The Merciad, Oct. 16

VOL. 87 No. 61 10/ 16 / 20133

FRE E

Merciad

Urinetown:The Musical MORE INSIDE & ONLINE Ridge donates Football scores collection to most points in the ‘Hurst 25 years Page 3

Page 8

READ MORE ON PAGE 5

ONLINE POLL RESULTS Do you plan on taking a J-Term class?

5% No, but I plan to stay on campus.

19% No, they aren't offering anything I need to take.

24% I would, but three more weeks of vacation sounds better.

24% Yes, but only cause I am required to do so.

27% Yes, it will lighten my spring class load.

NEWS

Page 2

October 16, 2013

Poll provides economic insight

By Juan Mendez News editor

A poll conducted by the Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics (MCAP) shows that, although improving, Pennsylvanians have only slowly felt any positive change in the economy.

The polling, conducted by students from the political science department as well as volunteers, work studies and those currently enrolled in political science courses, took place from Sept. 17 until Oct. 3 and surveyed the results from a randomly selected sample of 579 citizens of Pennsylvania.

The pollers were trained and helped

by MCAP director Joseph Morris and associate director Rolfe Peterson.

Other topics assessed by the poll were the stance Pennsylvanians have on the subject of fracking in the Marcellus Shale and the election of a new governor in 2014.

According to the poll, 48 percent of Pennsylvanians feel the economy is doing “not so good” this year, an increase from the poll conducted in 2011, where 57 percent rated it as “poor.”

Peterson believes that it reflects the results on a more personal level than most economic evaluations do.

Mike Murphy photo

Dr. Peterson demonstrated the polling process in the MCAP room for students enrolled in an American Government course.

“Although polls on the national level show an improvement in the economy, we still hear of people close to us that are having a hard time getting by,” said Peterson. “I think the results reflect these sociotropic issues more than the big picture.”

The poll also shows that, were the gubernatioral elections to be held today, 40 percent of Pennsylvanians would vote for any Democratic candidate over current Republican Governor Tom Corbett.

On the subject of hydraulic fracturing, the poll found out that 49 percent of citizens approve of it, but two-thirds of the sample also believes that there should be more regulations in place.

In order to make sure the results were as accurate as possible, the questions were screened to make sure those surveyed were aware of the subject before asking questions about it.

Students help with dinosaur exhibit

Police Log

Wednesday, Oct. 9 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3830 Lewis Ave. Res-life incident Thursday, Oct. 10 Possible Controlled Substance 745 Wayne St. Res-life incident

By Will Bickelmann Staff writer

Presque Isle’s Tom Ridge Environmental Center will open its annual Dinosaur Exhibit on Wednesday.

The free exhibit will feature a model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton as its centerpiece, along with several other fossils.

For the fifth year in a row, Mercyhurst professor Scott McKenzie and a group of students have set up the exhibit, using several of Mercyhurst’s fossils.

Some of the exhibited fossils include fish from Brazil, three fossils from Texas, Africa and Europe, five dinosaur eggs originally from China, and several other fossils.

“The exhibit gives Erieites the opportunity to see remains which they would otherwise have to travel outside of the state or even country to survey,” said McKenzie. In past years, the exhibit has attracted over 250,000 people to the Ridge Center.

The exhibit provides an opportunity for students to build their resumés by allowing them to handle fossils personally.

“This is a resumé builder that no

Mercyhurst University Police & Safety

Saturday, Oct. 12 Controlled Substance 3908 Lewis Ave. Res-life incident MAI photo

The exhibition was put together in part by Professor Scott McKenzie, second from the left, and a group of archaeology students. other American university can offer — the opportunity for students to have first-hand experience with handling fossils,” said McKenzie.

Sophomore archaeology student Sami Rapp believes that this opportunity is a great way for students to get hands on experience in related career fields.

“I went last year to help take down the exhibit and had so much fun. It’s

great to go out and work on a real exhibit,” she said.

The Tyrannosaurus Rex centerpiece, which previously was placed in Zurn Science Hall, will remain the centerpiece until the end of November. Some of the past centerpieces include a giant Ice Age elephant, a duckbill dinosaur and the giant bear model that is currently in the first floor of Zurn.

Saturday, Oct. 12 Liquor Law Violation McAuley Hall State citation filed Sunday, Oct. 13 Controlled Substance Mercy #300 Res-life incident

October 16, 2013

NEWS

Page 3

Ridges donate papers, artifacts to ’Hurst

Mercyhurst had a visit from famous former Governor Tom Ridge of Erie last Thursday, Oct. 10, to dedicate a public archive of the Ridges’ lives.

The Ridge Collection, located in Hammermill Library consists of a wide variety of material including 1.1 million documents, 3,000 audio-visual items, 10,000 photographs and 1,500 artifacts.

Most of the collection is focused around Ridge’s time as the governor of Pennsylvania and his work on early childhood education, the Growing Greener program and key job-growth initiatives.

They hope to expand the collection into material from his time in Congress and as the first director of the US Department of Homeland Security.

The First Lady’s papers were also included in the collection, providing insight into her numerous public appearances and causes she was associated with, including the PA Partnership for Children and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

Mercyhurst announced it is trying to raise $1 million for the collection and has so far raised one quarter of that.

Sami Rapp photos

A variety of papers from Ridge’s time as governor of Pennsylvania are featured among other memorabilia included in the donation to the Hammermill Library at the Mercyhurst main campus, where they are displayed on the fourth level of the library.

FEATURES

Page 4

Fashion Club plans “Denim Day”

By Dan Tarr

Features editor Many people look forward to “casual Friday;” however, wouldn’t it be nice to have an excuse to dress down in the middle of the week?

The Fashion Merchandising club at Mercyhurst has some very exciting things planned for this year. One of these things includes a “Denim Day.” The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The Fashion Club will be collecting a donation of $3 from individuals who would like to wear their jeans on Oct. 23.

This event is in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The proceeds from the event itself will go towards the American Cancer Society.

This event is primarily targeted towards the faculty, staff, and the administration, since students typi-

cally are already dressed down.

“The club officers and I are really eager to raise awareness for breast cancer around campus,” Fashion Club president Emily Isbell said.

“We’re hoping that faculty participate in Denim Day to help support the fight for the cure.”

Collection cups can be found in the fashion merchandising department on the third floor of Old Main.

Individuals can drop off their donations anytime up until the day of the event.

Denim Day is also partially associated with the Lee Jeans National Denim Day, which is a national campaign, which has raised more than $89 million since 1996.

“We hope that as many faculty, administration, and staff will participate so we will have a nice donation to the American Cancer Society,” said Fashion Club adviser Jen Craven.

For more information, contact Jen Craven at jcraven@mercyhurst.edu.

October 16, 2013

Math gets Nepalese professor

By Mary Barnes

Contributing writer Many changes have come to campus this year, including new professors.

The newest member of the math department, Keshav Pokhrel, Ph.D., hails from the southeast Asian nation of Nepal.

Pokhrel primarily teaches statistics, although he has expressed interest in offering a probability theory or biostatistics course, to give students a more in depth experience of his first love, statistics.

He obtained his undergraduate degree in math from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, and a master’s degree in statistics from Marcel University in West Virginia.

Recently, Pokhrel earned his Ph.D at The University of South Florida Tampa this past May.

Pokhrel claims that being a professor is “just where I belong,” and Mercyhurst and the City of Erie have been very welcoming to him.

He has enjoyed teaching the students, and is happy that most have been able to understand him through his thick accent.

Not every aspect of Erie living has been ideal for the new professor. He claims that although the education and facilities are overall better than those in Nepal, the roads here are less than what he expected.

“They’re the only roads I’ve ever seen without dividers,” making the adjustment a little more difficult to navigate.

Regardless of the road conditions, Pokhrel enjoys teaching all forms of mathematics, especially statistics, to our campus, and recommends that students and faculty alike all learn more from the subject.

Alison Ockasi photo

Keshav Pokhrel, Ph.D., hails from Nepal.

“Math is everywhere you look,” Pokhrel said, “and if you look deep into a subject, that’s all there is.”

Welcome to Mercyhurst Pokhrel, we’re excited to gain from your experience for years to come.

Beauty Talks: DIY Economics How to spend less

By Leann Krysiak Copy editor

So we all know that these DIY recipes help us to avoid chemicals in personal care products. But did you realize how economical it is too? Some body scrubs cost $10-17 for eight ounces. Granted, some of the scrubs out there are high-quality with no added chemicals, but I cringe at the idea of spending money on something I can make at home. Maybe it’s because I’m a typical broke college student.

I have good news. A little coconut oil and brown sugar with a hint of lemon makes a thrifty alternative to those scrubs. During a recent trip to Wal-mart, I checked the cost of the ingredients. A 2-pound bag of brown sugar is $1.92 and a 32-ounce jar of coconut oil is $6 (both generic non-organic ingredients FYI) and a lemon is roughly 70 cents. Here is what it will cost to make the recipe: ½ cup of coconut oil = 75 cents 1 cup of brown sugar = 48 cents ½ lemon = 35 cents That’s $1.58 for about four ounces of a great body scrub. That price is more budget friendly. Remember the coconut oil you bought for the body butter? It earns its keep in this recipe. I really like using this scrub because not only will it slough away dead skin cells, but it moisturizes too. Talk about multi-tasking.

Coconut Body Scrub ½ cup coconut oil 1 cup brown sugar Juice of ½ a lemon Heat coconut oil in a microwave safe container. Combine with sugar and lemon juice. You can add more brown sugar if you desire. I like using a cup or more of brown sugar. To use, rub in a circular motion all over and use it once or twice a week. Store in an air-tight container.

Need help finding the ingredients? Get the link at the bottom of Fresh Face Forward’s Recipe page.

Tell me what you think on the Fresh Face Forward Facebook page or send your comments to Freshfaceforward@gmail.com.

October 16, 2013

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 5

Sami Rapp photo

The rebel poor group together to rise against the oppressive control of the mega-corporation, Urine Good Company, and its outrageous fee hikes.

Theatre Program presents ‘Urinetown: The Musical’

By Garrett Erwin A&E editor

Taylor Little Theatre will soon be home to a musical, the variety of which hasn’t been seen at Mercyhurst in years, if ever. Urinetown: The Musical, a satire on musicals, opens on Thursday, Oct. 24, and runs until Sunday, Oct. 27.

The curtain opens on a desolate scene at Public Amenity #9, which is the most disgusting, grimy toilet in the city. In this not-too-bright future, the world has gone through a horrible 20-year drought.

Water has become so scarce that the citizens of this dismal society are forced to pay taxes, the likes of which would seem ridiculous to you and me.

The people of this city are forced to pay a fee to pee. Private toilets have been completely outlawed, and “public amenities” have been set up throughout the city by Urine Good Company to regulate water usage.

You may think it’d be easy to escape this charge - simply take care of “business” in the bushes, right?

Wrong. Dead wrong.

Along with these ever-rising fees, the law strictly punishes those who try and pee for free. The law reigns supreme.

Disobey the law and you’d find yourself on the long journey to the omnipresent “Urinetown.”

A population continually battered by outrageous fee-hikes, has had enough of Mr. Cladwell’s (Adjunct Faculty member James Bobick) regulations. Out of the masses, a hero emerges by the name of Bobby Strong (senior Chris Gaertner).

Strong leads the rebel poor to seize Public Amenity #9 and, subsequently, declares a war on urination.

What follows can best be described as both absurd and thought-provoking.

The rebel poor are met by Cladwell’s cronies, Officers Lockstock (senior Mat Anderson) and Barrel (freshman Mariesa Robinson) and the omnipresent, crushing force of the law.

The music of “Urinetown: The Musical” seems to be juxtaposed against the stark, dream-crushing plot line with huge chorus dance numbers and upbeat tempos. This comedy is facilitated by songs such as “Privilege to Pee” and “Run, Freedom, Run!” When asked about his experience with “Urinetown: The Musical,” senior Chris Gaertner said “working with the cast and production staff of Urinetown has been such a rewarding experience”.

“Every cast member and staff member brings something unique to the production and the dedication that

everyone has to the show is something that is very rarely found in the theater industry.”

Directed by Ph.D. Brett Johnson, Associate Professor of English, the audience can expect the same quality in all aspects of production that was found in last spring’s “Eurydice,” which yielded multiple Irene Ryan award nominees.

Freshman Bethany Sulecki said “I have never worked with a director of such caliber and he creates such a positive atmosphere! I love coming to rehearsal because of those reasons, and I enjoy the creative visions he has,” when asked about her experiences with Johnson.

This production is sure to excite audiences from the usual, avid theater-goer to those just becoming acquainted with theatre. With both an extremely well-written libretto and Johnson’s ability to create genuinely humorous staging, this production is high-energy fun from beginning to end.

Urinetown: The Musical runs Thursday, Oct. 24, through Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. with a matinée performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Ticket information can be found at miac.mercyhurst.edu or by calling the D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office at 824-3000.

Sami Rapp photo

Senior Mat Anderson (left) and senior Chris Gaertner (right) at the climax of the act one finale of “Urinetown.”

Contributed photo

“All Around Urinetown,” designed by junior Colin Kimball, won the competition for best “Urinetown” poster design.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 6

October 16, 2013

Eugene Onegin impresses audience

By Kayleigh Ferguson Staff writer

“Mariusz Kwiecien was convincingly youthful and compact as Onegin...in the final scene, Anna Netrebko was outstanding, at once impassioned and regal, every inch the princess that Tatiana has become.” Washington Post “Mr. Beczala’s muscular, youthful tenor voice is ideal for Lenski... Mr. Kwiecien’s singing is volatile and exciting...Mr. Gergiev knows the Tchaikovsky style like few other conductors.”

New York Times Of the many endearing, dramatic and timeless works of composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, his opera Eugen Onegin,

is renowned as the most sumptuous and sensual. Simulcasted live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York to the D’Angelo Performing Arts Center of Mercyhurst, the combined performances of Anna Netrebko and Mariusz Kwiecien (world-famous soprano and baritone respectively) was awe-inspiring to opera-goers and fans of the arts alike.

Set in late 19th century St. Petersburg, Eugene Onegin depicts the fateful romance between the innocent and shy country-raised Tatyana (Netrebko) and the worldly yet complacent wanderer, Onegin (Kwiecien).

Upon first meeting him, Tatyana falls head over heels for Onegin who, although he strongly adores her rejects her for fear of a boring marriage in

which he’d be forced to settle down. He leaves Tatyana alone and heartbroken.

That January, at Tatyana’s name day celebration, Onegin grows frustrated with not only the guests who insist on gossiping about him, but his good friend Lensky as well for bringing him along.

He chooses to dance with Tatyana’s sister, Olga, who happens to be Lensky’s fiancée. This eventually escalates into a duel between the former friends, resulting in Onegin killing Lensky.

Many years and adventures across Europe later, Onegin finds himself alone at a ball in St. Petersburg, wallowing over his lonely and empty life.

Then, by chance, he sees Tatyana, now a high-society, aristocratic beauty married to Prince Gremin.

Onegin makes a desperate attempt at persuading Tatyana to run away with him, pleading to her that he is madly and irrevocably in love with her; although she admits to having loved him all this time, Tatyana chooses to stay faithful to her husband and leaves Onegin as he had done to her: alone and heartbroken.

Conducted by Russian Maestro Valery Gergiev and under the direction of Fiona Shaw and Deborah Warner, Eugene Onegin is currently running in New York City as a co-production of the Metropolitan Opera and the English National Opera. The production is a gift of Ambassador and Mrs. Nicholas F. Taubman.

Surely, Yoo did not disappoint

By Jared Hancock Staff writer

Shirley Yoo, Ph.D., professor of piano for the D’Angelo School of Music, gave a recital in the Walker Recital Hall on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Students and faculty alike from within the music department and across the Mercyhurst community attended the performance, which was

met with much excitement and high expectations; all of which Yoo did not fail to disappoint.

The Washington Post has called Yoo a pianist with “extraordinary sensitivity and technical skill.”

She has performed all across the globe in halls from Mumbai, Seoul, Banff, Trento and London.

She has received first prize awards in competitions such as the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs, the

Monday, Dec. 6, 2013: Deadline for Submission

Thursday, May 1, 2013: The Lumen Reception

For more information contact:

Kenneth Schiff

Online

Email: kschiff@mercyhurst.edu Phone: (814) 824-2461

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

National Society of Arts and Letters and the National Chopin Competition. Yoo obtained her undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University and then went on to obtain her master of music degree on a fellowship at the University of Maryland.

She also studied post-grad at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and later received her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore.

Yoo’s recital featured a fantastic mix of music ranging from the Classical era to the 20th century. The program began with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Prelude and Fugue in E minor, op. 87, No. 4, followed by Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata in E Major, op. 109.

The second movement of the Beethoven was masterfully presented. The movement, “Prestissimo,” required speedy arppeggiation up and down the keyboard, and Yoo’s playing was spot on.

After intermission, the program continued with Oliver Messiaen’s Huit Préludes, followed by Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s Études-tableaux, op. 33 and Maurice Ravel’s Sonatine.

The part of Yoo’s recital that was of particular interest was the third movement of the Beethoven Sonata. Titled “Gesangvoll,” the third movement fea-

tures variations on the main theme of the entire piece, which is very unusual for a sonata (a musical form known to be more exclusive). Since the third movement takes the form of a theme and variations, it is slower than the rest of the piece.

Generally, the second movement of a sonata has a slower dance-like feel.

Since the more somber of the three falls at the end, the entire piece has the impression of two movements rather than three, which is innovative in both composition and performance.

Yoo’s recital is the second performance of the D’Angelo School’s Faculty Recital Series. The final recital of the fall term will feature Joseph Kneer, Ph.D., as violin soloist with Yoo accompanying on piano.

Other upcoming department performances include C Street Bass (Visiting Artists’ Series) on Monday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. and the Mercyhurst University Choir Concert on Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m., both held in walker Recital Hall.

The Mercyhurst Symphony Orchestra and Mercyhurst Wind Ensemble will also perform Nov. 23 and 24 respectively in the Performing Arts Center.

View upcoming performances: www.pac.mercyhurst.edu

Bitter Rivals’ mix a match made in heaven

By Zach Dorsch Managing editor

Sometimes people think of great ideas, like mixing chocolate and peanut butter. Sometimes people get really ambitious and mix things that will either turn out extremely well or horrible.

That is exactly what happened when Sleigh Bells members Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss decided to mix heavy metal and pop music. Luckily for them it came out to be a match made in heaven.

Now on their third album, Bitter Rivals, the group continues to expertly mix the two genres as they expand into new instrumental elements. Tracks like “Single Like A Wire” feature synths and tracks such as “Young Legends” offer some acoustic elements.

The major change about this album is that Krauss wrote all the lyrics this time around. Though most of the lyrics have the same sugar sweet, yet dark feel some songs like “Single Like A Wire” came out less then stellar.

This song feels like Miller was trying to make the Krauss’s lyrics fit with his instrumental work. This made the song end up feeling sloppy and disjointed.

Another new element to this album is the bubble gum pop feel on tracks like “You Don’t Get Me Twice” and “To Hell With You.” I am not sure if this change occurred because of Krauss’s writing style or that the band realized that her vocal range works very well with that genre, but I think it acts as a breath of fresh air from some of the bands heavier tracks.

I would say this album is defiantly a runner up to their sophomore release “Reign Of Terror,” though the band has a much more polished pop feel. I didn’t instantly fall in love with every single one of the songs instantly. Songs like “Single Like a Wire” left me unimpressed and questioning if Krauss should write for the band. Never the less this album is still worth a listen.

www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/arts_entertainment

Page 7

OPINION

October 16, 2013

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or Relay for Life successful the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

4-1-4 is disappointing

By Marcela Delgado Staff writer

As if the Mercyhurst website isn’t responsible enough for the enrollment rate being down, it was functioning even worse on Tuesday.

Alexis Plastow

With the transition to university status, Mercyhurst has faced many changes.

One of the biggest ones is the shift from trimester system to 4-1-4 semesters.

It has not been an easy transition, as it seems like we are having the same amount of work with multiple classes.

Contrary to what was expected, students seem not to be adapted to the new system. Students believed that by having longer terms, work was going to be distributed over the term and workload would be more reasonable.

Senior student Chelsee Cool said, “It feels like stressful for both students and teachers and we haven’t adjusted well to it.”

We are a step away from midterms, meaning that by this point we should be well adapted to the system and it should not feel as stressful, but it seems like it will take more than just the midterm to fully adapt to the new system.

The pace at which classes are going might be different than in a trimester system, but the fact that we have to manage more than three or four classes as it used to be makes it seem like there is no difference in the amount of work that is due for each class.

Egan’s silverware tub

Weirdest thing about the Gov. Ridge event last week was this sign, shown below, on the men’s room.

Was this an honor or insult?

Staff writer

I usually like to be a passive person.

I do not like to complain or cause a stir unless it’s defending Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones in an online chat room at 1 o’clock in the morning. Stop comparing it to the other Star Wars movies. Let it be its own thing.

However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Egan Dining Hall’s new dirty silverware tub, located next to the conveyor belt, is going to be permanent feature here at Mercyhurst.

I have found this to be distressing.

Do not misunderstand. Egan has been very good to me. The staff is always extremely kind and encouraging. The food is consistently good, fills me, and often goes through me like a wild stallion.

But after finishing a hearty meal, and walking to the accustomed dish conveyor belt, I am frightened by the prospect of placing my fork into a murky pool of my comrades’ saliva.

Online

What appeared to be a SWAT team busted a party Saturday night on East 38th Street.

Was it really necessary to bring in the heavy armor?

By Ryan Kushner

At first I thought I could grow to love it, as I’ve grown to love so many things at Egan, … such as corn fritters.

But sometimes when standing next to it, the grungy water splashes on my hand when people behind me place their spoons in too carelessly.

And in those moments I realize that I will always be at odds with this tub.

I do understand its purpose, for I am not a heartless man. I understand this mechanism makes it easier to keep track of forks, knives and spoons by keeping them all together for washing purposes.

I don’t want to make things harder for the good employees of Egan.

If keeping the silverware grouped together makes life easier, then of course I am all for it.

But Good Lord, there must be another way. I only hope that this is not a permanent solution, and that a saving idea will come to light that will benefit all parties, and rid us of this tub, that, in its short existence, has already grown to encompass all of my childhood fears in one curious plastic bowl.

Read more at merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.

Editors Mathew Anderson Zach Dorsch Juan Mendez Daniel Tarr Samantha Bante Garrett Erwin Leann Krysiak Nicole Lawrence Sami Rapp Ethan Johns Will DeFeo Bill Welch

@mercyhurst.edu Positions editormerciad Editor-in-Chief managingmerciad Managing Editor newsmerciad News Editor featuremerciad Features Editor sportsmerciad Sports Editor entertainmentmerciad A&E Editor copymerciad Copy Editor photomerciad Graphics photomerciad Photo Editor ejohns89 Web Editor admerciad Ad Manager wwelch Adviser

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

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SPORTS

Page 8

October 16, 2013 September 3, 2008

Football scores most points in 25 years

By Samantha Bante Sports editor

The Mercyhurst men’s football team was off to a rocky start, losing three out of the first four games of the season. But shutting out their last two opponents, it is clear that the Lakers have picked up momentum and are looking to keep it going through the rest of the season.

With a 63-14 win over Cheyney on Oct. 5, the Lakers scored the most points on their team in 25 years, making the game unforgettable.

During Saturday’s contest against the Wolves, Mercyhurst spread the ball around on offense, scoring four times on the ground and five times through the air.

Touchdowns were made by sophomore wide receiver Jaquan Williams, junior transfer Marcus Snipes, redshirt sophomore T.J. Latimer, junior Pat Barry, freshman Drew Robinson and senior fullback Jeff Groene.

Redshirt senior Anthony Vendemia leads the team, completing 13-of-16 for 221 yards and four touchdowns.

Also, he became the third quarterback

Ed Mailliard photo

Sophomore wide receiver Jaquan Williams set career highs in receptions (7) and receiving yards (123) on Saturday. The Lakers play their Gannon rival this Thursday, Oct. 17. in program history to throw for 4,000 yards in his career. Redshirt junior Alec Swartz came on in relief and completed all four of his pass attempts for 55 yards and his first collegiate touchdown pass and also ran his first collegiate rushing touchdown.

Vendemia was able to capture the

Corvias ECAC Division II Offensive Player of the Week after his performance against Cheyney during the homecoming game.

“Being named ECAC offensive player of the week was an honor. Anytime I get an award it’s a good feeling, but the credit goes to my wide receiv-

ers and O-line. Jaquan Williams and Marcus Snipes did a great job making it easy for me,” Vendemia said.

The Lakers then dropped at least 50 points on this past Saturday afternoon against Seton Hill with a score of 50-19 from Offutt Field to reach another successful victory. It was Mer-

cyhurst’s first conference win of the season as the Lakers improved to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the PSAC Western Division.

Starting in place of an injured Vendemia for the first time in his career, redshirt junior quarterback Alec Swartz completed 12 of 16 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns.

When asked about how the team is doing so far, Vendemia said, “I feel like we have missed a couple opportunities early in the season, but I still feel like we have played some good football.

Every week we are getting better and better. Hopefully, we can continue it and go on a streak. We have the talent to do so.”

After scoring a total of 113 points within the past two victories, it marks the second-highest total in school history. In 1985 Lakers scored 127 points in a two-game span with a 45-7 win at Brockport State and an 82-0 win over Niagara the following week.

“The biggest goal for us at this point is simply to play to our ability from here on out. We want to play each game with passion. If we do that then the wins will come. Right now our goal is on beating Gannon,” Vendemia said.

Women’s volleyball has powerful season

By Katherine Donohue Staff writer

Online

The Mercyhurst women’s volleyball team won three out of four scores to power themselves to a win against Edinboro last Saturday.

Sophomore Lexi Stefanov marked her personal, career high 19 points to aid the Lakers’ victory versus the challenging PSAC opponent.

She received 17 kills and four block assists.“It felt great. I was just so happy that I could help our team get the win versus a strong team in our conference,” Stefanov said.

Other players who made a big contribution to the win were Sara Wegrzyn (15.5 points) Kelly Vitt (30 assists), and

Nicole Texido (12 digs).

“We played very well together as a team and we were very focused and unified heading into the match, as well as during the match. We played with great energy and team chemistry,” Stefanov said.

These were a few of the team’s leaders during the match but the combined team effort was still noticeable. “I really think each player focused on her specific role so we were able to execute against a really good team. We fought hard,” Stefanov said.

Something to think about for the on-court success, with a current record of 13-6, is the women’s preparation they’ve gone through for this season.

“This season we have worked really hard in and out of the gym...worked

Want to get paid for watching MU sports?

hard in our off-season and our pre-season to get stronger and build team chemistry,” Stefanov said.

“We’ve talked as a team about our goals for the season and we work on executing each of those goals every day in practice. We’ve also been focusing a lot on connecting as a team and bonding off the court, which I think has helped us a lot.”

“We see ourselves being very successful as long as we continue to work hard and play as a team. We need to stay motivated and focused on our goals of getting better everyday. We are just going to continue to work hard and move forward one game at a time.”

The Lakers know they’ve been doing well but look forward to keeping up the hard work.

Salina Bowe photo

The Lakers’ next home game will be against Shippensburg University on Friday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m.

Email sportsmerciad @mercyhurst.edu for more info!

www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/sports