Spring 2024 Issue 18

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Vol. CII, Issue 18 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com

Community holds vigil for Nex Benedict

The Free Word on Campus Since 1946

Molinaro brings county sheriffs to State of the Union Before Congress, the president mentioned a wide range of issues, from the economy to immigration.

Luca Carrese news intern

See VIGIl page 3 jacob gressin assistant photo editor While mourners held candles, some speakers shared poems and led prayers, and others shared their experiences as transgender individuals and the impact Nex Benedict’s passing had on them.

President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to an audience including Rep. Marc Molinaro and Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar on March 7.

Akshar, along with Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf, were Molinaro’s guests as recognition for their service within New York’s 19th congressional district, which Molinaro represents. Molinaro and the two sheriffs witnessed President Biden’s speech where he deeply criticized his

“predecessor,” — former President Donald Trump, as well as the Republican response to Biden’s address, delivered by Alabama Senator Katie Britt. Both Biden and Trump secured their respective parties’ nomination this week, setting the stage for a rematch.

“These two serve counties on the opposite ends of New York’s 19th Congressional District, but are connected in their strong commitment to taking a holistic approach to policing,” Molinaro said in a statement.

“Both have prioritized providing tough consequences for violent offenders and swift justice for victims, while implementing strong community-policing strategy strategies and connecting those in-need to mental health and substance use treatment.

See uNION page 3

Ballot proposes $6 Student Activity Fee increase The fee, currently $99, is the primary source of funding for the over 190 student-led organizations on campus.

Lia Richter

editor-in-chief

This year’s Student Association (SA) election ballot will include a

proposal to increase the student activity fee, the primary source of funding for about 190 student-led campus organizations.

Proposed by Daniel Croce, the vice president of finance (VPF) and a senior majoring in business administration, the goal is to earn more revenue to support the variety of programming the fee funds.

If passed, the fee each semester would rise from $99 to $105 — a

$12 annual increase. The last vote for an activity fee increase was in 2015.

“Given the fact of rising inflation and the fee not going up, we’ve had costs rising within the [SA] and related services without an increase in revenue,” Croce said. “The activity fee is the primary source of revenue for the [SA]. That $99 a semester supports every single club and organization on campus.”

In addition to student organizations, the activity funds essential campus services, including Off Campus College Transport (OCCT), Harpur’s Ferry and the SA’s Programming Board (SAPB). The funds also subsidize other Binghamton University services, such as the student legal clinic, the Fleishman Career Development Fund and the Student Emergency Fund.

“Our pre-COVID-19 reserves are

being eaten up every year as we’re overspending what we’re actually generating in revenue every year,” Croce said. “Long term, if we want to continue growing our services — OCCT, Harpur’s ferry — or even just continue growing our budgets and our programming that our groups here on campus put on, we do need an increase.”

See Fee page 4

PULSE educates, elevates and empowers This year’s banquet featured performances

by BDR, MajorNoir and a poetry reading by the Black Student Union.

Grace Scullin

arts & culture writer

This Saturday, Binghamton University students came together for a night of education, empowerment and performance for the Powerful United Ladies Striving to Elevate (PULSE)’s

10th-annual banquet.

The banquet, titled “Transcendent: The Story Begins With Us,” was themed after the Harlem Renaissance and the Roaring Twenties. Attendants dressed in 1920s-inspired dresses and suits for dinner and mocktails. The Mandela Room was decorated with balloons and lights, with three different photo booth setups for attendants to take pictures. Proceeds for the event went to the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, an interactive children’s museum.

See pulse page 6

jared chen contributing photographer Attendees were dressed in 1920s inspired outfits to reflect the event’s themes of the Harlem Renaissance and the Roaring 20s.

Baseball opens AE play with series win over NJIT Binghamton takes first two games, unable to complete sweep in series finale.

Luca Carrese news intern

After winning its home opener in walk-off fashion against St. Bonaventure, the Binghamton baseball kicked off its America East (AE) conference play with a series win at home against NJIT. After

winning the first two games of the series, BU was unable to complete the sweep, falling 8-5 in the series finale.

“If we can win two out of three every weekend, we’ll be in pretty good shape at the end of the season,” said Binghamton head coach Tim Sinicki. “I’m happy that we were able to get the two wins, especially given the situation that we’re dealing with, with as many injuries and guys out of the lineup as we did.”

ARTS & CULTURE

The Bearcats (7-10, 2-1 AE) took the series opener 8-1 over the Highlanders (6-12, 1-2 AE) , led by senior pitcher Gabe Driscoll’s five and two third innings of one-run baseball. Driscoll also added six strikeouts while only surrendering one walk and four hits. Senior outfielder Tommy Reifler led the team with three hits, adding an RBI single in the sixth inning while junior outfielder Logan Haskell collected two RBIs on a sac-fly and a double.

“Anytime you can get that kind

of effort out of your starter and then back it up with good relief pitching out of the bullpen you’re gonna be in good shape,” Sinicki said. “That’s exactly what [Driscoll] did for us, as well as [senior pitcher John Lumpinski]. [Driscoll] set the tone and [Lumpinski] never let them sneak back into it, and we were able to find some ways to tack on some runs to expand the lead.”

In the second game, the Bearcats and Highlanders were locked in a pitchers duel, where sopho-

OPINIONS

more pitcher Ryan Bates struck out nine over five innings. NJIT held a 3-2 lead until the sixth inning when sophomore shortstop Mike Stellrecht tied things up at three with an RBI single. The 3-3 tie sent the game to extra innings, where the Highlanders picked up two runs in the tenth inning to take a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the tenth inning for the Bearcats.

See baseball page 10

SPORTS

Mac & Cheese Fest offered a variety of vendors to sample,

BU Speech and Debate qualifies for nationals,

We shouldn’t be scared to interact,

Men’s lacrosse defeated by Merrimack 10-9,

Softball wins two of three at Penn State Invitational,

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 9

SEE PAGE 10

Page II Thursday, Monday, Monday, October October April 3,2,5, 2017 2017 2017 Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Therapy pups!

karlie mcgann staff photographer

Some cute therapy pups at the Pet Away Worry & Stess (PAWS) event!

Spring 2024 Editor-in-Chief* Lia Richter editor@bupipedream.com Managing Editor* Bella Daidone manager@bupipedream.com

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stabilizing:pinochole

schedule:destabilizing

bupipedream.com | March 19, 2024

NEWS

3

Fred Akshar, Broome County sheriff, appears in D.C. uNION from page 1 By having [Akshar] and [Krapf] as my guests, I hope to draw attention to the serious public safety challenges our communities face and underscore the importance of doing more to support our men and women in law enforcement.”

Akshar, who was previously a New York State Senator representing the 52nd district — including Broome County — from 2015-2022, has held the Broome County Sheriff position since January 2023.

Krapf took office as Columbia County Sheriff in 2022, having served the Columbia County Sheriff’s office since 1998. Molinaro is running for reelection in November, his presumptive opponent being Josh Riley, whom he defeated in the November 2022 election.

“It was an absolute honor to join Congressman Molinaro as a representative of law enforcement and our Broome County community at this year’s State of the Union address,” Akshar said in a statement. “Every day, the dedicated men and women of law enforcement across our nation leave their homes and families to put their lives on the line, protecting and serving their communities amid unprecedented challenges and under extraordinary circumstances. Broome County

recognizes the need to work together to build a stronger, safer community and that message rings just as true in our nation’s capital.”

In his address, Biden took multiple swings at his “predecessor,” including Trump’s stance on Russia and leader Vladimir Putin as well as his involvement in the Jan. 6 capitol riots. Biden also addressed major voter concerns like the U.S.-Mexico border, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the economy.

The president faced a notably hostile Republican audience, including an exchange over the border initiated by Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene who called out Biden during his address over the recent death of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley — who was reportedly killed by an undocumented migrant. Biden held up a button with Riley’s name on it in response, then proceeded to ask Republicans to reconsider their opposition to the bipartisan immigration bill previously passed by the Senate.

The Republican rebuttal followed, with Senator Britt giving a televised speech from her kitchen in Montgomery, Alabama. Britt said she and her family were worried about the country’s direction, calling Biden “out of touch” while claiming he had “inher-

sourced From marc molinaro on X (Formerly tWitter) Rep. Marc Molinaro attended the address with Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar and Sheriff Donald Krapf from Columbia County at the United States capitol.

ited the most secure border of all time” from Trump. Britt then expressed her belief that the “American Dream” had become endangered in recent years, scrutinizing the Biden Administration and its actions at the southern border.

Greg Robinson, professor and chair of the Binghamton University’s political science

department, emphasized the heavy partisan environment at the SOTU. “This year’s State of the Union was a raucous affair, and that has been the case for 15 or 20 years now,” Robinson wrote in an email. “It’s a contrast with previous eras, when a State of the Union address was a lot more sol-

emn and had applause lines that could get both sides of the aisle to stand and give an ovation. Now, these are much more partisan affairs, with shouting and heckling like you would see if you watched Prime Minister’s Questions in the British Parliament. As for the Republican response, about all I can say is that

Senator Britt’s performance was surreal. These responses are almost always thankless tasks, and the politicians who deliver them often end up as cautionary tales. I don’t know how any politician is convinced to do them.”

DOE now investigating Oklahoma school district VIGIl from page 1

Mourners gathered at Downtown Binghamton’s Peacemaker’s Stage to honor Benedict’s life, saying “celebration is a form of resistance.”

Vera Saidel

news contributor

Binghamton’s community came together on Tuesday to hold a vigil honoring Nex Benedict, a nonbinary high school student who died in February after a physical altercation with three other students.

Held at Downtown Binghamton’s Peacemaker’s Stage, the vigil was organized by community leaders — particularly members of the local Black, queer and transgender communities. Pride flags decorated the space, and tables beside the stage provided attendees with miniature pride

flags, water and snacks. The University’s Q Center tabled, handing out stickers and pamphlets and engaging with attendees.

In February, Benedict, an Oklahoma native of Choctaw Nation descent who used they/ them pronouns, was beaten by three classmates in a bathroom at Owasso High School.

The next day, Benedict was taken to the hospital, where he reported to police that their classmates beat them until they blacked out and that they had bullied them and their friends in the past. Body camera footage revealed that a police officer advised Benedict’s family to not report the incident, claiming it could open them up to legal liability.

After being discharged, Benedict was rushed back to the hospital later that day, where they were pronounced dead. An autopsy summary released last Wednesday ruled their death as a suicide.

“The best way to support the trans and nonbinary community is to share and provide resources, give them money, display flags of support and make sure to use our privileges to uplift and defend queer and trans people facing discrimination throughout society,” the vigil’s planning committee wrote in a statement.

“Additionally, get educated on queer and trans issues and experiences, and listen to the queer and trans community in what they need to safely navigate this world and ultimately thrive.”

The school did not report the fight, resulting in a department of education investigation into concerns that they neglected to follow Title II and Title IX protocols. Oklahoma has some of the strictest anti-trans policies in the country, including laws banning transgender students from using bathrooms that do not match their sex assigned at

birth and restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.

The school’s negligence and Benedict’s death amid a history of transphobic policy in the state have sparked national outcry.

“It’s really important [for University students to be involved],” said Cadence Darling, a freshman majoring in French who represented the Q Center at the vigil. “It showed to younger youth and the community that’s older that we’re college students that are there in our presence, and there’s always a space that we want to be involved, and both the college itself and the community at large are supporting each other through it.”

While attendees held candles, speakers shared poems and led prayers, and others shared their experiences as trans individuals and the impact Benedict’s passing had on them. Angelina Blasich, one of the vigil’s hosts, highlighted

the emotional necessity of the vigil in an opening speech, addressing the crowd through a large red megaphone.

Blasich read a letter from the mother of Korbin, a trans elementary school student from Elmira, NY. In the letter, Korbin’s mother described the ongoing discrimination Korbin faces from the school district, specifically referencing an incident where her teacher allegedly prevented her from using the girl’s bathroom. According to the event organizers, her testimony showed that Benedict’s experience as a transgender student is not isolated.

“It’s important to hold this vigil to honor [Benedict] and to address the circumstances that ultimately led to [Benedict’s] death,” they wrote in a statement. “But it’s also important that we, as a community, stand up and assert that the queer and trans people of the Southern Tier are valued

and supported and have just as much a right to exist here as anyone else. Transphobia is not unique to [Benedict’s] hometown.”

Despite the nature of the tragedy that sparked the vigil, speakers conveyed messages of resistance, resilience and hope. Blasich often addressed the audience as her “party people” and encouraged attendees to talk to each other.

“Celebration is one of the ways that we vigil,” Blasich said. “We celebrate lives lived, and we celebrate what we have to offer each other. I thank you for taking a moment to celebrate the lives of trans children, the lives of their trans parents, the lives of the beautiful trans people who fill our existence and enrich it so magnificently. This vigil space becomes a celebratory space because celebration is a form of resistance.”

4

NEWS

bupipedream.com | March 19, 2024

Fee increase pushed by SA’s VPF, FINCO chair Fee from page 1 There are some costs that the SA cannot control, like contracts or insurance, that are continuing to rise with inflation, according to Croce. If the fee increase is rejected, the SA Congress’s Finance Committee (FinCo) will have to enact budget cuts, taking away money from organizations and initiatives.

Mackenzie Cooper, FinCo’s chair and a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law, discussed how this could impact the student organizations’ budgeting.

“Our student activity fee, as it remains the same, we aren’t really going to be able to function much longer because we’ve reached a cap on how much money we can allocate to certain clubs,” Cooper said. “We’re going to have to start not being able to respect the requests and increase budgets from these clubs because we just simply aren’t going to have the money.”

Other SUNY campuses have similar rates for their activity fees. The University

at Albany’s fee is $110 per semester, and Stony Brook University and Buffalo State charge $99.50 and $100, respectively.

Croce said that students vote on the activity fee and then decide how to use the money. The University collects the fee through students’ tuition, but those funds are given to the SA each semester via check.

“Pursuant to SUNY system policy, the [SA] has the authority to propose an increase in the student activity fee,” Ryan Yarosh, the University’s senior director of media and public relations, said. “Under the same SUNY policy, the [SA] conducts a referendum to continue the fee every two years, including this year.

The University bills the student activity fee on term bills also, as required by SUNY policy. We respect the autonomy of the [SA] with respect to the fee proposal.”

Students will be asked two questions on the ballot — if they approve of the existence of an activity fee, and if they approve of the subsequent $6 increase.

isabella bellitti design contributor The increase in the student activity fee is meant to compensate for deficits in Student Association spending caused by rising inflation, as well as a depletion of pre-COVID-19 reserves.

“I believe that in the pockets of every student, it is a small, small drop in the bucket, but on a grander scale, it will really help us

to operate and fund these clubs in the way that they deserve,” Cooper said. “We have so many amazing, amazing clubs on campus,

and they deserve to be funded in the way that they deserve.”

SA elections were held on March 17 on the

B-Engaged platform and ran from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Program supports students through Title IX process The peer advisor group provides support and makes claimants aware of their rights.

Vera Then

news intern

In an effort to increase support for survivors of sexualand gender-based harassment, violence or discrimination on campus, student advocates collaborated with the Student Association (SA) to create the Title IX Peer Advisors Program.

Spearheaded by KT Fitzgerald, the Binghamton University Feminist Collective senior advisor, communications organizer with the organization Know Your IX and a senior majoring in psychology, the

program is meant to cater to the diverse needs of claimants navigating Title IX grievance processes. Beginning in 2023, the Title IX Peer Advisors Program aims to provide comprehensive support, including guidance through the complex web of Title IX procedures, awareness of rights at federal, state and SUNYwide levels and assistance in accessing supportive measures and accommodations.

Frank Rizzo, director of the Title IX Peer Advisors Program, an SA advocate and a junior majoring in biochemistry and philosophy, politics and law, explained why the program was created.

“The [SA] Title IX Peer Advisors program was founded to provide claimants who are pursuing Title IX grievance

processes — including, but not limited to, survivors and victims of sexual/genderbased harassment, violence or discrimination — with adequate support through a peer advising program,” Rizzo wrote.

“Ensuring that claimants know which supportive measures and accommodations they are entitled to, and referring claimants to the appropriate on- and off-campus services or professionals based on a claimants’ individual needs and circumstances.”

The program falls under the vice president of student success (VPSS) office, and Luca Cassidy, the current VPSS and a junior double-majoring in economics and sociology, helped create the program with Fitzgerald and Rizzo.

Applications for the Title IX

Peer Advisors Program opened on March 11, welcoming “hardworking” students passionate about advocacy and peer-topeer support. Those accepted will undergo two mandatory training sessions and dedicate approximately five hours per week to their roles.

According to the Binghamton Title IX website, it is prohibited to exclude or discriminate against any individual on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance in the United States. Title IX safeguards students from sex-based discrimination and harassment, encompassing behaviors like sex stereotyping and harassment rooted in gender identity or expression.

Andrew Baker, senior

caspar carson photo editor Held under the Vice President for Student Success office, the program expands existing Title IX services on campus, allowing students to reach out to their peers during difficult times.

compliance officer and Title IX coordinator, explained that the Title IX office met with the students planning this initiative in October 2023. The office does not currently have any collaborations planned but is open to considering them moving forward.

Baker described the Title IX coordinators’ role and highlighted other available services, like accommodations for pregnant students.

“The roles of Title IX Coordinators include receiving reports, coordinating campus response, ensuring training/ education is provided to the campus community and providing reporting individuals with accommodations and services during an investigation,” Baker wrote.

Referrals to the CARE Team or VARCC may be offered to students when deemed appropriate and desired, and developments are already underway, including a peerto-peer support and victim advocacy training curated through a partnership with VARCC and other programs.

Fitzgerald emphasized that there are no significant alterations anticipated for the program. However, they have been considering reaching out to colleagues at other SUNY institutions to explore the possibility of adapting the program for their campuses.

Given the demand for peer support networks and similar resources, Fitzgerald said they believe there’s potential for their model to be replicated.

“This program is necessary because of the countless survivors who have been failed here at [BU], within the SUNY system and at educational institutions across the entire

United States,” Fitzgerald wrote. “Experiences of violence and harassment can seriously impede a student’s access to their education, often yielding dire negative consequences for one’s social, emotional, financial and/or academic wellbeing.”

According to Fitzgerald, the potential civil, legal and financial ramifications associated with enforcing Title IX policies lead educational institutions to often approach Title IX processes primarily as a means of risk management rather than prioritizing the survivors’ safety and comfort.

Know Your IX’s 2021 report, “The Cost of Reporting,” stated that 39 percent of survivors surveyed were compelled to take a leave of absence, transfer or drop out.

Rizzo commended the Title IX office’s work but emphasized their small size. By establishing the Title IX Peer Advisors Program, Rizzo, Cassidy and Fitzgerald aim to bridge the gap and provide additional support, expressing their belief that students may feel more comfortable reaching out to peers during challenging times.

“Clearly, there is a need for more transparency and accountability in the Title IX conduct process, and there is also a need for more supportive environments for survivors,” Fitzgerald wrote. “By providing this resource, we are attempting to circumvent institutional bias so that claimants can rely on a peer rather than a University employee to guide them through the process, which could also be more comfortable and less intimidating for folks than speaking and working with an ‘adult.’”

OPINIONS Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Thursday, Monday, Monday, October October April 3, 2,5, 2017 2017 2017

We shouldn’t be scared to interact

There’s too much to gain in sharing spaces and making connections.

Kyriaki Yozzo Opinions Columnist

Imagine — you’ve stepped outside of your friend Oscar’s place to have a cigarette, you’re squatting outside of his apartment building when you hear an “Excuse Me?” You lift your head up to a girl in what looks like her mid 20s parked in front of the building, hat with pom poms on her head, a nervous look in her eyes. You straighten your legs and walk over to the window, say “What’s Up?” She tells you she’s sorry, she doesn’t usually do this, isn’t usually so pathetic, but she’s had a horrible day and would just like someone to talk with. You tell her of course, ask her what’s been on her mind. She stutters a little bit, tells you that she wants to talk but has a delivery, so if you wouldn’t mind just getting into the car. Now it’s your turn to stutter, looking at the ground going “UmUmUm,” weighing the likelihood that this is a human trafficking scheme. Fixing your gaze back on her, you take five seconds to decide that she not only seems honest, but

desperate.

Desperately honest. Windows down, door unlocked and show me the Doordash delivery.

In one blink it appears, and in another you’re in the passenger seat. All buckled up!

An hour and a half later, she drops me back off in front of my friend’s apartment and I begin to dream of the Ideal World.

My friends ask me where I went, what I was doing. I tell them I just spent the last 90 minutes listening to this girl talk about how in the nine months she’s lived in the city she has yet to make a single friend, has no idea how to go about finding connection or community.

All her family is in India, where she spent the first 24 years of her life. “No one wants to talk” is what she told me, “and who wants to be lonely like this?”

I don’t dream in picture, but begin with a question — Whatever happened to the agora? Going out with an openness, if not a willingness and intent, to engage with the public? The public used to be regarded as a sacred place, our tether to the world at large, an opportunity for active and passive interaction with community on neutral

ground.

Public spaces provided the feeling of inclusiveness and belonging without the rigidity or exclusiveness of club or organization membership.

Sociologist Roy Oldenburg gives these environments the title of “Third Places.”

Whereas the two primary social environments of work and home come with certain expectations as to behavior and expression of identity, “third places” allow people to put aside their concerns and simply enjoy the company and conversation around them.

It seems like the self segregation of modern societies makes us feel so self-sufficient that many people feel it pointless to talk to their fellow citizens.

And, of course, if others are considered so expendable, why spend time on them?

When people approach us in public, our sociocultural reflex seems to be to assume they are either a threat to our safety or a threat to our comfort. Our aversion to strangers surpasses the very legitimate concern around safety, and I think somewhere along the line we conflated safety with comfort. And what is this comfort composed of? It seems to be defined by

how isolated we can be from the shared time and space that constitute our environment, how deeply we can play into this narrative of Me Myself and I versus the World. We objectify people and life at large, make it our own personal and inanimate background, condition ourselves to value “convenience” which makes you, you sir trying to grab my attention, nothing more than a fly to swat at.

Individualism of this kind is accepted and promoted within modern culture (or lack thereof) as it aligns with capitalist interests and plans.

Increased privatization makes spaces less accessible to the majority of people as spending money is practically a requirement when going out. Cities run by mayors like mine — I hate you Eric Adams — allocate their resources to policing and surveillance while slashing the parks, schools and libraries’ budgets.

These power structures do not encourage you to look at or engage with others, and instead continuously facilitate social stratification and overly exaggerated concern with one’s self. We all need to be aware of the way in

which we unconsciously integrate these attitudes into our own ways of interpreting and engaging.

People will argue for their detached mindset, claim others just want something from them or that there’s nothing to “gain” from the interaction. This is nothing more than an internalization of the apathy that grounds and propels our society forward. Gain is usually measured in terms of social climbing, virtue signaling or some other perceived form of long term and continuous benefits to Ego. We can’t assert our own will, our own desires or feel confident in ourselves without negating or minimizing the personhood of others — the wants of others are “problematic” in a way that our own never seem to be. I like to think Immanuel Kant would have more pity than anger for this absolutely pathetic moral situation — is it not weakness to feel threatened by others’ ability to set ends, to reduce them to a mere means?

Whether it is casual commuter conversation or getting glued to the park bench, I believe that there is a lot to gain in consciously choosing to

share space. There is value in transitory moments and brief connection. When we lack an awareness of our openness to sharing life with people, let alone interest in their lives, we isolate ourselves from reality as it actually is, and I have to, I stubbornly believe there is so much to receive from and give to reality. I believe in training the gut, knowing what an actual threat looks like so that I do not miss out on nourishment. At the end of the day, we all complain about the fact that we’re bound by the subjective nature of consciousness — how is interacting with people not a perfect way of mitigating that problem?

And really, who is anyone to ignore an “Excuse Me?” Kyriaki Yozzo is a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law.

Views expressed in the opinions pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial.

Restrictions must be placed on court storming

While the tradition can help bring people together, it must be controlled.

Christian Bongiorno Opinions Columnist

On Saturday, Feb. 24, fans dashed toward the court after Wake Forest’s upset win over the eighth ranked Duke Blue Devils.

Things turned south quickly when a fan bumped into Duke’s star center, Kyle Filipowski, causing Filipowski to suffer a sprained knee injury and be listed as questionable for practice the following Monday. After the incident, Duke’s Coach Jon Scheyer asked “when are we going to ban court storming?”

Wake Forest’s court storming isn’t the first to make headlines.

Star point guard, Caitlin Clark, collided with an Ohio State fan rushing the court after the Buckeyes Women’s Basketball Team defeated Clark’s top ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in an overtime victory on Jan. 21. Clark was blindsided by the fan, causing her to tumble down to the floor. Fortunately, Clark wasn’t injured, but

it caused quite a scare for her. This raises a question — should court storming be banned?

Before I dive in, I’m going to give you a synopsis on court storming.

An NBC News article states that court storming happens when a home team defeats a favored visitor.

Simply, fans of the home team run toward the court after a win over a ranked opponent or rival. For example, Northwestern stormed the court after their win over number one Purdue in February of 2023.

This court storm involved the home fans having fun while celebrating the win and getting their money’s worth by running onto the court and celebrating. A sports fanatic’s dream is to experience the atmosphere of a game — whether it be football, soccer, basketball, hockey, you name it — the aim is to get your money’s worth. College basketball fans complete that through court storming. Fans do this in hopes to celebrate with the team or to simply gain “clout” on social media.

For college basketball fans

who do this for fun, I get it, but … lines are drawn when there are injury fears to players or fans. Therefore, measures need to be in place for everyone’s safety.

Mike Bianchi from the Orlando Sentinel reports that “The [Florida] Gators have made it clear to their fans […] that anybody who is on the playing surface is essentially trespassing and is subject to arrest and having their ticket privileges revoked.” In addition, the Southeastern Conference implements a $100,000 fine for a first offense for court storming, $250,000 for a second and $500,000 for subsequent offenses.

Schools lose money for court storms, thus fines and policies similar to UF’s are necessary to check a box for improving safety measures in college basketball while saving the school a couple of bucks.

Additionally, mandatory timeouts should go into effect to safely get players and coaches off the court if a court storm is imminent.

The rule would work as follows — referees would call the timeout to advise

coaches and players if signs of a court storm are present. Also, the timeout enables coaches to draft an escape plan to get everyone out. Player safety is top priority, so let’s mandate this rule to ensure a safe exit for players and coaches.

This rule should have been in place from the getgo because in a swarm of hundreds of people running toward a player on the court, there’s a good chance that a collision would occur.

Prior announcements regarding celebrations that are made by coaches would help with regulation. This way, fans are more likely to have positive responses to protect program image since a court storm has serious risks for injuries to everyone involved. Coach Mike Krzyzewski said it’s important to “just get our team off the court and our coaching staff before students come on.”

Articles spread like wildfire last week calling for “full bans” on court storming and that “stiffer penalties” need to be assessed. I’m going to spill the tea — court storming

needs to simmer down. I 100 percent support people celebrating after their team wins but it’s important to keep antics in check to make sure that others aren’t harmed. Court storming fits in my thinking niche — it’s what makes college hoops exciting, but after learning about past incidents involving fans and players/ coaches, I believe court storming needs to settle down. Putting regulations in place is going to benefit everyone’s safety — imagine you were in Filipowski’s shoes or heck, the fan who collided with Clark, would you want to be involved in a scary collision putting you at risk while celebrating or trying to get to the lockers?

Having regulations such as UF’s or implementing serious fines would reduce the probability of these scenarios. I’m sure that you would consider sprinting down several levels of seats to celebrate with fellow fans after you witness David taking down Goliath — let’s say Binghamton takes down number one Houston, man oh man, Binghamton would be going crazy for days

on end. Court storming creates memories that you can proudly recall — “I was in the seats for that game, I remember the buzzer beater that made the arena rock and fans scramble toward the court.”

University bodies have potential to unite since winning sports teams give students and staff an excuse to root for the team and go to their games. A sense of unity is created since a good majority is rooting for their school. I’m not advocating for a full ban on this tradition. All I’m saying is that court storming needs regulations to keep everyone safe.

Christian Bongiorno is a sophomore majoring in political science.

Views expressed in the opinions pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial.

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PULSE hosts tenth-annual banquet pulse from page 1 The banquet began with introductions by Adé Abbey-Peter, the president of PULSE and a senior majoring in sociology. Abbey-Peter selected the theme for the event to honor PULSE’s motto, the “three Es,” to educate, elevate and empower women.

“Education was not always inclusive to women,” Abbey-Peter said. “Education in all facets, whether by traditional standards or later accepted forms like the arts and STEM, was not welcoming to women, especially women of color. However, for arts and STEM, for years to come, beginning in the 1910s and 1920s specifically, women of color began

to break down barrier and become the hidden figures behind the advancement of society in all realms.”

PULSE was founded in 2007 by Joanna Cardona-Lozada, the senior academic counselor for the Educational Opportunity Program, who wanted to address the lack of mentorship for women of color at the University. Initially called The Women’s Meeting, PULSE was officially chartered by the Student Association on International Women’s Day in 2010.

Since its inception, PULSE has been dedicated to “provid[ing] women of color and all women in general with a safe space to grow in all aspects” through a

variety of events, including their leadership conference, Breast Cancer Festival and the annual banquet.

Guests competed in a sing-along challenge for a 50 dollar ULTA gift card, and booklets given to each guest had trivia questions about the Harlem Renaissance and Black artists and educators. The banquet showcased multiple artistic performances, including a dance inspired by 1920s ragtime from the Black Dance Repertoire and a routine by MajorNoir, Binghamton’s first Black majorette dance team. The Black Student Union Vanguard also had a poetry reading, featuring works from Maya Angelou and original pieces.

Madelyn Payano, attendee at the event and a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law, commented on her experience of the banquet.

“I loved how they connected their motto of ‘we educate, we elevate, we empower’ in their banquet and by giving awards to educators and showing their appreciation to their interns,” Payano wrote. “I enjoyed seeing the [collaboration of] both dance groups, [with] MajorNoir [and] Black Dance Repertoire especially showing the majorette dance. It was a very nice way to see them embrace their culture, especially in a PWI, and a way for people to learn more about Black

culture, especially something seen at HBCUs. It’s a very great representation to show at [BU].”

Throughout the banquet, staff, organizations and students were honored with awards, including the Black Cabinet Award for faculty, which was awarded to Kimberly Peabody, director of health promotion and prevention services, and the Harlem Spotlight Award for supportive organizations on campus, which was given to the Caribbean Students Association. Additionally, the Mary McLeod Bethune scholarship of 500 dollars was awarded to Farida Larry, a senior double-majoring in integrative neuroscience and Africana studies.

PULSE members were also honored at this event, as interns Mwende Wagner, a sophomore majoring in sociology and Briana Santana, a freshman majoring in business administration, were given the Renaissance Award for their dedication.

“I think [the banquet] went absolutely amazing,” Wagner said. “I was really proud of obviously the board’s work and then us interns helping out. I was just really proud to see that it came together in the end … I honestly was not expecting [to be awarded], so it was a bit of a shock, but it warmed my heart to know that me and [Santana] were chosen for that.”

Mac & Cheese Fest returns for ninth year The annual festival allowed attendees to sample mac and cheese from 24 restaurants in the Binghamton area.

Van Thum

arts & culture writer

It was a mac and cheese filled night on Thursday at the Hilton DoubleTree in Downtown Binghamton.

The Mac & Cheese Fest, a yearly event that fundraises for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, saw a tremendous turnout of over 1,000 guests for its ninth year.

For two hours, attendees were able to get their cheese on by sampling mac and cheeses from a variety of locations local to the Greater Binghamton area. Twenty-four restaurants attended this year’s festival, and each

brought something unique to the table. Patrons were able to sample each dish in taste-test sized cups, and come back for seconds — or even thirds — of their favorites.

Traditional mac and cheese was not the only star of Thursday’s show. 205 Dry’s BBQ mac and cheese combined the sweet BBQ sauce with just the right amount of salty pork. The new Downtown by Chef Jay Pisculli brought cheesestuffed gnocchi mac with roasted garlic cream and fried mortadella and basil.

McCoy’s Chophouse brought a unique Greek take on mac with chef Josh Crane’s Greek Chicken Mac and Cheese.

The mac that really stole the show this year was Kampai Japanese Steakhouse’s Spicy Miso Ramen Mac & Cheese, featuring asiago, sharp cheddar and muenster,

McCoy’s Chophouse won the New to the Fest award.

topped with spicy miso beef and garnished with a potato onion crunch and scallions.

By audience choice, it took home the titles of Best of the Fest and Most Original for their second year in a row, and for their fourth year taking home a win overall. Just like Kampai, Park Diner also won Best Classic for their second year in a row.

Michael Matsushima, 37, co-owner of Kampai Japanese Steakhouse, wrote in an email about the secret to the restaurant’s success at the festival.

“We try to do spinoffs on traditional Japanese dishes,” Matsushima wrote. “We are fortunate to have some very talented chefs that are able to marry traditional Japanese flavors with the very non-traditional macaroni and cheese.”

Audience choices weren’t the only awards handed out

on Thursday, though. This year, the festival welcomed panel of judges including Emily Jablon, a mosaic artist known best for her appearances on Hell’s Kitchen and Top Chef, Daniel Hege, the Music Director for the Binghamton Philharmonic, Bill Snyder, WSKG’s Classical Music Director, several local news media personalities and Binghamton University’s own Brooke Smith, president of the Cheese Club and a senior majoring in biology as their panel of judges. The judges chose between the 24 participants for the judge’s choice award, which they presented to R&B Soul Food, and New to the Fest, which was presented to McCoy’s Chophouse for their second year in the festival.

Smith wrote in an email about her experience judging with the rest of the pan-

el.

“It was easy to identify some clear shared favorites, however, narrowing down just one winner was a bit difficult,” Smith wrote. “Different judges have different things that we prefer in our mac and cheese, but I think we were all pleased with our choice, and the winners are very deserving of their titles.”

There were plenty of honorable mentions from attendees, as well. John Schreckendgust, 40, of Nichols, had his stand out mac and cheese by the end of the night.

“I really enjoyed The [FatCowboys BBQ’s] mac,” Schreckendgust wrote in an email. “Not only did they have a buffalo chicken mac, but a pulled BBQ beef mac.

[I enjoyed it] enough [that] I went back for thirds, and they [had run] out by then.”

Mac and cheese might have been the star of the show, but it wasn’t the only feature. Festival attendees had a variety of baskets to choose from for the basket raffle, including baskets from the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Little Venice, Tom’s Gift Shop and the Binghamton Hilton DoubleTree itself. Between the raffle, drinks, music and so much mac, there was something for everyone this year at the festival.

It’s safe to say that with such a large turnout and so much cheese in one place, there was nothing “cheddar” to do on Thursday night than the Mac & Cheese Fest.

It’s a “gouda” thing that the festival is annual, so be sure to check in next year so you don’t miss the 10th anniversary and all of the cheesy goodness.

jacob gressin assistant photo editor

bupipedream.com | March 19, 2024

ARTS & CULTURE

7

BU Speech and Debate heads to nationals The BU Speech and Debate team completed the district qualifier tournament without dropping a single bid.

Karlie McGann

arts & culture writer

Following years of triumphant performances on both the regional and national level, the Binghamton University Speech and Debate Team recently finished off their 20232024 competition season with success at the District 8 Qualifier, with two students, Eli Louis, a senior majoring in Africana studies, and Akif Choudhury, a junior majoring in economics, qualifying for the National Debate Tournament (NDT).

Joe Schatz, director of debate at BU, described how the team, which accepts members of novice to varsity skill levels, has started to gain recognition on a national scale.

“We have consistently been ranked in the top-10 nationally and have repeatedly qualified for the National Debate Tournament,” Schatz wrote in an email. “In recent years, we have shifted our focus to national competition over regional dominance and our successful showing at our district tournaments stands testament to our strength at the top level of competition.”

The BU Speech and Debate Team participates in a

style of competition called cross-examination policy debate. Teams debate one topic the entire year, focusing on both the affirmative and negative sides of the argument at hand.

Schatz explained that the BU team holds weekly practices where they run debates, watch videos of competitors and focus their research on their rivals’ arguments in order to try to gain the upper hand in debates. This season, the subject that students are debating involves the United States’ nuclear posturing, and competitors must be prepared, especially as the season goes on and arguments evolve. “[The] tournaments toward the beginning of the season often have teams presenting new arguments to catch opponents off guard,” Choudhury wrote in an email. “In contrast, tournaments toward the end of the season have nuanced renditions of arguments teams have been reading throughout the season that we must think through.”

The District 8 Qualifier Tournament, which took place at the end of February, put BU up against schools such as Cornell University, Dartmouth College and New York University for a chance to obtain a bid to the NDT. There are six rounds of debates, each evaluated by two judges, and the teams that collect the most ballots from the judges over the course of

provided by vincent li Akif Choudhury, a junior majoring in economics, and Eli Louis, a senior majoring in Africana studies, will travel to Atlanta, Georgia for the National Debate Tournament (NDT).

the competition receive a bid. Choudhury and Louis completed the tournament without dropping a single bid, going 12-0. This is the first time a BU team has ever gone undefeated at the District Qualifier.

Louis reflected on competing at the District Qualifier and how it led to her receiving a bid to the NDT. “I believe it is important that people question

and [re-question] their thoughts, motives, ambitions and relations in the spaces they occupy — self-accountability and awareness,” Louis wrote in an email. “However, because I am hard on myself, I am often unsure of whether I am going the right direction, whether I am making sense, et cetera. But because I knew my material, I was able to just sit and say,

‘I’ll let the universe take it from here.’”

However, this tournament was not the BU Debate Team’s only success this season. The varsity team won the West Point Debate Tournament this past October, while Choudhury and Louis reached the quarterfinals of the Harvard Debate Tournament. The pair will travel to Atlanta, Georgia for the

NDT, which will take place at Emory University from April 5 to April 8, 2024.

Louis expressed her excitement about being able to make “herstory” at the NDT this year.

“My existence in debate is kind of enigmatic,” Louis wrote. “So, I have a goal — grandiose, but who cares. I want to, and will, meet it.”

DSA hold first banquet — Teteo In Paradise The DSA’s first-ever banquet showcased Dominican culture, featuring traditional food, dance and beachy decor.

Victoria Stargiotti

arts & culture writer

Vibrant shades of red, orange and green and a welcoming ambience filled the Mandela Room on Friday night as the Dominican Student Association (DSA) hosted their first-ever banquet, Teteo In Paradise. Students were welcomed by a glorious paradise, creating a festive atmosphere for a celebration of diversity and cultural engagement.

Nelly Diaz, the political and educational Coordinator of the DSA and a senior majoring sociology, explained the purpose of the event.

“We wanted [the banquet] to be kind of a culture shock to Binghamton [University],” Diaz said. “I know we have LASU on campus, the Latin American Student Union, [and] we have a lot of other multicultural orgs, but this one is specific to the Dominican Republic and Dominicans.”

Kyara Perez, intern for DSA and a freshman majoring in psychology, also discussed the organization’s hopes for the event.

“There aren’t many Dominicans on campus,” Perez said.

“And with the two-year anni-

versary of the DSA having been passed, we felt that this would be a perfect opportunity to celebrate it and share the culture with other students.”

With food and dance being significant aspects of cultural identities, this event highlighted Dominican culture and the distinct customs that DSA wished to feature. The organization seemed to emphasize specific styles of dance — particularly merengue, bachata and dembow.

“Our main goal for the night is to ensure that everyone who attends the event has an enjoyable experience,” Perez said.

“We want to ensure that the audience genuinely gets a taste of the Dominican Republic.”

Dominican spaghetti, chick-

The banquet featured various Dominican dance styles including merengue, bachata and dembow.

en and plantains are just a few of the flavorful traditional dishes that were served, along with a refreshing mocktail. Dances by the Black Dance Repertoire (BDR), Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity Inc. and the audience members themselves were featured throughout this event, providing students with the opportunity to engage with Dominican culture and show off their own abilities on the dance floor.

Geraldine Nunez, the co-fundraiser chair for DSA and a sophomore majoring in nursing, expressed a similar desire to showcase Dominican culture and encourage BU students to engage with the expanse of diverse lifestyles that can be found on a college campus. She

explained that “teteo” translates to party.

“We decided on Teteo in Paradise as our theme since we thought it reflected the beauty of our island, the Dominican Republic,” Nunez said. “This theme enabled us to go all out with vibrant décor that mimics the hues found at resorts in the Dominican Republic.”

The set tables were laid with strikingly colorful flowers, tickets in the shape of the Dominican Republic and beachy, warm decor along the stage. Catering tables revealed the focus the DSA placed on recreating a Dominican party at BU. Pamphlets on the purpose of the event allowed for attendees to consider opportunities to engage in cultural activities and support their

peers while enjoying the event.

After the event, students and DSA E-board members alike took time to reflect on their favorite moments. The performances from BDR and Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity Inc. were energetic and well-rehearsed, allowing attendees to get up and dance as well.

Perez recalled the factors that contributed to the event’s success.

“Seeing so many people from various organizations on stage, letting loose and having fun made my night,” Perez said.

“I feel the crowd’s overwhelming support gave them that confidence, and I’m pleased we had such a dynamic and engaged audience — they truly made the celebration worthwhile.”

jared chen contributing photographer

Fun Page Thursday, Monday, Monday, October October April 3,2,5, 2017 2017 2017 Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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bupipedream.com | February 27, 2024

SPORTS

9

Men’s lacrosse falls to Merrimack in overtime BU unable to overcome early deficit, defeated 10-9.

Gabriel Przybylo

sports contributor

One week after falling to St. John’s 15-6 in their final game of nonconference play, the Binghamton men’s lacrosse team suffered a 10-9 loss to Merrimack in overtime to open America East (AE) conference play.

After trailing 6-0 after the first quarter, the Bearcats outscored Merrimack 9-3 in the next three quarters to send the game to overtime.

Merrimack scored first in sudden death overtime to hand Binghamton the loss.

“I thought we did a great job battling in the last three quarters,” said Binghamton head coach Kevin McKeown.

“I think we responded to a 6-0 lead, in any conference game that’s gonna be tough, so I’m proud of the way we fought back, but we were disappointed with how the game started for us.”

Merrimack (3-5, 1-0 AE) scored the first goal within their first minute of play to take an early lead.

Binghamton (2-5, 0-1 AE) only got off six shots in the first quarter, and was unable to find the back of the net. The Warriors went on to net three more goals in the period without a response from the Bearcats to take a 4-0 lead going into the second quarter.

“I thought we did a good job of changing up how we were shooting and changing plans on the [Merrimack] goalie,” said McKeown. “[Merrimack’s] goalie started off really hot, so we just needed to

get some plays in order to start building some momentum. Unfortunately, that happened pretty late so we weren’t able to come up with the win.”

To open up the second quarter, Merrimack scored two more goals to grow their lead to 6-0. At the 5:03 mark in the period, Binghamton stopped the bleeding with a goal from sophomore attack Colin Delay. Binghamton added two more goals starting with senior attack Liam Ferris finding the back of the net. Shortly after, with BU utilizing its second man-up opportunity, junior attack Matthew Keegan scored to cut Merrimack’s lead to 6-3 going into halftime.

“We always want to start our offense with good hard dodges, which makes their defense slide or at least compact a bit,” said McKeown. ‘I think we did a good job playing off of that and finding some high percentage opportunities.”

Coming out of the half, Binghamton made it a four-goal run as junior midfielder Thomas Kelly found twine at the 11:05 mark. Not long after, the visitors got back on the board to retain a three-goal lead over Binghamton. A minute later, the Bearcats capitalized on their fourth man-up opportunity of the game with Ferris scoring his second goal of the game. With 31 seconds left in the quarter, senior midfielder Ethan Insinga took advantage of a quick clearance from Binghamton’s defense and cut Merrimack’s lead to one, as the Bearcats entered

provided by johnathan cohen Junior attack Gage Adams had two goals and an assist in BU’s 10-9 overtime loss to Merrimack on Saturday afternoon.

the fourth quarter down 7-6.

“We played great team defense,” said McKeown. “[It was] as good as we have played defensively [this year]. [Junior goalie Connor Winters] came up with some big saves when there were some gaps there, and [Merrimack] got some good opportunities, so I’m proud of the way we played there. When you go down that much you need to do it on both ends of the field, it started with the stops, and we were able to carry that momentum into some great

goals.”

The fourth period opened with six shots from the Bearcats and five from the Warriors. The stalemate was broken with 7:05 left in the period after junior attack Gage Adams scored with an assist from Delay to tie the game at seven.

Merrimack soon regained the lead with a goal of its own. Six seconds later, after winning the face-off, senior face-off Ross Chazanow, scored to tie the game at eight. The back and forth continued as Merrimack scored with 2:19 left.

However, Adams found the back of the net during the final minute of regulation to tie it at 9-9 and force overtime.

The sudden death overtime period lasted just 34 seconds. After Merrimack won the initial face-off, the visitors scored on their first possession to win the match over Binghamton 10-9.

“We’re gonna make sure we continue to push forward, and we want to make sure we get those good starts,” said McKeown. “I think good starts in practice can lead to good starts in

games, so we’ll make sure the guys are fresh and ready to go next Saturday.”

Binghamton allowed just three goals off of 21 shots in the second half after facing an early deficit. Winters continued his seven-game streak with 10+ saves. Two Bearcats had multiple goals in the game with Adams and Ferris each scoring twice.

BU will continue its AE slate against NJIT on Saturday, March 23. First face-off is set for 1 p.m. at Lubetkin Field in Newark, New Jersey.

Women’s lacrosse comes up short against UAlbany Bearcats losing streak extends to four with 15-13 loss.

Emily Maldonado sports intern

On Saturday, the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team’s losing streak was extended to four games with a 15-13 loss to UAlbany in its America East (AE) conference opener. After a back and forth game that was tied at 6-6 at halftime, the Great Danes pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Bearcats 4-2 in the third quarter to deliver BU a narrow loss.

“The loss to UAlbany was a tough one, but our team showed a lot of promise and

fought until the end,” wrote Binghamton head coach Stephanie Allen.

In the first quarter, nearly two minutes in, UAlbany (2-6, 1-0 AE) scored to get on the board first. Senior midfielder Kristen Scheidel responded by netting BU’s (4-6, 0-1 AE) lone goal of the quarter, tying the game at one. At the 8:50 mark in the first period, the Great Danes netted another goal to regain the lead. Neither team would score for the rest of the quarter as BU trailed 2-1 at the end of one.

“Any defensive stop is an added opportunity on the offensive end,” Allen wrote. “We had an outstanding defensive

performance and some players taking on new roles for us Saturday. They all stepped up to the challenge.”

During the second quarter, the Great Danes quickly increased their lead after scoring two goals in the first six minutes to take a 4-1 lead. BU answered with five straight goals of their own, including two from Scheidel and one from sophomore attack Carla Curth, senior attack Madison Murphy and senior midfielder Hayley Weltner to take the lead at 6-4.

In the remaining 11 seconds, the Great Danes scored backto-back goals to tie the game at six going into halftime.

“We spoke at our last tim-

eout in the second quarter about where we needed to be on the scoreboard heading into halftime,” Allen wrote. “Our team exceeded that and gave us a lot of momentum moving into the second half.”

The tie was broken in the third quarter after the Great Danes scored three straight goals to regain the lead at 9-6.

Soon after, the Bearcats gained some momentum as sophomore midfielder Emma Blloshmi and junior attack Olivia Muscolino each found twine goals to cut UAlbany’s lead to one at 9-8. With 31 seconds left, the Great Danes scored once more to take a two goal lead into the fourth quarter.

Senior midfielder Kristen Scheidel tallied three goals and an assist in BU’s 15-13 loss to UAlbany on Saturday afternoon.

“[Muscolino], [Murphy] and [Scheidel] all played at an elite level yesterday,” Allen wrote. “They kept us in the game, but more importantly, they were incredible leaders out on the field.”

UAlbany scored twice to take a 12-8 lead with 12:52 remaining in the quarter. The Bearcats’ offense strung together some momentum, going on a three goal run to make it a one goal game, courtesy of two scores by Muscolino and one by Blloshmi. Then, after both teams traded scores, the scoreboard read 13-12. With two minutes left, the Great Danes pulled way with two goals to take a 15-12 advan-

tage. Despite Murphy scoring to make it a two goal game with 21 seconds left, it was not enough as BU dropped the match 15-13.

“We have a lot to hang our hat on from our UAlbany game,” Allen wrote. “We are looking forward to some rest this week and building off of many positives from our game against UAlbany.”

The Bearcats will return home to continue AE conference play against UMass Lowell on Saturday, March 23. First draw control is set for 1 p.m. at the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.

provided by jonathan cohen

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Baseball begins conference play against NJIT baseball from page 1 “[Game two was] probably as well as [Bates] has pitched for us,” Sinicki said. “The fact that he was able to use all three pitches that he has, fastball, curveball, changeup — he had all three going. [Bates] kept us in the ballgame and that’s all you can really ask your starting pitcher to do for as long as he’s out there.”

BU went to work quickly in the bottom of the 10th, as senior catcher Kevin Reilly laced a single, followed by a double from freshman first baseman Conner Griffin. A Stellrecht walk loaded the bases for senior infielder Isaiah Corry, who sent a deep drive over the right field wall for a walk-off grand slam, lifting the Bearcats to a 7-5 win.

“Couldn’t happen to a better kid,” Sinicki said. “[Corry’s] been in this program for a long time now. He’s been in and out of the lineup, [and] he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. For him to be able to turn on a pitch like he did [Saturday] in that moment not only was great [Saturday] but I hope it’s something he’ll remember forever.”

In the series finale, senior outfielder Mike Gunning started things off with a tworun home run to left field

to give the Bearcats a 2-0 lead. Binghamton and NJIT went back and forth, with Binghamton taking a 5-4 lead in the fifth inning, before NJIT added four combined through the eighth and ninth innings, to secure an 8-5 win in the weekend finale. Senior pitcher Nelson Berkwich threw five and a third innings of tworun baseball for the Bearcats, striking out four, while Haskell collected five hits and scored three runs.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t make a play in the inning where they scored two runs, where we could’ve been out of the inning,” Sinick said. “I thought [Berkwich] gave us a good start, but we had the 5-4 lead and had an opportunity to tack on a run and we didn’t.

Then, unfortunately we ran into a little bit of bad luck in the eighth inning. A little bit of bad luck and unfortunately we created some of that ourselves, but the one thing that I’ve learned about this team in the first third of the season is we don’t have any quit. Overall, I’m satisfied that we got two out of three, but we certainly aren’t a finished product.”

The Bearcats’ next game will be a midweek matchup against Cornell on Tuesday, March 19. First pitch is at 3 p.m. in Ithaca, NY.

aiden emery staff photographer Senior shortstop Isaiah Corry hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Bearcats to a 7-5 win over NJIT in game two on Saturday afternoon.

Softball takes three of four at Penn State Invite BU concludes preseason tournament slate.

Jacob Knipes

assistant sports editor

To round out its preseason tournament slate, the Binghamton women’s softball team went 3-1 at the Penn State Softball Invitational in College Park, Pennsylvania over the weekend.

The Bearcats found success early on with an +24 run differential across their first three games, before taking their lone loss of the weekend to Penn State.

“I was really happy with the weekend and how the girls showed up after a tough weekend at [James Madison University] last weekend,” wrote Binghamton head coach Jess Bump.

“We are an incredibly talented team, and all three facets clicked

this weekend which is great to see as we head into America East (AE) play.”

Opening the tournament against Lehigh (10-13) on Saturday, BU (14-8) got off to a hot start off of an RBI single from sophomore pitcher Brianna Roberts in the first and a home run to dead center courtesy of freshman utility Maddy Dodig to begin the second frame up 2-0.

The offense continued in the second inning as a single by redshirt junior outfielder Brianna Santos plated two runners, making it 4-0 Bearcats. Lehigh knotted it at four in the third inning, but Binghamton went back up 6-4 in the fourth inning after a sac bunt followed by a second RBI single from Roberts. An eight spot in the top of the fifth from BU, capped off with a single by graduate student infielder Alex Musial that plated two runs, triggered

the mercy rule and secured a 14-4 win for Binghamton.

“Our game against Lehigh was a great offensive showing for us,” Bump wrote. “We hit the ball hard right from the first inning and our outs were very productive. We got momentum and didn’t lose [it] which was something we have struggled with the last few weeks.”

Finishing the action Saturday against Cornell (2-12), the Bearcats quickly surrendered a run in the top of the first. However, the tides turned with a tworun home-run from senior utility Shelby Carvalho in the second inning, followed by two more homers in the third inning, courtesy of redshirt junior utility Lindsey Walter and senior first baseman Allison L’Amoreaux, which put the Bearcats up 4-1.

BU added four more runs in the fifth to make it 9-1 and wrap up

its second mercy rule win of the day. Leading Binghamton on the mound was Roberts, pitching all five innings with seven strikeouts and just one earned run while going 2-for-3 at the plate. “[Roberts] didn’t have the best start against Cornell, but really made some great mechanics adjustments after the second inning and settled in nicely,” Bump wrote.

On Sunday, BU defeated Cornell once again, this time, in a 6-0 shutout. Throughout the first four innings, neither team brought a runner home, with sophomore pitcher Olivia Kennedy keeping the Bearcats in it on the mound. The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning when a sac fly from Dodig, followed by a two-run single from Santos gave BU a 3-0 lead. Padding their lead with three more runs in the fifth,

the Bearcats stayed in front the rest of the way to secure the 6-0 win. Kennedy remained on the mound for the complete game shutout, recording six strikeouts while allowing just seven runners on base all game.

“We had great at-bats just weren’t necessarily getting the best outcomes,” Bump wrote.

“But we hung tough, didn’t veer from our approach and our atbats got better as the game went on.”

In its final game of the tournament, Binghamton faced off against the tournament hosts Penn State (20-6). The Nittany Lions came out of the gates hot to put up an 11 spot in the first inning. While BU responded with four runs of their own in the second, capitalizing on wild pitches and an RBI double from Santos, Penn State’s lead grew to a 12-4 advantage by the end

Senior utility Shelby Carvalho went 5-for-12 at the plate with four RBIs and five runs scored over four games for Binghamton at the Penn State Invite over the weekend.

of the second frame. In the end, Binghamton failed to mount a comeback, as BU suffered a 15-5 loss by mercy rule.

“They continue to have each others backs, and know that at any moment we are a team that is tough to take the field against,” Bump wrote. “We need to continue to see that …

The [AE] schedule will be tough, but I am confident that we have prepared the right way and have great momentum going into it.”

The Bearcats will hit the road again next weekend to open AE conference play with a threegame set against Bryant. First pitch of the first game is set for noon on Saturday, March 23 at the Bryant University Softball Complex at Conaty Park in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

provided by steven simoneau