The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

November 2, 2017

VOLUME 91 | ISSUE 9

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Office of Title IX receives grant Colleen Sullivan Senior Writer

The male versus female gender ratio is analyzed with data

Cayley McGuire / The Blue & Gray Press

Gender imbalance of admissions Rachel Finston Senior Writer

The gender imbalance at the University of Mary Washington has been a known figure since the college transitioned to a coed study body in 1972. This consistent numeral has earned UMW the name, “the University of Mostly Wom-

en.” In 2015, the incoming freshman class was 65 percent female, some students emphatically promote this data as a proud badge to wear while others are neutral in response to these numbers.

“Dude, that was a draw,” said junior historic preservation major, Megan Milo

“I have definitely come to enjoy the more feminine culture here at UMW.” -Tara Meeks

•ADMISSIONS | 11

The UMW Office of Title IX recently received a $300,000 grant from the Office of Violence against Women in 2016. With these funds, the Office of Title IX is working to broaden its scope on campus by holding events and diversifying their mediums of outreach to students.

Such events include their “Mocktails” stand at this year’s Homecoming, which supplied non-alcoholic beverages such as cold-brew coffee, lemonade, water and other fancy beverages, all free of charge. Another program that all students partake in is the Title IX online training that is completed before coming to the University.

“Compared to the trainings my friends at other colleges had to do, ours was easier and more pleasurable to go through,” said freshman Grace Green.

“It was interactive and colorful, which made it an intriguing reiteration of things I’d learned in the past.”

This online training was made available to UMW students in 2015 due to a federal mandate, Campus SAVE Act. The UMW Title IX website states, “[The online training] covers aspects of healthy and unhealthy relationships, a few UMW policies, Title IX, resources and other important information… It is one tool we use to educate students and promote safety.”

Title IX Coordinator Tiffany Oldfield and Title IX Project Coordinator, Britnae Purdy, collaborated to provide accurate, up-to-date information regarding the presence of Title IX on campus and their vision of the program

for the purposes of this article.

With the grant, the Office of Title IX hopes to expand on its collaboration with other facilities, both on campus and in surrounding areas. For example, Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA) is one partnership that the office wishes to strengthen.

According to the website’s information page, RCASA is a Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania area program that aids sexual assault survivors with therapy and reaches out to the community to provide education. Another organization, Empowerhouse, provides numerous resources specifically for domestic violence survivors. Their website explains that their area of assistance extends to Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, King George and Stafford areas. The services listed online include, “free and confidential 24-hour hotline, a temporary emergency shelter, information, referrals and advocacy.”

Connections with local advocacy and prevention organizations will help the Office of Title IX to increase their resources and ability to help students of this university.

Other major changes include the addition of the Community Coordinated Response Team (CCRT), Project Coordinator and Case Manager, as well as a relocation to Fairfax House. The CCRT was made possible by the grant and Oldfield says that it is comprised of students, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners.

“The team is tasked with coordinating prevention and intervention efforts; •TITLE IX | 2 facilitating commu

Students experience issues with cable connection in residence halls Olivia Bridges Senior Writer

The University of Mary Washington’s Student Senate recently passed a motion to work with University Services to troubleshoot and repair the cable in residential halls, however, the Student Government Association’s Executive Cabinet later denied the motion.The motion did not pass because it was based off of a few isolated incidents.

According to Theodosius Zotos, vice president of the student government and president of Student Senate urged the students with cable issues to reach out to their RAs first.

A number of Mary Washington

students, however, have been unable to connect their television to the university’s cable service this semester. Among the students affected by the faulty cable service is sophomore, Theo Stamatis.

“My roommate scanned not once, but twice for channels for our TV and got nothing,” Stamatis said.

Stamatis and his roommate live in Russell Hall.

They are not the only residents of Russell with cable complications.

“We went out and about and talked to our neighbors in Russell and asked, ‘do you have cable?’ And they said they said the same thing, that they don’t have cable,” said Stamatis.

According to Stamatis, it is unclear if the cable issue is

“We went out and about and talked to our neighbors in Russell and asked, ‘do you have cable?’ And they said they said the same thing, that they don’t have cable.”

-Theo Stamatis

Krystiane Urbaniak / The Blue & Gray Press Students in various residence halls across campus have had issues with the cable.

IN THIS

ISSUE

HORSE PLAY

HELLO GOVERNOR

•CABLE | 10

GOAL LLLLLL

UMW students volunteer with therapeutic riding program.

Virginia’s gubernatorial election will be influential.

Men’s soccer advances to the next round of CAC.

LIFE | 7

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 3

NEWS THE

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelly Emmrich

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Izzy Briones | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Title IX office explores new ways to bring awareness •TITLE IX | 1

nication between key campus departments and community partners; ensuring messages across efforts are consistent and reinforced; and ensuring the system’s response to victims and survivors is seamless, consistent and supportive,” said Oldfield.

The project coordinator facilitates a working partnership with the Office of Violence against Women and works towards the goals established in the grant.

The third grant-funded position is the role of Case Manager and Victim Advocate, who works with those affected by harassment based on gender, domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault.

The Case Manager also teams up with RCASA and Empowerment to provide all the resources possible to victims. Fairfax House is

the new home of the Office of Title IX as of this semester.

On Nov. 8, there will be an open house to invite community members,

serve as a time to educate attendees about the purpose of the grant and what the office hopes to accomplish. Art projects will also be displayed which Tiffany Oldfield says this is to, “encourage folks to reflect on their role in preventing gender-based violence on campus.”

The Office of Title IX has a lot more events in store for UMW students throughout this year. In December, in conjunction with stress-free zones, the office will be hosting a “Cocoa and Consent.”

Come spring semester, SAE will be helping the office host a bystander intervention training for student leadership summits. The office will also take part in a collaborative art exhibit on the UMW campus, since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Office of Title IX will focus on that specifically.

“The team is tasked with coordinating prevention and intervention efforts; facilitating communication between key campus departments and community partners; ensuring messages across efforts are consistent and reinforced; and ensuring the system’s response to victims and survivors is seamless, consistent and supportive.”

-Tiffany Oldfield students and university staff to learn more about the Office of Title IX and to see the new location. It will also

Ester Salguero

MANAGING EDITOR Tessa Cate

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Izzy Briones

VIEWPOINTS Ginny Bixby

The Blue & Gray Press

Students and faculty place red flags around campus to bring awareness to dating violence.

LIFE Lauren Closs

SPORTS Ryan Brauch

ONLINE Es Hethcox

PHOTO Alex Sakes

Business Team Linda Fitzpatrick Janelle Behm

http://students.umw.edu/campusrec There are a lot of activities that the office of the Title IX put on throughout the year.

http://buildings.umwblogs.org/ Fairfax House is now home to the office of Title IX at UMW.

CORRECTIONS for THE Week

FACULTY ADVISOR PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO

Sushma Subramanian

2

Kelly Emmrich, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

Thursday, November 2, 2017

SPORTS

UMW men’s soccer advances in the CAC tournament DANELLA DONADO Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington men’s soccer team won the first round of the Capital Athletic Conference tournament against visiting team, Frostburg State on Saturday, Oct. 28. The final score was 3-1, in favor of Mary Washington.

“This year we’ve been the most repaired, you know we’re all on the same page and we all know where we want to go and accomplish and we all have that we’re-not-done-yet mentality,” said senior player,Tommy Mead, after the Eagle’s win on Saturday.

The Eagle’s scored their first goal during the first half at almost twenty minutes into the game by junior, Ryan Van Maanen, with an assist by junior Gary Foley, off of a free kick. This was Mary Washington’s fifth attempt at a goal in the first half.

Their next goal came towards the end of the half by freshman, Joshua Everard. Goalkeeper, Matt Spencer, made two saves during the first period, with only one goal getting through by Frostburg State’s, Alferid Kemal. At halftime the score was 2-1 with Mary Washington leading by one.

Mary Washington had a strong defense during the second half of the game, blocking any shots made by

Frostburg State, thereby preventing them from scoring any goals during the second half. The third and final goal for Mary Washington came early on during the second half by junior Justin Carey, who headed it past the goalie with an assist from Ryan Van Maanen. At the end of the game, the Eagles had the lead in shots, 17-9, and in corner kicks, 5-3.

“Our team goal for this game was to keep a clean sheet and it was hard, we had some unlucky bounces but overall we did our best to keep shooting and getting goals in,” said Mead when asked about how the team improved during this game.

“Our organization was better defensively... We’ve been working on the details for the different sets of offense and defense, our intensity was much, much higher than our last game,” said head coach, Jason Kilby, when asked how the team has improved overall since their last game.

This victory is important to the team for many reasons. It advances them to the semi-finals of the Coastal Athletic Conference tournament, a step closer to their goal of winning the conference championship, which the Eagles have not done since 2001.

It also helped to boost the team’s

morale overall.

According to goalkeeper, Matt Spencer, this was an emotional win for the team as it helped move them past their losses against St. Mary’s and against Christopher Newport during homecoming.

“Our last three games we couldn’t emotionally get over losing two of the three [but] I am just really proud of the group of guys for getting up and being passionate... today’s game came from the heart, we played with a lot of heart today,” said Spencer.

Looking towards their next games, which are the semi-finals of the CAC tournament and the upcoming NCAA Tournament, Coach Kilby said the main thing the group was gonna focus on was recovering from their last games and mentally getting ready for the next round of the games in the tournament.

“I have been very proud of this group; they have worked extremely hard and it’s enjoyable when you have a group of young men who work hard,” said Coach Kilby after the Eagle’s win on Saturday. “The main thing is to fully recover... At this time of year, it’s not so much about becoming better, it’s more about being fresh and ready to play.”

Justin Carey

umweagles.com

Colin Travis

umweagles.com

Capitals beat Oilers but poor defense continues ANGUS LONG Senior Writer

Late on Saturday night, the Washington Capitals continued their Western Canadian road trip with a 5-2 win against young superstar, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. The game started out as if more of the same was in the Caps future after coming off a 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.

Edmonton went up 2-0 with three minutes to go in the first period but because of an odd man rush caused by Alex Ovechkin, and a nifty move by defenseman, John Carlson, this led to a Devante Smith-Pelly one timer to cut the lead in half with only 18 seconds left in the first. Alex Ovechkin would go on to notch three assists in the win and was on the ice for all but the empty net goal scored

by Jay Beagle, who stole the 5-2 victory.

Goaltender Holtby stood on his head making 38 saves in the win.

Other notable moments include

Evgeny Kuznetsov’s second goal of the night. Kuznetsov made a ridiculous move on Max Talbot, faking a wrap around and bouncing it off the back of Talbots leg pad to score.

Holtby stood on his head after the Caps’ defense let up 40 shots.

However, while many would go straight to criticize the defense after the injury of veteran defensemen, Matt Niskanen, on Oct. 14. The issue is not with the amount of shots, but the quality of shots they have given up since the Niskanen injury.

In the games that Caps have played, they have averaged 31 shots against per game. Before the injury they averaged 34 shots against per game. Since the Niskanen injury, the Caps have gone 2-4 and have been outscored 14-25. Many fans are questioning the leadership of the Caps.

Brooks Orpik, an assistant captain,

along with the pair, John Carlson and Dmitry Orlov, should step up to fill those gaps in their defense.

While the defense is lacking experience, the skill and promise is still there. While it is going to take some hard games and an increased workload on both Caps’ goalies, the only true way of developing these defensemen is through NHL game experience.

A trade for a defenseman is not coming as of now for a few reasons. One, the Caps can not afford it right now. The Capitals currently possess a total of $1,161 dollars in cap space under the NHL’s very strict cap limit. While that does mean we can bring in a player of equal or lesser value than the players we ship out. This brings me to reason number two, we do not have assets to trade, well at least no logical assets anyway.

The Caps can not afford to lose any of their youth players or draft

picks. The Caps desperately need a new wave of prospects in their system, after not having a first round pick in the system from last year, or a second-round pick, or a third. The only logical move would be to move the backup goalie Philipp Grubauer.

So as of right now, a trade does not seem likely.

While the Caps may not have another season where they finish with the best regular season record, they will still make it into the playoffs. At the end of the day, this mediocre start may be a good thing for the Caps. It acts as a reality check for the team and fanbase, which have become complacent with winning in the regular season over the last few seasons. The Capitals are still a good team, they just need a jumpstart after the lull in the last couple of games. This win over a Stanley Cup favorite can do just that.

Weekly Scoreboard Men's Soccer

Field Hockey

Nov. 1 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 1 St. Mary’s (Md.): 0

women's Soccer

Oct. 28 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (L) UMW: 0 St. Mayr’s (Md.): 3

Men's Soccer

Nov. 1 @ Christopher Newport (L) UMW: 0 CNU: 1

Nov. 4 vs. Christopher Newport TBA

VolleyBall

women's Soccer

Oct. 28 @ York (Pa.)

(W) UMW: 3 York (Pa.): 1

Season Ended

field hockey

Nov. 4 vs. TBA TBA

volleyball

Nov. 2 vs. Southern Virginia TBA

3

VIEWPOINTS

The outcome of upcoming gubernatorial election is crucial to Virginia’s future

which he said would invigorate the economy and ultimately put more tax revenue in the state treasury. He would In less than a week, Virginia will phase in the cuts over three years. Anhave the United States’ most conseother campaign promise is to dismantle quential election since the presidential current Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s plan election. Virginia has been a swing state of restoring full rights to felons once since 2004, voting Republican in ten they complete their sentences. Gillespie consecutive presidential elections from plans to create a more rigorous screen1968 to 2004. In the presidential elecing process for felons to enter back into tion Hillary Clinton won by five percent society after their sentences are served. in Virginia, so the outcome of this elecThe Democratic candidate, Ralph tion will decide if the state is in favor of Northam is from Norfolk, Virginia. His the Republican Party or the Democratic primary focus is fighting for issues that Party. In this upcoming gubernatorial Virginians care about. He wants to help election, there are three candidates. make safe communities free from the Republican Ed Gillespie is from threat of gun violence, good-paying Fairfax, Virginia. He previously served jobs, a world-class education, access to as chair of the Republican Nationaffordable health care and clean air and al Committee and was an adviser to water. He is also focused on making former President George W. Bush. His Virginia an open and welcoming place. main focus is to improve the state’s “We live in a very diverse society economy. Gillespie proposes cutting and that means that we need to be inclustate income tax rates by 10 percent, sive,” said Northam in an interview with WTOP. “Our light will be on, our door is open.”

Northam is also invested in continuing the practice of current Gov. Terry McAuliffe to restore the rights Gage Skidmore/Flickr.com of felons as Ed Gillespie is the Republican candidate for governor. they complete

KELLY EMMRICH Editor-in-Chief

Culture is not a costume: Consider whether your outfit is appropriating culture MACKENZIE HARD Staff Writer

When we think about Halloween, we usually get excited about our favorite candy, our festive decorations, but most of all, the costumes. However, some costumes are not appropriate for all people to wear. You must consider

whether your costume is culturally appropriating a cultural group.

Cultural appropriation is when someone wears a costume or participates in an activity that portrays a culture that is not their own. It can be harmful and can be considered to be a violation of the property rights of the original culture. This can be included in traditions, foods, fashion, symbols, language, songs and even technology.

During Halloween, stores sell a plethora of costumes you never know what crazy outfits you are going to find.

But many stores sell costumes that are based on racial stereotypes. This encourages people who do not belong to the corresponding racial or ethnic group to wear something that does Essence.com not belong to their own culture.

On Sunday, Kim Kardashian West dressed up as black These costumes are not just in singer Aaliyah, sparking an online debate.

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Associated Press/The Washington Times

Ralph Northam is the Democratic candidate for governor.

their sentences. He supports making restoration automatic. “We’re very proud we’ve restored the rights of over 156,000 Virginians,” he said in the WTOP interview. “We’re all human, and when someone makes a mistake and has paid back their time, the best thing that we can do to help them get back with their families, get back into the workforce, help with their self-esteem, is to restore their voting rights.”

The last candidate is Libertarian Cliff Hyra. He is from Mechanicsville, Virginia. His main goal is cutting down jail time for drug related crimes. A lot of his policies are about drugs, and as a third party candidate, he has such a low chance of winning.

Honestly, even though Gillespie is pretty smart and is most at home when talking about policies, he is still a symbol for the Trumpian rhetoric simply be-

cause Trump endorsed him in a Tweet.

A lot of college students on this campus agree that we do not want a Governor that has anything to do with the Trump administration. We know that a Gillespie win on Nov. 7 would be a double victory for Republicans. They would have the control of another swing-state’s governor’s mansion in the 2020 presidential election, which is an election that Trump is already campaigning for.

This is not to say that you should vote Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian. Vote based on where you want to see this country going. Vote based on your own personal beliefs. Because while the presidential election was important, local government is deciding all of the laws not granted to the federal government, and some of these laws affect us more directly.

poor taste or degrading, but severely racist. It comes down to respect and context.

Part of Halloween is being creative and being able to imagine yourself in another form or as another person or character. All over college campuses, we see people dressing up as various fruits, animals, or popular television and movie characters. These are all pretty great costumes, as long as the culture that is being represented is respected.

Cultural appropriation can be especially tricky on Halloween. Many are confused with what is and is not okay anymore. Think about the source, significance or sacredness, and similarity of the costume. Every year there are celebrities that dress up for Halloween and engaged in Devone Byrd/Pacific Coast News cultural appropriation by doing so- In 2013, Julianne Hough wore blackface to a Julianne Hough, Heidi Klum, Colton Halloween party.

Haynes, Paris Hilton. But this year, to look at Julianne Hough’s costume Kim Kardashian West was added to of crazy eyes from Orange is the New that list. This year her theme for multiBlack from 2013, that could be conple costumes was musical legends.She sidered a very racist costume since she dressed up as Cher, Madonna, and then, used blackface.

R&B singer Aaliyah.

The biggest issue to understand is When she first shared this, many that with each culture there are historpeople on Twitter had something to ical realities that are of major signifisay about it. Some people said it was cance. Part of this is also being respectwrong for West to do this because she ful and polite of one another’s cultures, is Armenian and Aaliyah is African along with being aware of the struggles American. Others said that it was not that the culture of the costume you are wrong of her because she did not use putting on has gone through. blackface. For example, if one were

Thursday,January November 2017 Thursday, 21, 2, 2015

VIEWPOINTS Students should not feel pressured to declare their major early Editor: Ginny Bixby | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

til the end of their sophomore year. Of course, there are also those who know what they wish to pursue the moment they begin college, but a student does not really need to know his or her major immediately.

College is a time of transition, ready to enter the workforce and face the world. As such, college is an opportunity to discover one’s interests academically speaking. The various academic subjects prepare the student to enter a specific field of employment in most instances. When one enters college, regardless of whether or not they know what they wish to do with their life, the classes they take will broaden their perspective and perhaps give them new ideas for the future.

This is why general education cours- but it will make you a better person.

Especially at a liberal arts school like es are so important. In the broadest UMW, liberal arts plant values in stuway possible, they offer students a When I was a child, I always rememdents that sample of each of the main bered being asked “What do you want will serve fields of study available, to be when you grow up?” Questions them in such as sciences, math or like these were always slightly annoy“When one enters every English, etc. General eduing to me. Even as I got much older cation classes, in a sense, college, regardless of asset of and was going through high school, life. force students to examine the worst of these questions startwhether or not they know As an more than just that which ed popping up- “What do you want undethey are particularly interwhat they wish to do with to study in college?” and it would clared ested in at that time.

Since aggravate me regularly. When I got to their life, the classes they major many general education college, it did not stop. “What do you take will broaden their then it courses are taken over the want to major in?” is one question that first few semesters, stuI hear all the time. perspective and perhaps isnotreally such dents should have some It is a question that many students give them new ideas for a bad breathing space to discover get, since a good number of college thing, as their interests and decide students don’t declare their major unthe future.” long as on a major. one is Howapplying ever, -Luke Engbert themthere still selves seems to diligently still be to their academics. After a few semesa bit of pressure to ters of experimenting, everyone will choose a major as discover a major that is a good fit for soon as possible. them. Therefore, don’t start panicking People become so if everyone else knows what they want set on working towards one particular to study but you do not.

The other point to consider is the career path that they value of a degree by itself. Regardless forget that college is a learning experi- of the major, as long as one comes out with a degree, they are given that ence. Life is not all much better of a chance at acquiring a about money, one good job. All that aside, however, the should take what primary purpose of college is to teach one has been blessstudents to think, to become indeed to learn and expendent, assertive and mature adults. perience in college As long as one is striving for these for all it is worth. qualities in school, whether or not Alexis Brown/Unsplash.com Learning may not they declare a major right off the bat is always make you According to NBC News, 80% of college-bound high school seniors in 2005 had yet to decide their college major. of no importance. a richer person, LUKE ENGBERT Staff Writer

Staff Ed: Exercise your right to vote this Election Day Election Day is right around the corner; the Virginia State Governor’s race will be held on Tuesday Oct. 7. In addition to casting a vote for governor, citizens will also get to vote for candidates running for lieutenant governor, attorney general and their delegate to the VA General Assembly.

It is important to be an educated voter so familiarizing yourself with the candidates is encouraged whether you ultimately decide to vote or not.

Ralph Northam will be representing the Democratic Party in this year’s Virginia Governor’s race, while Ed Gillespie will be the Republican

candidate. The Governor will sign or veto laws that are passed by the legislature and will set regulations for the state.

Lieutenant Governor Northam, a Virginia native, served in the Army and is a pediatric neurologist and hopes to give back to Virginia.

Through his campaign, Northam has put an emphasis on lowering education and health care costs.

A former Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia and the Republican National Committee, Gillespie plans on revitalizing the Virginia economy. With finances as a main priority of his campaign, Gillespie

envisions the creation of many new jobs for Virginians.

Jill Vogel is the Republican candidate running for Lieutenant Governor, while Justin Fairfax is the Democratic candidate. The lieutenant governor will cast deciding votes in the State Senate if a vote is tired.

Lastly, Mark Herring, representing the Democratic Party, and John Adams, representing the Republican Party, are the candidates for Attorney General. The Attorney General is the top lawyer for Virginia, they can sue the federal government, companies, or individuals on behalf of the state.

The Blue & Gray Press exercise

your right to vote and use your voice to improve the chances that the best candidate is chosen to represent Virginia as governor. To make traveling to the polls easier for students, Mary Washington provides shuttles to various locations for those that are registered to vote in Fredericksburg.

With a busy schedule, finding the time to vote can be difficult but even if you are unable to make it to the polls, it is important to know who is representing Virginia. Although it may be too late to register for this election, you can get registered for next year’s Senate race.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

5

LIFE

Editor: Lauren Closs blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Halloween makeup highlights costumes this season

“I decided to go as her mostly because I had all of the costume pieces and it was pretty cheap to create as a look. I did the makeup myself, and I’m really happy with the way it turned out because this was a bit different for me. I tried to make my make-up dark like Medusa in her myth and I kept the motif of snakes by making my eyeliner transform into a snake instead of a regular wing. This costume was very different from my norm. In most Halloween cases, I have always been something cute or funny for Halloween and I decided I wanted to get a little glamorous this year.”

Caroline Baldwin, Sophomore, Medusa.

Rose Frechette, Senior, Mechanical Mermaid.

“Someone mentioned during PAC small show that I should be Ariel for Halloween because of my red hair. I decided to go with the idea but I didn’t want to just be a typical mermaid, I wanted to challenge myself and do something a bit more creative. I’ve always wanted to try a cyborg/ robot look and was inspired by images I saw on Pinterest so I decided to combine the two ideas. I did do all of the makeup myself; I wanted it to be an original work. I used images of mechanical gears as a guide and inspiration from other makeup artists for technique. It took a lot longer than expected because I went into it not really knowing how I would go about achieving the look. I think of mermaids as mysterious, magical and seductive creatures, so I wanted to portray that through my color usage and hair texture. I choose blue because it reminded me of the ocean and contrasted nicely with the red in my hair, I kept my hair wavy because it mimicked the movement of the ocean, and highlighted the makeup look in gold because it gave it a magical quality. I love doing makeup and I do express myself through the work. I love getting dressed up in costume makeup on any day, not just on Halloween. I’ve been fascinated for a while with the transformation quality of costumes and makeup.

There’s something fun and magical that I love about it; it’s the ability to live and act out your imagination. A lot of Pinterest and Instagram images of makeup artist artwork inspired me to start doing it myself.

My first real attempt at it was freshman year of college when I dressed up as the Cheshire Cat for Halloween. That’s when I really fell in love with it; the process was exciting for me and I love being able to impress people. I didn’t start regularly doing makeup looks until my junior year and didn’t make an Instagram (@ deceptive_mirror) until this year. I’m excited for what the future holds for this new outlet.”

Photos by Savara Gunn

“I’ve been a part of the Rich Weirdos, the club that performs “Rocky Horror” since my freshman year. It’s really exciting to do “Rocky” during Halloween, we always have a Elayna Gladstone, Junior, Columbia from “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” great turnout, and I love seeing everyone's costumes. This is my third show playing Columbia. As for the make-up, I get help with eyebrow blocking and foundation from a former Rich Weirdo and good friend, Claire Stanchfield. She's studied drag makeup extensively and she's very talented. Besides that, I do the rest myself, which includes a smokey eye, bright red lips, bright red drawn on eyebrows, the weird blush contouring, and the false lashes. Generally speaking, the goal of the whole cast is to look as similar to the film characters as possible. However, some people take creative licenses with specific elements. For example, Nora Whelan (who played Dr. Frank-N-Furter) decided to add a lot of glitter to her contouring, and Lily Olson (Riff Raff) would add a blue tear to her makeup during the final scenes. I personally just stuck to the traditional Columbia makeup this semester, but I did decide to add a white glitter highlight to my cheekbones. I definitely believe her [Columbia’s] bold, punk rock drag makeup reflects her bold and stubborn personality. She's also pretty wild, so the no eyebrow thing works well for her too since that's a pretty wild move. Growing up with the movie, I always looked up to Columbia because I loved all of her glitter and confidence. She's always been my favorite. Being able to play Columbia is a dream come true, and I'd like to think that I've turned out pretty confident and bold since I was a kid. Plus I'm always down for some good eyeliner wings and glitter all over my face. Sometimes I wish it was more socially acceptable to wear that stuff every day.”

Thursday, November 2, 2017

LIFE

Volunteers support children with disabilities through horses JAMIE MCGUIRE Staff Writer

with disabilities before volunteering with this program.” said Elizabeth Finto a junior and communications major. She Many University of Mary Washington said that at first she was anxious about students choose to enjoy their downtime being unable to meet their needs or be volunteering at Hazelwild Farm with the able to help when something happened, therapeutic riding program. Hazelwild now two years later she has a strong Farm, host of the UMW equestrian team, relationship with the kids who ride in the offers therapeutic horseback riding for program. people of all ages with physical and Riding instructor, Kristie McCary mental disabilities. These volunteers started as a volunteer back in 2002 donate their time and energy every and since then has been certified as an Tuesday night in order to help these instructor and took over as the director of children ride. Many of them have voiced the program in 2005. McCary said that how much they love the program and the benefits from therapeutic riding are how worthwhile it is. different for each rider.

“Some gain the physical benefits, “I had never worked with children such as core strength, flexibility, muscle memory,” she said. “The natural gait of a horse while riding closely mimics a human walking gait… Some have a social benefit, and some gain an emotional benefit… There's something very empowering and special about being in control of an animal so much bigger than you.”

While the benefits of riding for children and adults with disabilities are helpful, the volunteers have also mentioned a powerful impact on themselves from being around the horses.

Finto said that when she goes to Hazelwild Farm,“the therapeutic effects from the horses and activities not only benefit the children, but also help me to relax and destress after a long day... It is an hour that I can just stop Volunteers help with the therapeutic Kristie McCary. thinking about homework riding program.

and attentive in lessons with their riders. For example, according to Bennett, the horse Barnie a Haflinger in his late teens, is usually testy with normal riders but when escorted out to his special job, he is “an angel.”

Brown explained that “each person riding has a different skill set, which has to be matched to the horse.”

The riders have different skill sets and need to be paired with a horse that can sense the rider’s demeanor and will respond to it.

One horse in particular, named Penny for the brown star-shaped mark on her forehead, is a favorite among riders. According to Finto, her gentle and steady spirit is perfect for those who struggle with balance and she often responds to the riders’ People with physical or mental disabilities Kristie McCary. emotions and demeanor. can benefit from this program.

Finto, Brown and Bennett and studying... I also find it rewarding all said that what the program when we are able to make at least one still needs is more volunteers. Finto child smile and laugh.” urged students to volunteer their time Another volunteer, Samantha Bennett, and come out to spend time with horses said it makes her happy to see someone and children. “A lot of times, volunteers with disabilities come out of their shell come out at the very beginning and never and express themselves. After three years come back again” said Finto. of volunteering for the therapeutic riding The Hazelwild therapeutic riding program at Hazelwild Farm, she would program relies completely on the use love to continue volunteering in the of volunteers in order to operate. They future. utilize students from the University of It was also surprising to see that the Mary Washington, area high school children are not the only ones coming students, as well as members of the local out of their shells. Junior and English community. major, Katherine Brown said that the For more information about horses all have different personalities. volunteering, contact Kristie McCary or However, some become more gentle visit www.hazelwildfarm.com/.

Two easy ways to spice up traditional dorm room meals

KEELY CERVANTES Staff Writer

With winter rapidly approaching, many students are reluctant to brave the cold temperatures in order to get food on-campus. UMW students must brave the dropping temperatures to get to and from their classes without freezing to death. Often, students choose not to leave the warmth of their residence halls to get something to eat. Many would rather eat microwavable foods that they already have stored in their rooms. Luckily, there are many easy and quick ways that students can spice up their overused food options with alternatives that can be added to their old favorites, like macaroni and cheese or ramen noodles.

These additions can always be life-savers because it adds a new twist to old ideas and can make a great meal so students do not have to go out of their way to find a good meal when short on time or their reluctance to go outside in the freezing temperatures.

There are also many mug recipe ideas online from chocolate chip cookies to cakes to french toast that students can make for a quick and easy snack. Most of the ingredients student can get easily and may already have in their mini-fridge.

For ramen noodles, there are numerous toppings anyone can add to create new alternatives of food choices. Students can add things like: • • • •

Cheese Eggs Sriracha Frozen vegetables

Your favorite Kraft, Annie’s, or Velveeta mac and cheese can always be spiced up by adding things like: • • • • •

Hot sauce or red pepper flakes Black pepper Ketchup Shredded cheese Bacon or bacon bits

Sweet Phi.

Cathy Trochelman / Lemon Tree Dwelling.

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Weekend Events

Thursday

• Little Shop of Horrors, 7:30 p.m. Klein Theatre

Friday

• FRIDAY NIGHT OUT: Little Shop of Horrors, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Klein Theatre • First Friday Monroe Conversations, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., James Monroe Museum • Cars 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monroe 116

Saturday

• American Assassin 7 p.m., Monroe 116 • Little Shop of Horrors, 7:30 p.m., Klein Theatre • Jazz 4 Justice, 7:30 p.m., Dodd Auditorium • Cars 3, 10 p.m., Monroe 116

Sunday

• Studio Talk: Painter’s Point of View with Henry Wingate @ Gari Melchers Home and Studio • Nov 5 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm • • Little Shop of Horrors @ Klein Theatre • Nov 5 @ 2:00 pm

• Little Shop of Horrors, 7:30 p.m., Klein Theatre • American Assassin 10 p.m., Monroe 116

@theBlueandGray

BlueandGrayPress

The Blue & Gray Press

LIFE

Celebrities exhibit and influence Halloween costumes

MADISON PACE Staff Writer

Hugh Hefner, who passed away Montana hairstyle back in September. One tribute with barrettes. came from “Bachelor in Paradise,” Senior Brooklynne Halloween is one of the most festive alum Robby Hayes. People began Brown, watched times of the year, when everyone has dressing as Hefner along with a a DIY video for the opportunity to dress up as anything “house bunny” as their sidekick to Halloween costumes they desire. Parents usually pick out or complete the costume. and fell in love with help with their children’s Halloween This time of year gives students the idea of dressing costumes, whether their child likes it a chance to take a break from up as Wednesday or not. However as kids grow up, they school work and enjoy themselves Addams from “The get to experience the thrill of buying or whether they choose to dress up or Addams Family.” creating a costume that they really want not. Halloween is not always about Brown said, “I to wear. Throughout the media, people dressing up, but taking a weekend never planned on tend to get ideas from celebrities on what to watch scary movies or even buy dressing up this year to wear. cheap candy the day after. until I found this This year, I have noticed tributes to Author and fashion designer, idea. Plus, it’s easy Lauren Conrad to recreate.” The dressed up as recreation of the outfit Cruella De Vil this consisted of a black past Halloween. sweater over a white As we all know, button-up shirt and a Cruella DeVil black skirt. was popular back Media plays in the day when such a strong role the movie “101 in influencing Dalmatians” was young adults in popular. EJ Johnson many aspects of also decided to life. It may vary depict Cruella De from fashion icons Vil this year. to body portrayal.

Another Every Halloween, I Sophomores Jenna Morgan and Leslie Pullen Jenna Morgan / Instagram. nostalgic costume dress as Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana. have looked to the idea from the media and Bangerz Tour-Miley were so iconic media to try to get ideas for a costume. was portrayed at and different that it would make a really I run celebrity costume ideas through UMW by sophomores funny costume,” Morgan said. my mind, and although I never end up Jenna Morgan and Morgan completed the outfit by dressing as one, the media is always my Leslie Pullen, the two decided to bring back the “Hannah Montana” Personal Top Five Halloween Costumes 2017: 1. Channing Tatum dressed as a purple unicorn costume. Pullen dressed up as old-school, 2. Jason Derulo dressed up in a Game of Thrones-inspired costume “Hannah Montana” with 3. Vanessa Hudgens dressed in her masquerade-themed costume the preppy 2000s style, 4. Joanna Krupa dressed in a Cleopatra-like costume while Morgan depicted 5. Jonathan Cheban and Kim Kardashian West depicting Sonny and Cher Cyrus’ “crazy-side.”

“We were thinking of wearing a marijuana-patterned leotard first place to look. As another Halloween a two-person costume with a tutu, iconic power buns and glitter has passed, I noticed more creative and and we figured that to depict Miley’s “crazy-side” while fun costume ideas that celebrities wear Lauren Conrad brought back Cruella De Vil Lauren Conrad. Hannah Montana-Miley Pullen wore jeans, a poncho and a classic that I would never even think of. for Halloween.

Simple guide to surviving and thriving at group projects

JOHN JAMISON Staff Writer

The sign-up sheet for group project presentation dates was passed around the room. Its journey started in the corner but by the time it finally reached my side, the only available project topic or presentation date was scheduled for next week. You get that pit in your stomach feeling because you are trying to figure out what other unfortunate souls were relegated to the same fate.

Most students have felt something like this to some degree. The chaos and confusion that characterize a college workload make it difficult enough to keep up without the spectre of a group project looming over them. Alas, these projects won’t be getting fazed out any time soon. So here’s a little simple advice for the concerned student: Organize— The sooner the better.

Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and assume the “leader” role from the start.

Find out exactly who the other students in your group are and approach them.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is to ask your professor if they can tell the students that are signed up for the first presentation to stay behind for a second after class. At this point simply introduce yourself, collect

phone numbers and emails from the members of the group, that way you’re already off to a smooth start.

Don’t stress— If you’re anything like me, the prospect of your personal grade being dependent on the efforts of someone else is terrifying. Our terror is not completely unfounded, but try not to lose any sleep over it. Consider that the professor understands exactly what

time they are creating accountability and teaching us how to work with a team.

Furthermore, as a fifth year senior who has been around the block a few times, I have never known a professor to let the performance of a singular group member who clearly didn’t prepare or contribute to an otherwise solid presentation bring down the group grade so much that it kills your personal grade in the class.

Group work skills are important for success in college.

they are doing in assigning this project.

They understand that this will likely be uncomfortable for us, but at the same

Flickr.

Professors have been watching students deliver nerve-wracked presentations for years; they can tell when someone truly

doesn’t try. More often than not, they are very reasonable people.

Make an effort— If someone in your group isn’t responding to the group text or the email thread, all the signs that point to them because they are not contributing, don’t simply accept their non-participation. It is still a group project after all. Yes it’s inconvenient, but if you’ve met with your group to start working on the project and that one member still doesn’t show up, continue to treat them like a member of the group.

Split up specific responsibilities among every member and send an email with each person’s role, this way the missing member can see explicitly what the group is asking of them. It might give them that feeling of guilt and spark their sense of accountability.

Have fun— Yes, I said that. For most people, the thought of a group project being fun has never crossed your mind. It’s just a mindset. Get to know the people in your group. They all have knowledge that you don’t, so learn what you can from them. Who knows, you may come out the other end of the process with a new friend.

Having a team behind you during a presentation can instill an incredible amount of confidence, making the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone, the audience included.

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NEWS Isolated incidents do not lead to legisation •CABLE | 1

affecting all of Russell Hall or just certain floors on Russell, maybe even specific rooms such as theirs.

Furthermore, he cannot say whether or not the cable is working in other residential halls or if it is an issue specific to Russell.

Stamatis and his roommate requested an online work order to facility services. As of now, their cable problems still have not been resolved.

Despite Stamatis not having easy access to TV during the two months school has been in session, the lack of cable has not positively or negatively impacted him. He is able to have easy access to entertainment through resources such as, Netflix, Hulu and network apps, but there is still a downside to not having a working TV. “We find other ways to stream stuff, of course... It is not overbearing, but it would be nice for one night to digest the whole day or whole week, just watch TV with my roommate and friends,” said Stamatis.

Stamatis was the senator who proposed the motion to work with Student Services in order to restore the cable service. However, Stamatis was speaking as a student not a senator in the interviews.

The motion was proposed Wednesday, Oct. 18. The proposal asked for the process to ensure students of Mary Washington will have adequate access to cable to be adjudicated. Stamatis’ primary goal for the motion was to increase the rate at which the issue of cable was getting resolved.

According to Stamatis, the motion was not passed during the cabinet meeting on Monday, Oct. 23 because the motion’s wording and grammar was unclear. The motion did not state if Russell was the only hall with cable issues or if multiples halls were having the same problem.

Even though the motion did not pass in the cabinet, the motion is not necessarily out.

“Any senator could rewrite that motion and then have the senate talk about it again and then vote on it,” said Stamatis.

Stamatis hopes that even though the motion is currently un-passed, that the university will still find a way to resolve the cable connection.

The motion to fix the cable may have been just been proposed, but it is not a new problem. Terrin Dickerson is a business administration major and is a senior at Mary Washington. During three and half years Dickerson has attended the university, he has had cable in two different dorms.

“In Westmoreland, the bad experience I had was the location of the output knob,” Dickerson said. “It was in a weird location, so I couldn’t really have my TV set up to cable.”

The other dorm Dickerson had trouble with the cable was in Eagle Landing.

“The cable there was kind of fuzzy, but apparently they fixed it,” said Dickerson. “I have a friend who lives at eagle now and he said that the cable they have now was a lot more clear and the channel selection was a lot better than last years... So, I would say that they are improving a little bit.”

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Krystiane Urbaniak / The Blue & Gray Press Russell Hall is one location on campus where students have experienced issues with their cable.

Veterans Day Events • On Thursday, November 2, Monday, November 6, and Thursday, November 9 the Association of Student Veterans, along with staff from the Veterans Resource Center will be hosting a veterans thank you letter signing event in the Collonade Room of the University Center.

• On November 16, the Resource Center will hold a ‘Ask a Veteran’ event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• For more information on UMW Veteran services and resources, please visit http://students.umw.edu/veterans/

• Tips from the University of Minnesota for how to appropriately communice with veterans: How to welcome veterans to campus: • Welcome them home • Express your appreciation of their service • Offer to help with their transition to (or back to) campus • Support with patience and listening • Understand that the transition home is a process and can take time Good ways to start a conversation: • What was your job and where did you go while in the military?

• How are you and your family doing?

Thursday, November 2, 2017

NEWS

Gender is not a prominent deciding factor for most

•ADMISSIONS| 1

novich. “I was like ‘hell yeah I want to go to a school that’s like seventy percent women... Mostly I just thought it would be nice to be in a largely female environment for once.”

Another student, Bryce Harrington, senior computer science major, agreed, “I came here because of the three to one ratio.”

This imbalance exists because more women tend to apply to University of Mary Washington’s undergraduate programs than young men. In the last four years, the number of female applicants has steadily been almost double the number of male applicants. In 2016, the university received 6,270 applications, and 4,082 of them were from women, according to Marty Morrison.

UMW is historically a women’s college, despite being co-ed for decades, the school maintains this status by providing single-sex dorms for women on campus. Even though most applicants are female.

There is a fixed number of spots for incoming freshmen, though that number has gone up considerably in the last few years. In 2015, the largest freshmen class in the university’s one hundred year history was welcomed.

The rate of admissions is 74 percent, and the number of applications received for undergraduate study has increased from 4,501 in 2013 to 6,270 in 2016, according to data provided by Marty Morrison.

One aspect of admissions is that there are a preselected number of slots

available to students, which may affect female students negatively because of the higher rates of women applicants as opposed to male applicants. More female applicants are therefore turned down than men admitted.

The majority of female students admitted to UMW have had higher GPAs for three out of the last four years. In 2016, the average GPA amongst female students admitted to Mary Washington was 3.74, while male students averaged 3.57. The percentage of male students accepted is below the average acceptance rate for three out of the last four years, and data for all four years shows male students being accepted at about the same rate as females per capita.

These numbers appear fair, in terms of the number of applications received.

The differences between students in terms of SAT scores and ACT composite scores can be seen as negligible, though SAT scores have gone down

over the last few years. In 2013, the average SAT score of admitted students was 1720 across the board, and in 2016 it was 1685. Most students take the SAT, a significantly lower number of students take the ACTs. ACT scores appear consistent in the data for the last four years.

Information on the impact of college essays or club positions held in high school is not accessible to the press, but admission to institutes of higher education is based primarily on academic merit. It is impossible to conclude whether male students are given priority over their female peers from only this data. What can be concluded with the information available is that there are simply fewer male applicants to Mary Washington, and thus fewer male students accepted.

Junior Business Marketing major Tyler Finley said that gender played no role in his choice to attend Mary

Washington.

“I don’t mind it at all, I didn’t come here for that specific reason,” said Finley. He further elaborated that he likes the history of the town and the architecture, which is what drew him to the school.

For most students, there were many aspects of the school that played a role in them coming here and the gender divide was not a prominent one.

“I honestly don’t notice the gender imbalance very often,” said sophomore art major, Tara Meeks. “It didn’t really affect my initial decision to attend UMW, either, but I have definitely come to enjoy the more feminine culture here at UMW.” The admissions office was unable to comment on this topic in time for publication.

The information gathered for this article through a Freedom of Information Act.

UMW’s community is comprised of more female students than it is males.

Cayley McGuire/ The Blue & Gray Press

Student Government Beat Monday, October 30 – Friday, October 3 Executive Cabinet Mondays at 5 p.m. in the UC Capitol Room

The Cabinet discussed current initiatives as well as data gathered from responses to the President’s Vision survey.

For more information, visit umwsga.org or contact info@umwsga.org Student Senate Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Monroe 116

While the following motions have been passed by the Senate, they are still subject to further review and a vote by the Executive Cabinet. Listed motions may not take effect as written, and are not obligated to occur.

Paul Messplay, Executive Director of the Budget spoke about the current 2017-18 UMW budget, tuition and fees, upcoming capital projects, as well as the 2018-19 budget.

No new motions were passed this week.

For more information, visit umwsenate.org or contact vp@umwsga.org DETAILS PROVIDED BY MATTHEW GOOD

Thursday, November 2, 2017

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SPORTS

Editor: Ryan Brauch | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

UMW cross country performs well in CAC Championship meet ABIGALE BAILEY Staff Writer

University of Mary Washington’s cross country team competed this weekend at the 2017 Capital Athletic Conference Championship. The women’s team finished in third place, giving them a spot on the podium, while the men’s team finished fourth. The event was hosted by Christopher Newport University in Newport News on Saturday morning. The championship included teams from, Frostburg State, St. Mary’s, Marymount and Penn State.

The women’s team finished with 65 points next to first place, York with 51 points and in second place, Salisbury with 60 points. Junior nursing major Jillian Weisbeck, led the women’s team on Saturday and finished fourth place in the meet with a time of 23:20.

Prior to the meet, Weisbeck said, “This year we have a lot of talented and hardworking girls on the team, which I think will help us be one of the top two teams at conferences... It has been exciting to watch us all grow throughout the season and CACs is our chance to show everyone what we can do.”

The men’s team finished with 88 points behind Christopher Newport with 27 points, York with 58 points, and Salisbury with 83 points. The men’s team was led by Jeff Gibson, who finished fifth with a time of 25:16.

Both teams started out this season strong with second place finishes for both teams at the Mary Washington Opener on Sept. 1 and third place finishes at the Stevenson Invitational on Sept. 8.

At the Shenandoah Invitational on Sept. 23, the women’s team finished sixth and the men’s team finished tenth. Both teams also finished thirteenth at the Oberlin Invitational on Oct. 14.

Senior English major Marin Bader said, “I’m really excited to see what we can do this weekend... We’ve got a young team with a lot of talent and everyone has come a really long way this season and improved tremendously.”

ARIANA BARRETT Staff Writer

Kevin Jones, senior accounting major and men’s team captain, took eighteenth place with a time of 26:10. After Saturday’s meet, Jones was disappointed that the men’s team missed the podium by so few points, saying “I think we are optimistically disappointed in the outcome of Coastal Athletic Conference’s yesterday... When you look at the score sheet and see you missed that podium spot by 5 points, the first fifteen minutes after are really hard to think about... You ask what you could’ve done, or where you could’ve made a move to make it different.”

Despite the outcome of the meet, Jones is happy that the team gave it their all, “once that time is over, you look at your teammates and you are really proud of the performances everyone gave... We all know what we can improve on seeing as regionals are at the same course, we know where those moves we wish we made are and we’re ready to make something happen in a couple weeks at regionals,” said Jones.

Women’s team captain, junior Emily Knerr in fifteenth place said, “Our team did better than expected and we all had great races... My goals for the rest of the season are to do even better at regionals, since we will be running at the same course, I hope we all get even faster times because we will be more familiar with the course, and I hope we surprise some people by doing even better at regionals.”

While the outcome of the CAC meet was a joyous surprise for the women’s cross country team and a letdown for the men’s team, both have a chance at redemption at the NCAA Regional Meet on Nov. 11 on the same course at CNU.

Emily Knerr

umweagles.com

UMW cross country

umweagles.com

World Series competition heats up between Astros and Dodgers

The 2017 World Series has been a close battle between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros. Game four took place in Houston, Texas at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 28. When it came to a conclusion the two teams were tied at two games apiece, making this World Series anyone’s game.

However during game five, the two teams endured the longest game in Major League Baseball’s World Series history. The game was five hours and 17 minutes long, ending after 1 a.m.

During the ninth inning the two teams were tied 12 to 12, requiring an additional tenth inning to be in place where the Astros barely won, with a 13 to 12 lead.

Time was not the only world record broken that night. The two teams hit a combined total of seven home runs during game five, adding to the 17 home runs from the previous four games making a grand total of 22 throughout the entire series. The record for the most home runs during a seven game world series was 21, by the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Angels in the 2002

Thursday, November 2 2017

World Series.

There is at least one more game left in this series, giving the 2017 World Series the opportunity to set the bar even higher.

The Dodgers were down three runs in the top of the ninth inning. Dodgers’ outfielder Yasiel Puig hit a two-run home run, bringing their score to 11 to 12. Then, Dodger’s Chris Taylor hit a run batted in single to center field, allowing Austin Barnes to cross the plate, tying the score at 12 to 12.

It is not outlandish that these teams are neck and neck, they both have similar batting averages. Houston collectively has a .253 batting average during this World Series, while the Dodgers have a batting average of .213.

A known fact in baseball is that the most runs are scored when there are two outs. A two-out rally is when a team gets several hits without getting the third out and ideally scores a few runs. In the bottom of the tenth inning Astros’, Brian McCann gets hit by a high fast ball in the arm by Dodgers’ pitcher, Kenley Jansen causing an injury

delay. Astros’ George Springer, comes to bat and draws a walk. The Astros put in pinch-runner Derek Fisher to run for McCann to give the Astros a better chance at scoring. Then, Astros’ Alex Bregman hit a walk off run batted in single to left field, bringing Fisher home to win the game, ending the game at 13 to 12 in Houston’s favor.

Some critics claim that the Dodgers snuck in this win through home team advantage. The home team is in the field during the top of an inning and bats in the bottom of inning but if the home team is winning after the top of the ninth inning then there is no bottom of the ninth inning. Because the Dodgers failed to score in the top of tenth inning, any run from the Astros in the bottom of the tenth inning would result in an automatic win of game five.

In order to win, one team must be the first to win four games out of the possible seven. Houston only needs one more to win, while the Dodgers need to win two games consecutively.

Although the Astros are the underdog in this competition, only playing

in one World Series before this and losing while the Dodgers have played in 16 and won six, they have some good stats putting them in favor of winning.

Such as batter, Jose Altuve’s four RBI’s during three hits in five at bats, scoring three times in just game five alone. Altogether, the Astros have hit five home runs while the Dodgers’ have only hit two.

Houston Astros

rollingstones.com

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