosse team was picked to finish fourth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

Mercyhurst received five-first place votes and was picked by the coaches as the favorite in the West. Seton Hill and IUP received one first place vote a piece and checked in at No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. Lock Haven slid right in behind them at No. 4 after a 1-0 start to conference play a year ago.

In the Eastern division, nationally-ranked West Chester was selected as the team to beat, while No. 8 ranked East Stroudsburg and Bloomsburg rounded out the top three.

The LHU lacrosse team begins its season on Saturday, March 17 in the first of six scheduled home games. LHU will only play other PSAC Western division opponents during the regular season and each team will play both a home-and-away game against each divisional opponent. The season will culminate with the currently scheduled May 4 start of the PSAC Championship tournament. The winner of the PSAC tournament will advance to the NCAA tournament in mid-May. On March 17, the Bald Eagles start the season where they left off, by playing the Gannon Golden Knights. In 2020 the contingent ended the Covid-19 shortened season by knocking off Gannon 13-9 and securing a 1-0 conference record.

Following the Gannon game, LHU Lacrosse will travel to IUP on March 20 to play the first away game of the year before hosting five of the next seven at home.

The Bald Eagles went 3-2 in the shortened slate last year, picking up wins against Georgian Court University, Millersville and Gannon. The team looked as good as they come in a return-to-form season for the offense as they outscored opponents 63-49 on eight less shots.

Lauren Girardi will lead the team between the posts this year. Last year, the team awarded her team-MVP after she led the PSAC with 63 saves and a PSAC second-best .573 save-percentage at the time of the season’s suspension.

Girardi currently sits eighth all-time at LHU in career saves with 316 rejections. The record currently sits at 509-saves, but that is not unreachable for Girardi. Back in 2019 the goalkeeper set the LHU single season saves record at the tune of a 209 save campaign.

Braxtin Reddinger will return as a redshirt-senior this year. In 2019 she received Atlantic All-Region and All-PSAC Second Team honors as she finished fourth in the PSAC in draw controls (93) and ninth in the PSAC in assists (24). Last season, she was named one of the few PSAC West Athletes of the week after scoring 12 goals and 14 points combined against Millersville and Shippensburg.

The trio of Caitlin Morrow, Campbell Brant, and Karli Gilbert will once again bring lightning to the offensive side of the ball. During the 2020 slate, the three put together a magnificent 23 goals and 36 points in just five games.

2021 PSAC WOMEN’S LACROSSE PRESEASON POLLS WEST (No. of 1st Place Votes) 1) Mercyhurst (5) 2) Seton Hill (1) 3) IUP (1) 4) Lock Haven 5) Slippery Rock 6) Gannon 7) Edinboro EAST 1) #6 West Chester (4) 2) #8 East Stroudsburg (3) 3) Bloomsburg 4) Millersville 5) Shippensburg 6) Kutztown 7) Shepherd

Sports 16

Feb. 05, 2021

E-sports: Overwatch league 2021 Tess English Online Manager tae7002@lockhaven.edu

The Overwatch League announced last month its season would launch in April and that the league would be making some much-needed changes to make the overall experience better for fans and players.

According to the Overwatch League website, “Regular season play will be structured in four tournament cycles. Teams will play four qualifier matches each cycle to determine qualification into and seeding for each of the culminating tournaments.�

The league will stick to the two-division format similar to one they had in the previous season. This time the two divisions will be split by geographical locations by east and west. The East division will have 12 teams and the West division will have eight teams.

Overwatch League has been working very closely with YouTube, which has exclusive live streaming rights to the league, to improve the quality of the stream. The league has also teased an increased value in watching through its viewership reward program, redesigned graphics, productions that are more focused on the gameplay.

The details of what exactly that means has yet to be released. However, the league is working on a spoiler-free viewer mode for OverwatchLeague.com.

The East division will consist of the following teams: the Chengdu Hunters, Guangzhou Charge, Hangzhou Spark, Los Angeles Valiant, New York Excelsior, Philadelphia Fusion, Shanghai Dragons, and Seoul Dynasty.

The West Division will consist of the following 12 teams: The Atlanta Reign, Boston Uprising, Dallas Fuel, Florida Mayhem, Houston Outlaws, London Spitfire, Los An-

geles Gladiators, Paris Eternal, San Francisco Shock, Vancouver Titans, Toronto Defiant, and Washington Justice.

During the third season, the league still fine-tuning how the sport should be structured internally as well as how to incorporate its fanbase. While still trying to find this footing is when the pandemic broke out presenting even more obstacles to developing the league as a whole. Not to mention, how to keep interacting with the fan base when ticket sales, a big point of interaction with viewers, were no longer an option.