The Hoya: The Guide: October 28, 2016

the guide F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

ILLUSTRATION BY JESUS RODRIGUEZ/THE HOYA

FEATURED

GUIDE Long Live KING The critically acclaimed trio KING lived up to its name during a recent performance in D.C. B3

Nomadic Solidifies Identity Nomadic Theater’s latest production “Fugue,” artfully portrays an identity-erasing mental disorder. B6

‘Island Line’ Cuts a Debut Davis Wong’s (COL ’17) band released its first album centered on coming of age in Hong Kong. B4

The Pixies Are Back The Pixies’ second album since they reunited, “Head Carrier” is among their best releases. B7

SPORTS Championship-Bound

The sailing teams qualified for the MAISA Fall Championships this past weekend. B10

Successful Fall The women’s golf team wrapped up its season with a second-place finish at the Lehigh Invitational. B10

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the guide

THE HOYA

friday, OCTOBER 28, 2016

GROOVE THEORY

Georgetown University’s student dance groups are visibile during special events and halftime at basketball games, but their performances are left largely unexplored by the student body outside these contexts. Each of the groups performs multiple times throughout the semester with its own signature style, flair and message.

Bringing a Focus to Center Stage Cosima Schelfhout Hoya Staff Writer

Despite their showcases, basketball game halftime performances and even White House appearances, many of Georgetown’s dance groups receive relatively little attention from a general student body unaware they exist. This is especially confounding given their expansive cultural and stylistic reach. From Georgetown Dance Company, which focuses on classical ballet and jazz, and Hoya Break Squad to Black Movements Dance Theatre and Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Georgetown, Georgetown’s slew of groups not only covers a wide spectrum of dance styles, but also encompasses a vast array of cultural traditions. The cultural exploration of Georgetown’s dance groups is part of what makes their presence on campus so important. In addition to furthering cultural awareness, the dance groups provide Georgetown students, members and general audiences alike with an opportunity to focus their attention on a universal mode of expression. Even Georgetown’s most competitive and demanding dance groups seem to offer their dancers a refuge from the stresses of student life and, by encouraging such a creative release of energy, provide the rest of the student body with rich, vibrant and often educational entertainment. Many groups argue their primary role on campus is to expand cultural awareness, according to Jasmin Nava co-director of Ballet Folklórico — a group that embraces traditional folkloric dance from various Mexican states. “[The group] brings about cultural exposure, understanding and expression and aims to foster intersectionality and inclusivity among Georgetown students,” Nava wrote in an email to The Hoya. “Ballet Folklórico is not only an addition to the vibrant culture of art here at the Hilltop, but it is also an extravagant opportunity to share Latin heritage with the Hoya community as well as the D.C. community at large,” Co-Director Diego Tum-Monge (COL ’19) said. The essence of the group’s mission is apparent in the history of its founding. Twenty years ago, three ambitious international students from Mexico began an extracurricular class designed to raise awareness of their culture and heritage at Georgetown. While the class eventu-

ally ended, Ballet Folklórico has carried on the young founders’ goals, by way of dance. Alfreda Davis, artistic director of Black Movements Dance Theatre, also sees spreading understanding of cultural differences as a central undertaking of the group. “BMDT’s mission is to express the African-American experience through the arts,” Davis said. In doing so, the all-female group aims to encourage engagement in the social and political developments of the community and country at large.

“[We] would love to have a bigger presence on campus … we are definitely a niche interest, but when people find us their interest is peaked.” YANELY PEREZ (COL ’17) Treasurer, Ballet Folklórico Mexicano

“[We hope to] bridge a gap between social injustice and art,” Student Director Ashley Newman (COL ’18) said. In 2015, Davis choreographed a piece titled “Glory,” which was set to the song by Common and John Legend and sought to unpack the emotional consequences of police brutality. Davis said the group’s theatrical foundations are a vital tool in dealing with topics as complex as policy brutality and gender violence, as dramatic devices help translate almost ineffable topics into physical expression. BMDT employs a yearly theme to help focus the dance company’s message and promote its reach. Newman explained that this year’s theme, “Defiance,” means defying the racial barriers, political and social trends and categories that are usually imposed onto African Americans and those subgroups that attempt to define their identities in relational terms. Davis noted that, as an arts group at Georgetown, BMDT has a responsibility to educate. In addition to their roles as cultural educators and social justice advocates, dance groups at Georgetown also serve as outlets for their members. Aubrey Wetzel-

berg (SFS ’17), director of Groove Theory, described how her involvement in the group has helped reduce her stress. She said that part of the challenge of encouraging newcomers to apply is convincing them that, despite the serious time commitment of membership, involvement in Groove Theory can ease the burden of schoolwork by serving as a channel to release built-up tensions. While practices require a commitment of six to eight hours per week, Groove Theory members value the community and see it as a way to escape other extracurricular burdens. She says it is a challenge to encourage newcomers to apply because they “assume they don’t have time, or think it’s too much work,” but remains firm that her time with the group has served as a “stress reliever and a break from the busy Georgetown lifestyle.” Similarly, Yanely Perez (COL ’17), Ballet Folklórico Mexicano’s Treasurer, describes the group as “an escape from academic life as well as an opportunity to immerse oneself in a different culture.” Perez explained that her involvement in the group has taught her how to create. “[The group allows you to] learn in a different way than you do the classroom,” Perez said. To this affirmation, Wetzelberg added that dance groups offer a break to both members and audiences, as they allow students to budget time to enjoy the inspiring talents of their peers. “The group serves the community by bringing out these talents,” she said. The strong sense of community felt within Georgetown dance groups also helps students cope with concerns of student life. Ariel Chu (COL ’18), co-captain of Hoya Break Squad, one of Georgetown’s more recent groups recognized by the Performing Arts Advisory Council, wrote in an email to The Hoya that a feeling of community keeps her group intact. “At the end of the day, it’s more about the people than the dancing. Our club doesn’t enforce attendance so the people who show up genuinely want to be there, and they carve out [four] hours a week to show up, dance and have a good time,” Chu wrote. Nava stressed a similar point, noting that being in the group immerses an individual in a type of culture that values family above all else and creates a profound sense of community that extends to other

Georgetown dance organizations. “Not only have I made many lifelong friends in Ballet Folklórico Mexicano during my time at Georgetown, but I have also made many great friends that are in other dance groups on campus. I think that dance groups foster a positive, encouraging community within the groups and within the Georgetown community,” Perez said. In addition, Ballet Folklórico Mexicano offers a network of emotional support with regularly held familia nights. “We never talk about schoolwork, we ask about each other’s well-being,” Perez said. Despite the multifaceted significance of student dance groups at Georgetown, the lacking awareness of the student body is difficult to attribute to low visibility, given that many of the groups mentioned hold frequent performances and often cosponsor events on campus with various other student organizations. Newman reasoned that interest is difficult to garner for more niche artistic styles like jazz and contemporary. Perez expressed a similar sentiment about Ballet Folklórico. “[We] would love to have a bigger presence on campus … we are definitely a niche interest, but when people find us their interest is peaked,” Perez said. Wetzelberg affirmed this idea in recognizing that Groove Theory’s adoption of more mainstream, popularized dance styles helps its impressive presence on campus. The significant role Georgetown dance groups play on campus today makes one wonder whether their influence will continue to grow. Wetzelberg explained that the difficulty in predicting Groove Theory’s future lies in the yearly pattern of having new waves of people with varying levels of talent, notwithstanding the brightness of the group’s present level of performance. On the other hand, Davis noted that her intimate involvement with BMDT over the last few years has made her exceedingly hopeful about the future of dance at Georgetown, after witnessing an evolution of dance groups and a movement toward increased integration. If in Georgetown’s recent history only a few groups existed and operated with limited scopes of influence, the current dance community is set for a future of impactful excellence.

GU DANCE COMPANY

BALLET FOLKLóRICO

FILE PHOTO: HAMSKY

Dance groups at Georgetown represent broad stylistic and cultural diversity. From Ballet Folklórico Mexicano’s influence on traditional Latin dance forms to the all-female Black Movements Dance Theater’s intention to effect change, the message behind dance performance often extends beyond cultural celebration.

the guide

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

THE HOYA

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FEATURE

Michael White

The Music On My Playlist Michael White (COL ’19) is the events director of WGTB Georgetown Radio, host of “Contrasts” and drummer for Romance Explosion.

‘THROWAWAY STYLE’ BY THE EXPLODING HEARTS The tragic Portland power-pop group delivers a great tune. This song makes me want to carry out a tryst with a female punk rocker, most likely because that is what the song addresses. The beat is bouncier than a pogo stick, and the melodies are catchier than the cold. Enjoy with hairspray and leather jackets!

‘LOVE TALKIN’ (HONEY IT’S YOU)’ BY TATSURO YAMASHITA This might be on one the cutest songs I’ve ever heard. Although it’s mostly in Japanese, I feel like I’m being privately serenaded by this virtuosic East Asian singer. Play this with your significant other because it’ll get you in the mood. Not that mood, the mood to dance!

RVC/AIR

‘DING DONG SONG’ BY GÜNTHER Günther traverses the complicated planes of love and human relationships on this classic eurodance cut. An ontologically questioning track, this song tackles the ever-changing definition of what it means to love. The melody mimics the cruel and complex dance of courting. “Ding Dong Song” is the epitome of a perfect meme song. Catchy lyrics and an avant-garde premise. There will never be a song like this ever again.

“YOU’RE SO LAST SUMMER” BY TAKING BACK SUNDAY

MARTHA BADILLO/ THE HOYA

In 2011, KING released its EP, “The Story,” to critical acclaim. The group’s carefully crafted dream-soul sound is eclectic and difficult to pin down, a result of its Minneapolis and Los Angeles roots. It continues to release music independently on KING Creative.

KING Aims for R&B Royalty

DANI GUERRERO Hoya Staff Writer

Supported by a mid-tempo beat, the balmy trio of KING’s voices cascaded over ethereal synth waves as a sweetly repeated “goodbye” grew in intensity. Setting the tone of the concert, the mesmerizing overture to a mashup of “Mister Chameleon/The Greatest” created a luxurious, dreamy mood that pervaded the L.A.based band’s 14-song set at U Street Music Hall on Oct. 20. Illuminated with surreal purple lights, U Street Music Hall was a full house, with dedicated fans standing in line for over two hours in hopes of securing a front-row spot. Producer and arranger Paris Strother sat in the back of the stage with her piano and drums, while her twin Amber and longtime friend Anita Bias carried the front vocals. Rid of the over-the-top solos oft-seen in current pop music, Strother and Bias’s soft hums harkened back to a simpler time of atmospheric, sensuous vocals, reminiscent of Janet Jackson and Sade. “We were inspired by so many different genres: old, soulful jazz, classical music, R&B. We tried to filter our favorite stuff through our musical soul. We pinched through our dad’s records, hanging around with him and listening to his music. Our strongest influence is any music with a ‘timeless quality,’ not knowing when a song came out,” Strother said. The Strothers grew up in Minneapolis before attending Berklee College of Music, where they met Bias. In 2011, the neo-soul trio’s debut EP rose from anonymity to immediate praise. Roots bandleader Questlove, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Foreign Exchange front man Phonte Coleman and Prince were all smitten with the emerging talent. Rapper Kendrick Lamar even sampled KING’s track “Hey” on his song “Chapter Six.” Although the trio has reached critical acclaim from the R&B community,

many are still uncertain on how to classify its music. “The best one we’ve heard is LSD R&B. We’ve also heard dream pop made in a cloud, with waterfalls, and future soul,” Paris Strother said. Nieces to Twin Cities bluesman Percy Strother, it is no wonder Paris and Amber developed such a prodigious musical ear. “We grew up listening to Ellington, Jones, Stevie Wonder. Also, a lot of Donny Hathaway and Joni Mitchell,” Amber Strother said. “Paris and I hung out with classically trained musicians, and we really admired everything about them that was free.” The band originally set out to release its long-awaited debut LP in 2014; however, “We Are KING” was not released until earlier this year. Its sound is a clear continuation of their 2011 EP “The Story,” reprising all three of the EP’s songs in extended versions. It may have taken some extra time, but good things come to those who wait, as evidenced in the album’s cohesiveness. “In 2014, the album existed, but something felt incomplete until we added ‘Carry On.’ Self-producing and releasing our debut album, we wanted to live with it forever as something that we would always love. You just know when it’s done,” Paris Strother said. The set moved to another mashup, “The Right One/In the Meantime,” replete with rousing chord changes and analog synthesizers setting a hypnotic tempo over unhurried tones. As KING prepared to transition to more upbeat music, the purple beams onstage faded to a pink and blue, complementing all-encompassing utopian feel of the next two consecutive hits. First up was “Carry On,” a bouncy primer on learning how to love the right way, followed by “Red Eye,” a track on exploration and transformation. “’Red-Eye’ is about breaking barriers. It’s about adventure, global awareness,” Paris Strother said. “Nigeria is a beautiful

place to be at night — Zambia, Cape Town — it’s all incredible, just getting away. It’s a song straight from our imagination. It has that dreamy quality.” Following was a fan favorite, a cover of Zapp and Roger’s “Computer Love,” a layered, enriching reinterpretation to which the audience energetically sang along. The vocalists gently transitioned into “Love Song,” their soft murmurings never becoming fully defined. “We wanted the album to be: If there were no words, would our music speak, and, if there were no music, would the words be enough?” Paris Strother said. “It’s about love, self-discovery and exploration. We aimed for something that spoke to as many people as possible — organic, connecting, vulnerable.” Overall, KING seems to combine the best of different eras without simply rehashing them. Floating seamlessly throughout the concert, the trio excelled at reinforcing love as its central theme. Reviving a graceful creativity once only associated with music’s greatest luminaries, KING produces a long-lasting effect on listeners. By the end of the set, the audience found itself imprinted by the band’s unapologetic and rare ability to create a soundscape equally meaningful and transformative as life’s journeys. “We wanted to express our own path as rulers of our own musical kingdom. That’s how we decided on KING,” Amber Strother said. “We realized the power in it and the challenge of living up to it. One of the first things Prince said to us was — ‘Are you ready to live up to the name KING?’” With such rich, deep voices and electrifying talent, KING could have taken the easy way out by simply relying on one of many tempting smoke-and-mirrors tricks of its contemporaries, like melodramatic solos or exaggerated instrumentals. Instead, it has chosen to take the longer, complex road of nuance, delicacy and subtlety. KING is not just ready to live up to its name; it already has.

Emo has been called the “suburban blues” before and I think this song is a perfect embodiment for that description. It follows a melodically predictable pattern, much like traditional blues but deviates from blues scales. The angry-at-a-former-flame motif is also here, and it is ever-so-endearing. This song was perfect for the early 2000s mix CD trading sessions that occurred in romantic high school settings like cafeterias and bathrooms. If I hadn’t been scared of women in high school, I would have broken up with a girl to this song.

“PARKING LOT” BY MINERAL I am usually in a happy mood and I want my musical diet to counteract my mood so that I can feel emotionally balanced. This is a morose but beautifully crafted ballad by one of my favorite sad indie rock bands. This takes heartbreak to a whole other level. The chorus guitar bends tug at my heartstrings harder than a crew of hefty sailors heaving to. Spin this song if you want to cuddle and sulk with somebody.

MARTHA BADILLO/ THE HOYA CRANK!

KING collaborated with Robert Glasper on his Grammy Award-winning album “Black Radio,” providing vocals on the track “Move Love.” The group is scheduled to tour through December, with shows in Sweden, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Japan.

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the guide

THE HOYA

concert review

Friday, OCTOBER 28, 2016

This week’S TOP FIVE

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Top Five Fad Dances

One of the most popular and widespread dance trends is the Macarena, often performed at parties, weddings and even sporting events. The original song was released in 1994 by Spanish pop band Los del Río and quickly became one of the most famous dance songs in the world. With simple dance moves, including arm movements and spins to a steady beat followed by a fun, loose “shimmy” in a repetitive circuit, the Macarena quickly became accessible to all.

2 THE ISLAND LINE

Davis Wong’s (COL ’17) band The Island Line went a long way from performing for the first time at high school’s graduation ball to releasing its first studio album, “Stardom Young.”

Courtesy of Hong Kong Jose Villalobos Special to The Hoya

The Island Line is one of ten transit lines in Hong Kong’s metro system, connecting the main districts of Hong Kong Island, the buzzing financial and cultural hub of the city. Since 1985, the Island Line’s deep underground networks have endured many turbulent changes and developments that have unfolded across the city. Halfway across the world, Davis Wong (COL ’17) and his band, The Island Line, released their first studio album, Stardom Young — a comingof-age narrative set in the four bandmates’ native Hong Kong — on Sept. 23. Borrowing its name from the metro line while voicing its experiences, the band’s debut effort is remarkably polished but rough in all the right places. Wong, the group’s vocalist, guitarist Justin Yau, drummer and guitarist Jonny Ho and bassist and lead guitarist Ryan Chang were all good friends growing up. They entered the world of music on their own and did not collaborate until the end of their senior year of high school. The group’s first show was at its high school’s graduation ball. However, the group soon scattered to attend different universities around the globe, interrupting its musical projects. Whenever they reunited during summer and winter breaks for the next two years, they would write and perform music together. “The real gelling of it was our first Christmas back, when we rehearsed together every day to play a show and had a great time,” Wong said. The bandmates knew they wanted to keep working together, and after writing a few songs the previous summer, they met up this year with more ambitious projects. “We realized we had something good going on, and that we should take the time this summer to make an album,” Wong said. Wong described the album’s production as a “very guerrilla operation.” After Yau downloaded an audio program onto his computer, the band pooled money to buy microphones and started renting out recording rooms by the hour in downtown Hong Kong. “We would set up our stuff on the sly while the managers weren’t looking and record some tracks,” Wong said. Throughout the summer, they would meet every morning to decide what the basic structure of the songs would be: how many bars, what verses and how many times they wanted to repeat something. After laying out a few rough tracks, they would head over to the studio and record over it. “We spent a few weeks working all day, usually 1 p.m. to about midnight or 1 a.m.,” Wong said. After recording, Yau would stay up for hours, making mixes and coordinating sounds until the break of dawn. Despite such a humble pro-

cess, the production work satisfactorily allowed the sounds to remain crisp, independent and smoothly composed. The music and lyrics play off of each other, and the volume and quality of the vocals adapt to the different instrumental sounds. The group’s creative process was highly collaborative and capitalized on the diverse perspectives and approaches of the band’s members. “It was a very democratic process, especially because everyone writes [and] writes stuff differently,” Wong said. “We would show each other stuff and make improvements to try to iron it out.” Wong took charge of the album’s lyrics and let his bandmates focus on composing instrumentals. This collaborative process was not always easy, especially when attempting to synthesize a final product, according to Wong. “The hardest part was aligning four different people with different perspectives and opinions, getting to a point where it all works for everyone,” Wong said. Living apart for two years, the band has expanded its horizons, with each member’s separate experiences, independence, personal time and reflection fitting together. Many of the tracks were adapted from what other band members had previously written. Each song describes different experiences, but the album is thematically centered on coming of age in Hong Kong. Influenced by diverse styles, from The Rolling Stones to Oasis, Wong said that the group’s overall goal was to “write pop music that sounds like rock music,” balancing catchy and enjoyable music with substantive lyrics. The Island Line wants to make people get up and dance, but for those few who are listening more intently, the band hopes to share the experience of growing up “in a unique place at a unique time.” Different subthemes are explored in many songs: nostalgia and longing on “Stone Age,” disillusion and heartbreak on “Not My Woman” and “There She Goes,” and dreams on “Pop Star.” “True Age” is the album’s heaviest and most clearly grunge inspired track. Recorded at a time when Yao had just begun producing, the band feels they didn’t get the song just right and hope to revisit it in the future. “Promised Land” is a dong that took a while to grow on Ho. “I really hated the song when I recorded it, because it was just the same four bars on the drums. It took taking a step back to realize what it could be,” he said. As for the band’s future, Wong was reluctant to set anything in stone, explaining there is a disconnect due to the band members leading quite distinct, separate lives. Before all else, the members of The Island Line are a group of friends, wishing to stay close through their shared love of music that got them started in the first place.

The Soulja Boy dance is a crowd favorite, often called the “biggest dance fad since the Macarena.” The instructional YouTube video for the dance gained over 27 million views by early 2008, only a year after the release of the song “Crank That.” The Wall Street Journal summarized the dance, describing how “dancers bounce back on their heels, ripple their hands, crank their wrists like motorcyclists, then lunge into a Superman pose.”

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‘MACARENA’

los del rio

‘Soulja Boy (Crank That)’

soulja boy

‘Gangnam Style’

The iconic dance moves featured in the famous music video for the global hit “Gangnam Style” by K-Pop artist Psy are easily identified as the “horse-gallop” and “pelvic thrusts.” The video is designed to satirize the flashy, wealthy district Gangnam-gu, located in South Korea’s capital, Seoul. The video immediately gained traction after its release due to the ridiculousness of its dance moves, performed by major Korean celebrities.

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Cali Swag District’s hit song “Teach Me How to Dougie” was the catalyst in the spread of the obsession with the dougie. The music video featured the band partying, skateboarding and performing the fresh hip-hop dance characterized by side-to-side shimmying and hair ruffles. Some variations of the Dougie move are the “cat-daddy,” which involves punching downward against the opposite hip, and the “wheelchair,” which involves forward arm circles.

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psy

‘Teach me how to dougie’

cali swag district

‘harlem shake’

In 2012, the song “Harlem Shake” by Bauuer reinvigorated the flash mob craze around a raucous dance, often involving costumes. The videos generally start with a masked individual dancing to an upbeat tune alone for about 15 seconds, followed by a jump cut to a spastically dancing larger crowd, often clad in crazy costumes with unusual props. This recent fad has no relation to the original Harlem Shake dance that originated in the northern neighborhood of New York City in 1981.

baauer

Photo of the Week | Lincoln Memorial Views

THE ISLAND LINE

Named after one of the 10 transit lines in Hong Kong’s metro system, The Island Line strives to voice the disparate experiences that intersect there by balancing catchy music with substantive lyrics.

KATE KIM/THE HOYA

the guide

friday, OCTOBER 28, 2016

THE HOYA

B5

CONCERT REVIEW

SIA

Australian singer-songwriter Sia delighted the Verizon Center with her first arena concert tour Oct. 19. Amid powerful renditions of tracks from the pop star’s latest album and a spectacular live production, the thousands in attendance witnessed not a simple concert but an all-encompassing artistic showcase.

‘Nostalgic for the Present,’ Sia’s Hymn to Modernity Kathryn Baker Special to The Hoya

On Oct. 19, Australian singer-songwriter Sia brought “Nostalgic for the Present,” her first-ever arena concert tour, to the Verizon Center. Blending powerful renditions of tracks from her newest album, “This Is

SIA

Acting,” with impressive live production, the pop star put on a memorable show that left the thousands in attendance inspired and empowered. London-based duo AlunaGeorge — know for its hit song “You Know You Like It” — opened the show with some exciting electro-pop tracks. AlunaGeorge’s quirky aesthetic and charm provided the perfect segway into the second opening act, R&B singer Miguel’s performance. Miguel, a California native, put on a passionate performance that highlighted his incredible vocal dexterity. His strippeddown rendition of “A Beautiful Exit” showcased his phenomenal range, managing to create an intimate atmosphere in the 18,000-seat arena. With soft, colored lights and a simple backdrop that recalled a distant galaxy, Miguel created an otherworldly concert experience. Sia’s long-awaited appearance was nothing short of spectacular. Sporting a large bow, her signature half-blonde half-black wig and an oversized white dress, she stood in the back left corner of the stage as an array of dancers — including child star Maddie Ziegler — occupied the foreground. Her opening track, “Alive,” was a potent introduction to her unparalleled voice and the ensemble’s talent. Ziegler danced around the entire stage, mesmerizing the crowd with her sheer athleticism and emotive movements. Following “Alive,” Sia performed her cover of “Diamonds,” a track written for

Rihanna in 2012 that topped charts in over 20 countries and is on its way to becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. At the start of the song, a man sat silhouetted in the middle of the stage. During the anthemic chorus, the man’s hands lit up to reveal shimmering diamonds that illuminated the whole arena. More and more light reflected off the man’s diamond-encrusted clothing as the song went on, until the entire stadium was sparkling. “Bird Set Free,” another track off of “This Is Acting,” was one of the most impactful performances of the night. A performer took on the character of a man trapped in a dreary, oppressive work environment. By the end of the song he had broken free and liberated himself, moving around with unbridled freedom and pure soul. By the crowd’s reaction, it was obvious that everyone had been touched by the song’s poignant message. “Cheap Thrills,” a reggae-tinged synthpop track that was Sia’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, had the entire crowd dancing on its feet. The song’s tropical, driving beat seems tailor-made to the large arena setting, and the Verizon Center was abuzz with energy. Sia followed up her international smash hit with a jazzy throwback, “Soon We’ll Be Found,” off her 2008 album “Some People Have Real Problems.” From that point forward, the concert continued to grow in emotion and strength. “Elastic Heart” and “Unstoppable” were lively power ballads about

bouncing back after a hard fall, and “Breathe Me” was a cry for help that gradually intensified from start to finish. For her penultimate song, Sia did a stripped-down cover of David Guetta’s “Titanium.” Devoid of all its hard-hitting electronic elements, it prompted an arena-wide sing-along as the crowd belted out the chorus in unison. “Chandelier” was the grand finale the crowd had been eagerly anticipating, immediately bringing all attendees to their feet. As Ziegler re-enacted the music video live on stage, Sia’s powerful voice sang out a message of hope and redemption. The young dancer’s movements were set against a video montage featuring solo shots of each dancer who had performed throughout the night. A grateful audience hailed Sia, who responded with a humble, “Thank you so much. Love you guys.” After an encore performance of her newest single, “The Greatest,” it was clear that Sia had delivered more than a simple concert. The night was a multifaceted artistic showcase that aimed to connect with every member of the crowd. Her messages of overcoming obstacles and low points to achieve greatness were surprisingly poignant and inspiring. Humble and honest despite her staggering commercial success, Sia is a model for anyone struggling to overcome tribulations in life. The tour lives up to its name, providing audiences with plenty to reminisce about for a long time.

concert review

The Head and the Heart Keeps Growing Peyton Tempel Special to The Hoya

Seattle-based indie folk band The Head and the Heart brought its “Signs of Light” tour to the DAR Constitution Hall on Saturday night. The band performed songs from its newest album of the same name, showcasing the impressive catalogue it has developed over the past seven years. Performing on a stage covered in glimmering neon lights, the band opened with the pop-infused jam “All We Ever Knew.” The Washington, D.C., stop comes midway through the tour — the band joked it had already begun to go a little crazy. However, it was clear the members still had enough energy on reserve for an exciting show. The six-person group immediately dove into the new album’s hits: “Take A Walk,” a raucous rock ‘n’ roll cut about handling relationships, and “Rhythm and Blues,” a more subdued track that explores the beginnings of a new love. The soft acoustic ballad “Your Mother’s Eyes,” told from the perspective of a father to his newborn daughter, was a welcome change of pace. After noting that many of the band members’ friends and family were in the audience that night, the group strayed from the set list used at previous shows during this tour. Singer and guitarist Jonathan Russell’s mother was in the audience, and toward the end of the set, he played an “early birthday present” medley for her: “10,000 Weight in Gold,” from the 2013 album “Let’s Be Still,” mixed with older cuts like “Cats and Dogs” and “Coeur D’Alene” from the 2011 debut album. The band ended the show with “Rivers and Roads,” arguably its most well-known song — one that the audience had been calling for all night. Although it was recorded five years ago, it has been featured in various films and popular television programs, including the Fox sitcom “New Girl.” The “Signs of Light” tour hit all the marks of a classic The Head and the Heart show. However, the band has changed quite a bit

since its last tour four years ago. Its sound has expanded into a wider range of genres, and all band members have a clearer vision of what they want to produce. “City of Angels” and “Dreamer,” two songs on the new album, exemplify this shift. The former is an upbeat tune with prominent electric guitar and a driving bass line, while “Dreamer” is a crackling old-school folk song that seems as if it could have been produced in the 1950s. This wide spectrum appeals to a greater audience but comes at the cost of some of the charm that the band’s indie-folk rooted debut album exuded. Part of this shift stems from the band’s recent history. In 2014, the group decided to go on hiatus. Pianist Kenny Hensley trained in kung fu in China, while bassist Chris Zasche traversed the Canadian Rockies. Drummer Tyler Williams settled down in Richmond, Va. They reconvened in the summer of 2015 in California, with new energy and a vision for a third album. Lead singer Josiah Johnson announced via Facebook soon after that he would not be traveling on tour this time around, taking time to “battle his addiction and focus on his recovery.” Guitarist and vocalist Matty Gervais was soon recruited to temporarily tour and sing with the band. He appeared in festival performances throughout the summer and the band’s live sound is now almost indistinguishable from shows that included Johnson. After the Saturday concert, Gervais said that what he has learned from his personal musical experience and from traveling with The Head and The Heart is that songwriting and music-making is all about consistency. The Head and the Heart’s consistent work has indeed created unique and raw songs that make shows memorable. Even with new members, the loss of a lead in the group and increasingly different artistic leanings within the band, the songs continue to stand out. The honesty The Head and the Heart devotes to its craft is obvious, especially in its live presentation.

the head and the heart

The Head and the Heart, a Seattle-based indie-folk band, put on a memorable concert at the DAR Constitution Hall on Saturday, after a four year abstinence from tours.

B6

THE HOYA

the guide

Friday, october 28, 2016

EXHIBIT review

JOSE VILLALOBOS/ THE HOYA

Denise Milan’s multifaceted exhibit “Mist of the Earth” populated Regents Hall with powerful critiques of materialistic trends in society and colorful testaments to the Earth’s regenerative abilities. The exhibit features three different sections, which proceed mirroring the role of humans in the history of the world.

Art and Science Working for a Better Environment Mist of the Earth Jose villalobos Special to The Hoya

A commentary on humanity’s effect on the environment, a critique of materialistic trends in society and a testament to earth’s regenerative abilities, Denise Milan’s multi-faceted exhibition “Mist of the Earth” opened in Regents Hall on Oct. 18. The exhibition, presented by the science, technology and international affairs department, brought the renowned Brazilian artist’s visionary style to Georgetown. The show celebrates Georgetown Environment Initiative’s move to a new home in room 206 of the Reiss Building this year. Beginning in 1999, the STIA department has held an annual Loewy Lecture, exploring topics of diplomatic engagement and the varied effects of new scientific and technological developments around the world. Milan’s exhibit is divided into three different stages, with a clear progression mirroring the role of humans in the history of the world. It depicts the many changes that have happened over the course of civilization and alludes to ones that need to happen. Starting with “Paradise,” Milan provides a series of images and collages revealing constant interactions between different elements of the natural world, superimposing nature over human subjects. The piece is carefully constructed tab-

 leau reflecting a deep human connection to our surroundings. A lady covered in flowers, breastfeeding her baby who rests on a bed of petals, shows the ability of nature to provide, as well as the ability of humans to coexist peacefully with nature. This introduction represents the world out of which humans arose. “Paradise” is followed by “Paradise Lost,” a testament to greed, destruction and the overwhelming impact of human activity on nature’s delicate equilibrium. Images of nature being fundamentally transformed and aggravated, such as deforestation and droughts, show the destructive consequences of greed. A destabilized balance and structure pervade a series of compositions in which aspects of nature are destroyed, ripped apart or torn out of the to reveal a canvas covered in gold. The gold represents greed and desire — the senseless human drive for wealth that takes over — and invites perpetual destruction and disorder. In an attempt to “uncover gold” in all these images, humans are tearing the world apart. “Paradise Recovered” is the culmination of Milan’s work, with stone and minerals the primary focus. The final segment is composed of a series of stunning images of different minerals and rock formations, delightfully colorful and structurally mesmerizing, meant to teach lessons of recovering balance and returning to paradise.

This stems from Milan’s belief that understanding the universality existing in nature and minerals, in particular, can help guide humanity through an uncertain future. “Our species is so fragile … If we learn from their structures […] maybe we can really learn how to endure,” Milan said in a panel discussion. Milan is fascinated with the lessons that quartz can teach humans about diplomacy and cooperation. She referred to her work “Eye of Earth” – a round rock with a core made up of quartz – and said that quartz “unites us all, because it’s in 70 percent of the crust of the earth” and is “the center of our eye, looking to the universe, uniting us all.” According to Milan, humans could prepare for an uncertain future if they realize the connections between nature and each other. “We can more easily look for ways to survive, because we are coming from what is common,” Milan said. The showing was followed by a panel featuring Moniz, Friedman, Conservation International CEO Peter Seligmann, and Manuela Mena, chief curator of 18th century painting at the Prado museum in Madrid. The panelists pointed to the consistently growing overlap between arts, sciences and diplomacy. Friedman shared his reflections about

breaking down barriers between science and art, noting that they are very similar, especially in matters of novelty and innovation. He encouraged audience members to be daring and engaging and to appreciate the connection between the two disciplines. “In the creative process, science and art are the exact same thing.” Friedman said. “They both require very active imagination … You have to be able to break the rules of orthodoxy of the time. If science didn’t do it, you would never have new theories, new visions of the universe — if art didn’t do it, it’d all be very stable and static and never changing.” When asked about the importance of connecting art and science, Seligmann, stressed the need to strive for collaboration in developing effective solutions to the environmental issues of our time. He also stressed the effectiveness that using art had in his company’s education initiatives. At the panel discussion, Seligmann said, “Good art asks you to look deeper,” and “invites you into a conversation.” Such conversations are the ones prompted by Milan’s exhibit, leading to a deeper dialogue concerning the responsibilities of environmental stewardship. Through “Mist of the Earth,” Milan uses art to raise awareness so that, some day, humanity may rediscover paradise.

THEATER review

Fugue

After Amnesia, the Search for Identity



Justin Kotwicki Hoya Staff Writer

NOMADIC THEATER

Dr. Danny Luccesi, played by Alex Yurcaba (COL ’18) pushes his patient to reclaim her tragic memories in Nomadic Theatre’s newest production “Fugue.”

The word “identity” is often used as a buzzword in the context of contemporary debates about race, gender and sexual orientation. While “identities” can often be used to bring people together, they can also have the function of tearing people apart. Nomadic Theatre’s most recent production, “Fugue,” directed by Mark Camilli (COL ’19), follows the story of a woman named Mary, played by Healy Knight (COL ’20), who has no recollection of her identity. She has forgotten her name, where her home is, or where she is going. The story begins with her in a hospital room, with doctors describing how she was found by police while walking between subway cars late at night, feet blistered and bloodied without any indication of how long she had been wandering. Knight described her character as both “a challenge and a joy to play because of how complicated she is.” The audience quickly learns that Mary has been diagnosed with fugue amnesia — a dissociative disorder characterized by a temporary loss of personal identity. With every memory revisited, more psychological pain follows, making for an excruciating, yet necessary, journey to rediscover her past. “Though Mary has rejected her past for most of the show, I think she cannot shake these formative moments in her life, whether she is conscious of them or not — just like we are so heavily influenced by our surroundings and circumstances at a young age,” Knight said. The ensuing performance is an intricate dance balancing her past and present as memories slowly merge together like the pieces of a puzzle. Mary drifts between memories of her high school romance with Noel, played by Jake Sanford (COL ’20) and her complex mother, played by Kitra Katz (COL ’20). She simultaneously re-lives her difficulty in balancing her complex relationship with her daughter, played by Madeyln Coles (COL ’19), and her camp counsellor Liz Kruger, played by Suzanne Coles (COL ’17). The interruption of these characters into the isolation of her hospital room is cleverly woven into the script’s narrative, with the cast members delivering complex, emotional performances.

One of the characters affected most is her doctor, Danny Lucchesi, played by Alex Yurcaba (COL ’18). His arrival serves as the catalyst that forces Mary to focus inwardly and talk through her past one step at a time. Not without his own demons, Danny faces a past that parallels Mary’s in more ways than one. Together, the two go about the painstaking process of unraveling her past memories in an attempt to discover what originally incited the fugue state – a reversible form of amnesia. While the disorder at the heart of the play is rare, the themes explored by the production are more common. “I think [Lucchesi’s] disillusionment is augmented by tragic circumstances, but I also think it’s something that’s been palpable in my life. I have friends and family members who have dealt with depression in a lot of different ways. Their coping mechanisms were what I founded Danny’s character on,” Yurcaba said. One of the subtler yet exquisite details of the performance was the lighting design, used to differentiate memory from reality to great effect. “I wanted to set up a contrast between the memory scenes and the reality scenes using color. The color for each character is meant to represent something about them, which makes them stand out in Mary’s mind,” light designer Lilian Seabol (COL ’19) said. “Fugue” was designed to resonate with students. “Everyone can relate to the theme of trying to find yourself and figure out the reasons behind the experiences of your life. This is especially an important topic for students in college, growing away and independently for the first time,” Camilli said. Ultimately, “Fugue” speaks to the search for identity that is relatable to all walks of life. The chemistry of the cast is evident, but the real spotlight of the show shines on the passions of the actors. Their energy and charisma have an infectious vibe that wraps the audience in tighter and tighter. It is a heartfelt journey thats guaranteed to leave the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. “Fugue” will be showing at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Village C Theatre.

the guide

friday, october 28, 2016

Head Carrier

album review

The Pixies

isabel reid

Special to The Hoya

Boston-based alt-rock group, The Pixies, are back with their second album since reuniting in 2004. With the departure of bassist and original member Kim Deal, The Pixies try to recreate the magic of the past in their latest release, “Head Carrier.” Though The Pixies attained the same fame in the United States as they did across the Atlantic, they still managed to cement their legacy in rock history by inspiring a new generation of rock bands, including Nirvana, Weezer, Radiohead and The Strokes. Gary Smith, producer of The Pixies’ first album, “Come on Pilgrim,” poignantly described the band’s impact on the industry, telling The Irish Independent that they were similar to The Velvet Underground in that “while not a lot of people bought [their] albums, everyone who did started a band.” “Head Carrier” stays true to the classic sound that fans of The Pixies know and love, but listeners should not be expecting a repeat of “Surfer Rosa” or “Doolittle” when giving the new record a spin. Thirty years after their initial formation in 1986, the band seems to have lost some of the edge and vibrancy that characterized their early work.

THE HOYA

MUSIC

 Overall, the album stays true to The Pixies’ fondness of drastic dynamics; As lead singer Black Francis once said, “We can play loud or quiet — that’s it.” A mix of lilting melodies in haunting minor keys and the sort of gritty shout singing that helped style Kurt Cobain, “Head Carrier” is a choppy selection that has something for everyone. The title track is a clear introduction to the album and a reference to St. Denis, the patron saint of Paris typically portrayed carrying his own head. The religious reference is characteristic of the band, whose frontman grew up on Christian rock, while France is a persistent theme throughout the album, perhaps catering to The Pixies’ European following. “Classic Masher” emerges as the clear star of the album’s first half. The upbeat pop rock tune juxtaposes lead singer Black Francis’ rough vocals with new bassist Paz Lenchantin’s harmonic, softer voice. In a striking contrast, the following track “Baal’s Back” and, to a lesser extent, “Um Chagga Lagga,” offers more of the head-banging punk rock that grates against the feel of the rest of the album. In “All I Think About Now,” Lenchantin proves that she can hold her own as Deal’s replacement, singing an ode to her predecessor. Having planted the idea for Francis to write a song thank-

PIXIESMUSIC

The Pixies, a Boston-based alt-rock group, released their second album since reuniting in 2004. “Head Carriers” hides the group’s nostalgia of its past masterpieces while dispensing joyful unheard notes.

The album’s fluctuating melody reveals the group’s tendency to linger in the past while forging ahead.

ing his former bandmate, Lenchantin croons over a nostalgic guitar riff that will tease fans with notes of The Pixies’ classic “Where is My Mind.” While the new track does not deliver the same level of achievement, the homage to Deal feels sincere and fitting, reconciling their differences after what was a tumultuous relationship. There is no surfer rock delivered to lighten the mood in the way of Doolittle’s “Here Comes Your Man,” but “Might as Well Be Gone” hints at a more melancholy alternative. Similar to the rest of the album, the melody switches between the downcast hum of a verse to the brighter chorus, perhaps metaphorically expressing a facet of The Pixies’ current outlook — lingering in the past while still forging ahead. While the album does not feel like The Pixies are pushing boundaries in the way that the band’s earlier incarnations might have, the music is an achievement nonetheless. “Head Carrier” confronts fans of classic rock with a familiar dilemma: How to singularly enjoy a new album without comparing it to their favorite artists’ past masterpieces. In a way, The Pixies do just that: reveling in the nostalgia of their careers while continuing to enjoy making music for their loyal followers and maybe even entertaining a new generation while they are at it. The Pixies are no longer college dropouts playing out of their drummer’s garage anymore, nor are they reinventing their sound at their 50th birthday parties. They already know what they are doing, and fans will appreciate the continued production of new music at this standard, even if they throw “Surfer Rosa” on the turntable afterward.

Calico Review

meena raman Special to The Hoya

It is hard to pinpoint in which generation the California-based Allah-Las belongs. Though fitting effortlessly into Los Angeles’s modern psychedelic scene, the band draws inspiration from elements of ‘90s grunge and garage rock. In addition, the group has cited the influence of the British invasion and old-school classic rock band. Its third and latest release, “Calico Review,” reflects a successful refinement of the band’s multifaceted sound, as it increasingly hones in on a musical undertone reminiscent of the ‘60s. Allah-Las introduces listeners to its smooth, sun-dried sound with “Strange Heat,” a mellow track filled with Western twang and low, melancholic vocals. Though not the most memorable track, this opener subtly brings listeners into the dreamy desert context in which the rest of the album seems to unfold. “Could Be You,” the most popular song of the release, upped the energy of the show. Its retro beach energy is deftly captured in a series of catchy guitar riffs and the quar-

 tet’s soft background crooning. Incredibly catchy and summery, “Could Be You” captures the very essence of Allah Las’ renewed sound and vibe. Its whimsical video counterpart is a grainy, black-and-white tour of L.A., reminding viewers just how much the band’s style is influenced by its city. Still, Allah Las manages to deliver an introspective lyrical message about letting go with the lyrics: “But if you had the chance to/Would you do it all again?” “Warmed Kippers” draws on Allah-Las’ edgier side, interspersing gritty synth tones throughout its signature warbling instrumental arrangement. The resulting sound is perhaps harsher than desired but does present a definitive break from the remainder of the album, which, despite being melodious, runs the risk of lacking individually distinctive tracks. “Famous Phone Figure,” on the other hand, makes for easier listening. The track is especially reminiscent of The Beatles, with opening lyrics and string instrumentals striking some similarity to the famed ballad “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Although the song tiptoes into almost lackadaisical territory with its slow, subtle pace,

MEXICAN SUMMER

Concentrating on a musical undertone reminiscent of the ’60s, “Calico Review” reflects a successful refinement of the California-based Allah-Las’ smooth, sun-dried sound.

New Releases

DINE ALONE MUSIC INC.

PIXIESMUSIC

album review

Allah-Las

B7

Jimmy eat world ‘Integrity blues’ “Integrity Blues,” the ninth studio album by alt-rock group Jimmy Eat World, will remind listeners why the band’s music was a high school essential. Though departing from some of the fast-paced and thematically angst-ridden earlier work, its latest release maintains the quiet nostalgia and simplicity that made Jimmy Eat World so successful in the first place. The titular ballad “Integrity Blues” is a standout – it highlights lead singer Jim Adkins’ world-class vocals and haunting string instrumentals and delivers a powerful message about desire and loneliness.

VIRGIN EMI RECORDS

the pretty reckless ‘who are you selling for’ “Who Are You Selling For” represents The Pretty Reckless at its best. The grunge rock band delves into its softer side with this stripped-down single, featuring incredibly melodic guitar riffs and a poignant, poetic lyrical narrative. Taylor Momsen’s vocals are at a dynamic peak, teeming with dreamy weariness and rasp. If this track is any indication, the band’s third and latest studio album represents a refined cultivation of the band’s characteristic raw, melancholic sound.

it ultimately reflects the band’s expanded musical scope. However, the band has succeeded in producing ultra-high fidelity psychedelic rock since its debut on Vinyl in 2011. The band has made slight thematic departures from its first two releases, 2012’s “Allah-Las” and 2014’s “Worship the Sun,” placing a newfound focus on modern relationships, dissatisfaction and finding oneself within the context of a vain, social media-based culture.

The band channels its sweet sentimentality for decades of the past into something of an homage to its musical influences. In this sense, “Calico Review” marks Allah-Las at its most wistful, both conceptually and musically. The band channels its sweet sentimentality for decades of the past into something of an homage to its musical influences — The Beatles and The Beach Boys — emphasizing the pure sounds of guitar and vocals while paying tribute to its West Coast roots. Though Allah-Las is definitely exploring its own distinctive medley of genres, The Fresh and Onlys in part parallel its sound, particularly on its 2010 hit “Summer of Love,” which boasts Allah-Las-esque alt-rock undercurrents. The band also shares some commonalities with the Smith Westerns, whose biggest hit “Weekend” has a similar romantic airiness and instrumental background. Allah-Las is currently touring in Europe before heading to Mexico in late November. Performing at a variety of indie venues, concert halls and bars, the quartet will be joined by emerging band Reverberation at a few of its performances. Reverberation’s spunky sound, filled with heavy beats and plucky guitar, will definitely complement the breezy atmosphere of an Allah-Las show. Though it does not have as many standout songs as the band’s previous albums, the selection of catchier tracks on “Calico Review” is a definite must-listen for fans of psychedelic rock. The band succeeds in reviving a warmer ‘60s sound while continuing to combine different musical influences, producing the ideal album for a lazy summer road trip.

BIG BEAT RECORDS

galantis ‘love on me’ Swedish EDM duo Galantis is not afraid to experiment with new instrumental techniques on its latest release, “Love on Me,” produced in collaboration with Australian DJ Hook N Sling. The song’s unique addition of background steel drums makes for a fun pairing with the featured singer’s bright and youthful voice. Though perhaps lacking the climactic power of Galantis’ hit “Runaway (U & I),” “Love on Me” has more spunk and magnetic energy than the average electronic release. The new single is a solid addition to Galantis’ impressive repertoire of feel-good songs.

REPUBLIC RECORDS

dnce ‘Body moves’ DNCE’s last two singles were the soundtrack to your summer, but the group’s newest release, “Body Moves,” may just be one of the season’s greatest hits. The release retains the playful, quirky quality that made “Cake By the Ocean” and “Toothbrush” such standouts and is true to the band’s trademark pop-funk sound. “Body Moves” is equal parts catchy and provocative, incorporating synths, bass, clapping and even trumpets for the perfect dance floor anthem.

B8

sports

THE HOYA

cross-country

friDAY, october 28, 2016

Crew

Squads Look to Big East Title Final Regatta Lies Ahead Daniel Baldwin Hoya Staff Writer

The No. 23 Georgetown men’s and women’s crosscountry teams enter championship season as they travel to the Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx this weekend for the Big East Championship. Both teams endured their fair share of struggles this season but have seen certain athletes flash potential, even when the team as a whole was not competing well. In their most recent meet, the men placed 14th out of 30 competing teams at the 2016 Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational while the women finished 22nd out of 31 squads. Georgetown Head Coach Brandon Bonsey spoke about his initial expectations as the Hoyas prepare to compete in their first championship meet of the season. “I’m just expecting that the guys go out, follow the plan I give and give really good effort,” Bonsey said. “Obviously we know we won last year, but this is a different team than we had last year. We are just trying to go out, execute our plan as best we can and whatever that gets us result-wise, we’ll take that.” Senior Scott Carpenter has led the Hoyas all season, consistently showing that he is among the top cross-country runners in the nation. Carpenter was named the Big East Conference’s Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week after his performance at the 2016 Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational. He finished the 8-km race with a time of 24:07.0, good enough for 13th place overall. Carpenter also won the Paul Short Run earlier this month, running the 8-km course in 23:37.0, for which he was also awarded the Big East Conference’s Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week. “Individually I want to be as low-key as possible,” Carpenter said. “As a team, our goal is to win the Big East Championship. I think we definitely have the personnel to do that we just need to go out and execute, race together and race for each other. I don’t want to be cocky or anything like that we can do it.” Junior Christian Alvarado has continued to improve upon his breakout season. Alvarado burst onto the scene following his performance at the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Club Invitational, in which

he crossed the finish line at 26:31.6 — good for fourth place. Alvarado continued to improve his times throughout the season, running a 24:03 at the Paul Short Run and a 24:37.2 at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational. Carpenter said that people have yet to see the team’s full potential. “We definitely haven’t come together as a team yet,” Carpenter said. “We also have a couple of injuries with guys who could potentially come back for us, maybe not this weekend, but in the future. We also have guys who aren’t coming back at all so we need to put that aside and move on without them and really just run for each other, run for Georgetown and see what we can do.” On the women’s side, sophomore Josette Norris has been a nice fit for the Hoyas, claiming 27th place at the Paul Short Run in the women’s gold 6-km course. She was the first Hoya to cross the finish line at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, finishing in 89th place, running a time of 21:19.1. Junior Autumn Eastman had high praise for her teammate. “Josette is a great athlete,” Eastman said. “She is a great addition for our team. … We wouldn’t have had her on this team if we didn’t think she was the right fit for our culture. She’s made great contributions for this team so far. She has really fit in well so far and we are really happy to have her here.”

Eastman has shown consistency throughout the season, starting the year off by capturing sixth place at the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Club Invitational with a time of 21:17. She maintained her steady performance at both the Paul Short Run and Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, respectively running times of 20:29 and 21:33.6 at both. Eastman credited her teammates for pushing her both at practice and during the meets. “It really just comes down to holding each other accountable on the team,” Eastman said. “If I know that a teammate is going to give me the best that she’s got on that day, it makes me need to give the best that I’ve got on that day.” Eastman spoke about how the team handles the increased pressures of performing throughout championship season. “We really just go through the same exact motions at a small UVA meet as you would at the Olympics,” Eastman said. “We really just practice the same routine, the exact same motions and I think that this reassures you and calms those nerves. When it comes to the day, there’s no doubt that there’s going to be nerves, but knowing that you’ve put in all the work is reassuring.” Both the No. 23 men’s and women’s Georgetown crosscountry teams will regroup after the Big East Championship meet to compete in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship held in State College, Pa. on Nov. 11.

Special to The Hoya

This weekend, the Georgetown rowing team will close out its fall schedule at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday and the Princeton Chase in Princeton, N.J., the day after. The team seeks to build off a promising showing at the renowned Head of the Charles last Sunday. At the regatta, the lightweight four boat earned a fourthplace finish with a time of 18:20.019 and a bronze medal, and the heavyweight eight squad paced well with the competition before a mid-race collision derailed its chances at medaling. “The crash was deflating to our guys more than anything,” Head Coach Luke Agnini said. “We were facing 25-mph headwinds, so we couldn’t make that time back [after the collision]. Plus, there were a lot of new guys in that boat too, so it was a fragile lineup. We even had three rowers on antibiotics.” Despite the unexpected conditions, Agnini exuded confidence in his squad. “[Before the collision], we were at speed with who we wanted to be at speed with,” Agini said. Senior captain Tom Carroll shared similar sentiments. “There’s a lot of momentum heading into this weekend, and things are definitely moving in the right direction,” Carroll said. Both boats have to prepare for back-to-back races on a short week, and Agnini stressed the importance

COURTESY GUHOYAS

The crew teams will head to Princeton, N.J., this weekend following their competitive showing at Head of the Charles. of patience and diligence with a group that is young and still coming together as a unit. “We’re really trying to slow the rowing down and force change with guys, which is tough,” he said when asked about his current focus in practice on the water. “You want to do well in the fall races, but they aren’t a priority — the biggest thing for us right now is health and continuity. A lot of the guys didn’t have much rowing experience in high school, and we’ve been trying to establish a uniform style and rhythm that they can all follow together.” Though Agini anticipates poor weather conditions and a light roster, he sees the upcoming races as a chance for other rowers to step up and make a name for themselves. “This year will be one of opportunity for people on the team to grow and prove

themselves,” Agnini said. Sophomore rower Francesco Ambrosio echoed Agnini’s optimism regarding the squad’s chances this weekend. “We’re definitely working in the right direction to accomplish our goals by the end of the season,” Ambrosio said. The team as a whole has embraced Agnini’s positive, patient approach thus far in the season. “My goal is to have us peaking by the spring, and that’s why we’re taking our time,” Agnini said. “It’s not so much rowing, but talking and communicating while on the water. At the end of the day, no matter how fit they are, they have to learn how to move the boat together.” After their races this weekend, the Hoyas begin their winter training in preparation for their spring season, which is scheduled to start in late February.

volleyball

GU to Begin Home Stand cameron perales Hoya Staff Writer

COURTESY GUHOYAS

Senior Scott Carpenter finished in 13th place in the 8-kilometer race at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational.

the analyst

Underdog Tag Overused C ubs and Indians fans might have some soulsearching to do in the next week. On Wednesday night, the Cubs tied up the World Series at one game apiece after an impressive 5-1 victory. Similar to the breakout performance of last Wednesday, the Cubs’ stellar postseason play reminded everyone of how they got to the playoffs in the first place. Wednesday was a complete role reversal of Tuesday night, in which Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber and his supporting cast shut out the Cubs while Cavaliers fans celebrated their first National Basketball Association Finals title across the street. And now that both teams have proven their ability to both dominate and fail in the World Series, a very important question is looming on the horizon for both of these fan bases: What will be the team’s legacy it does win the World Series? The stories are everywhere: The Chicago Tribune has probably printed the number “108” more during this postseason than any month in its history. And Cleveland was the punchline of almost all professional sports jokes, until the Cavaliers artfully extricated themselves from that narrative. Both Indians and Cubs fans are accustomed to the “it has been a long time” story. The “Curse of the Billy Goat,” though supposedly lifted, is one of the first baseball legends young fans learn. Supposedly, the Indians have a curse of their own: the curse of Rocky Colavito. The curses, the statistics and the frustration — all of these factors make for a great underdog story.

CARTER OWEN

But in this World Series, as Fox Sports has so frequently pointed out, both teams are underdogs. Sure, the Indians have not won a World Series since 1948, but that is only 78 years — add 30, and you will understand the acute pain of being a Cubs fan, right? Not so much. The truth is, in the next week or so, one fan base is going to have to drop the “we are a tortured fan base” narrative.

Amanda Christovich Take it from a Saints fan: In 2009, my father dropped to his knees in front of the television when the game clock hit 0:00, as an entire lifetime of suffering as a fan of the “Ain’ts” finally came to an end. And as Saints fans, we were ready to embrace a culture of winning — to shed our sad history and become an NFL powerhouse. The point is that we have come to a crossroads in the World Series where both teams have “first time in the World Series” records, where both relief pitchers Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller have proven their World Series nerves of steel and that Anthony Rizzo is hitting, that fan-favorite Mike Napoli went 2 for 3 last night, despite the Indians’ loss. In other words, we have reached a point where both teams actually have a chance. The loser of this series will then be warranted in wallowing, in pushing the “cursed”

narrative onto news outlets and opposing team’s fans alike. But the winners will need to drop their underdog narrative. In fact, whoever drops the underdog narrative during the series might end up winning it all; the self-fulfilling prophecy is a powerful phenomenon. And yes, we all understand. If the Cubs win, the next morning’s headlines will most likely say “The 108-yea long wait is over!” The Indians’ headlines might say, “Second Miracle on the Mistake by the Lake of the Year!” While it is important to acknowledge the weight of a World Series win for each of these fan bases, both groups of fans and their media outlets should drop the idea that winning, for them, is a novelty. Both fan bases should take on the attitude of the Cubs’ own Kyle Schwarber, who defied all odds by not only playing in the World Series in the same year as a presumed season-ending injury but becoming who USA Today is calling “the Cubs’ most dangerous hitter.” And while Schwarber’s story is incredible, Schwarber himself does not seem to be looking back. He is focusing on every at-bat. He went 2 for 4 Wednesday night. He is conscious of his rehab-laden season, but his focus is on “riding the wave,” as he said in a post-game interview Wednesday night. Schwarber is embracing a winning mindset. The sooner the Cubs or Indians fan bases do the same, the better.

Amanda Christovich is a sophomore in the College. THE ANALYST appears every Friday.

Coming off a tough defeat at the hands of Big East conference rival Villanova (15-8, 6-4 Big East), the Georgetown women’s volleyball team looks to right the ship with another home stand this weekend against two more Big East rivals, DePaul and Marquette. Georgetown (6-17, 2-8 Big East) earlier in the season fell to both teams 3-1 and 3-0 respectively. Georgetown will play DePaul (12-11, 6-5 Big East) on Friday evening and Marquette (18-5, 8-3 Big East) on Saturday evening. Georgetown currently sits at No. 9 in the Big East conference out of 12 teams. However, this has not deterred the Hoyas from setting goals for the final stretch of the season. Senior middle blocker Ashlie Williams said Head Coach Arlisa Williams has stressed that the team should continue to seek improvement. “We are still chasing something, and that we can definitely win some more games in the conference, we can definitely finish in a better position than where we are now. So we’re focusing on trying to win as much as we can at this point,” Ashlie Williams said. Georgetown’s first match up is against DePaul, a team coming off a big win over Providence (13-13, 1-9 Big East) that broke a four-game losing streak in conference play. The Blue Demons are led on offense by sophomore Brittany Maxwell and junior Myah Reed who have recorded 307 and 235 kills, respectively. Defensively, senior setter Colleen Smith has recorded 219 digs on the season and leads a DePaul unit that averages 11.5 digs per set. “We know Marquette and DePaul are both some of the strongest teams in our conference right now, so playing them the first time showed us what their tendencies are and what they’re strong in. So we’ve been practicing a lot this week trying to work around those things and strengthening our strengths.” Ashlie Williams said. The second match of the weekend pits Georgetown against Marquette, currently No. 2 in the Big East and trying to keep up with Creighton (16-6, 10-0 Big East) for the lead in the conference. Possessing a conference record of 8-3, Marquette will bring a tough defensive play to the match. Redshirt sophomore middle

hitter Jenna Rosenthal ranks in the top 30 players in the country for total blocks on the season. In Georgetown’s first match against Marquette on Sept. 30, the Hoyas were plagued by the Golden Eagles’ long scoring runs early in sets. Georgetown’s ability to limit those runs and break up scoring opportunities for Marquette on defense will be key in the match.

“We hope that being at home and being here for two weeks in a row will give us an advantage.” ARlisa williams Head Coach

Ashlie Williams said that one of the team’s major goals for the rest of the season is keying in on these runs and taking momentum back in the sets. “One of our goals that we have restructured is to focus on limiting runs to two points. So we have to make sure we collect and reiterate that that is our goal,” Ashlie Williams said. “From there we then have to figure out ways to stop that, whether that’s passing, and then executing when we

do get a good pass. We are also very committed to making sure the runs stop because they are big contributors to other teams’ wins against us.” Coach Williams also pointed out that Georgetown’s ability to serve well and set up its block will be a key factor to winning these tough matchups and keeping control of the court against a stingy DePaul squad and a streaking Marquette team. “I think the first way [to slow their offense] is to serve competitively. If we can serve tough and get them out of system, then that makes them a whole lot easier to guard because they won’t have as many hitting options. The second thing is to make sure we tighten everything up blocking-wise, and then make sure we dig balls in the transition game,” Arlisa Williams said. These two matches are a second week of home games for the Hoyas, giving the team greater comfort in these matches than some of its past travels away from Georgetown. “We hope that being at home and being here for two weeks in a row will give us an advantage because of our comfort level here. We know that both teams are going to be tough competitors and so we need to take care of our stuff and defend home court,” Arlisa Williams said. Both matches are set to begin at 6 p.m. in the McDonough Gymnasium.

FILE PHOTO: ERICK CASTRO/THE HOYA

Senior middle-blocker Ashlie Williams, number 7, leads the team with 15 solo blocks this season.

SPORTS

friDAY, october 28, 2016

THE HOYA

B9

WOMEN’S GOLF

AT THE BUZZER

Early Struggles Unexpected COUTURE, from B10

will make the switch to college basketball this year. Yet, as I watched this starstudded team defend its title odds in Oracle Arena last night, I could not help but notice obvious flaws that left me somewhat unimpressed. In fairness, the opposition was no joke, as the Spurs are led by the NBA’s brightest and most disciplined coach Gregg Popovich, along with a superstar in forward Kawhi Leonard. It also was Durant’s first game with his new team. That said, the Warriors exhibited several flaws they will have to fix to uphold their dominant reputation. Most noticeably, the team looked careless with the ball. This has nothing to do with Durant just joining the team, as a careless turnover from guard Steph Curry cost the Warriors a repeat title last year. The ball movement at times was spectacular, but this was overshadowed by lacking discipline and a crippling tendency to turn the ball over. More pertinent to the Durant signing, Golden State might simply have too much talent. I did not think this would be an issue until I watched a game live, but nearly every shot taken suffered from what I call “shot opportunity cost.” This basically means that for almost every shot taken outside of a wide-open Curry three-pointer, there was likely a better shot available, simply due to the amount of star power on this team. For example, for every contested Durant catchand-shoot, guard Klay Thompson or Curry was likely open somewhere else. The same is

true for the reverse. While this ultimately will not stop the Warriors from landing good shots, it does beg the question of if and how each star will sacrifice his role to help this team. Despite the talent of the team, a lot of the Warriors’ players are one-dimensional, including Thompson and Curry, whose main contribution to the team is perimeter shooting. Unlike forward Draymond Green, who can focus on becoming a defensive stalwart, the sacrifices Thompson and Curry will have to make might not be accounted for elsewhere in their games. It sounds ridiculous, but Golden State’s largest vulnerability might be itself. The dichotomy between Curry and Durant will be a storyline to follow too, as Durant forfeited the keys to multiple organizations to join a team already championed by the best shooter in league history. In the end, Golden State will likely still end up winning and will probably finish north of 70 wins too. But it was both refreshing and surprising to see the overly lauded team struggle at home, a place where it was virtually untouchable last year. It remains to be seen whether success against this Golden State team is sustainable, but if last night foreshadowed the true weakness of this team, then we might be faced with the first team ever that is simply too powerful for its own good.

Evan Couture is a junior in the McDonough School of Business. At the Buzzer appears every other Friday.

sailing

COURTESY GUHOYAS

The women’s golf team concluded its fall season with a second-place finish and the Lehigh Invitational. The team will resume play in February at the Kiawah Spring Invitational in South Carolina.

Chemistry Improves Steadily GOLF, from B10

“It’s nice that with three sophomores and one freshman as a majority of our lineup, and only one junior and no seniors, it’s been nice to have everybody playing so well so soon in their college careers. … It’s very fun because it’s such an energetic and positive group. They’re very fun to be around,” Brophy said of the underclassmen. Fitzgibbons said her favorite part about college golf so far is her teammates.

COURTESY GUHOYAS

Squads Complete Comeback Bid

“It was probably one of the windiest regattas ever sailed in college.” Michael callahan Head Coach

“I was extremely impressed with how resilient the kids were,” Callahan said of the comeback. “They went out there in conditions that they’ve never practiced together

she still sees room for continued improvement in her game. “I have some swing changes to make,” Fitzgibbons said. “It’s been a while since I have looked at my swing on a video or in the mirror. I’ll definitely be making some swing adjustments.” Fitzgibbons and the rest of the team will have plenty of time to continue to develop. The Hoyas’ next match is Feb. 25 at the Kiawah Spring Invitational on Kiawah Island, S.C.

Offense Stagnant in Losing Streak

The women’s sailing team qualified for the MAISA Women’s Fall Championship this past weekend.

“That was crazy,” Callahan said of the intense winds. “It was probably one of the windiest regattas ever sailed in college [sailing history].” Sailors stayed on the water both days, and Georgetown came away with another second-place finish overall. The competition was an uphill climb, however, and the Hoyas found themselves having to come back after being down in the standings early on.

When it comes to her own game, Fitzgibbons has seen improvement in her short game, which she credits for her impactful freshman fall. “We had one tournament at Furman where our putting was a disaster, so we really focused on improving in that way and it helped for the rest of the season … We have done a lot of concentrated drills that I never used to do at home, so that has helped me,” Fitzgibbons said. However, Fitzgibbons said

FOOTBALL

LAFAYETTE, from B10

SAILING, from B10

“They’re by far the best part about college golf so far. Traveling is great but getting to be on a team with girls who care about golf and each other [is special],” Fitzgibbons said. “The nice thing about being on a college team is that everyone is very passionate about golf, but also they just seem to really appreciate being around other people who play golf in that way as well. So it’s a really good chemistry that we have.”

in and had two do-or-die races where they had to win both races, and they did.” The Georgetown crew members, including senior Brendan Shanahan and sophomores Mercedes McPhee and Wade Wagner, displayed outstanding teamwork abilities as they battled through the harsh conditions. Senior skipper AJ Reiter headed the comeback performance, stepping up from his past role as a team tactician under Nevin Snow (COL ’16) to become a major leader this fall. Qualifying for the MAISA Match Racing National Championships, Reiter now gains the opportunity to compete in his hometown of San Diego, Calif. Reiter’s knowledge of the local waters looks to complement his leadership abilities as he aims to ultimately bring home a victory for when the Hoyas travel west Nov. 19. Next weekend, the Georgetown sailing team will compete in the War Memorial MAISA Co-Ed Conference Championship Regatta hosted by Cornell University.

what they roll out for us.” Junior wide receiver Matt Mrazek leads the team’s receivers with eight touchdowns in as many games this season. His 124 career receptions place him in the top 10 in Lafayette’s history in that category. Smaller and younger receivers freshman Yasir Thomas and sophomore Joey Chenoweth add speed to the passing attack. “They have a solid receiving corps with No. 17 [Mrazek],” sophomore cornerback Ramon Lyons, who earned a Patriot League Honorable Mention selection last week, said. “We think it will be a good matchup between [the receivers] and the DBs — it’s going to be a battle all Saturday.”

Against Fordham, sophomore quarterback Clay Norris left the game after throwing three interceptions, and freshman Brock Johnson came in, completing 8-of-14 passes for 57 yards. Sgarlata said that the coaching staff has not yet made a decision on who will start this Saturday. Though the offense has produced a share of long plays this season — including three touchdowns of 50 yards or more — it has seen struggles in the ground game. Running backs junior Isaac Ellsworth, sophomore Christian Bermudez and ju-

nior Alex Valles combined for a mere 19 yards on 14 carries last week. However, stopping the run has been by far Lafayette’s largest weakness. The Leopards have surrendered more than 500 rushing yards twice this year. Leading the defense is junior linebacker Michael Root, who made a careerhigh 15 tackles last week. “They’re pretty solid up front - a sound defense - but we think that we can use our speed to get around them,” Ellsworth said. “We’re really determined to get the run game going this week.” After travelling to New

York, the Hoyas will have to weather another road atmosphere on Saturday. However, Sgarlata noted that the Georgetown faithful never fail to turn out. “I love playing at Lafayette. It’s a great stadium, it’s a good atmosphere and any time we go north we get close to our alums and our fans. We had a great crowd on a rainy day at Fordham so I appreciate those guys for coming out, and going to Lafayette for us is a short trip so no problems with going up there,” Sgarlata said. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Fisher Stadium.

“I love playing at Lafayette. It’s a great stadium, it’s a good atmosphere.” ROB SGARLATA Head Coach

The Georgetown defense limited an offense that averaged 46 points per game to just 17 last week. Fordham’s running back junior Chase Edmonds — who has tallied twelve touchdowns this season — never found the end zone on Saturday. The Hoyas’ defensive effort was bolstered by underclassmen including Lyons, freshmen defensive linemen Khristian Tate and Marquis Parris and sophomore linebacker J’V’on Butler. “Our kids did a great job running to the football, and I think that was a big deal on Saturday. We’ve had outstanding effort on both sides of the ball but especially defensively last week against one of the best backs in I-AA,” Sgarlata said. On the other side of the ball, the Hoya offense will look to improve upon its struggles since senior quarterback Tim Barnes’ seasonending shoulder injury.

GEORGETOWN ATHLETICS

The football team is averaging 18 points per game and 245.6 yards per game on offense. On defense, the Hoyas have held opponents to 22.7 points per game.

Sports

Men’s Soccer Georgetown (5-8-2) vs. Villanova (9-5-2) Saturday, 1 p.m. Shaw Field

friday, october 28, 2016

talkING POINTS

Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team played Seton Hall to a scoreless draw Wednesday evening. See thehoya.com

“

HEAD COACH KATIE BROPHY

The Georgetown sailing team finished second overall in the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association Women’s Fall Championship and the MAISA Match Race Championship this past weekend, qualifying for nationals at both races. The Women’s Fall Championship was met with surging winds, causing Saturday’s races to be postponed to Sunday.

“I was impressed with how they did, and it was a good way to rebound from a not so good regatta the weekend before.” Michael callahan Head Coach

Making the most of just six races, junior skipper Rose Edwards and senior crew Emily Fung put up three wins and a few more top finishes to put Georgetown on course to finish first. Sophomores Haddon Hughes and Haley Shea were on their way to placing atop the B Division, but their mast fell in the fourth race, stopping them

from finishing. The DNF resulted in 16 points added to Georgetown’s overall score. In the end, Georgetown fell short to St. Mary’s College of Maryland by three points overall. “It was just an unlucky break that their boat broke at such a crucial moment, and that it had to cost us the regatta,” Georgetown Head Coach Mike Callahan said. Despite the setback, the second-place finish allowed the Hoyas to qualify for the Fall East Coast Championship, which will be held at the College of Charleston. Consequently, this past weekend represented a major step in the right direction, especially after a 16th-place finish at the Yale Women’s Interconference Regatta. “I was impressed with how they did, and it was a good way to rebound from a not-so-good regatta the weekend before,” Callahan said. Looking to build upon this momentum, Georgetown sailors then headed to the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., for the interconference MAISA Match Race Championship. It was an unforgettable competition with its testing conditions of winds at 30 knots all weekend. See SAILING, B9

The number of strokes by which the women’s golf team beat third-place Monmouth.

football

Hoyas Qualify For Nationals Special to the Hoya

27

We had a great fall. We definitely have a very strong group.”

sailing

Luke Djavaherian

NUMBERS GAME

FILE PHOTO: karla leyja/THE HOYA

Sophomore linebacker J’V’on Butler is second on the team in both solo tackles with 27 and tackles for losses with five. Butler has forced two turnovers this season with one interception and one fumble.

GU Aims to Bounce Back at Lafayette Dean Hampers Hoya Staff Writer

The Georgetown football team will travel to Easton, Pa., to play its second straight conference road game against the Lafayette Leopards on Saturday. After an impressive 3-0 start, the Hoyas (3-4, 0-2 Patriot League) suffered four consecutive losses, the last two of which were against the top two teams in the Patriot League: Lehigh (62, 3-0 Patriot League) and

Fordham (5-2, 2-0 Patriot League). Last Saturday, Georgetown managed to remain tied with Fordham into the fourth quarter but ultimately fell 17-14. The Blue and Gray seek to improve their fortunes against a Lafayette (1-7, 0-3 Patriot League) program that has struggled in recent years. Last season, the Leopards finished 1-10 overall. This year has yet to bring new hope, as the team has dropped seven straight games following a win over

Central Connecticut State (1-6, 0-2 Northeast Conference) in its season opener. Most recently, Lafayette’s defense allowed 259 rushing yards and three fourthquarter touchdowns in a 4217 collapse at Bucknell (3-4, 2-1 Patriot League). Nonetheless, the Leopard offense presents a host of challenges. Senior quarterbacks Drew Reed and Blake Searfoss have both seen playing time this season, combining for over 2,000 passing yards. The offense

women’s golf

has been creative in its schemes, moving freshman linebacker Mike Dunn to the running back position last week, where he gained 58 rushing yards and a touchdown. “Coach [Mickey] Fein, the offensive coordinator, finds a way to move the football,” Georgetown Head Coach Rob Sgarlata said. “I think they’re starting to think they can be a little bit more balanced, It will be interesting to see See LAFAYETTE, B9

At the buzzer

Consistency Marks Strong Fall Season Daniel Crosson Special to the Hoya

The Georgetown women’s golf team wrapped up its successful fall campaign with a second-place finish at the Lehigh Invitational this past weekend in Pennsylvania. The Hoyas shot a plus 46-over-par 622 over two days in windy conditions to finish four strokes behind Lehigh and 27 strokes ahead of Monmouth University.

Evan Couture

Uneasy Lies Warriors’ Crown

F

“It was pretty tough conditions, so we stayed positive and just kept fighting.” Katie Brophy Head Coach

“It was pretty tough conditions, so we stayed positive and just kept fighting through the heavy winds to put together two decent scores,” Head Coach Katie Brophy said. The top performers for the Hoyas were freshman Ashley Fitzgibbons, sophomore Pendleton Bogache and junior Jacquelyn Eleey, who all tied for fourth place at 12 over par. Sophomores Christina Parsells and Alexa Popowitz finished tied for 10th at 13 over par. Consistency has been a theme for the team this fall. Brophy was impressed with her team’s ability to be consistent throughout the fall season. “The big surprise was our consistency from our number one player to our number five player.” Brophy

Courtesy guHoyas

Junior Jacquelyn Eleey tied for fourth place at the Lehigh Invitational this past weekend. Eleey finished the weekend with a score of 12-over-par 156. said. “It was very helpful because anybody could go out and be the low scorer, which is something that we haven’t had since I’ve been here. It’s made it very easy to put together good numbers because there’s no pressure on any particular person — it’s all dispersed throughout the five.” The Hoyas’ consistency helped them finish in the

top five in 4-of-5 tournaments this fall. Before the heavy winds interfered with play, the Hoyas had shaven dozens of strokes off their scores. Brophy said the team beat her expectations this fall and is quite pleased with her players’ progress. “We had a great fall. We definitely have a very strong group. Since our team is so young, I was hoping

we would get to this point by now and we have, so I wasn’t sure how long that would take,” Brophy said. One of the team’s breakout performers this past fall is freshman Ashley Fitzgibbons, who has quickly become a core member of the team’s youthful starting five. See GOLF, B9

Visit us online at thehoya.com/sports

or everywhere outside of the San Francisco Bay Area, July 5 was a crushing day for the NBA. In an article posted in The Players’ Tribune, forward Kevin Durant announced his intentions to sign with the Golden State Warriors, a team that just made NBA history with a 73-9 regular season record. The announcement signaled the beginning of the end for the 2016-17 season. According to Vegas, the Wa r r i o r s have an “odds-on” chance of winning the title, meaning they have a greaterthan-even chance to win. Currently, the odds sit at two-thirds, meaning that a $150 bet would only yield $100 in return. If it seems nonsensical to place a bet just to end up losing money on a win, just remember that the Warriors’ starting five has four of the arguably top 15 players, including two of the top three, and it makes perfect sense.

While praise is well-deserved for this intimidating Warriors squad, the NBA community seems to be reluctant to discuss even the faintest possibility of a weakness for this team. The Warriors might have the best on-paper roster ever assembled, but there are certain traits that all championship-caliber teams must possess to avoid certain 3-1 playoff series collapses. Admittedly, I was initially with the rest of the community. I saw no flaws with the Wa r r i o r s ’ overpowered roster and did not even think a transition period would be necessary. In a previous column, I predicted the Warriors to get 75 wins in the season and made multiple references to the rest of the NBA competing for second place. Granted, it was a generous prediction, but the fact that it is within the realm of possibility is probably why more people

The Warriors might have the best onpaper roster ever assembled.

See COUTURE, B9