The Northerner | Ed. 64 Issue 4 by thenortherner.com

NKU helps fight opioid addiction Kentucky is fifth in the country for highest rates of preventable deaths story page 6

Norse leave D.C Invitational 2-1 page 8

Edition 64, Issue 4 Wednesday, September 11, 2019

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A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

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HOW THESE OFFICERS APPROACH THE FIELD

see story on page 4 and 5

02 Happenings

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

NORTHERNER STAFF

WWW.THENORTHERNER.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Natalie Hamren [hamrenn1@mymail.nku.edu] MANAGING EDITOR Josh Kelly [kellyjoshua17@gmail.com] NEWS EDITOR, DESIGN EDITOR Billy Keeney [keeneyw1@mymail.nku.edu] NEWS EDITOR Josh Goad [goadj2@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. NEWS EDITOR Noelle Horn [hornn3@mymail.nku.edu] ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Kane Mitten [mittenm1@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Corinne Byrne [corinnefaith217@gmail.com] SPORTS EDITOR Sierra Newton [sflnewton@gmail.com] COPY EDITOR Noël Waltz [hailee.waltz@gmail.com] PHOTO EDITOR Colin Johnson [johnsonphotography6626@gmail.com] ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Maya Shaffer [mayakat1998@gmail.com] VIDEO EDITOR Abby Behrens [behrensm1@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Megan Mixon [mixonm1@mymail.nku.edu] DESIGN EDITOR Kamryn Spence [spencek2@mymail.nku.edu] WEB EDITOR Laine Harrett [nicholasharrett25@gmail.com] ASST. WEB EDITOR Sean Gibson [seanpgib@gmail.com] SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Kate Fulmer [fulmerk1@mymail.nku.edu] BUSINESS Samantha Brown [northerneradvertising@gmail.com] ADVISOR Michele Day [daymi@nku.edu]

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WHAT TO DO Check out the hottest campus happenings and can’t-miss events in Greater Cincinnati.

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RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY CONCERT | MUSIC HALL | $25 | 8:00 P.M. FRI & SAT, 2:00 P.M. SUN Angelica! Renée Elise Goldsberry will be at the Music Hall to join the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to perform Broadway hits as part of the Pops Friday. Songs will include “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry & the Pacemakers, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel and “The Schuyler Sisters” from the Tony-award winning musical “Hamilton”, where she won a Tony for her role as Angelica Schuyler. CINCINNATI MOON FESTIVAL | FOUNTAIN SQUARE | FREE | 3:00 - 8:00 P.M. Under Saturday’s full moon, you can take part in learning and celebrating Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. The festival is thrown by Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association as a plan to showcase the city as a multicultural destination. At the festival, there will be interactive activities, authentic Chinese food vendors, mooncake sampling and performances presented by Chinese artists. FALL BONSAI SHOW | KROHN CONSERVATORY | PRICE VARIES | 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. In addition to the regular trees on display, members of Cincinnati’s Bonsai Society will have a plethora of bonsai trees and more fall colors. Along with the trees, experts will be there to discuss how to take care of the green treasures. BLINK-182 AND LIL WAYNE | RIVERBEND MUSIC CENTER | START AT $37.50 | 7:00 P.M. You might’ve read this title and thought there was a typo. But, no, the iconic rock band blink-182 and the most influential rapper of the last decade Lil Wayne really are performing together on the Riverbend music stage Monday night. (There’s even an official ‘What’s My Age Again?’/’A Milli’ mashup music video on YouTube right now, in case you’re still in disbelief ). This performance is on the last leg of the tour, as the tour will be closing in Columbus on Oct. 22. Be sure to grab tickets now, or you’ll blink and miss this not-so-lil show.

What you missed at SGA Sept. 9

Noelle Horn

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Student Government Association’s meeting began with the swearing-in of five new freshman senators. The senators were announced at SGA’s student union offices Friday night with an increased voter turnout of 220%, according to President Jarett Lopez. The winners of the election are Cedric Evans, Hannah Miller, Katelyn Estes, Stephen Cordle and Hanson Nguyen. Evans, political science major, said he wants to be the voice for the voiceless. Miller said she hopes to be a liaison for the freshman and make sure that bills are benefiting all students. “I definitely want to be a voice for those people and get their fresh ideas into SGA,” Miller said. Nguyen, said he wants to represent minority students like himself and be a leader for others. Estes, general business major, said she wants to be a voice for not only freshmen on campus but all students. “I want them to know that their voice is always heard and that I’m always there for them, no matter

what they need,” Estes said. Cordle, political science major, said he wants to “make everyone feel like they have a voice” and that they can enact some positive change. After the senators were sworn in, Lopez welcomed them to SGA and commended their initiative. Vice President Shelby Sandford noted that SGA now has a majority female senate. Lopez introduced the appointments for upperclassmen senators. The appointees are Abigail Slusher, Cameron Scaringi, Carlos Guadamuz Morales, Josephine Baker, Molly Payne, Olivia Barrell, Onyinyechi Okorie and Will Jones. The floor was then opened to questions for the appointees before going into executive session—after the appointees was sworn in.

Student Government Assocation meets at 3:30 p.m. Mondays in SU 104.

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Entire content is copyright of The Northerner and may not be reprinted without prior consent. Views expressed do not represent those of the administration, faculty or student body. The Northerner is considered a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The Northerner staff respects the right to a free and open dialogue as allowed under the First Amendment.

CONTACT US The Northerner Griffin Hall Rm. 125 Highland Heights, KY 41099 Editor-in-Chief: (859) 572-5732 Advertising: (859) 572-6677

SGA senators sworn in by Chief Justice Noah Cullen. COVER PHOTO BY MAYA SHAFFER. SGA PHOTO BY BILLY KEENEY.

Ed 64, Issue 4

Viewpoints 03

Fall fashion on a budget

Kane Mitten and Corinne Byrne

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR, ASSISTANT ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

Women

Men

Target denim trucker jacket

Uniqlo Washed Jersey Work Jacket

A necessary staple in anyone’s closet, this denim jacket from Target will keep you cool, even if September isn’t. ($32.49)

Only paying $40 for a jacket this cool should be criminal. Uniqlo, a Japanese seller of high-quality yet inexpensive clothing, almost never misses the mark. This jacket is the perfect example of why every college student should pay more attention to this quickly-growing retailer. ($39.90)

Queen: A Day At the Races T-shirt Fall in love with your favorite bands all over again while repping them on a t-shirt. Check out this Queen top from Hot Topic—tuck it, tie it or crop it for a fresh look. Yes, this is from Hot Topic. No, we never grew out of our emo phase. ($19.92)

Uniqlo U T-Shirt

H&M Knit stand-up collar sweater Don’t sacrifice the look just because it’s still hot out. Pair this sweater from H&M with denim shorts or a miniskirt so you can pretend it’s sweater weather without the sweat. ($24.99) ASOS Ponte flare pants You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only… $20 for these bell bottoms from ASOS. Here’s your chance to fit the fall aesthetic and stay on a budget. Finish the look with a crop top and platform shoes and you’ll be dancing across campus in no time. ($20) H&M Short jersey dress This basic strappy dress from H&M can spice up your fall look, paired with a long sleeve underneath and platform boots. Basic never looked so chic. ($12.90) American Eagle Stretch mom jeans Two words: mom jeans. Light wash, dark wash, distressed or not, you can never go wrong with the vintage look. Instead of stealing your mom’s, head back to American Eagle for various looks, sales and a recycling opportunity. Trade in an old pair of jeans for $10 off your new ones. Struggling

ILLUSTRATION BY KAMRYN SPENCE

Plenty of guys don’t even realize that having a well-designed t-shirt that fits perfectly and keeps the body cool or warm (depending on the weather) can be life-changing. Yes, Uniqlo was just mentioned above. But there’s not a better option around for this price point—especially considering this extremely comfortable, stylish tee is often discounted to $8. Put those t-shirts you bought at the mall in storage and go cop one of these. You’ll probably want to order six more as soon as you put it on. ($14.90)

with what to wear with your new pair of mom jeans? Cardigans, crop tops, Thrifted sweater turtlenecks, sweaters, graphic tees, bell sleeves, tank tops—the list may Go into any thrift store and you’ll be endless, even if your bank account find a super comfortable, solid-color isn’t. ($37.46) sweater for about $3. It doesn’t even matter if it’s two sizes too big—overAE Plaid button down mini skirt sized clothing is in right now, anyway. Plaid has always been associated Rolling out of bed and going to class with fall and school. Keep the trend in a sweater and track pants is blissfresh by adding a graphic tee, a long ful, and is totally something every sleeve top, a pair of Dr. Martens or college student should experience at thigh high boots. Oh, and did we least once. Plus, every time you buy mention this one is currently on sale second-hand clothing, you’re reducat American Eagle? Your closet and ing waste and pollution in the enviyour bank account will thank you. ronment. It’s a win-win for everyone. ($17.47) Levi’s 511 jeans 1460 Smooth Dr. Martens Why mess with a classic? The Levi’s brand name is synonymous with So, these may not be too broke-college-student friendly. But Dr. Martens American culture at this point, for are a classic style that can make any good reason. One pair of Levi’s could outfit just a bit edgier. $140 seems like last you a lifetime, and they’re often a lot at first glance, but as long as you available much cheaper at every detake care of them, these Dr. Martens partment store in the area. Just make sure to stay away from bootcut or will outlive you. ($140)

straight-fit jeans unless you’re trying to look like a 40-year-old dad. The 511 cut is your best bet. ($69) 484 Slim-fit chino J. Crew has been turning out decent quality garments at affordable prices for years now, and they’re almost always having a sale online due to how badly mall stores are struggling nowadays. If they’re not having a sale, check back literally the next day— odds are high there will be discounts. Last week, the site had chinos in various colors for prices starting from $9. Don’t let that $52 tag scare you off; if you paid full price for something at J. Crew, you paid too much. ($52) Adidas Gazelles Some people say you’re not supposed to wear white after Labor Day, or that white shoes stay in the closet after summer. Those people are very wrong. White sneakers go with any outfit, in any season, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper, better looking option than this modern classic of a trainer from Adidas. ($56) Carhartt beanie The Carhartt watch beanie is an American icon, plain and simple. In the wintertime, it’s impossible not to see at least three of these protecting wearers’ ears on any given day. The thick, rough fabric is surprisingly comfortable on your head, and it’s available in over 40 colors from black to traffic-cone orange. The best part? They can be had for just under $15 on Amazon. ($14.90)

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY WITH LINKS TO THE ITEMS AT THENORTHERNER.COM @northernermedia

NKU’s newest police officers 04 News

05 News

Noelle Horn

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

NKU’s police department has recently hired three female officers, making it the first time the department has had three female officers at one time. This camaraderie is new and exciting, said community resource officer Autumn Ruehl, who spent most of her career as the only female. Law enforcement runs in the family for Ruehl, community resource officer, with her father being an officer. Ruehl said her original plan was to become a park ranger, but she settled for going camping on her days off instead. Ruehl worked at Kenton County Sheriff ’s Office for 13 years and Lakeside Park Crestview Hills for two and a half years before being recommended to apply to work at NKU by her friend of 16 years, and fellow officer, Heather Mitchell. Patrol Officer Mitchell has been with NKU since February, but in the field for 21 years. After meeting her husband at the police academy, she moved from Henderson, Kentucky to the Northern Kentucky area and worked in Butler, Kentucky briefly, but spent most of career at Taylor Mill, Kentucky. Mitchell said law enforcement was a natural career choice for her. “Being in law enforcement was something that always was interesting to me growing up,” Mitchell said. “I’ve

always been the one to kind of stick up for the little dog and be a protector.” Officer Recruit Ford is new to this field, having not gone to the academy yet. After working at the Campbell County jail for two and a half years, Ford was looking for a job with a more positive atmosphere. “It’s interesting; it’s exciting. I feel like this was the career choice for me,” Ford said. Mitchell and Ruehl both agreed that university policing is very different than city policing. Ruehl said rather than looking for a bad guy, the focus is giving students a good experience and improving their interactions with law enforcement. At her previous agency in Taylor Mill, Mitchell worked as a school resource officer for five years. Mitchell said working with the youth was something she loved and now misses. “I loved working with the students ... building a rapport with the younger generation,” Mitchell said. “Getting them to see that cops are human too, that you don’t have to be scared of us— we’re good, decent people.” While Ford does not have experience in city policing, she said one thing about NKU that differs from her previous job is the diversity of the people she is working with. Mitchell said that the mix of people and personalities was also very appealing to her.

Officer Recruit Amber Ford.

Community resource officer Autumn Ruehl.

Law enforcement is historically a maledominated field. According to a 2017 report by the FBI, 12.8% of officers are female. When Ruehl was pregnant with her first child, she said there was no policy or plan—it was her responsibility to figure out one. Ruehl said it was a gray area for all involved. Mitchell shared a similar experience while planning to have her second daughter. Mitchell had gone to her chief ahead of time, but being a 10-man agency, she was aware of the burden her absence may put on them. Mitchell wanted to work the road as long as possible, and did until she was five

or six months pregnant, but said it was challenging to navigate the best plan for both her and her agency. “I would say that it’s probably one of the more challenging things for an agency and the female officers, finding that balance,” Mitchell said. Another challenge came in the form of difficult coworkers, something all three women had experience with. Ruehl shared an experience she had near the beginning of her career while working at the same agency as her father. “I worked with a very difficult coworker who did not want me there. First off, my dad worked there. Second off, I was a female,” Ruehl said, “He just thought

“We’re not here to penalize people, that’s not any of our spirits. We’re here to educate. We’re here for safety,” Community resource officer Autumn Ruehl said. “I don’t want there to be any fear or nervousness when we’re around. We are literally here for your benefit. We’re not here to get you.”

I must be the most spoiled. Everyone’s gonna cater to me.” Mitchell said another challenge female officers face is feeling the need to prove themselves more than their male counterparts, especially early in their careers. Mitchell said this can make female officers put themselves in dangerous situations out of the need to prove themselves. In her case, she would often not request backup when she would go to alarm drops—scenes where automatic alarms have been triggered—as most of them were false alarms. But these alarms had a very real possibility of being serious situations at any time. “I got to thinking about it after a while, I’m like ‘the guys call for backup.’ Why should I have to feel any differently?” Mitchell said. Female officers do bring another perspective into a situation, Mitchell and Ruehl said. Ruehl said female officers usually have a strength in “softer skills.” For example, de-escalation. “Having that nurturing, motherly—kind of—feel about us. People do tend to open up to us sometimes a little more,” Ruehl said. Mitchell said often on domestic violence scenes, men would be more likely to speak to her then a male officer. Mitchell would find herself having a situation handled, but just the presence of another male officer on the scene could sometimes cause the other male to “explode.” “I think that women tend to have better communication skills and not always, but we can talk people down,” Mitchell said. Ford, Mitchell and Ruehl recalled some of the rewarding experiences in their career. For Mitchell, her most rewarding experiences came while working as a resource officer at Scott High School and Woodland Middle School. “My most rewarding [experience] is just working with the youth and building a rapport and basically watching them grow up into good citizens,” Mitchell said. Ruehl is a self-defense instructor and said the change in women’s demeanor before and after the class is the most rewarding for her. “I think that’s definitely my most rewarding [experience] is seeing women come in at the beginning of classes, shy and quiet and just nervous and think ‘Why did I sign up for this?’” Ruehl said. “And then by the end of the week, they’re loudmouth, ready to fight. They’re just ready to show all the skills they learned to

see the confidence when they leave on that last night.” Ford is new to her career in law enforcement and doesn’t have much experience yet, but said during her time working at the Campbell County Jail, some of her talks with inmates were rewarding. “You got all different kinds of people coming in and a lot of them don’t have places to go. They haven’t had a very good lifestyle,” Ford said. “Just by sitting down and then talking to you, talking about different paths in life and stuff, they felt okay, they felt like … they’re going to get out, they’re going to do better.” While being in law enforcement does take up most of their time, all three women have hobbies and de-stressors outside of work. Ruehl has three children—an eight-yearold boy, a six-year-old boy and a threeyear-old girl. Ruehl also enjoys staying active by cycling and running. “We are very involved in our church and we’re very involved in Cub Scouts,” Ruehl added. Ford is not married and does not have any kids, unless you count her three dogs—a German shepherd-Labrador retriever mix, a labradoodle and another little dog that belongs to her girlfriend. Ford also stays active and enjoys kayaking and hanging out with friends, as well as taking her niece and nephew to their favorite place, Chuck E. Cheese’s. “I’m always doing something and never just sitting around at home,” Ford said. Mitchell has two daughters—one is a junior in high school, and the other is a college student at the University of Louisville. Between taking their high school daughter to her club volleyball games, Mitchell and her husband, a fellow police officer, spend a day—or two—off visiting their daughter in Louisville. As for her future, Mitchell has one thing to look forward to. “And looking forward to retirement here in a year or so … we’ll see,” she said, as Ford and Mitchell voiced their protest.

“Everyone has a heart, everyone has a soul, so you got to take that into perspective,” Officer Recruit Amber Ford said.

Patrol Officer Heather Mitchell.

PHOTOS BY MAYA SHAFFER

NKU’s newest police officers 04 News

05 News

Noelle Horn

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Officer Recruit Amber Ford.

Community resource officer Autumn Ruehl.

“Everyone has a heart, everyone has a soul, so you got to take that into perspective,” Officer Recruit Amber Ford said.

Patrol Officer Heather Mitchell.

PHOTOS BY MAYA SHAFFER

06 News

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

NKU helps fight opioid addiction in Owen County Rachel Smith REPORTER

NKU will extend its intervention in Owen County, Kentucky for opioid substance abuse following the allocation of $1.8 million in federal grants, according to Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) officials. The grants were awarded as part of the federal government’s aim toward easier access to health services in rural communities. With this extension, the university’s work, which began last November, will continue for three more years. While the opioid epidemic has spread throughout the U.S., Kentucky has been one of the states hit hardest. According to a 2019 study conducted by the National Safety Council, Kentucky ranks fifth in states with the highest rate of preventable deaths, the leading cause being officially labeled as poisoning—which is comprised mostly of overdoses. “When you look at the pattern of overdoses and deaths of people struggling with substance abuse disorder, we are at the epicenter of it,” St. Elizabeth Healthcare executive director of IHI Valerie Hardcastle said. Hardcastle, who has spearheaded NKU’s response to the opioid crisis since its inception in 2018, said the state is a high-risk area due to its large blue-collar workforce and ease of access to heroin. According to Hardcastle, people with jobs that involve physical labor are more likely to be prescribed pain relievers, an opioid that—if overprescribed and abused—is known as a gateway drug to harder substances like heroin. “It’s a perfect storm,” Hardcastle said. “The ease to get heroin here is combined with this huge push to prescribe opioids for chronic pain from that type of labor.” NKU social work lecturer David Wilkerson has studied the opioid epidemic since the early 2000s, and he said that while the crisis is now being painted as a sudden influx of heroin, it was an issue with a different portrait 20 years ago. “It was a quiet issue for a long time,” Wilkerson said. “Pain pills aren’t as sexy as heroin. They don’t grab

“It was a quiet issue for a long time,” Wilkerson said. “Pain pills aren’t as sexy as heroin.”

headlines. So, we didn’t know doctors were over-prescribing until years later.” Hardcastle said the government eventually recognized the pain medicine addiction crisis around 10 years ago and made strides to resolve the over-prescribing. She said, “So then they cut off that spigot—but that doesn’t solve the problem.” According to Wilkerson, once you become addicted, the form of the drug becomes inconsequential. What was formerly found at the bottom of a pill bottle was soon rediscovered at the razor edge of a needle. With the additional federal funding, Hardcastle said NKU will be focused on prevention and early intervention. For Owen County specifically, she said, that means beginning with the county’s youth. “Historically, when people show up in the ER with an overdose, it doesn’t happen when they first started taking the drug. It happens 10 years down the line. So, usually, people in their 40s or 50s would show up, and that tells us they started using in their early 30s,” Hardcastle said. “Now, when you look at the statistics in Owen County, people are showing up in the ER at 30. That tells you they’re starting in school.” According to Hardcastle, the opioid epidemic is targeting Owen County’s “disconnected youth,” young adults between the ages of 16 and 21 that have minimal employment or educational structure. It’s a demographic in Owen County that was the prime focus for the IHI last year. As part of his grant fulfillment this past year, Wilkerson provided Owen County High School faculty with training on how to conduct universal health screenings among students

DATA SOURCED FROM CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. GRAPH BY BILLY KEENEY

to identify those at higher risk of substance abuse. “Rather than waiting for people getting caught with heroin, it’s looking at people who are maybe using too much alcohol,” Wilkerson said. “And, then, depending on the screening, there would be a brief intervention.” With the extension in funding, Wilkerson said he plans on expanding the training outside of the high school to also encompass community health professionals in Owen County. As Wilkerson focuses on prevention and early intervention, assistant professor of social work Dr. Suk-hee Kim is currently working on a plan to reduce the number of overdosing deaths in the county. Because Owen County does not have an incounty hospital, Kim has devised an expansion plan for a local Quick Response Team that will provide emergency assistance in the aftermath of an overdose. “Owen County is a big county with a lack of resources,” Kim said. “NKU has a lot of resources, so we have the capability of helping our community’s needs. That doesn’t mean we have all

“This is a community’s agony,” Kim said. “It is not your problem. It’s our problem.”

the answers, but a collaboration is very critical in overcoming this issue.” Because a facet of the funding aims to expand the health services workforce, Hardcastle said she is also planning on designing a career path for those looking to provide health services and resources for addiction. According to Hardcastle, IHI will convert the 40-hour in-person training to become a peer support specialist—currently only based in Covington—to an online or hybrid course that will allow easier enrollment to those throughout Kentucky. She said IHI is also interested in allowing students to turn that program into college credits. “Our goal is to make this more of a career path, so that if they run those credits through NKU, they can put it towards a counseling degree,” she said. But while NKU prolongs its involvement for three more years, Hardcastle is quick to note that a change in the culture takes time. “The percentage of people dying from overdosing, state-wise, has gone down,” she said. “It has went up in Owen County. At this point, we’re just trying to keep people from dying.” According to Kim, it is when neighboring communities are in moments of dire need that collaboration and support is needed the most. “This is a community’s agony,” Kim said. “It is not your problem. It’s our problem.”

Ed 64, Issue 4

Arts & Life 07

Norse & Dragons takes students on an adventure

Raven McNeal

PHOTO BY RAVEN MCNEAL

CONTRIBUTOR

Every Friday, deep in Founder’s Hall, a group of students join together to create stories of fantastic quests, treasure, deadly foes, rescue and more. These students, as part of Norse & Dragons, have found a way to creatively represent themselves in one of the most overlooked mediums for expression: tabletop gaming. Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game that allows players to curate their most engaging stories, and NKU students have found a home by playing D&D on campus. Norse & Dragons is a club for NKU students to get together and express their love for the storytelling and fantasy tabletop game. The current president of Norse & Dragons Dylan Blades, has a special connection with D&D. “There is just a freedom you don’t get AD SPACE

in any other games. It is just as much about interacting with people as it is about the game itself,” Blades said. Norse & Dragons has helped many students feel as if they are a part of a community that is deeper than just the game. Club member Taylor House really enjoys the aspect of improvised and prepared stories that help spark creativity. “It can be hard for me to express myself creatively everyday, even as an art major. Norse & Dragons helps me by giving me books of stories to help me create my own ideas,” House said. Secretary Adam Decker views Norse & Dragons as an incredible outlet for students that can’t necessarily express themselves elsewhere. “It is the greatest game ever created … everyone should play at least once,” Decker said.

Decker has a strong passion for D&D because it is completely different from any other game. “The way that the game plays out is so different from anything else and it’s an experience,” Decker said. The club’s public relations representative, Birdy Baker said being a part of the group has improved their time on campus immensely. Baker struggles with anxiety and talking to people, but Norse & Dragons has helped them to communicate and build relationships with people who have similar interests. Many freshmen have already joined the organization and found a home on campus. Freshman Andrew Horning has recently gained interest in D&D and he has enjoyed the social experience that comes with the game. “I already have a group that meets

outside of this session,” Horning said. Horning feels that D&D has a specific type of experience that has something to offer for anyone who decides to play. If the members of Norse & Dragons asks that the community take anything from their presence on campus, it would be that it is worth trying and immersing yourself into, even if it’s not something that sticks. Norse & Dragons meets Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Business Center Room 110, and plays D&D in Founders Hall room 259 on Fridays. Anyone is welcome to attend, and no prior knowledge of D&D is required. @northernermedia ADVERTISEMENT

08 Sports

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Norse leave D.C. Invitational 2-1

Sierra Newton SPORTS EDITOR

Over the weekend, the Norse traveled to Washington, D.C. to play in the Bulldog Invitational hosted by Georgetown University Hoyas. The Norse faced the American East Conference’s Stony Brook University, who were projected to be the champions of their conference in a preseason poll, the #6 ranked Big East Conference Georgetown University and Marshall University, ranked #8 in Conference USA. Game One vs Stony Brook University The Norse started the first set with a strong lead of 8-3 with back-to-back kills from freshman middle blocker Abby Kanakry. The Stony Brook Seawolves were able to tie the game 11-11. The Norse continued to fight off the Seawolves, and eventually went on to hold three set points before putting the frame away on kills from sophomore utility player Anna Brinkmann and senior outside hotter Laura Crawford. NKU started off the second set with a lead of 9-3, followed by another run of 8-2. The Norse remain in the lead putting away 10 kills with no errors. The Norse won the set 25-9, which is the first time NKU has held an opponent to under 10 points since Nov. 10, 2018 against Oakland. The final set started with Stony Brook maintaining the lead, until NKU put together a seven point run. The teams continued to go point-forpoint, but NKU was able to hold the Seawolves off. Brinkmann and Crawford had 10 kills each and senior setter Shelby Olsen had 15 assists and recorded a match high of three aces. Game Two vs Georgetown University The first set started in Georgetown’s favor with a 6-2 lead. The Norse managed to fight back and tie it up 7-7. After several errors from the Norse, the Hoyas stretched the lead to 22-17, then the Norse tied the game back 2323 after back-to-back hitting errors by Georgetown’s outside hitter—but the Hoyas were able to pull off the win of the first set. The Norse bounced back in the sec-

ond set starting with a 6-0 run. At the end of the frame, Georgetown made a run coming within four points of the Norse 20-16. Kanakry answered backto-back kills and Brinkmann closed out the frame with three serves—the last ending in a game winning ace. The third set started as a 10-10 tie. The Norse then pulled ahead with a 17-11 lead and didn’t let the Hoyas within six points. In the first half of the fourth set, the Norse led during the first half, but Georgetown was able to make a six point run bringing the score to 20-16. The Norse took the lead back to tie it up at 21-21. The Hoyas committed six straight errors, and the last came from a stuff block from junior middle blocker Bailey Western and Kanakry. Four Norse recorded double-doubles. Brinkmann had 14 kills and 15 digs for her career sixth double-double. Crawford recorded 12 kills and 15 digs for her third double-double of the year. Olsen had 24 assists and 11 digs in her 38th career double-double. For her career 18th double-double, senior setter/rightside Miranda Wucherer had 21 assists and 15 digs. Game Three vs Marshall The Norse weren’t able to get a good start against Marshall. The Heard went on a 10-0 run and continued extending the lead to 16-5. The Norse weren’t able to close the gap ending the set 2514. NKU continued to struggle, ending the set with a .161 hitting percentage compared to Marshall’s .357. The final set of the tournament, the Norse committed 11 errors in the final frame. The Norse were able to get within two points 20-18, but the Heard knocked out five points in a row to end the match. Junior libero/defensive specialist Ashton Terrill ended the match with a record match high of 14 digs. Brinkmann and Kanakry were named to the all-tournament team. The Norse will open up the home slate this weekend with the NKU Invitational at Regents Hall. Their first game of the weekend will be against Ball State on Friday, Sept. 13. The match is set for 6 p.m.

PHOTO BY COLIN JOHNSON