Volume 135 No. 17

The Springfield Student Est. 1910

March 18, 2021

scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

After a full year of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Springfield College community took some time to reflect on what has transpired as we move forward to better days in 2021 and beyond.

Volume 135 No. 17

Memory, Resilience and Hope

-- See Page 3 --

Joe Arruda/The Student

The time has come for Student-Trustee electionS. Information on pAGE 6.

March 18, 2021

COVID-19

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COVID: Remaining vigilant with nicer weather ahead

By Garrett Cote @garrett_cote

A

s this brisk and windy Western Massachusetts winter blossoms into a warmer Spring, students will begin finding themselves spending more time enjoying the fresh air.

In addition to the cold weather, remote learning has also held students from being outside, so it is safe to say the famously tended Springfield College greens will be packed with activity as nicer conditions await.

Due to the COVID-19

regulations that are set in place, spending time with friends in a big group has been eliminated for the time being.

However, relaxing outside, socially distancing of course, is a plausible option to hanging out safely with a group of friends.

Christine Johnston, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Alcohol and Drug Education and Health Promotion at Springfield College, agrees that the nicer weather provides a safer opportunity to be around bigger groups, yet admits that same notion could be the reason

it is more dangerous.

“We definitely recognize both sides to having warm weather,” Johnston began. “We know for sure that going outdoors is a lot safer than being indoors, and wanting to enjoy the good weather is understandable. I was out last week walking on the track, and it was great to see so many people, but that’s the flip side. We want to make sure that everyone is continuing to follow guidelines even when being outside.”

Last week, which happened to be the nicest week in terms of weather, was the cam-

pus’s lowest positive COVID-19 test output of the semester. Whether that is a coincidence or not, Johnston lauded the Springfield students for heeding the guidelines, as difficult as it may be. This past weekend was also an important date, as it represented one full year of a different Springfield College lifestyle.

“A year ago on Saturday was the last day of anything in person on this campus. While it’s definitely frustrating to have to follow each rule, and it may not be what you want to do, we should all be used

to wearing a mask and keeping our distance.

Being on campus and following guidelines is better than having to go home again and finish the semester in a house.

I would much rather wear a mask,” offered Johnston.

Springfield College students are starting to feel a sense of normalcy now that vaccinations are being distributed and sports are being played. Nonetheless, it is still imperative that the set rules continue to be followed, as May and completing this Spring semester inches closer and closer.

March 18, 2021

COVID-19

David McMahon, the Director of Spiritual Life on campus, was one of the speakers at the event.

PAGE 3

Christodia Antwi, an international student from Ghana, spoke about strength and resilience that was displayed over the past year.

COVID Rememberance On Friday, March 12 various Springfield College students and faculty came together to reflect on the pandemic and hope for a brighter future for the both the campus and the country.

Brian Krylowicz, Director of the Counseling Center, spoke about hope and mental health as the two relate to the pandemic.

(Photos Courtesy of Joe Arruda)

Professor of English Rebecca Lartigue read a poem about how the pandemic has affected different people in a number of ways.

The art backdrop for the event was made by Pam Marino with help from other students and staff members.

Hope for better days lies ahead.

March 18, 2021

Sticking with what works Juliana Claudio has found joy and success in her newly created small business selling stickers, face masks and t-shirts.

An example of a Springfield College themed sticker that was made by Claudio. (Photo Courtesy of Collin Atwood/ The Student)

Small Business

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By Collin Atwood @collinatwood17

When the coronavirus pandemic forced the country to shut down and families were locked in their houses, some people picked up new hobbies or learned a new skill. For Juliana Claudio, she found joy in starting her own small business selling stickers.

“As any small business starts you know, bored over quarantine,” said Claudio, who is a junior at Springfield College majoring in Physical Therapy.

After scrolling on Redbubble looking for Springfield College stickers, Claudio decided to try something new and create her own sticker using a Cricut. “I figured out how to make them myself and design them on my computer and now I have a business,” Claudio said.

She started off just making Springfield College themed stickers, but quickly ventured out into making stickers with all sorts of sayings. “Treat people with kindness” ; “Radiate positivity” and “Wear your mask” are all sayings that can be found in sticker form at Juliana’s Sticker Shop.

Claudio sells her waterproof stickers for just two dollars and also loves making custom orders for customers. “People can message me with a design idea and I can make it, or they have their own design and no way to make the sticker, I can also do that.

After becoming more popular, Claudio was able to partner with clubs on campus and other companies outside of Springfield College.

Stickers aren’t the only thing that can be found at her sticker shop. Claudio has made face masks for the Health Science major on campus and sold t-shirts for a limited time.

Claudio’s t-shirts were a huge hit for her fast-growing business. “It had a big turnout, so that’ll be something I do again.” Her t-shirts were motivational with sayings such as “Keep going” and “I am enough.”

Claudio thought that these shirts would really spread the awareness of mental health and help people with their own health.

“It’s not like mental health, but in your head, reminding yourself that you matter, you are enough, that you don’t need to worry about what other people think. I just thought it was a very powerful shirt,” Claudio said.

She also thought these shirts fit the mindset and culture felt on the Springfield College campus. She feels that the students here love spreading positivity. “I feel like the people of Springfield College are very motivating people...I think positive affirmations are a big thing on campus.”

Making these stickers for her customers puts a smile on Claudio’s face, as well as the customers. “Small business, when they get orders we get so excited,” Claudio said. This business was very important for her own mental health during quarantine. “It gave me something to do and something to look forward to,” she added.

Although this business started off as a way to get through quarantine, Juliana’s Sticker Shop has transformed into a place where you can find fun and creative stickers that also spread the message of positivity and happiness.

To order stickers you can send a direct message to julianas.sticker.shop on Instagram or visit sites.google.com/view/julianastickers/home.

@julianas.sticker.shop

March 18, 2021

One Love Springfield

Loving the right way

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Tori Sipes aims to bring ‘One Love’ to Springfield, a club that strives to educate individuals on healthy relationships and avoiding abuse.

By Cait Kemp @caitlinkemp09

O

n Thursday, March 11 sophomore Tori Sipes hosted an informational meeting for a new potential club on campus, ‘One Love Springfield.’

The meeting was open to all undergrad and graduate students and allowed attendees to gain an understanding of what One Love is and how it could positively impact the Springfield community.

The meeting was led by Sipes and Erin Leeper, the Director of Non-Discrimination Initiatives/Title IX Administrator and 504 Coordinator, who helped to direct the conversations, as well as discuss being the potential advisor for the club.

As stated on their website, One Love works to “Educate young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships, empowering them to identify and avoid abuse and learn how to love better.”

The organization was founded in 2010 after Yeardley Love, a college

senior, was killed by her abusive ex-boyfriend.

Her family started the foundation in order to teach more young people about the dangers of abusive relationships and to keep their daughter’s memory alive through making a positive impact.

One Love may sound familiar, as Springfield College and the Title IX office has used their programs with events through athletics. Now, Sipes hopes to broaden the knowledge that One Love has to offer and help others who may need it.

“When we did our Title IX meeting in partnership with One Love is when it kind of clicked that we don’t really have a heavy presence of One Love on campus, and I know it’s heavily shaped my life,” said Sipes.

It is not a club yet on campus, but Sipes is looking forward to getting things off the ground and organizing workshops, campus initiatives and other events that will cater towards specific groups on campus. “ [One Love was] only focused on interper-

sonal, intimate person violence but now I think they are trying to make a more broad scope of relationships, and I think that it is a great time to be bringing that to this campus,” said Sipes.

She discussed introducing workshops that focus on different groups such as LGBTQ+, team atmospheres and other subgroups that will appeal to the students here at Springfield College.

A campaign that One Love launched recently is a texting campaign that sends participants messages of encouragement, tips on healthy thinking and other messages that aim to give knowledge about relationships and noticing the signs that could lead to abuse.

“I think small campaigns like this can be really helpful to keep healthy relationships and to prioritize your mental health at the forefront of your mind,” said Sipes.

“For example, they sent out tips on breakups, handling cheating, building trust and self-care tips as well, so it covers a variety of topics to think about.”

An initiative that

(Photo Courtesy of Springfield College/One Love)

Sipes is bringing to Springfield is the Yards for Yeardley fundraiser.

It is a virtual movement this year from April 1 to May 3 where participants can pledge yards that they will run, walk or exercise in some way in order to fundraise for the organization.

One Love seeks to teach young people valuable life skills that can help them greatly throughout life. It is something that all people, especially college students, should be aware of as they begin to navigate the world at a more independent level.

Sipes’ efforts to launch this organization at Springfield College will hopefully create the

opportunity to inform more people about violence and offer them a way to help themselves, as well as others around them.

“When we say relationships, this is inclusive to not just intimate ones, but that of friends, family and teammates, so it is applicable to all fronts of our lives,” Sipes said. “So, ultimately 100 percent of us are in some kind of relationship, and 100 percent of us can learn to identify ways to love better.”

One Love provides knowledge that everyone can use. Relationship abuse is an ongoing problem in the country and around the world, and this organization is a step in preventing that.

March 18, 2021

Elections

PAGE 6

Student-Trustee Election NOTE Student Government Association elections will take place on March 26 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. through PrideNet. Positions that will be on the ballot include SGA President, Class of 2022 Officers, Class of 2023 Officers, and 3 General Council positions (First Generation Student Representative, LGBTQ+ Student Representative & Commuter Student Representative). There will be a “Meet the Candidates” for the SGA positions on Monday, March 22 from noon - 1 p.m. through Airmeet.

An e-mail for this information will be coming out through the normal “Week at a Glance” messages. On pages 6, 7 and 8 please find the semi-finalists for the Student-Trustee elect position. Semi-finalists were asked two answer two questions in regard to their fit as Student-Trustee elect.

What does Springfield College mean to you?

Springfield College is a place where I get to grow, learn, make new friends, and experience new things. Springfield College is also my home away from home. This is a place where I am comfortable experiencing new things and making memories. A place where I can develop holistically and self-actualize while becoming a competent leader and student who can advance the cause of the underrepresented in a non-threatening environment.

Mikaili Charlemagne

What makes you qualified to be the next Student Trustee?

I am a goal-oriented, open-minded individual who has a desire to learn. As a student-athlete and international student, I believe that I bring a unique blend of qualities, skills and abilities garnered over the years, to the position of student trustee. My active participation in various forums and activities on campus has allowed me to get much-needed knowledge about different perspectives on campus. There is still much to be learned and I continue to avail myself of every opportunity to learn.

March 18, 2021

Elections

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What does Springfield College mean to you?

Springfield College is: my NSO beanie, my dad’s now well-worn maroon Springfield College sweatshirt, supportive late-night chats with struggling friends, painting the Forest Park Zoo during NSO, the endless study groups I organize on the third floor of The Learning Commons, Sonya’s welcoming smile in the dining hall, the consistent comfort of Springfield’s public safety, adding a tally to the turnstile at The Wellness Center, the weekly meetings with Dr. Zhong discussing the progress of our research project, knowing I have made life-long friends, and the sacred symbol of the triangle as a constant reminder of balance.

What makes you qualified to be the next Student Trustee?

Holden Hoon

What are the qualities I will bring to the metaphorical and physical table of the Board of Trustees? I use my innate ability to facilitate and organize study groups in the library. I use my ambition and drive to excel in the Honors Program. I use my personable nature, academic rigor, and reliability in my research assistant position in the Psychology Department. I use my open-mindedness to educate myself and support diversity and inclusion on campus. I am eager to bring these skills to uphold Springfield College’s philosophies for future students.

What does Springfield College mean to you?

To me Springfield College means opportunity. It is a place where I can grow at every aspect of my life through Spirit, Mind and Body. Every day I am given different challenges in both the classroom and the community to better myself. Springfield College makes inclusivity a priority and allows students to have a voice and feel like they belong. Because of this I am able to develop as the leader that I strive to become. Springfield College is a family that is always looking out for one another and pushing each other to succeed.

Samantha Hourihan

What makes you qualified to be the next Student Trustee?

I am qualified to be the Student Trustee because I am committed and motivated to make Springfield College a better place for everyone. I am a member of the Women’s Basketball team, a part of the Minds in Motion Club and a member of SALT here on campus. I have relationships with many different people, and I am willing to listen to ideas and concerns that are on students’ minds. I am a good listener and am always trying to learn from others around me. I would be extremely honored and humbled to be the next Student Trustee.

What does Springfield College mean to you?

We love Springfield College for our renowned Humanics Philosophy, and have had the opportunity to live this mission through our educational, athletic, and extracurricular involvement on campus.

However, I believe we are, and will continue to be so much more than our commitment to developing student leaders that seek chances to improve their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, and devotedly serve others. We are Springfield College because we challenge each other to do and be better.

To me, Springfield College means a community where I am challenged to gain the resources to make myself, my community, and my peers better.

Paris Lizana

What makes you qualified to be the next Student Trustee?

I am naturally attracted to positions that inspire change, and ensure that everyone has a good experience. My love of leading comes from wanting the best for my peers and advocating for them in instances when it’s not delivered. My leadership roles on campus: Student Government Association VP of Inclusion & Community Engagement, Co-VP of Women of Power, and First-Year Student Resident Assistant, have given me ample experience, however nothing has prepared me more for the role of Student Trustee than my many interactions with students on campus and personally learning about their Springfield story and how it can be better.

March 18, 2021

Elections

PAGE 8

What does Springfield College mean to you?

Springfield College means a safe environment where someone can fully blossom into the person they are meant to be. Springfield College is where happiness is radiating off of everyone and people will always be there to be a shoulder to cry on. This campus helps their own, but also supports those around that need it most. This campus is the place to be because no matter what, people will help you see that you truly belong here and you are an essential piece to the puzzle that makes Springfield college whole. A home away from home, a second family.

What makes you qualified to be the next Student Trustee?

Sarah McNicholas

The most important quality that I believe I have is the ability to listen and help someone who needs it most by sitting down with them and learning who they are. This position would allow me to help those on campus grow into a powerful leader. Another reason I believe I am qualified is I realize there are flaws that need to be addressed and my job is to represent the whole student body. I will try my hardest to bring a change that will help everyone and make Springfield college feel like a safe, loving environment where no matter who you are, this is your home too to find your true self.

What does Springfield College mean to you?

Springfield College, my temporary home with a permanent place in my heart, is a place of refuge.

In the midst of uncertainty, I took a leap and transferred schools, and Springfield became my port in a storm. Right when I felt like I’d never belong, I found my place here, where I’ve joined the most amazing community. Springfield has given me so many of you, and the confidence to give myself in return. I have a voice and value here, and the opportunity to give voice and value to those who have trouble finding their own, just like I did.

Katie Reidy

What makes you qualified to be the next Student Trustee?

A position like the Student Trustee will require an advocate and leader. There’s qualifications you don’t see on resumes, which are sometimes the most important. Plus, my resume wouldn’t fit in the word count, I tried. I dedicated my high school career to giving a voice to the voiceless. With over 300 volunteer hours working with eclectic demographics, I’ve learned how crucial it is to be heard and valued. Students of Springfield must be given a voice. I know we have things to say. I’m prepared to empower those I already call friends, and those I will call friends soon.

What does Springfield College mean to you?

Springfield College means endless opportunities to become whoever you want to be. Regardless of your passion, you can find clubs, teams, professors, and students willing to help fulfill any dream.

I have known who I wanted to be for a long time and being at Springfield College has given me the chance to capitalize on all the school has to offer. I have grown as a leader in the classroom, in my student activities, and on the track. Springfield College is an interactive environment, allowing me to put myself out there and give my best to a positive atmosphere.

Colby Wilson

What makes you qualified to be the next Student Trustee?

My involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities allows me to cross paths with a diverse group of students. I can be the voice for athletes as a fellow student athlete, the voice of marginalized groups as an African American, and the voice for all students in general as an approachable leader. I am well-organized, balancing academic achievement with strong performances on the track and in my clubs. I have a great sense for reading the room and the emotions of my peers. I am vocal when people need energy, but also relaxed and empathetic when a topic weighs heavy.

March 18, 2021

Sports

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(Jack Margaros/The Student)

‘Every game is a playoff game’ When Springfield’s baseball season was cancelled last spring, the team was 5-0. Now, with a 12 game schedule they look to channel that momentum.

___ By Chris Gionta ___ @Chris_Gionta

On Sunday, March 8, 2020, Jack Cooney – who was on his way to winning NEWMAC Athlete of the Week – was in scoring position in a tie game in the 7th inning. It was the second half of a doubleheader, so this inning was the last of regulation. The Pride had already walked it off in the first half of the doubleheader, and firstyear shortstop Michael Barrett lined one into left field to drive in the speedy Cooney in order to make it back-to-back walk-offs.

This lifted the Springfield College baseball

team’s record to 5-0, and this was the program’s first time starting 5-0 since 2011.

Things were looking promising, but unfortunately, they did not learn their fate.

The story went unfinished.

Now, the Pride must do its best to pick up where it left off over 12 months ago. And this upcoming season they will have to go about things much differently.

As opposed to a normal 35-40 game season, only 12 games are scheduled, which will be played via six Saturday doubleheaders. This is being done to ensure that the players have negative

tests before traveling off campus.

This results in a change of approach for coaches and players.

“We just have to understand that each game means that much more,” said third baseman and co-captain of the team, Jack Simonetty. “Just playing conference opponents this spring means that we’re going to be playing high-level competition every weekend, and we’re going to see the best that everyone’s got in those two games a week. And we just gotta know that we have to show our A-game.”

Playing one day a week makes it difficult

to maximize the use of the roster. There are 42 players on the Springfield roster, and it will be very difficult for head coach Mark Simeone to use all of them.

“Everyone’s playing mostly in those non-conference events,” said outfielder and co-captain Jack Cooney.

“But, every game is a playoff game now, so it’s going to be challenging for those guys. But basically, I think they should be active on the bench and just be ready for when their opportunity comes, because it will come.”

The roster has its variations of similarities and differences from

2020 to 2021. Thirty-two of the 42 roster spots are being filled by players from last year’s squad. The most notable of their losses came in the outfield.

Center fielder Chad Shade and right fielder Jake Gleason graduated in 2020. Gleason will not use his extra year of eligibility while Shade transferred to play baseball for Kansas State University while in pursuit of a Master’s Degree.

Gleason was an onbase machine for the Pride, accumulating a .397 on-base percentage throughout his See Baseball continued on Page 13

March 18, 2021

Sports

PAGE 10

Hungry to Compete With seven seniors on the roster, the Springfield women’s lacrosse team is excited for a shot to be competitive in the NEWMAC. (Jack Margaros/The Student)

lady began. “The only thing that we have approached a little bit Although games out the season - posidifferently is being will contrast to those tive COVID tests, prac- limited in groups and held in previous years ticing social distancing, pods. But in terms of wearing masks, and due to the COVID-19 our intensity and overpandemic, Springfield’s injuries - the day by all joy of being out on women’s lacrosse team day method that Pride the field, we have been will continue to aphead coach Kristen doing everything like proach this year with a Mullady likes to estab- we have in previous corresponding mindset lish should work quite years.” to years prior; take the well.

Mullady’s roster entire season day by By not looking too far consists of eight first day. ahead, this will help year-players, an asAs seen across and navigate the ups and sortment of 15 sophthroughout all levels downs and uncertainomores and juniors, ty of a COVID year. of sports this past and seven seniors to year, teams have had to Despite the possible round out this year’s develop a “next player distractions of these squad. Because of the up” mentality as a solu- challenges, practices shortened fall season tion to the possibilities have been filled with and spring preseason, passion and excitement team chemistry could of positive tests and/ or contact tracing. thus far. be difficult to develop Considering that, and “We haven’t had any for a team that has not considering challenges real differences in our been together for a practices at all,” Mulencountered throughlong period of time. ___ By Garrett Cote ___ @garrett_cote

“We have [less than two weeks] to get ready for Babson. Other years we have the whole fall and about six weeks of preseason to get ready for the first game, so the preparation time this year is definitely a lot shorter in terms of us having the opportunity to do things as a team,” Mullady offered.

This year, Springfield is anticipating to be rather competitive in the NEWMAC, as they maneuver through the condensed season while being safe, healthy, and enjoying themselves on the field.

To nobody’s surprise, senior attacker Kate Sarnacki will be someone to keep eyes on

as the season unfolds.

Sarnacki has established herself as a star in the NEWMAC conference, rightfully so, as she has already surpassed 100 goals with not even three full seasons completed.

As a sophomore, Sarnacki was eight points shy of reaching 100 points in that season alone. Her junior year was off to a hot start as well, averaging four goals per game before the remainder of the season was canceled in corollary to the coronavirus pandemic.

Another exceptional talent for the Pride is senior attacker Taylor Pichel, a goal scoring threat who’s netted 56 goals in her two years

March 18, 2021

with the team. Pichel is expected to be right back in the mix of things offensively this season.

Continuing with the trend of senior expertise, midfielder Gabby Fogg will look to build on her solid career, as she has been in the top five on the team for points scored over the last two years. Fogg dominates draw controls for Springfield, awarding her team with possession and aiding them with a better opportunity to score.

“We expect the typical Kate Sarnacki, Taylor Pichel, and Gabby Fogg to really step up in points, and Hannah Calabrese to hold things down defensively,” Mullady proposed.

“We have seven really hard-working seniors who we believe will all step up to be leaders, as well as produce for us on the field this year.”

Junior midfield Katie Martel is another solid offensive weapon, as she netted 41 goals her first year wearing the Jersey, and tallied nine points in the five contests last season. Her lightning quick speed helps her break free from defenders giving her more opportunities to score.

Arielle Johnson, sophomore attacker, was an exceptional facilitator for Springfield during her short-lived freshman campaign. She led the Pride with eight

Sports

PAGE 11

(Jack Margaros/The Student)

assists, and was selected to the NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship team for her great leadership and encouragement towards her teammates and opposing players.

This spring could potentially mark the end of an era for Springfield women’s lacrosse, depending on if any of the seven seniors choose to come back for another year (the NCAA has given each

student-athlete the option to not use this year towards eligibility). Regardless of that choice, this year’s team has tons of talent, and is hungry for an opportunity to compete.

“Things may be different this year, but we’re going to take it game by game like usual and do everything we can to compete at the highest level,” said Mullady.

“The NEWMAC has given us five games, a

conference semifinal and final, along with [a chance to go to the NCAA tournament].”

Mullady went on to emphasize that she understands the hardships this tricky and pandemic-filled year may bring, albeit she still expects her team to play hard and represent Springfield College well by winning games and expressing jubilation and sportsmanship while doing it.

The journey to their goal of reaching the tournament starts Saturday, March 22, and this feisty Pride lacrosse team is ready to step up and face any challenge that comes their way.

March 18, 2021

Sports

PAGE 12

Chasing No. 13

Men’s lacrosse has claimed 12 NEWMAC Championship titles in a row and is looking to add one more. __ By Collin Atwood __ @collinatwood17

The 2020 men’s lacrosse season came to an unexpected end because of the coronavirus outbreak, ruining the men’s run for 13 straight NEWMAC championships and subsequent NCAA tournament berths. After a year without games, the student-athletes are ready to continue the chase in 2021.

The chase for 13 all starts with a successful offseason. From March of last year to this past fall, the team was not allowed to have any practices. Keith Bugbee, who is entering his 38th season as the Pride’s head coach, and his team were forced to be creative in their offseason to ensure the team stayed in shape and didn’t lose its chemistry.

Over the spring and summer, upperclassmen on the team organized “accountability groups” which allowed the team to stay in touch and compete against each other from a distance.

Each group had a leader who would send pictures and videos to other groups, challenging them in fitness and conditioning workouts.

Keith Bugbee. (Jack Margaros/The Student)

“It was the best possible scenario under the circumstances and when they came back in the fall I think they felt as connected as they could be,” Bugbee said.

Bugbee felt it was

important to reach out to the team every few weeks over the offseason, but he didn’t want them to only hear from him. Every time they talked, Bugbee brought in Springfield College

alumni to speak with the group.

“When we weren’t having competitions we focused on building our culture and learning from past alumni,” said Joe Hawley, a graduate

student majoring in secondary education.

Ohio State men’s lacrosse head coach, Nick Myers and Penn State men’s lacrosse assistant coach, Pete Toner were some of the alumni to speak to the team.

“They all did a great job,” Bugbee said.

Once in-person practices began in the fall, the team had to start off in smaller pods and work their way to a full team practice which didn’t come until the last week of fall ball.

The team had to return to small pods when spring practice began for most of February into March.

With the season just around the corner, Bugbee and his team are eager to be back on Stagg Field. The key to having a successful year is for everyone to stay healthy.

“The most important thing is to make sure we’re playing games.

We’re controlling the things we can control,” Hawley said.

Above all, everyone is just grateful to be back in action. Lacking competition for a long time, having the chance to play is all they can ask for.

March 18, 2021 “Myself and all of the players – we’re just happy to be playing. I just want these guys to compete for something,” Bugbee said.

Returning for his fifth season is attacker Joe Hawley. In his four seasons, with a shortened senior season, Hawley has recorded 68 goals and 62 assists. He will be a key player for the Pride this season as they look to reach the NCAA tournament for the 13th straight year.

Another attacker who is essential for this team’s success is Zac Shuette, a junior majoring in health science. In his first year he scored 23 goals and started off extremely strong as a sophomore – in the first four games he had nine goals and six assists.

Bugbee expects great things from midfielders Patrick Watson and

Baseball continued from Page 10

career. In the brief 2020 season, he reached base two or more times in all but one of the five games. Shade also reached base at an elite rate, getting on at a .388 clip in his college career, and along with that, he stole 46 bases in 79 career games.

“Those two guys in the middle of our order, and right in the center of our outfield are spots that need to be filled,” said Cooney. “They’re going to be filled in different ways this year.”

The available outfielders to fill in offer an

Sports

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Kevin Tierney. Watson is a senior majoring in sports management and Tierney is a sophomore in the applied exercise science program.

In Tierney’s freshman year he netted five goals and recorded six ground balls in just four games.

Watson has recorded 16 goals, 18 assists and 34 ground balls.

A strength for the Pride is that they have their entire starting defense returning including their senior goalkeeper Dan Biesty. In last year’s game against Union, Biesty had a personal-best 14 saves.

“The defense is really solid. I mean those guys have been playing together for a while now,” Bugbee said.

The Pride will only be suiting up for five games this season and every game will be a conference matchup.

Springfield College is set to host two of those games on Stagg Field and the rest will be on the road.

The two home matchups will be against Coast Guard and Clark University.

In the 2019 regular season, Springfield held on to beat Coast Guard, 9-8, in what was a rematch of the 2018 NEWMAC Championship game. The Pride later defeated the Bears again in the 2019 championship.

Springfield was outscored 6 to 1 in the fourth quarter of an April 2019 game against Clark that led to a tight 14-12 loss on the road.

Springfield College has played Coast Guard in the league championship several times now and it has always been competitive.

“It was a game, defi-

nitely. We battled right to the last whistle,” Bugbee said.

Their three away games will be against Wheaton, Emerson and Babson. In 2019 Springfield beat Wheaton and Emerson by 16 and took a 9-5 loss to Babson.

Although everyone is hoping to make it back to the tournament,

nobody expects it to be easy.

“Our league has really improved a lot,” Bugbee said.

The first game of the season will be against Coast Guard on Saturday, March 27 at Stagg Field.

eclectic mix of talent.

“I think you’re going to see some older guys have some bigger roles,” said Simonetty. “I think you’re going to see Conor Santoianni have a big impact for us in the outfield this year.”

Santoianni is a senior outfielder who has a lot of college baseball experience, and is known for displaying a lot of power in live batting practice. Simonetty’s co-captain pointed to the opposite end of the experience spectrum when he spoke of a player to watch.

“I think one player that

can make a splash if he gets his opportunity is Andrew McCarty; he’s a first-year. He’s looked real good in practice, and he can definitely be a huge part of our team down the line and this season.” said Cooney.

Playing one day a week makes the pitching situation rather interesting. Theoretically, the team may require only two starting pitchers.

However, the necessity for starters to go long innings is not as present as it would be in a normal season.

Last season, Springfield saw starts from

Blake Roberge, Noah Bleakley, Mitch Wright, Brendan Kirck, and then their fifth game was an array of bullpen arms.

Bleakley was a starting pitcher in 2019 as well, so it would be safe to assume that he will continue his role into 2021.

While it is unclear what the starting pitching situation will entail this upcoming season, the Springfield College baseball team was very safe when the game went to the bullpen in the abbreviated 2020.

Pitchers who came in relief last year allowed a combined one earned

run in 19.1 innings pitched. Ben Arnold and Alex Gonfrade each appeared twice, combining for 11.1 innings, no earned runs, 12 strikeouts and one walk.

The Springfield College baseball team will play their first games on Saturday, March 20, on the road at WPI, and play their first home games on Saturday, April 3, starting at 12 p.m. against Wheaton College.

(Jack Margaros/The Student)

March 18, 2021

Sports

PAGE 14

(Jack Margaros/The Student)

Fielding a new year The Springfield softball team looks to break in brand new Potter Field with success in its 10 game schedule. __________ By Tyler Browne __________ @T_Browne1124

On March 9, 2020, the Springfield College softball team opened their season with a 5-2 victory over Amherst College. By the end of the week, the team’s annual spring break trip to Florida was cancelled, as was the remainder of their season. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic caused all NEWMAC sports to be put on hold, and it wasn’t long before Springfield College made the difficult

decision to send the student body home for the remainder of the semester.

Over a year later the Pride are back, on an all-new Potter Field, and ready to compete again. While the 2021 season will be unlike any other, coach Kate Bowen and her team are glad to be back on the field. “[The announcement of a NEWMAC season] just brought so much life back to

everyone. It’s just been a year of waiting and seeing what’s going to happen,” said Bowen.

“I think the whole team has been ready for this since last year. Everyone on the team has gotten one season taken away, whether that be their [high school] senior season or a season at Springfield, and I think everyone’s been ready for the past year,” said pitcher Gillian Kane, a junior.

Bowen is entering her

fifth season as coach, and she is joined this year by graduate assistants Mal Pojar and Lauren Pitney.

In a normal season, the Pride would play around 40 games in March and April, as well as potential playoff games in May. In 2021, they will play just 10 games, all on weekends, giving them an unprecedented amount of time off between games. Additionally, every game will be

against NEWMAC opponents, and the team was not able to make the annual trip to Florida, where they would typically play their first 10 games, for the second consecutive year.

“In a pandemic, everything is different.

The biggest difference is everyone’s gonna have so much rest.

That is something we are not used to. We are normally playing six games a week. All the

March 18, 2021

teams will definitely be well-rested. Obviously, we wish it was more games, but we’re happy that we have a season and we’re happy to be getting on Potter Field March 20,” said Bowen.

Kane doesn’t see any reason to worry about the extra time between games, as it will only aid the Pride in their preparation.

“I’m only excited for the extra time between our games. It’s just more time for us to get ready, more time for us to prepare. We have great coaches who analyze everything we do, everything the other team does, so it’s just more time to prepare and learn from our mistakes in the last game. We all have that mindset of attack and redeem, so I know we’ll be great,” said Kane.

Over the past year, Potter Field has undergone a complete renovation. The grass and dirt are gone, replaced by a state-of-the-art turf field, much like the renovations done to the baseball field prior to the 2018 season.

“It’s beautiful. It’s only going to help us being on this field, especially when it snows. We can get on it so much quicker. Right now, we’re really just trying to get to know the field.

There is no longer dirt and we’re not used to turf,” said Bowen.

Despite the unprecedented layover since their last game, Bowen doesn’t anticipate any fatigue from her team when they take the field again on March 20.

“This year looks different. Starting [the season] March 20th, we won’t be scrimmaging another team. At that point [in a normal year], we would have scrimmaged two teams.

It’s not a struggle at all, there’s just so much excitement,” said Bowen.

Although the team practiced throughout the fall semester, it wasn’t known whether there would be a spring season, and the team’s ability to scrimmage was hampered by the number of players living in Alumni Hall, which was quarantined for two weeks in October.

Going into the season, Bowen is impressed with the leadership she has seen from everyone on this team.

“When we talk standouts, I think what’s awesome about this team is the resiliency.

We have done everything together at this point. I’m just so excited to be in the same dugout, on the same team, on March 20, as a unit.”

In 2021, expect to see big things from Kane.

The junior started 17 games in 2019, ending up with a 9-5 record and a 4.18 ERA, giving up 59 runs (51 earned) and striking out 39.

Kane had an historic career in high school, becoming the first player in the history of New Canaan to have 100 hits and 500 strikeouts.

Also noteworthy will be the two new shortstops appearing for the

Sports

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(Jack Margaros/The Student)

Pride. With Alexyss Conley graduated, Bowen plans to use both sophomore Dana Serricchio and firstyear Breannah McCann at the position. Conley was an All-Conference player, who finished her collegiate career with a .336 batting average and a slugging average of .513, and it will be interesting to see how these two players fill that void in the infield. “[Serricchio’s] a powerhouse at the plate. She can kill the ball, she’s a magnet out there in the field, she’s just amazing,” said Kane.

Kane is also excited to have junior Ava Fernandez in center field.

In her freshman season,

Fernandez made only three errors while compiling a .949 fielding percentage.

“She makes amazing catches out there.

Whenever I’m on the mound and she’s in center field, I know that no ball is being dropped,” said Kane.

In their last full season, the Pride went 2216, including an 11-7 record in NEWMAC play. In the NEWMAC Championship, they lost both of their games, finishing their season with a loss to Babson. However, with the team they have in 2021, it would not be surprising to see the Pride move even further into the playoffs.

2021 will be a sea-

son unlike any other.

Teams will play about 30 fewer games than they normally would and the Pride won’t see any teams outside of the NEWMAC. The Covid-19 pandemic will cast its shadow over the season, as spectators won’t be able to attend games and players will be masked and practicing social distancing off the field.

But it’s springtime and softball is back. The Pride have an extremely talented team and an all new Potter Field to go with it. The Pride will start their season on Saturday, March 20th, with a doubleheader against WPI.

SPORTS The Springfield Student

VOL. 135 NO. 17 (Photos Courtesy of Jack Margaros)

MARCH 18, 2021