11.13.13

P.A.R.E. seeks to aid Haiyan victims pg. 3

Crain’s editor gives talk on campus pg. 4

Free movie program canceled pg. 8

‘JAVA JOHN’ STARBUCKS BARISTA SERVES UP COFFEE AND RHYMES PG. 7 TORCH PHOTO/NINA HERRERA MERKUR

Photos of the Week

2

Managing Board XCI

Directory

Kieran Lynch, Editor-in-Chief

Mitchell Petit-Frere, Managing Editor Shannon Luibrand Samantha albanese Features Editor Entertainment Editor Natalie Hallak Diana Colapietro Chief Copy Editor Photo Editor jim baumbach Kyle Fitzgerald Advisor Online Editor Jenny Chen Angelica King Asst. Chief Copy Editor Advertising Manager

Christopher Brito News Editor Jon Perez Sports Editor diamond watts-walker Art Director

Advertising (718)-9906756 Business 990-6756 Editorial Board 990-6444

Features 990-6445 News 990-6444 Opinion 990-6445 Sports 990-6444

Rosanna Chiu Advertising Manager

Entertainment “Matangi” album review The Torch reviews M.I.A.’s new album, “Matangi.”

Lifestyle Pg. 8

Lifestyle Benefits of joining Intramural Sports Have you ever thought of joining an intramural team?

The Torch explains why you should.

PHOTO/ANGELIQUE HASSANEIN

“Law & Order: SVU” will be shooting outside Gate 6 tomorrow, forcing students to find other locations to park before class.

Lifestyle Pg. 9

Sports Men’s basketball The Red Storm dropped their opener against No. 20 Wisconsin 86-75.

Sports Pg. 13

ILLUSTRATOR’S CORNER | OPINION PG. 6

The Torch is the official student newspaper of St. John’s University. The Torch is written, edited, designed and produced by students of the University. All contents are the sole responsibility of the editors and the editorial board and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of St. John’s University unless specifically stated.

To contact The Torch by mail: The Torch, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439

The Torch is typically published on Wednesdays, approximately 20 issues throughout the academic year.

Circulation per issue is 3,500 copies distributed free on campus and through mail subcriptions.

This copy of The Torch is worth $1.00.

PHOTO/SARAH HOWARD

Professor Mark Prendergast (left), who served in the Vietnam War, particpates in Monday’s Veterans Day commemoration in front of the Great Lawn.

Think Outside...

News

St. John’s rallies for the Philippines P.A.R.E. raises money in aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan ALEXA VAGELATOS Staff Writer

Secretary of Phillippine Americans Reach Everyone (P.A.R.E.), Michelle Belasoto, gave some insight into the conditions her family is experiencing over in the Philippines, which has been declared to be in a state of national calamity.

“My dad’s family lives in Iloilo and Samar and my mom’s family lives in Cebu. I was only able to get in contact with them yesterday,” she said. “Houses have been destroyed, and my family’s roof was ripped off. Luckily, everyone in my family is safe, but there are still people who haven’t heard from their families or are missing.”

No food. No water. No electricity.

Bodies of loved ones and lifelong friends scattered amongst debris on the streets that they once called home.

Many need medical attention, but only a few can supply it. Flattened homes and lives taken abruptly and way too soon.

Since Typhoon Haiyan first struck the islands of the Philippines on Nov. 9, these are the conditions through which its victims are living through.

According to Philippine officials on Tuesday, 1,774 corpses were found and United Nations fears the toll may rise to over 10,000 due to bodies being in inaccessible places right now.

CNN reports that at least 2.5 million people are in need of immediate food and aid. Among that number, 300,000 of them are pregnant women or new mothers. And what used to be bustling cities, such as Tacloban and the Eastern Philippines, are now a wasteland of unbearable stenches.

In raising awareness about the devastation, P.A.R.E. has been finding ways to help support the Philippines over the last few days. Treasurer Oliver Gallego has stated that fundraising for the Philippines is their priority right now.

“This week we are planning to have a table for donations in DAC. This is one of our many ongoing fundraising ideas we have to help the Philippines.

We have an Applebee’s fundraiser this Wednesday and decided to give the proceeds to the Philippines Red Cross instead keeping it for P.A.R.E. We are also planning to have a food fest next week in Marillac as another fundraiser,” Gallego said.

P.A.R.E. seeks to educate its members and others of Filipino cultural values and spread awareness of current events in the Philippines. They embrace the Filipino heritage and share its traditions with the community, as well as strive to help the greater community through active service both within and outside of St. John’s University.

P.A.R.E is not standing alone in fighting the devastation caused by Haiyan either. Many organizations, such as the Marketing Club, Kappa Delta Phi, the Asian Alliance club, CCA and Pi Delta Psi, have already expressed their support and willingness to help out in any way.

3

Torch

Briefs

COMPILED BY TALIA TIRELLA Staff Writer

Cyberbullying conference On Nov. 15, the University will host a conference on cyberbullying from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in D’Angelo Center room 416.

Many professionals who are wellversed in the epidemic of cyberbullying and its psychological effects on victims will present throughout the day, broken up by a keynote panel that focuses on the different types of cyberbullying that can affect someone throughout their entire life, according to the University.

For more information, contact Rafael Art. Javier, Ph.D., ABPP, at initiatives@stjohns.edu or 718-9905460.

50th Anniversary of Art &Design exhibit

TORCH PHOTO/CHRISTOPHER BRITO

P.A.R.E. members are organizing events to raise money for Haiyan victims.

“Everyone in school and other organizations ha[d] been eager to help us and asking us how they can donate,” Gallego said. “Organizations such as the Marketing Club have been asking local businesses if they can donate gift cards to raffle off. It’s amazing how many people want to help the Philippines and everyone has been a great help.”

Along with those student-run organizations, Campus Ministry has been in touch with the Vincentians and Daughters of Charity who are assessing the specific needs of those in their communities in the Phillipines, according to the University spokeswoman Elizabeth Reilly.

“We are awaiting further information on those needs and Campus Ministry will lead the SJU community in assisting in the response effort shortly,” she said.

“The University community has been and will continue to pray for the victims each day at Mass on campus.”

Previously, P.A.R.E. began raising money for the earthquake that affected their country only weeks before

Typhoon Haiyan struck the islands of the Philippines.

Audrey Prieto, president of P.A.R.E., said, “We had already started to raise money previously to donate for the earthquake by selling handmade loom bracelets, raising $180 in a single common hour.”

People in the Philippines are becoming desperate for basic needs like water and food as well as information as to whether loved ones are dead or alive. With sanitation now becoming a primary concern in the, the University along with P.A.R.E. will continuously work toward ways to help support what is said to be the worst storm to ever strike in history.

“The people hit the strongest were more of villagers,” Gallego added.

“They don’t live in homes like us. Their homes are made out of tin, wood and not stable.”

Gallego quoted the Filipino President Benigno Aquino III, saying, “No typhoon can bring Filipinos to their knees if we’ll be united.”

Starting Nov. 13, the Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery in Sun Yat Sen Hall will hold a new art exhibit entitled “50 Year Anniversary of the Department of Art and Design.”

The presentation is a group exhibition, and features works from a number of talented and renowned alumni, with a wide range of works and media, according to the University. As a whole, it celebrates the founding of the Department of Art and Design by Rev. Lawrence A. Lonergan, C.M. The exhibition is free and accessible to the disabled. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

This exhibition will run through Jan. 4, 2014.

Follow the Torch on Twitter: @SJUTorch

4

Local author gives post-election recap Greg David talks about his new book and state of NYC TALIA TIRELLA Staff Writer

Award-winning journalist and author Greg David spoke and participated in a discussion at the Little Theater about the future of New York City and the impact that each mayoral administration has had on the history of the city since the late 1960s on Thursday.

David has a blog and writes a weekly column for Crain’s New York Business.

His book, “Modern New York: The Life and Economics of a City,” provided most of the material for his presentation. The book discusses the economic history of New York, the transformation caused by economic forces and the economy’s connection to the political machine, particularly the mayor’s office.

David described a brief history and evolution of every New York mayoral administration since Ed Koch’s time in office from 1978 to 1989. He briefly mentioned the recession that took place in New York City during the administration of John Lindsey in the late 1960s, but only because it laid the perfect foundation for Koch to come into office and fix the problem by shifting the city’s focus.

David emphasized that every mayoral administration since Koch’s has placed an intense focus on putting the city’s economy and business sector first on the agenda. This focus stems from the fact that New York has been hit with several recessions over the years, and a solution such as a focus on the economy is what has saved the city again and again.

However, David says that the recent election of Bill de Blasio presents a drastic change to that mindset. He said that de Blasio will likely place an emphasis on a redress of social issues instead of on economics. This change will be significant, as it will be the first time that social issues will drive an administration since the 1970s.

David said that de Blasio’s election shows that we have reached a “watershed

PHOTO/TWITTER

Greg David spoke about what Bill de Blasio will bring to table after winning the 2013 New York City Mayoral election.

moment” here in New York by “rejecting what has been in City Hall since 1978.”

Voters clearly became tired of Michael Bloomberg, who David says could no longer connect with his constituents during his last few years as mayor.

Bloomberg, although leaving office having accomplished a great amount, refused to admit that there was economic inequality in the city, which many voters clearly recognized.

Inequality has become an issue that is impossible to ignore, but Bloomberg did exactly that, which contributed to a ‘Bloomberg fatigue’ among many citizens.

Despite the drastic changes that will likely take place during de Blasio’s time in office, David says that New York City is in a fairly stable condition at this point in time. The economy is more diversified as both the tourism and technology

industries are booming, the city has also passed its highest employment peak and it is now a significantly safer place to be.

This stability allows de Blasio to move forward with his focus on tackling social issues and working to erase the inequality that exists between many New Yorkers. David’s discussion ended by saying that things can only improve and we will see what happens with his intended social changes and economy.

Reconciling Rwandans through art

CAITLIN SULIVAN Contributing Writer

The Global Language and Cultural Center along with the French Program of the Department of Languages and Literatures invited Dr. Elizabeth Applegate to talk about the issue of healing in Rwanda on Monday.

A torn-apart eastern African country, Rwanda was plagued during the 1990s with violence and inhumane crimes, which forced people to remain silent after the tragic events. During the 1990s, Rwanda experienced a genocide of the Tutsi people who were killed because the Hutus blamed them for Rwanda’s social, economic and political crises. In the span of 100 days after April 6, 1994, approximately 600,000 Tutsi people were murdered; an equivalent of 75 percent of the population.

Professor Elizabeth Applegate from

St. Mary’s College of Maryland spoke about her visit to Rwanda where she witnessed the country’s healing after the 1994 genocide. An important issue she addressed was Rwanda’s controlled government over the issues involving the 1994 genocide. Rwandans were silenced on their tragic past and even told how they could commemorate the past and their loved ones.

A Rwandan woman she met, Odile Gakire Katese, used art to help reconcile her country and bring unity to the women in Rwanda. Katese created two types of art: the Book of Life, created to aid Rwandans, in particular orphans, widows and perpetrators, to heal from tragedy by writing letters and the Ingoma Nshya, a women’s drumming group.

For the Book of Life project, Katese asked orphans, widows and perpetrators to write letters to their loved ones or their victims for forgiveness and healing using new language to express their individual responses. Many perpetrators who

wrote letters to their victims expressed confusion and despair for their terrible acts and blaming the people of Rwanda for their wrongdoing.

Katese hopes to release these letters publicly to the people of Rwanda and the world through newspapers and especially radio, a major news and media source for Rwandans, in April 2014, which will be the 20th anniversary of the genocide.

Her other use of art, the Ingoma Nshya, is a women’s drumming group composed of Rwandan women from Tutsi and Hutu tribes; two groups that previously were in disaccord. Part of the reason is because many Hutus were among the perpetrators who committed the inhumane crimes against the Tutsi people.

However, this drumming group united Tutsi and Hutu women to learn how to play the drums together because in Rwandan culture, before colonialism, it was strictly a royal engagement for kings and reserved for men.

Ingoma Nshya is an important revolution for Rwandan women because of the interaction between widowers from the genocide. Art has also helped children who were born after or were affected from the genocide in schools.

The Search for Common Ground is a theater project geared toward healing the younger population with art. The program offers a dance competition and two different dialogues between actors who engage in subjects involving the genocide and the interaction between the Tutsi and Hutus.

“The presentation was interesting and made great points on how art contributes to the natural process of unity through healing,” Clare Hopper, a student who attended, said.

Another student, Xan-Rhea Bilal, said the presentation was informative.

“Not a lot of people think about healing through art as a way to humanize the situation and the process of reconciling,” Bilal said.

OPINION Editorial Board XCI KIERAN LYNCH Editor-in-Chief

5

Illustrator’s Corner

MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE Managing Editor CHRISTOPHER BRITO News Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH Welcome back to the Law School cafe The best-kept secret on campus has finally re-opened.

The Law School dining area is back in business after months of anxious waiting for renovations to be completed. Its re-opening comes at a time when students are missing Nathan’s more than ever while the new Red Storm Diner has failed to live up to expectations. According to students who have reacted to the Torch, many miss the “old” Red Storm Diner that disappeared in fall 2011.

While the Diner serves food reminiscent to what is available at Montgoris, the Law School offers its customers a refreshing menu with a diversity that isn’t seen anywhere else on campus. Whether you want a salad or a burger, a ham and cheese sandwich or a hearty helping of pasta, the Law School is the way to go.

It may not garner the same attention as Taco Bell and Subway for the respective establishment’s national prominence, but the Law School has a cult following of sorts. When a student caught word that the Torch was contemplating writing about it in this issue, his response was: “Nah, don’t expose my secret

place. I just got it back last week.”

The student was worried at the prospect of the Law School gaining more popularity on campus, which would eventually cause longer lines and a similar struggle that most witness everyday when they wait in a never-ending Subway or Taco Bell line during meal exchange.

Despite the high quality food available at the Law School, some students may find a con or two mixed in with the hype around it. For instance, it’s located on the opposite side of campus from where most resident students live, which will call for a long walk.

A long walk many may not want to take since the season of cold weather and infamous St. John’s wind tunnels is upon us. Though supporters are quick to say the above drawbacks are what keep the lines manageable.

Nevertheless, it’s a great joy to many Torch staffers that the Law School dining area is back up and running, especially after having to endure the Red Storm Diner for two months.

They do say there comes a rainbow after every thunderstorm; only this time it was a little delayed.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of The TORCH. Opinions

Mail letters to: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439 Submit letters via email to: torcheic@gmail.com

expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.

TO CONTRIBUTE

All are welcome to contribute to the Torch.

Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters have a limit of 500 words and may be edited for content, grammar, or space. Unverifiable or anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to the approval of the Editorial Board of the TORCH.

Interested in writing for the Torch? torchnews@gmail.com torchfeatures@gmail.com torchent@gmail.com torchsports@gmail.com

Email our section editors listed above.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/ MIKE BRODNANSKY

6

Things I wish I knew as a freshman

SHANNON LUIBRAND Features Editor

First semester of senior year is more than halfway through and I think the consensus among the senior class is—oh my god.

It feels like just yesterday I was a senior in high school, sending in my college applications and making the most of my last few months at home. Now as I scramble to finish up grad school apps, I can’t help but wonder: Where did the time go?

To all underclassmen, this column is for you. There are some things I wish I knew as a freshman and others I am glad I found out the hard way. And to my fellow seniors, I am thankful I have been able to take this journey with all of you.

Dear 18-year-old me, You are just a few months away from leaving your cozy life upstate and heading to the Big Apple. Surprisingly, you aren’t that nervous, but you should be.

You need to get good grades your first semester of college, or when you are applying for grad school you will constantly find yourself having to explain that first semester. Work hard right away; being a freshman is no excuse. Have fun too, of course, but you won’t remember the nights you missed out on. You will remember that B- you got in a core class though. That stays with you (on your transcript) forever.

Call your parents! Okay, I get it, you are having a great old time living it up in New York City, finally on your own, but call them! They are actually really awesome and cool and it shouldn’t take you until junior year to discover that. And listen to their advice. You used to always roll your eyes and scowl at them when they gave you advice, but everything they said was 100 percent correct and if

“

There are some things I wish I knew as a freshman and others I am glad I found out the hard way.

”

you just listened to them in the first place things will be much easier.

Get involved right away. Jump right in and immerse yourself in everything.

At first you will be overwhelmed and feel like you are doing way too much, but it will all pay off in the end.

If people hurt your feelings, move on. You are going to make the most amazing friends at St. John’s and the people who hurt you are not worth a sec-

ond thought.

Speaking of friends, value every moment with them. Whether it be late nights or early mornings, the simple moments become the big moments. One day, you will wake up and it will be senior year and the people who were your best friends freshman and sophomore year will still be your best friends senior year. And they will most likely be the same people who are there during every milestone in your life after college. There are no friends quite like college friends.

Stay firm in your convictions and beliefs. College is all about figuring yourself out, but you must be true to yourself in order to do that. Do not be embarrassed to tell people where you stand on issues; it is better to have an opinion than to just reflect the opinion of those around you. Unlike high school, you do not have to have a ‘group mentality’ in order to fit in. Your friends are going to love you for you.

Love yourself. Accept your flaws and learn how to improve on them. You are not perfect and accepting that will make life significantly easier. And do not be so hard on yourself. You have enough critics in the world; you don’t need to be a critic of yourself.

Get to know your professors. St. John’s has great professors who actually really care about students. They also know a whole lot about the field they are teaching and you can learn so much from them.

When you are rejected from internships or jobs, do not feel defeated and do not give up. It will be worth the wait.

Your first internship will be life chang-

ing. It will open your eyes and potentially reaffirm you are following the right path career path. You will learn more during this internship than you could have ever imagined. This internship will prepare you for both class and your next internship—which will be life-changing too.

Set your own path. Everyone has an opinion on who you are and what you should be—but at the end of the day, what is going to make you happy? If you love your job, you will not work a day in your life; college is the time to find that ‘job,’ so make sure you love what you are doing. You know what is best for you. Go back to what you wanted to be when you were a child—that is probably what you were meant to be, before life got complicated and people put ideas in your head. You are on the right track; just listen to yourself.

There is no right answer to relationships in college. Some people are dead set against them and others are on the track to marriage. Follow your heart and do not let the opinions of others influence your love life. College is your time to be selfish and worry about you, but you can be an individual while in a relationship.

You can do both if you are with the right person.

Okay, so maybe you don’t need to be too nervous, you are doing everything right. Your senior year of college, you will be thankful for the mistakes you made, the lessons you learned and the amazing people you met along the way.

Shannon Luibrand is a senior journalism major with 1.2 million likes on Instagram .. or something like that.

She can be reached at torchfeatures@gmail.

Think Outside...

Lifestyle

7

Coffee barista by day, rapper by night

SAMANTHA ALBANESE Entertainment Editor

It’s Monday morning at 9 a.m. right before the most popular morning classes start. In an instant, the line starts building and a rush of students pour into the small space. Starbucks is booming at the peak hour of the day, students desperately seeking their morning cup of coffee, special drinks and maybe even some breakfast food to perk up and prepare them for the rest of the day.

Most don’t think about the people behind the counter, maybe it doesn’t really pass their mind after they order their complex drink and pay.

But the Starbucks workers have to start their day long before the line begins to form. They must come in to start up all of the machines, stock the refrigerator shelf with a large variety of cold drinks, pre-packaged sandwiches, salads and snacks.

The small bakery counter has to be stocked with fresh bagels, muffins, scones and other treats. The store does not restock itself. The workers have to come in early to prepare the food and the barista’s have to make sure all of the equipment is clean and ready to face the mad rush of eager Starbucks-enthusiasts.

Jonathan Scott, 24, or “Java John” as he is called, is one of those employees who aids in the process of preparing the campus Starbucks for the day’s mass volume of customers. Java John has a unique story. He essentially lives a double life.

Leaving his home in Flatbush,

He’s currently trying to launch himself into the industry as an unsigned “Independent” under N.E.O.M., saying that being signed at a major label in the future, rather than at the start, is the goal.

He would rather start out independent.

“I’d rather create my own success, and have more creative control,” Java John said. “Then when I can prove myself, I have more control and I can do it my way.”

Java John explained that it’s easy for artists trying to start out get taken advantage of by the big record labels.

“They would get more from what I built than I would,” he said.

Starting to open up about his work, the passion coming from his voice is noticeable as he explains the innuendo of “Star Wars” quotes he used to enhance his verses throughout, “The Force.”

“Can I go nerd for a minute?” he said, as he starts to explain the concept behind PHOTO/NINA HERRERA MERKUR Java John serves up coffee and the occasional beat to customers at Starbucks. this piece of work. On a track titled “King Super,” he explores the concept of Brooklyn at 5 a.m. Java John takes three in the near future. He is currently work- being a martyr, and he referenced the line trains, to make it to campus on time. He ing on his mix tape titled, “The Force,” from “Star Wars.”

“You can’t win Darth, if you strike has been an employee at the Starbucks which is halfway finished and he’s pushme down, I shall become more powerful branch at St. John’s for 2-and-a-half- ing his way to making it big. than you,” he said. years and arrives promptly at 7:30 to With his team, N.E.O.M., (The New Java John further explained that start his 8-hour shift. Balancing between Era of Music) behind him, he has worked once people are to the level of a “king,” preparing drinks and register, he said that in his fair share of professional recordthere’s much responsibility and parahe probably serves more than 500 people ing studios. When asked more about his a day, to whom he often raps for when sessions in the studio, he casually slipped noia and lack of trust associated, which they ask. with a smile that he, “has connections to inflicts an internal battle.

“It compliments the martyr asJava John is not your average Star- Jay-Z,” which led to an array of quespect of the song, saying he is more powbucks employee; he’s a barista by day tions. This got him talking about whetherful dead than alive,” Java John said. and rapper by night. Under the stage er he’d want to be signed under ROC “That’s how the theme of “Star Wars” name “JAY SUPREME,” he spends most Nation, Jay-Z’s record label, to which plays its part in the reality of the song, of his nights attending other shows and John responded a firm “no.” But he also because I believe the best fantasy is events to get connections and network so said that it’s not totally out of the overall realism.” that he too could perform at these venues equation.

Justin Bieber faces legal trouble in Brazil

Nothing good has yet to come Justin Bieber’s way. While on the South American leg of his “Believe” tour, the 19-year-old pop star has been charged with vandalism in Brazil.

After a week of being spotted partying at all hours of the night and participating in all sorts of bad boy antics, the Biebs is finally getting caught.

The “Bad Day” singer chose to paint graffiti on the side of the Hotel Nacional in the Joá neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Bieber chose to tag the words “Free Breezy” in support of singer Chris Brown and show homage to his fans with the words “Beilebers 4 Ever.” A complaint was filed last week as locals were upset by the pop stars art, being displayed on the side of a $30 million hotel.

A rep for the Grammy nominee says every place that Justin and friends painted graffiti was pre-approved. The complaints led to an investigation by the Rio police, where Bieber was found guilty of vandalism. Now that he has been convicted, the “Boyfriend” singer has to either pay a fine or spend three months to a year in jail.

Bieber, took to his Instagram to defend himself ,posting a picture of his artwork with the caption “Every place I have tagged has been approved I do not suggest tagging private property. I still suck but I have fun doing it.”

Despite his latest legal woes, Bieber is continuing on with the South American leg of his world tour, telling fans on Instagram “Who’s gon stop me haaannn.”

Charlie Sheen custody controversy

The Charlie Sheen custody battle saga continued this week with ex-wife Denise Richards throwing in the towel. The former Bond girl told the court earlier in the week that she could no longer raise ex-husband Sheen’s twin boys with Brooke Mueller. Richards revealed that it was becoming extremely hard for her to take care of her own three daughters and manage the 4-year-old tykes.

After an emergency hearing over the weekend, trying to urge Richards to rethink giving up custody was unsuccessful. A source told the Daily News that the children have temporarily been placed in the care of Stephen Mueller, the brother of Sheen’s ex-wife.

The boys will be making a smooth transition from Richards’ home to living in Mulholland Estates, the same gated community as their half-siblings and father, Sheen.

The news of the boys’ custody arrangement upset Sheen, leading him to voice his opinion over Twitter. The Anger Management star tweeted that his sons were now in “harms way and grave danger.” He told the Department of Children and Family Services that he believes the children suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome and wants them to be tested.

As Mueller continues to struggle with drug use and goes in and out of rehab, Sheen is seeking a different living situation for his twin boys. The uncle, Stephen Mueller, is asking the court to order Sheen to pay $55,000 a month as the young boys transition into their new temporary home.

Will Smith’s racy photo scandal

Will Smith is involved in a bit of a cheating scandal. Racy photos of the actor and a mystery woman appeared in Star magazine with the story inside reading, “cheats with sexy 23-year-old.”

Soon the hot and steamy pictures of a shirtless 45-year-old Smith cuddling and lifting his shirt with the unidentified blonde emerged on the web.

As the pictures made their rounds around gossip blogs, the media buzzed with rumors of infidelity.

It was revealed that the mystery woman was Smith’s co-star, Margot Robbie, an Australian actress. The two actors took the eyebrow raising pictures in between takes while filming scenes for their new movie “Focus.” The budding actress spoke out against the photographs claiming there was “absolutely no truth to the ridiculous rumor.”

She took to Twitter to tweet her frustration about the shocking rumor, saying “It’s disappointing that goofing around on set could be taken so out of context.” The ‘Fresh Prince’ has yet to directly comment on the alleged affair.

A source confirmed with People magazine that the pair is not on the verge of splitting. The two were spotted enjoying each other’s company and posing for family photos along with their two children Willow and Jaden, putting those nasty rumors to rest.

Compiled by: Briawnna Jones

8

M.I.A. releases ‘Matangi’

ZOEY YOUNG Staff Writer M.I.A.

Matangi OUT OF 5 STARS

A change of pace appears in the fifth song of her album, “Come Walk With Me.” This contains more of a slow pop feel at the beginning, but mid-song changes into a fast-paced pop song with the same lyrics but different background melodies. More drums and bass are added at this point. The fast-paced sound continues into her next song “aTENTion,” which has a club or trance sound but then the song “Exodus” begins to slow things down.

This heavy sad song is about some bad relationship. It’s the beginning of her albums slow-down into the calmer side.

The next song, “Bad Girls,” was actually a single released earlier in the year.

It appears in the soundtrack of the movie “The Heat,” with Sandra Bullock and Mellissa McCarthy. With lyrics like, “Live fast, die young, bad girls do

it well,” it really fits into the hardcore theme of the movie.

The song “Book Skit” switches from rap into a reggae beat right before the end. The rest of her album continues switching beats and, as stated before begins to slow down from its fast-paced beginning. She continues with her relatable lyrics and ends her album with her song, “Sexodus” which contains lyrics about her past and life in general.

The title correlates with the meaning of the album title, “Matangi,” meaning, “goddess of music.” Even though the last song of her album is not something I would choose to be the finale the album proved to be very interesting and something nice to listen to if you are interested in something different and not repetitive.

M.I.A’s originality in the album is what makes this something worth listening.

Matangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A. just released her fourth album “Matangi” at the beginning of this month.

She begins her album with the song “Karmageddon,” a quick intro hit to the rest of her album, leading to her next song “Matangi,” which fits into the albums aggressive feel in the beginning.

It is a strong mix of Hindi and dub-step much like her next song, “Only 1 U,” which is a perfect mix of rap, Hindi and dub-step.

Lyrics such as “There’s no beat I cannot kill”somewhat explain why she finds it acceptable to mix so many sounds.

“Warriors,” beginning much like the intro “Karmageddon,” continues mostly with M.I.A’s usual rap feel. This song, “Warriors” has more personal lyrics that probably came from life experiences.

Lyrics such as, “Top dog even though I didn’t speak no english/ Guess I got Grit coz I suffer for my sh*t/ Guess I came from the sticks and moved to the bricks,” really took place in this artist’s life.

She includes them in her song as another way to make her music relatable PHOTO/INTERSCOPE RECORDS and about herself but also for the joy of “Matangi” booklet serving psychadelic photos to accompany her unique music. others.

SPB’s free movie program cut

OLIVIA CUNNINGHAM Staff Writer

Students don’t seem to miss the student life movie series, a Student Programming Board-sponsored event that has been discontinued due to “lack of attendance,” SPB president Mary Rizzo said.

SPB and Campus Activities made the decision to cut the movie series this year. The organizations, “felt that since people, or enough people, were not utilizing the opportunity to see these films that it would be in the best interest of SPB to take away funding towards this bi-weekly program and to put this money towards other programs,” Rizzo said.

Students agreed that the movie series was a good idea, but few attended regularly. The majority of students questioned had not heard of the program.

“That sucks,” said pharmacy student Apul when he learned that the movies would no longer be showing. “It was really good at the time.”

“It’s a good idea,” his friend Jimie said. “I went to one, I think.”

Senior Yva Schmalzer, a psychology major, had never heard of the movie series. However, she said it sounded like a good idea, “Especially if there’s free popcorn.”

The movie series was a bi-weekly event that showed newly released feature Hollywood films for free in the Little Theatre. The movies played three times a week at various hours, in an effort for as many students to be able to

Death Cab re-releases album JON MANARANG Staff Writer

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

Transatlanticism OUT OF 5 STARS

For Ben Gibbard, 2003 marked a year where his side project band, The Postal Service, made their explosive debut, Death Cab for Cutie released their monumental record “Transatlanticism.” A decade since both albums were released, Gibbard reunited and dismantled The Postal Service, briefly married actress Zooey Deschanel and made three more albums with DCFC. Recently, the band has taken to social media with Instagram to document the studio progress on their eighth LP. However, DCFC have decided to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their album by performing it in its entirety at the Bumbershoot Festival and releasing a re-mastered deluxe version of the record, along with the original demo versions of all 11 tracks.

Though it wasn’t a shift for the band in terms of songwriting or tonality, the album saw the band find a niche that defined the record less as individual songs, but as one collective piece of music.

Tracks like “The New Year,” “We Looked Like Giants” and the ubiquitous “The Sound of Settling” made the band known for an arena rock sound with the dual guitar attack of Gibbard and Chris Walla, underscored by the rhythm combo of Jason McGerr who makes his first drumming appearance on this record, and Nick Hamer on bass.

At the most paper-thin level of sensitivity, the lyrics almost come off as bitter with Gibbard wistfully singing “You are beautiful but you don’t mean a thing to me” on “Tiny Vessels,” but then chants the painfully resonant “I need you so much closer” on “Transatlanticism.” The band contrasted their layered sound on their next album, “Plans,” by emphasizing piano/acoustic guitar on tracks like “A Lack of Color” and “Title and Registration,” which combined with Gibbard’s choirboy vocals, making two of the most emotionally vivid records of their career.

PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The Little Theater where the SPB free movie series has been held in the past.

attend as possible. Each student received two MVP points for attending. SPB ordered and purchased the films through a company named Swank Motion Pictures, Rizzo said. Three to five movies played each semester.

“Attendance did significantly go down over the years, which is why the E-Board made the decision to stop the program and put that money elsewhere,” Rizzo said. She was unable to provide an

estimate of how many students attended each showing.

Rizzo concurred that the reaction of students has been neutral.

“I have not heard anything regarding the movie series since it has been canceled,” she said. “It seems that people don’t really miss it.”

Last year’s movie series included The Avengers, The Amazing Spiderman, Ted and The Dark Knight Rises.

Can’t get enough of the Torch?

Visit our Web site for online exclusives. torchonline.com Follow us on Twitter @SJUTorch @TorchLifestyle

9

Intramural sports all fun and games

LIVIA PAULA

Contributing Writer Two teams gathered at DaSilva field for a Flag Football game on Tuesday, Nov. 5. It was a cold evening and they were preparing for a playoff game: that alone was enough reason to warm them up. The referees were ready as well as the players – there was a sense of competiveness in the air.

According to senior Kevin Bonner, the winner of the Flag Football league will compete in Maryland on a regional level representing St. John’s with everything paid for by the school. That opportunity serves as a big motiva Athletics is a big part of St. John’s University. The school’s 17 Division 1 teams are known for their great athletes and successful seasons, but the opportunity to play sports at St. John’s is not exclusively just for those who make it onto the D1 teams.

St. John’s Campus Recreation offers the Intramural Sports Program. Sports include: soccer, volleyball, flag football, softball, dodge ball, co-ed basketball and an all men basketball league that is held during the spring semester.

This is a great chance for those who want to get involved while doing something they enjoy and the program provides men’s, women’s and co-ed activities.

PHOTO/FACEBOOK

The Lexington Steelers won this year’s intramural flag football championship.

“It gives people an opportunity to play and compete in a sport they like without being part of a D1 team”, Mark Stevenson, coordinator of the Intramural Sports Program, said. “Not only that, but it is also a great way to meet people and to exercise.”

Stevenson uses himself as an example of how being involved in a team can

be beneficial as he remembers the time when he used to play in an intramural team.

“A lot of the friends I have now I met through playing intramurals,” he said.

The sports offered in the fall semester eventually become leagues during the spring. Team captains

are required to attend an all captain meetings that are held usually a week or two before the tournament. This program is open to whoever is part of the university, meaning any full-time St. John’s student, faculty or staff - it gives a chance for interaction not only between students but everyone who is part of the St. John’s community.

Campus Recreation provides the teams with equipment and student officials when necessary.

“As a former athlete it’s a good way for me to stay in shape, have a level of competition and camaraderie,” junior Marlon Coustard said.” Some of the people that I’m close with now I’ve met through intramural sports so being involved in it has been a major part of my SJU experience.”

Coustard said the team camaraderie is one of his favorite aspects of the intermural program.

“I’ve gotten to see other sides of people through being on teams with them and developed bonds with them outside of the competitive environment of Taffner or the DaSilva field,” he said.

“Because of that I’ve utilized the friendships I’ve made with people around campus but especially in the classroom.”

If you’re interested in knowing more about the Intramurals Sports Program as well as the other areas you could get involved from Campus Recreation, just stop by their office located in the first floor of Taffner Field House or call (718) 990-5810.

Fame continues with Gaga’s ‘ARTPOP’ SAMANTHA ALBANESE Entertainment Editor

LADY GAGA ARTPOP

OUT OF 5 STARS

Five short years ago, singer/song-writer Lady Gaga took over the pop music scene with her debut album “The Fame.”

A year later, “The Fame Monster” still produces hit after hit to the point that people cannot avoid hearing her music on any given radio station, store or reading about her in any given magazine.

But after the release of her second studio album, which sold one million copies in a week, “Born This Way” struggled with radio play and charting.

Now, hot on the heels of the release of her third studio album, “ARTPOP,” due out Nov. 11, the same Lady is clawing to get the mainstream world back in the palm of her hand. After tearing her hip on tour and staying out of the spotlight for over a year, she has taken a fall but isn’t gone for good.

Everything about the album is carefully curated to portray a confection of both art and pop, starting with the word play of “ARTPOP” stemming from her self-acclaimed muse, Andy Warhol’s “pop art” concept. Lady Gaga also collaborated with artist Jeff Koons for the

album cover, which features the real-life statue of Gaga he created holding his most notable work, the gazing ball. Following suit, the track list is specifically ordered to go from “art” to “pop” in both concept and production.

The first track on “ARTPOP,” titled “Aura,” was featured in the movie she starred in, “Machete Kills.”

“I killed my former and/left her in the trunk on highway 10/put the knife under the hood, if you find it/send it straight to Hollywood,” is followed by manic laughter in cohesion with the beats.

Produced by Zedd and Infected Mushroom, Gaga reintroduces herself to the listener showing them what’s “behind her aura” by metaphorically stripping away her outfits and wigs through theatrical lyrics and mesmerizing beats, leaving them to be interpreted on their own.

“Venus,” the second song off the record, was set to be the official second single following “Applause,” but was promptly switched with the R&B track.

“Do What U Want” featuring R. Kelly, after its initial success when released as a promotional single.

“Venus” is in line with the “art in pop” theme by referencing the Botticelli painting of “The Birth of Venus,” but with a twist.

This is one of the strongest tracks on the album and is also the first track she has produced by herself. With Bowie-esque vibes and subtle sexual innuendos, Gaga captivates and takes you to her planet.

“Do What U Want,” featuring R. Kelly and “Jewels & Drugs,” feat. T.I., Too $hort and Twista, show her urban diversity through hip-hop and R&B on her

SCREENSHOT/VEVO

Lady Gaga sending love to her fans that attended the album release party, the artRave.

mainly pop album.

“Sexxx Dreams” is a fun, imaginative track about the unspoken desire between two minds. The beats mirror the fantasy feel with a strong build-up and release.

Leaving little to the imagination, it’s one of the most honest tracks on the album, aside from “Dope” and “Gypsy.”

“Dope” is a piano ballad with an influx of harmonizing and satisfying synth-sounds. Her vocals on this track are among the strongest as she seems to undoubtedly shine when left alone in a room with only her voice and a piano.

Lyrically, Gaga brings you through an emotional journey of her struggles with addiction and how love is her new addiction, as opposed to substances.

Another notable track on the album are

“Manicure,” which serves as a super fun punk-rock infused pop song that is being described by Billboard as an “obvious choice for a future single,” to which I agree.

“Donatella,” “Mary Jane Holland” and “Swine” are a trifecta of club bangers with fun, heavy beats that vibrate to the core. “Fashion!” produced by Will.i.am, “G.U.Y.” and “Artpop” are among the slower songs on the album, but the productions on both are massive and equally great.

Overall, the album brings the listener through the artistic journey Gaga went through the two long years she worked on the album. It’s clear her love for showbiz is authentic, holding truth in the lyric, “I just love the music, not the bling.”

Tuesday Taco Time

Spookin’

TORCHCOMICS Diamond Watts-Walker

John Inzetta

Full of Hot Air

Jonthur ft. StepSal

Join Torch Comics Today

13 November 2013

11

Sports

Party like it’s 2009; Johnnies going dancing STEPHEN ZITOLO Staff Writer

“The no. 3 seeded UCF Knights will be taking on the 14th seeded St. John’s Red Storm,” boasted the broadcaster of the women’s soccer selection show.

The media room in Taffner Field house exploded with screams of excitement and relief that the Red Storm was now NCAA tournament bound.

“I want to believe we can go all the way,” Rachel Daly said. “But we will have to take it one game at a time and go from there.”

The Red Storm (11-5-3, 4-4-2 Big East) will have a tough task on their hands trying to tame the No. 17 University of Central Florida Knights (16-2-4, 9-0-2 AAC) at the UCF Soccer Complex on Nov. 15.

The Red Storm is coming off a tough loss to Marquette, 2-0, in the Big East semifinals. The Red Storm are looking to bounce back in the NCAA tournament behind 12 senior leaders and sophomore forward Rachel Daly who has been tearing it up all season long, breaking two St. John’s single season records; the single season goals scored record and the single season points record, both held by St. John’s Hall of Famer Cristin Burtis. The Red Storm also got tremendous contributions from the defense, led by freshman keeper Diana Poulin, who held oppo-

nents scoreless 10 times.

“We had a good feeling we would make it,” said Daly on the NCAA Tournament selection. “Mainly because we crushed DePaul and they made the Big East Finals, and we were able to handle Butler.”

“I’m feeling amazing, really excited, and just can’t wait to get on the road again,” senior defender Sarah Ashmore said.

“We have worked so hard for this; its

been such a journey for the senior class,” senior Hailey Hemmer said. “ It’s been a growing process and it feels great to have our hard work pay off.”

The Knights are led by sophomore forward Tatiana Coleman, who has nine goals and seven assists this year, and a defense that has only given up 11 goals on the year. The Knights also won the American Athletic Conference Tournament over Rutgers in the ninth round of penalty kicks, 8-7. The Knights are com-

ing into the NCAA tournament with an 18-game losing streak.

“I watched one game yesterday and it was UCF vs. Rutgers,” said head coach Ian Stone. “UCF is a great match up for us because they play good soccer and do things similar to what we try and do. I think that the girls will be ready for this and UCF is the type of team we can do really well against.”

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The Women’s soccer team’s historic season was good enough to earn an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE

12

Burtis happy to have company

STEPHEN ZITOLO Staff Writer

On Saturday Oct. 26, a frigidly windy night at Belson Stadium, a record that had stood since 1994 was broken. Rachel Daly headed in her 18th goal on what has been a spectacular season for the sophomore forward, this header broke the season goal scoring record of St. John’s hall of famer, Cristin Burtis.

“I would like to congratulate Rachel on her tremendous accomplishment,” Burtis told the Torch by phone. “I would also like to wish the whole team luck in their final regular season game on Saturday.”

Burtis made a choice that she would never regret as she became one of the greatest soccer players in St. John’s history. She is currently ranked second all-time in most points and goals scored in the St. John’s women’s soccer record books.

Burtis said she came to St. John’s because of “the family atmosphere that St. John’s offered and continues to offer to this day.”

Burtis had her best season during her senior year in 1994. She compiled 17 goals, seven assists, and 41 points during that season. The women’s soccer team would reach the Big East tournament for the first time in school history and win the schools only conference title in 1994.

“That was a memorable season,” Burtis said. “From winning the Big East title to breaking the single season goals record. It is definitely something none of us will ever forget. That was a season built on teamwork and supporting one another, and that’s was a big part of why we played so well.”

In 1994, the team was lead by a fresh-faced coach from England, Ian Stone. Stone is now in his 20th season as head coach of the women’s soccer team and Burtis discussed what it was like playing for Stone during his first season.

“As a team we were coming off a poor season,” Burtis said. ”Coach Stone brought motivation to the team, support

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Cristin Burtis’ 17 goals scored was a mark that seemed unreachable . for us as his players and knowledge of the game to the team. His love for the game and his attitude that he brought, that we could win any game at any cost,

gave us the confidence that we could win and we did.”

Looking back at her athletic career and experiences at St. John’s, Burtis

shared her fondest memories of her time at St. John’s.

“I miss the camaraderie, friendships and family atmosphere that St. John’s offered,” Burtis said. “As a team we were a close knit group. There are many of my teammates that I am still friends with today and we were also very friendly with the guys from the men’s soccer team.”

After Burtis graduated from St. John’s, she went on to continue her playing career overseas for a short period, before returning back to New York to play for the Long Island Lady Riders. She then got involved with coaching at Nassau Community College and then went back to the Lady Riders and coached them from 2003-2005.

Cristin said she then realized that she wanted to make a career change and left the game. Burtis had been working in the New York City mayor’s office since she had interned there in 1994. She rose up the ranks gradually and in 2010, she was appointed as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management. In the current position, Burtis said she is in charge of the planning of events like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and this year she is in charge of planning the events surrounding Super Bowl XLVIII. Cristin is now a mother and has a daughter who is also involved in the game her mother once starred in.

Burtis’ daughter is now coached by some of the players from the women’s and men’s soccer teams from the time she was a student-athlete at St. John’s.

This past summer, Burtis was inducted into the St. John’s Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2013.

“It was a great honor to receive that call from Athletic Director Chris Monasch,” Burtis said. “I’m truly honored to be amongst this elite and prestigious group of athletes.”

While Burtis is among that group of athletes now, she might have some company within the next 20 years. Her name, Rachel Daly.

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Rachel Daly has been efficent on the offensive side of the ball as she led the team with 22 goals and was name the Big East Offensive and Newcomer of the year.

13

Johnnies fall to Wisconsin in opener KIERAN LYNCH Editor-in-Chief

Put the hype on hold – for now.

The St. John’s men’s basketball team dropped its much-anticipated opener 8675 to No. 20 Wisconsin in Sioux Falls, S.D. Friday evening.

WISCONSIN

86

ST. JOHN’S

75

The Red Storm (0-1) never held a lead, but drew as close as four points with 8:28 left in the second half before the Badgers (1-0) answered with two quick 3-pointers to pull away for good.

“We knew in advance of playing this game that Wisconsin would be a worthy opponent,” head coach Steve Lavin told reporters after the game. “This challenge presented an opportunity for our team to grow.”

St. John’s was unable to recover from an early 18-point deficit made more insurmountable by the difference in each team’s 3-point performance. Wisconsin shot 47.8 percent (11-23) from three compared to a measly 15.4 percent (213) for the Red Storm.

“We got off to a poor start at both ends of the court,” Lavin said. “We ral-

PHOTO /DIANA COLAPIETRO

JaKarr Sampson had 21 points in Friday’s loss to Wisconsin.

lied in the second half to within four, but we allowed them to make critical shots from distance and they converted

from the foul line to close out the game.

Clearly we need to improve as a team in order to execute more effectively.”

Junior guard D’Angelo Harrison led the team in scoring with 27 points, followed by sophomore forward JaKarr Sampson’s 21 points. Freshman guard Rysheed Jordan added six points and three assists in his college debut.

St. John’s committed 28 fouls – six of which came in consecutive possessions in the second half.

That led to more than a handful of players winding up in foul trouble including senior forward Orlando Sanchez, who scored the first five points for the Red Storm, but was quieted after that.

Sophomore center Chris Obekpa returned from his preseason suspension for a University policy violation that caused him to miss two exhibition games and contributed six points and five rebounds.

John Gasser led Wisconsin with 19 points and eight rebounds.

The game was the first college basketball matchup held at the new Sanford Pentagon and the first time the Johnnies opened the season against a Top 25 team since 2003 with a loss against then-No. 23 Marquette.

The Johnnies won’t play outside of New York again until conference play with games at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center and Carnesecca Arena.

Handford’s 32 leads all against Gaels KYLE FITZGERALD Online Editor

St. John’s walked over Iona with a 78-48 victory in its’ home opener on Tuesday night. The Red Storm (2-0) rallied behind sophomore Aliyyah Handford’s career high 32 points to rout the Gaels (1-2).

ST. JOHN’S

78

IONA

48

Down by six early, Handford got the Johnnies into an offensive groove as she put the ball back up after sophomore Sandra Udobi missed both of her free throws. This began a dominant pattern for St. John’s, outscoring the lowly Gaels 26-8 in the paint for the period, which later climbed to 48-10 as the final horn sounded.

“I think part of those points in the paint was layups, transition,” head coach Tartamella said. “I [can’t count] how many Aliyyah had in the paint off of turnovers.”

Iona looked to crawl back into the game following four unanswered points, but the Red Storm stomped any hopes of a comeback after scoring 15 of the last 20 points to take a 41-26 lead at the half.

“I thought we allowed them to get to their strengths early,” Tartamella said.

“Then we slowed them down … and executed a good run which was jolted

by Aliyyah [Handford], who gave them that one big punch and I don’t think they

recovered from there.”

The second half of the game followed the pattern set by the first, as Handford continued to run up the score. Handford, who was named to the 2013-2014 Pre All-Big East Team, continued to lead the fast pace of the game, forcing turnovers and making transitions.

“We feel like she’s one of the best

guards in the country,” Tartamella said.

“We wanted to show people that, but she’s going to be the backbone of what we do for a good period of time here.”

The Johnnies spread Iona’s defense, forcing them to shoot less than 30% for the game.

“We defended, and because we made other kids take shots,” Tartamella said.

“We said at halftime we wanted to keep them at 28% at the half, and they shot 27% in the second half. If we want to get to the next level we have to defend.”

Handford, who was named to the 2013-2014 Pre All-Big East Team, shot for 70% from the field.

St. John’s will next play on Saturday when they host St. Francis at 2 p.m.

PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Aliyyah Handford cuts to the basket as she sets a new career-high 32 points against Iona.

14

Red Storm miss conference tourney MITCHELL PETIT-FRERE Managing Editor

The changes keep on coming for the new Big East.

The conference’s soccer tournament will be without one of its regular members this year after the St. John’s men’s soccer team failed to get the results it needed to qualify.

ST. JOHN’S

5

SETON HALL

0

The Red Storm (10-6-2, 3-42) needed a succession of events to happen last Saturday: a Villanova loss or draw to Georgetown at 2 p.m., a win at cross-river rival Seton Hall at 3 p.m., and a Butler loss or draw to Xavier at 7 p.m.

Villanova fell to Georgetown 1-0, and the Johnnies swept Seton Hall aside with a 5-0 win; but Butler ruined the Red Storm’s seemingly perfect Saturday with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Xavier.

It’s the first time St. John’s hasn’t qualified for the tournament since 1990 -- the year before Dr. Dave Masur took the reigns of the program.

Despite the disappointment of

missing the tournament, the Johnnies played a positive brand of soccer during their 90 minutes in New Jersey.

“It was good that we were actually able to time our runs behind the defense and really be professional with lead,” Masur said.

After a goal on the stroke halftime from junior Tim Parker and another from sophomore Danny Bedoya two minutes after the interval, two red cards were handed out in quick succession to Seton Hall in the 44th and 48th minute – an occurrence that epitomized the drama of the day.

“It’s probably been a while [since I’ve seen that happen] – from two of the same team as well,” Masur said.

The two-man advantage saw the Red Storm increase its lead to 5-0 before the final whistle after insurance goals from Jordan Rouse, Daniel Herrera and Brandon Savino.

“We had to make sure that we were smart on the ball and we didn’t really expose ourselves and try not to get too lazy and take moments off,” Masur said.

“It’s good to see us do some good things on the offensive side and put the game away.”

Despite the emphatic win, the Big East failure left the Johnnies with an outside shot of receiving a bid for the NCAA tournament. The draw is on Nov. 18.

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Tim Parker’s goal set the table for St. John’s as they ran over Seton Hall.

Marquette blanks Johnnies in semis STEPHEN ZITOLO Staff Writer

A lack of offensive production and a struggle to stop Marquette from attacking Diana Poulin with shots from array of angles hampered the St. John’s women’s soccer team on Friday night.

The Red Storm were defeated 2-0 in the Big East Semifinals, possibly ending what their historic season.

The no. 4 Red Storm (11-4-3, 4-3-2 Big East) went to Milwaukee to face the No. 1 Golden Eagles (16-3, 9-0 Big East) MARQUETTE

2

ST. JOHN’S

0

in the Big East Tournament Semifinals.

The Johnnies are 0-9 all-time versus Marquette.

The first half was all Marquette. They controlled the ball for a vast majority of the half and constantly tested St. John’s keeper Diana Poulin. The Golden Eagles had 18 shots (eight on goal) in the first half compared to the Red storm’s one total shot.

Poulin had a busy first half with seven saves. But Marquette was able to squeeze out a goal on a header by Mary Luba that hit of the crossbar and just snuck into the net giving Marquette a 1-0 lead.

“It was a great game for Diana,” said Coach Ian Stone. “She was very confident, was safe when handling the ball, and she was strong under pressure. This was on of her best games of the year.”

St. John’s continued to struggle to start the second half as one of Mar-

quette’s first team All-Big East members, Maegan Kelly, found the back of the net with a strike off of her right foot to give Marquette a 2-0 lead.

The St. John’s defense was able to stop the Golden Eagles offense after the Maegan Kelly goal early in the second

half, but the offense couldn’t find any rhythm throughout the entire game.

The Red Storm offense only tallied a total of two shots throughout out the night and none on goal. The Golden Eagles had a total of 25 shots, 12 on goal on the night.

“The field wasn’t great, but that’s no excuse,” said Coach Stone. “We didn’t pass well, we needed to play quicker, and we couldn’t match Marquette’s energy.”

The Red Storm season is set to continue after the team’s name was called to it’s second ever NCAA Tournament.

TORCHPHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The Women’s soccer team’s season will continue this Friday when they take on No. 3 UCF at 7 p.m.

Volleyball road trip ends with loss MICHAEL TRIVIGNO Staff Writer

St. John’s ended their three-game road trip by losing to Marquette in straight sets (25-20, 25-23, 25-17) Sunday afternoon. Marquette hung tough coming away with both the first and second sets, and with a 2-0 deficit heading in to the locker room the loss was inevitable for St. John’s.

MARQUETTE

3

ST. JOHN’S

0

After St. John’s (15-12, 4-8) began their three game road trip by beating No. 9 Creighton, they failed to come out with a win against Big East opponents DePaul and now Marquette. The win gave No. 11 Marquette (19-5, 11-1) their eight win in a row keeping them on top of the Big East.

Marquette, pulling out the second set after St. John’s tied the score at 23-23, turned out to make the difference maker in the match.

“The second set was ours for the taking,” head coach Joanne Persico said.

“We seemed to struggle with our outside hitting and our numbers on the outside were inconsistent.”

One bright spot came from the stellar performance by sophomore Karin Palgutova.

Palgutova came away with her team-high 13th double-double piling up 16 kills and 11 digs. She also hit a team high .414.

Storm

Cast

Leavin’ their Mark Ashmore and Hemmer selected to Big East All-Tournament team

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

The volleyball team will play three days in a row starting Friday at 5 p.m.

Reigning Big East player of the week Yaidy Santiago put together another solid performance for the Red Storm with 5 kills, 7 digs and 2 blocks. Sophomore Deniz Mutlugil had a team high 33 assists and junior Ashley Boursiquot led the team along with Palgutova with 4 blocks.

The upset win over Creighton set up a great chance for the Johnnies to have a successful road trip, but that is no longer the case. St. John’s had a rough blocking display at DePaul and this was one of the main focal points throughout the match against Marquette.

“Our blocking against DePaul was not good,” Persico said. “We made that

one of our primary goals and we had a good blocking day and that’s how we were able to stay with them for the first two sets.”

With only four games left in the season St. John’s must make a run if they want to contend for the Big East Volleyball Championship. The top four teams in the conference qualify for the tournament and right now the Red Storm are on the outside looking in sitting in a tie for 5.

St. John’s road to making the Big East tournament starts this Friday at 5 p.m. at Taffner Field House against No. 9 Creighton.

Daly is the reason for revival JON PEREZ

Aside from enjoying their team’s first tournament berth in four years, Sarah Ashmore and Hailey Hemmer can widen their smiles a little more.

Both players were selected to the 2013 Big East All-Tournament team after heading the St. John’s backline during the team’s Big East tournament run. These two senior defenders are only the third and fourth St. John’s women’s soccer players to be named to the conference tournament crew.

“For Hailey and Sarah to get this recognition is very fitting,” head coach Ian Stone said in a release. “They are two seniors that have been so consistent all season for the team. I am so proud of how much they have both improved over their careers at St. John’s. This accolade is a testament to hard work paying off.”

Hemmer and Ashmore played big roles for the team’s defense en route of 10 shutouts and 0.95 goals-per-game.

The Red Storm will head to their second NCAA tournament in four years when they play UCF on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Blowin’ in the Wind

Sports Editor

After a season that culminated in disappointment, the women’s soccer team is going to the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2009 campaign.

While soccer is a team sport, it’s been no surprise that Rachel Daly is the reason why this team is going to the dance.

Daly’s 22 goals this year are the most ever scored by a member of the Red Storm in one season. Daly has been the ‘Wonder Woman’ of this bunch and has led a team that only scored a total of 16 goals this year to a contender and a very tough 14 seed.

Look at it like this: without Daly, this team doesn’t win more than six games – if that.

“She’s a phenomenal soccer player so it was kind of almost the final piece to the jigsaw puzzle in that we had everything else in place,” head coach Ian Stone said in an interview with the Torch on Sept.

18. “Obviously someone who can score goals in her place is valuable.”

Daly was not always a scoring threat, but did learn a lot as a defender and says that has turned her into the player she is today.

“I was a defender for the last five years of my life,” Daly said in an interview with the Torch on Sept. 18. “So going into forward I was always, ‘If you don’t score you suck.’ I’m quite positive

Torch Sports

15

“We have worked so hard for this; its been such a journey for the senior class.”

-Ian Stone

Lookin’ Ahead

TORCH PHOTO/DIANA COLAPIETRO

Rachel Daly will only get better as she progresses as an upperclassman.

with myself so I tell myself that I do need to score and that it just so happens that I’ve done it every game so far. So I guess it’s working.”

It’s been working very well. The name of the game in soccer is defense, and St. John’s has been stellar on the defensive end. But how many games do the Johnnies win if Daly is not there to score? Once again, not many.

Daly is the best women’s soccer player to take the field since Dominica Reina, and will only progress during her final two years with the Red Storm. It

will be interesting to see what recruits Stone will pursue. Will he bring in a play maker to fill the shoes of Amy Marron?

Or does he have a freshman waiting in the wings to get her opportunity? It’s a pleasant dilemma for Stone who will need to find a complementary player for the face of women’s soccer.

Jon Perez is a co-host on the Inman and Perez show that airs every Wednesday morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m on WSJU Radio.

Red Storm upcoming sched-

Men’s Basketball Nov. 1 Nov. 19

Wagner* Bucknell*

6 p.m.

9 p.m.

Nov. 16 Nov. 20

St. Francis Quinnipiac

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Women’s Soccer Nov. 16

UCF

Women’s Volleyball Nov. 15 Creighton # Nov. 16 DePaul # Nov. 17 Marquette

* WSJU Radio

7 p.m.

5 p.m.

4 p.m.

2 p.m.

#Taffner Field House

MEN’S BBALL DROPS OPENER IN S.D.

SPORTS NOVEMBER 13 2013 | VOLUME 91, ISSUE 12 |

TORCHONLINE.COM

WE’RE IN!

WOMEN’S SOCCER MAKES SECOND-EVER NCAA TOURNAMENT PG. 11,12,14 PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS