The Villanovan | Volume 112, Issue 1: Wednesday April 14, 2021

WEDNESDAY APRIL 14, 2021 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916

VOLUME 112 | ISSUE 11

Unjust Police Shooting in Minnesota

Villanova Secures Vaccines for Faculty, Staff and Students

Cate McCusker Co-Editor in Chief

This Sunday, April 11, 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot and killed

by Minneapolis police officer Kim Potter, who resigned Tuesday along with Chief of Police Tim Gannon. Brooklyn Center’s City Manager, Curt Boganey, was also fired following the fatal shooting, according to CNN.

On Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Potter, along with two other officers, stopped Wright for expired license plates. After asking for identification, they found he had an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor and attempted to take him into custody.

“The video clip shows Wright slipping from an officer’s grip and returning to his car. That’s when Potter pulls out her gun and yells, ‘I’ll Tase you!’ and then ‘Taser! Taser! Taser!’ before firing. Seconds later, Potter yells, ‘Holy s---, I shot him,’ apparently realizing that she had fired her pistol instead of her Taser. Wright drove a couple of blocks before crashing into another vehicle, police said, and was pronounced dead at the scene,” an article by the Washington Post explained.

According to the Associated Press, protests began within hours of the shooting.

The community is still reeling and enraged by the death of George Floyd, whose killer, Derek Chauvin, is currently being tried about 10 miles away. City officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul have invoked a curfew of 10 p.m. starting Tuesday evening, in preparation of continued protests.

Mayor Mike Elliott underscored the protesters’ calls for justice, saying “We have to make sure that justice is served, justice is done.

Daunte Wright deserves that.

His family deserves that.”

The University has been able to secure a limited number of vaccines through the Rite Aid pharmacy vaccination program.

Courtesy of Villanova University

able to the University and on Monday afternoon, Villanova students were notified that they too could receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

“Villanova is pleased to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to our community members through a partnership with Rite Aid pharmacy taking place on Friday, April 16, at the Finneran Pavilion,” the email sent to the community on Monday afternoon said.

Students now have the opportunity to register to receive the two dose Moderna vaccine on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will close on Wednesday evening in order for the University to determine if there are vaccines available for additional community members.

Although many

students are excited to receive the vaccine, anyone who receives the vaccine through the University on Friday must also be on-campus to receive the second dose on Tuesday, May 18. Graduating seniors participating in Commencement can remain on campus to receive the second dose, but the rest of the community has to move out of residence halls before noon on Wednesday, May 12.

This is difficult for students who live far away and cannot return to campus a week after the end of the semester. Additionally, students cannot receive the first dose of the vaccine on campus and then the second dose at home, as the email clarified that “Rite Aid has informed us that individuals will not be able to schedule an

alternate date or location for the second dose.”

“We really wish that we had received the opportunity to offer vaccines sooner, and we also appreciate that only yesterday Pennsylvania opened up the vaccine to all adults, including those of college-age, as of today, April 13” Byrnes said in an email to The Villanovan. “Having gotten access only this week to vaccines that we could make available to students, and having only a limited supply, we realize that not everyone will be able to take advantage of this vaccine clinic – whether because they cannot return to campus on May 18 or because we do not have a sufficient supply to accommodate everyone who may be interested in receiving

Monday night, as both Gillespie and Samuels will be back for their “super senior” fifth year.

Gillespie announced the decision with a post on Twitter, tweeting “Since

Villanova announced Monday evening that both Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels will take advantage of an NCAA waiver to obtain an extra year of eligibility, and will return for the 20212022 basketball season.

Due to COVID-19, the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to all fall

and winter athletes competing in the 2020-21 school year. It seemed unlikely that any members of the Villanova basketball team would take advantage of the extra year, but when Gillespie came down awkwardly after getting his leg tangled up with a Creighton player on Senior Night, questions began to swirl, especially when he was diagnosed with a season-ending tear to his MCL. These questions were answered

Students Petition to Replace Phone System p. 2

New Student Government Officers are Sworn In p. 3

The Filibuster Has Broken Congress: It’s Time to End It p. 4

The Problem With Red-Flag Laws and Preventing Violence p. 5

ACV Brings African and Caribbean Fashion to Villanova p. 6

‘Fearless - Taylor’s Version’ Release, Swift Gets Ownership p. 8

Alumnus Brad Ingelsby Talks Series “Mare of Easttown” p. 10

Guard Mark Armstrong Commits to Villanova for 2022 p. 12

Track and Field Set More Records p. 13

Eighth Straight Big East Title for Women’s Swim and Dive p. 14

Cate McCusker Co-Editor-in-Chief

At about noon on Wednesday April 7, University students received an email stating that Villanova was able to secure a limited number of vaccines through the Rite Aid pharmacy vaccination program.

“Vaccines will initially be available to faculty and staff on April 9 and April 16, prioritizing front-line areas not yet vaccinated,” Vice President for Student Life, Kathleen J. Byrnes, said in the email. “We hope to be able to offer more vaccine opportunities to our larger community, including students, should more vaccines become available to us.”

Fortunately, more vaccines did become avail-

Continued on p. 2

Gillespie and Samuels to Return Next Season Colin Beazley

Co-Sports Editor

Continued on p. 12

Gillespie and Samuels will return for the 2021-2022 basketball season.

Courtesy of Villanova Basketball

2 | The Villanovan

News Opinion Culture Sports

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PUBLIC SAFETY BLOTTER

VOL. 112 | ISS. 11 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan

CATE McCUSKER JACK ROBERGE MADISON BURKE ARIANA MEGERIAN SARAH SWEENEY SARAH WISNIEWSKI TINA ARON VIVI MELKONIAN A.J. FEZZA ELENA ROUSE JULIA STANISCI COLIN BEAZLEY BILLY VINCI MOLLY BAKER

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor-in-Chief Digital Editor News Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Opinion Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Culture Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Copy Desk Chief

MICHAEL BRADLEY Advisor DEENA SMITH Advisor CONTACT villanovan.eic@gmail.com

Liquor Underage / Public Drunkenness April 1 Stanford Hall A female resident student, under the age of 21, was evaluated and transported to the hospital by VEMS for alcohol intoxication.

Criminal Mischief April 1 Jackson Hall A light fixture in a residence hall was found to have been damaged by an unknown person. The amount of the loss is unknown.

Criminal Mischief / Liquor Underage April 3 Stanford Hall A male resident student, under the age of 21, admitted to being intoxicated after being observed damaging university property.

Criminal Mischief April 3 M–5 Steam Plant Drive A contractor owned vehicle was damaged by an unknown person while parked on Steam plant drive.

Criminal Mischief / Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition April 6 Caughlin Hall An RA reported several exit signs had been stolen or damaged inside of a residence hall. The amount of the loss is unknown.

CORRECTIONS Factual errors are corrected as soon as they are brought to The Villanovan’s attention. Please send an e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com to report errors.

Professional Head Shot Event April 16 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Career Center

Hiking Retreat April 17 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

In-Person

2021 Literary Festival: Hannah Khalil April 15 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Virtual

Friday Jummah Prayers April 16 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

St. Rita of Cascia Community Room

Senior Portraits – Yearbook 2022 April 19 Appointment Only John and Joan Mullen Center for Preforming Arts

Nova Quizzo April 15 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Campus Green

VU Pride Week Celebration April 16 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Oreo Dance Palooza April 16 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Mendel Field

a vaccine at school.”

Last Wednesday afternoon, The Villanovan was able to speak with Byrnes to learn more about vaccine distribution. Byrnes explained that the University received 600 shots of the first dose of the Moderna vaccine that were distributed on Friday, April 9, to the front line faculty and staff. Byrnes clarified that the recipients were primarily faculty and staff that have been working in close contact with students, including public safety, facilities, dining hall staff, mail services and residence life.

Byrnes explained that Dr. Mary E. McGonigle, Director of Villanova University Health Center, had been continuously talking to the state about getting vaccinations with no updates. Dr. McGonigle then started to call other places with vaccine programs, and the University was able to finalize a contract with Rite Aid early that morning.

“Rite aid has worked with us for our flu clinic in the fall for the last few years, so we have a good relationship with them,” Byrnes said.

“She reached out to them about the vaccines, and all of a sudden we were able to have vaccines by the end of the week.”

Recently, Notre Dame University and Rutgers University have announced that they will be requiring students to be vaccinated before returning to school in the fall. When asked about Villanova’s plans for the fall, Byrnes explained that it is still to be determined.

“The question is on the table, and we will be giving people ample notice once a decision is made,” Byrnes said.

CONFIRMED CUMULATIVE CASES AS OF 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 6

1081 1,082,062 32,061,024 137,933,783 Villanova University

United States

Intervarsity Bible Study April 14 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

St. Rita of Cascia Community Room

Getting Real About Race and Service April 15 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Virtual

COVID-19 TRACKER

Pennsylvania

CAMPUS CALENDAR

Continued from p.1

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

NEWS

Mindfulness Mondays Meditation April 19 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Virtual SBI Application Deadline April 25 Virtual

Worldwide

CONFIRMED VACCINATIONS AS OF 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 6

120,848,490 5,129,217 United States

Pennsylvania

Students Petition to Replace Phone System Sarah Sweeney Co-News Editor

University students have likely seen the GAI-Tronics phone box systems within the residence halls. These, along with the blue light call boxes, are the University’s most efficient resources for quickly getting in touch with public safety in the case of sexual assault or other emergencies. However, a number of students are convinced these are not enough, arguing for the phone box systems to be replaced with touchscreen technology instead.

On Thursday, April 8, SGA Class of 2024 Senator Thomas Dessoyte started a petition via Change. org entitled “Replace Outdated Pub Safe Phone System with Accessible, Touchscreen Technology.” The petition, which advocates for “a more enhanced, accessible touch screen system with resources preprogrammed into the technology to replace the phone boxes,” amassed more than 245 signatures within the first 72 hours.

The petition begins by acknowledging the four most recent cases of sexual violence on campus and the necessity for the University to take meaningful action to address them.

“Our college is being influenced by the tragedy of senseless sexual violence, and our students deserve better,” the petition states.

Although there are 24 phone boxes on South Campus, 27 on Main and 32 on West, these phone boxes

are being used less and less to report sexual assaults and other violence.

Instead, people are choosing to use mobile-friendly ways, including the Nova Safe app, SAVUR, the SARC hotline and calling the Health Center.

“Blue light phones, pre-dated cell phones, are used less and less frequently on college campuses,” Chief of the Department of Public Safety David Tedjeske explained. “We receive very few calls on Blue Light phones and have found people using the Nova Safe app more and more.”

The petition raises issues with the phone system’s functionality: it requires the user to state their identity out loud, potentially making them even more vulnerable to their attacker. Touchscreen technology would allow someone to “discreetly type in their report for help and immediate assistance” especially in the case that “their cellular device is dead, meaning that they cannot access [resources] such as Nova Safe from their phone.”

The petition also draws attention to the concerning placement of the phone systems, with certain floors of residence halls lacking them. It explains that places lacking in these phones include the second floor of McGuire Hall, the second and third floors of Simpson, the first floor of Fedigan and the third floor of Delurey. Even certain halls that have one on each floor, such as St. Mary’s and Stanford, have far too many residents for this to be sufficient.

“If this is how Villanova will continue to choose to protect its students, then it is inadequate, ineffec-

tive and almost obsolete,” the petition states.

The proposed plan, on the other hand, intends to provide every floor of each resident hall access to the touchscreen technology.

The petition ends by stressing the importance of addressing sexual violence at the University.

“Sexual transgressions do not deserve to have a consistent pattern on a campus which promotes truth, unity and charity,” it says. “With a new system, sexual violence will not end, but it will at least save more students from trauma and violence.”

With more than 245 signatures, Dessoyte is pleased with the student body’s response to the petition.

“I think it’s truly courageous that there are members of the Villanova community who want to see effective, positive change on campus,” Dessoyte said. “It is not easy to have gained that much support since replacing the current phone box system is not as prevalent of an issue, such as a petition to mandate frequent COVID-19 testing on campus, but I believe it is the right step for future generations of incoming students.”

“It was the students who were responsible for creating the SAVUR app at Villanova, and I believe it is the students who have an important role in influencing our campus with this petition. To have a community that is willing to support change that can help reduce the frequency of sexual assault on our campus ... ignites Villanova with hope, passion and prosperity.”

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

The Villanovan | 3

NEWS

New Student Government Officers are Sworn In Katie Reed Staff Writer

On Wednesday, Mar. 31, the new leaders of the University’s Student Government Association, (SGA), were sworn into their positions. Caroline Levine was sworn in as Student Body President, Ivanica Skalko was sworn in as Vice President and Kristian Olvera was sworn in as Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which is the first time anyone has held that position in SGA. The ceremony took place over Zoom, but Levine, Skalko and Olvera’s friends and family were able to attend the event, which, as they all expressed, made the moment even more special for them.

“We have a couple central goals that we want SGA to focus on in the next year,” Skalko said.

“The first is in regards to mental health advocacy and awareness, as we know this has been an incredibly trying year for students and that more support and resources are needed in this area. Specifically, we want to work on expanding the limit of counseling sessions in the Counseling Center, working to increase the number of counselors from diverse backgrounds and identities and also expanding the University’s counseling services to offer longterm care for students off-campus.”

In addition to this goal, SGA wants to make sure they prioritize transparency with the school’s administration and hold it accountable for these changes. They want to make sure when students return for the fall, they can enjoy a greater sense of community that was dis-

turbed by the pandemic.

The main changes that students can expect to see in the structure of SGA is that it will be better equipped to centralize diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization and the University.

“We have elevated the position of Director of DE&I to Vice President of DE&I, and additionally, we have created a Caucus on Underrepresented Student Affairs (CUSA) that will provide student organizations that represent underrepresented students on our campus with a direct line of communication with SGA,” Levine said. “I want to thank Kashae Garland, Austin Lin and Derek Lattmann for working throughout the past year to implement these changes.”

As the new Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Olvera will be instrumental in helping everyone on campus feel like they belong here and that their voices are heard. He was nominated for his position by Levine and Skalko because of the remarkable work he did serving on the Executive Boards of Get Woke Nova and the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) on campus.

“I want to help marginalized students have a space on campus where they could be themselves and be comfortable doing so, not excluding anyone at all,” Olvera said. “Also, trying to make SGA more inclusive of underrepresented students, such as its members, and that does not mean only race and ethnicity. I want to ensure that all students have a voice and can have a role in acting upon different needs of underrepresented students, such as

those who have disabilities, those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), international students, etc.”

Olvera is excited to begin his position in SGA and continue the impactful work he has accomplished on campus.

“In the past, DE&I has been put on the backburner in SGA and the school as a whole, but now I really want to make sure that this does not happen ever again, especially since I have an amazing team with Caroline and Iva and the DE&I Department,” Olvera said. “I am really excited to help establish the groundwork of various DE&I initiatives on campus for future students and help set a precedent that they could follow.”

Skalko echoed similar sen-

timents about looking forward to the new academic year.

“I see a lot of different ways that SGA can help students, especially in the next year as we transition into some sense of normalcy, and I am just really looking forward to putting our ideas for students into action,” Skalko said.

Levine, who served as Vice President of SGA last semester with Amanda Rappa, already knows the ropes and is ready to tackle her role as President.

“What I am most excited about in this new position is the opportunity to set the tone for the entire organization and to challenge both the organization and the greater Villanova community to consider the responsibility we each have to make our campus a place everyone can call home,” Levine said.

The new SGA officiers were sworn in on Mar. 31.

Courtesy of Caroline Levine

A Capella Palooza Night Lepage Center Ends Series Sophia Pedro Staff Writer

This past weekend, the University and the Campus Activities Team hosted the annual A Cappella Palooza on Mendel Field. Attendees signed up online through VUtix so that social distancing guidelines were upheld.

Hundreds of students, as well as family members of the performers, came to show their support with portable chairs in hand. Unlike the a capella performances last semester at Boo Palooza, food trucks surrounded the Campus Green this time. There was everything from ice cream and donuts to tacos and spring roll burritos (spurritos). DJ 007 also made a reappearance to hype up the crowd alongside two student announcers.

All eight of Villanova’s a cappella groups got to showcase their talents: Vocal Minority, Nothing But Treble, The Haveners, Measure Up, Supernovas, Minor Problem, Spires and Sirens. Each group sang three songs, most dedicating the last one to the graduating seniors, as this was likely the last performance these groups had with their talented seniors.

“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to sing with a beautiful group of girls who share the same passion for music,” senior Nothing But Treble member Samantha Pastore said. “I will miss them so much.”

All the seniors across the eight groups likely felt similar emotions during their last performances. Senior Jack Amabile, a member of the allmale group Spires, echoed a similar sentiment.

“My last palooza was a fantastic gift, as I did not think we were even going to have a performance,” Amabile said. “The Spires showed up, and we gave it our all on the stage. I could not have been prouder to be the leader of this group. While it may be my last performance as a student, I know I have many more memories to make with the Spires as an alumnus.”

Needless to say, A Cappella Palooza was not only an extreme success but also a very proud moment for all performers. Sophomore Alex Petrozzi, a member of the all-female group Sirens, shared her experience.

“It was such an amazing feeling to see all of our hard work pay off,” she said. “Despite all of the challenges this year has thrown at us, all of the groups were able to work hard and put on an amazing performance.”

As successful as this Palooza was in the unprecedented times we are in, it is natural and exciting to look forward to a more normal a cappella season next year, with even more chances to perform.

“Last year palooza was cancelled due to COVID, so getting to perform this year felt amazing,” Sirens member Lauren Picard said.

Sarah Sweeney Co-News Editor

On Apr. 21, the Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest will conclude its “Decolonizing History” series with the event “Decolonizing COVID-19.”

The series focuses on examining what it means to “decolonize” history, part of a larger social movement combatting the lasting effects of colonialism, including colonial mentalities. The six month series began last semester, kicking off with an examination of “Decolonizing the Curriculum” in September.

Each month focused on a new topic to decolonize, with October’s being land, November’s being the Church, February’s the empire, March’s being art and April’s being COVID-19. The series’ events have fostered dynamic conversations about important topics and amassed an impressive array of guest speakers.

The event on Nov. 4, “Creating Our Own Narrative: A Conversation with Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt, Curator of the #BlackCatholicSyllabus,” examined the way citational practices among Church scholars contributed to the erasure of Black Catholics throughout the Church’s history. “Decolonizing Exhibitions: Indigenous Perspectives,” raised the question of how Indigenous practices of curating contribute to decolonizing American

art. Speakers at this event were Teri Greeves, an artist and independent curator, and Jill Ahlberg Yohe, associate curator of Native American Art of the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA).

April began with the event “Decolonizing Public Health: A Conversation with Dr. Graham Mooney.”

This event asked important questions, including “How is the history of medicine and healthcare in the USA marked by racial injustice and myriad forms of violence?” and “How have race and class politics informed public health systems and policies, past and present?”

The final event of the series, “Decolonizing COVID-19: Conversation with Dr. Sharelle Barber and Live Q&A with Dr. Marcella NunezSmith,” takes place on Apr. 21. The event will seek to answer the questions “How are past legacies of medical racism and present socio-economic disparities shaping the disproportionate and severe impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and other underserved populations?” and “What efforts are currently underway to ensure health equity in the government’s national plan to eradicate COVID-19?”

The event will feature a previous spekaer Sharelle Barber, PhD, and Nunez-Smith, Chair of President Biden’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and Associate Dean at Yale School of Medicine.

4 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

OPINION

OPINION

The Filibuster Has Broken Congress: It’s Time to End It Stephen Prager Staff Writer

Last week, Joe Manchin (D-WV) published an opinion piece in the Washington Post forcefully defending the Senate filibuster law, which requires 60 senators to move to hold a vote on most legislation. This is a near impossible accomplishment in the age of hyperpartisanship, where intransigence against one’s enemies is rewarded as much as legislative accomplishment.

“The time has come to end these political games, and to usher a new era of bipartisanship,” Manchin said in the article. “There is no circumstance in which I will vote to eliminate or weaken the filibuster.”

I find it genuinely shocking that a man who has been in the United States Senate for more than 10 years could be so ignorant of the chamber’s history to argue that the filibuster has, at any point, but especially now, served as a tool of bipartisanship. If anything, it’s been the opposite - a tool for the minority party to derail the majority and grind the agenda they were elected to pursue to a halt.This is hardly ancient history either. In fact, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell could be said to have revolutionized the filibuster during the presidency of Barack Obama, christening Congress for the modern age of perpetual obstruction.

The number of filibusters exploded from 2007 to 2015, when Republicans were the minority in the Senate.

The number of cloture motions –– which are the first step in attempting

to end a filibuster –– jumped from 68 in the 2005-2006 session all the way to 252 by the end of the 2013-2014 session.

In the process, McConnell managed to hamstring the Obama agenda, killing efforts to increase the transparency of campaign contributions, protect children brought to the US illegally from deportation and raise taxes on the wealthy, among many others. Elsewhere, legislative initiatives were dropped by Democrats entirely with the knowledge that they had no prayer of achieving 60 votes. This was the fate of bills capping carbon emissions, introducing background checks for gun purchases and, most infamously, adding a public insurance option to the Affordable Care Act.

Critically, McConnell’s freewheeling use of the filibuster was not punished but rewarded by the Republican base. Following the most audacious periods of obstruction, Republicans took back control of the House in 2010 and the Senate in 2014 –– both times in historic wave elections.

The lesson was that it is as much, if not more, advantageous to be adversarial to the party in power.

Conservatives saw the Republican minority as the heroic opposition to the supervillainous Obama. Meanwhile, progressive voters were demoralized and demobilized as Obama’s transformative agenda was reduced to a jaundiced shell of what was promised.

Now in the infancy of the Biden era, it feels as if we’ve timewarped back to 2009. Democrats hold the presidency, House and Sen-

ate in the midst of a crisis and have a slate of potentially transformative legislation that appears destined to be filibustered into the Senate graveyard.

The Democrats’ signature proposals are as good as dead if they are required to obtain 60 votes. While those like Manchin who argue in favor of the filibuster claim it is necessary to bring about partisan unity, many of the proposals it would block have strong majority support from the American public –– including a majority of Republicans. Sixty-seven percent support the For the People Act to make voting easier, end gerrymandering and make lobbying more transparent. Seventy-two percent support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Sixty-one percent support a $15 minimum wage. The filibuster makes all of these reforms impossible.

If Manchin really cared about unity and bipartisanship, he’d support the agenda items that majorities of Americans in both parties support. The real utility of the filibuster to Manchin –– who is as awash in corporate donations and conflicts of interest as any Republican senator –– is that it allows him to maintain the status quo on the behalf of the powerful while also hiding behind procedure to avoid the responsibility of working for his constituents.

It allows him to preen as a reasonable, middle-of-the-road institutionalist and scold the people who actually want to enact the will of the majority as divisive partisans. In reality, he’s at odds with most voters.

But this is a problem that goes far beyond Manchin and his

ilk. In an unbelievable demonstration of naivety (or pure cynicism), he suggested the filibuster ought to stay because Republicans were liable to have an “epiphany” and magically come to understand the beauty of bipartisanship, like when the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes on Christmas.

He then signed an extremely popular stimulus package into law without a single Republican vote in the House or the Senate after filling it with half-measures in a hopeless effort to gain bipartisan support that will never come.

With a 50-50 split in Congress, Democrats need every vote they can muster, which has turned Manchin into a kingmaker who wields the power to kill their agenda on a whim.

Ending the filibuster, which requires 50 votes, would require his blessing, which he has made clear he has no desire to give. But it is within the power of other Democrats to discipline Manchin by threatening to endorse a primary challenger in 2022 and attempting to limit his ability to fundraise. It is incumbent upon Democrats to use Manchin’s vulnerability as a Democrat in a solid red state to make him fall in line with the caucus.

A refusal to do this will reaffirm something very dark about the Democratic Party more broadly: that for all its talk about rebuilding the nation in a more equitable fashion following the pandemic, its members view procedural stumbling blocks like the filibuster as a shield from responsibility. The filibuster allows Democrats to have it both ways at the expense of the majority, pretending to hold progressive values but failing to deliver.

President Biden’s Plan to Curb Gun Violence

and still actively vote against keeping us safe.

Something critical that really stood out to me while researching the

I am distraught by the recent United States and gun violence was uptick in mass shootings we have seen the fact that we rank number one over the past month in the United in firearms per capita, according to States. Plain and simple, this must the Small Arms Survey. That’s 393 end. So many innocent lives have million firearms in total, or 120.5 been taken.Yet somehow, there is still firearms for every 100 Americans. a huge number of people arguing that Another thing that stood we should not ban assault weapons. out to me was something that Biden

This is mind-boggling to me. mentioned on Thursday, which is the I long to see the day that the United fact that former President Bill Clinton States goes weeks, months and even passed a ban on assault weapons in years without a mass shooting, but 1994, and the number of mass shootright now, we see them happening on ings clearly went down. almost a daily basis. What can we do

What is stopping Congress to end this horrific streak of shootfrom passing sensible gun control ings? legislation again? How can lawmakers

On Thursday, April 8, Presisee the staggering number of Amerdent Joe Biden discussed his plans to icans who own firearms, growing by combat this crisis and get things under the day, and still debate what is causcontrol in America. In his speech, he ing these deadly shootings? urged Congress to ban both assault

I’ve heard all the excuses in weapons and high-capacity magazines the world, like “It’s about mental and asked for new background check health, not guns,” or “we have the laws to be passed. These steps are Second Amendment.” These two crucial in determining our future and excuses are simply inaccurate and safety in the United States. outdated. Let’s debunk the first ex It will certainly be interestcuse. While it is true that many mass ing to see how Congress votes, and shooters suffer from mental illnesses, for every member who votes against this doesn’t change the fact that they enacting gun control legislation, I will owned and used a firearm to kill peobe wondering why and how they can ple. The fact that lawmakers are using watch American citizens be killed mental health as an excuse to stop every day in senseless acts of violence gun control is a downright disgrace.

Joe Adams Staff Writer

President Biden has condemned gun violence.

Courtesy of CBS

I’ve also never quite understood the Second Amendment argument, because we are not the same nation that we were over 200 years ago. At the time that the Constitution was written, slavery was prevalent in the United States, women could not vote and the nation was fresh out of the American Revolution. A lot has changed, and both the United States and the Constitution have developed over time to become more progressive and fight inequality. So, why can’t our gun laws also develop as we see a sharp rise in horrible, deadly mass shootings?

Imagine an America where everyone feels safe, and we don’t hear about mass shootings nearly every day. It’s truly sad, because I feel

that we’ve been desensitized to this violence due to the frequency of the shootings. Years ago, a mass shooting would have gained national attention and would be talked about for weeks.

Now, we seem to glaze them over, because as soon as one mass shooting occurs, another will happen a day or two later. It is sickening.

“Gun violence in this country is an epidemic, and it’s an international embarrassment,” President Biden said on Thursday.

It’s true. If we don’t start taking concrete, sensible action soon, how can we heal as a nation from these mass shootings? It’s time that Congress steps up and does the right thing, no matter what political party, for the good of this nation.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

EDITORIAL BOARD

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Villanovan encourages all members of the Villanova community to voice their opinions. LetEditor-in-Chief ters to the editors may be submitted via e-mail to villanovan.eic@gmail.com. Letters must not Associate Editor-in-Chief exceed 500 words and must be signed. No anonymous letters will be published. All submissions beOpinion Editor come property of The Villanovan and are subject Opinion Editor to editing for clarity and space.

CATE McCUSKER Editor-in-Chief JACK ROBERGE MADISON BURKE TINA ARON VIVI MELKONIAN

The Villanovan | 5

OPINION

POLICY

The unsigned editorial that appears is the opinion of The Villanovan as determined by the majority of the Editorial Board. Other columns, letters and artwork represent the opinions of their auhtors and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Villanovan.

The 85th Masters Tournament Crowns a Worthy Winner Jacob Artz Staff Writer

The hour and fifteen minute rain delay was a key to Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama’s performance on Saturday evening at the 85th Masters Tournament. Matsuyama was on the 11th hole of the second nine when the Augusta National Golf Club officials suspended play due to impending inclement weather. Matsuyama at this juncture was a few shots off of the lead and needed a run heading into the final round.

The golfer said that he spent the delay in his car on his phone.

This pastime must have worked wonders, as Matsuyama birdied the eleventh hole, the one he played following the delay. Matsuyama continued to blitz the remaining holes as he birdied the tricky 12th, eagled the 15th and birdied both the 16th and 17th to take a commanding fourshot lead into the final hole.

Matsuyama expanded his lead in the final round on Sunday in a runaway fashion, but not without some stumbles. The leading golfer gave a couple of shots back in the last few holes and even rinsed his second shot on the par five 15th hole when he flew the green. Even with a closing bogey, Matsuyama held on to win by a shot over Masters rookie Will Zalatoris. Xander Schauffe-

makeable par five 13th derailed his chances on Saturday. Also, major championship hunter Schauffele made a great run on the second nine on Sunday to get within two standing on the 16th tee but made a triple bogey six and finished tied for third.

He now has eight top 10 in 15 major starts.

Justin Rose led the first two rounds after an impressive nine under stretch for the last 11 holes in his first round and finished in a solo seventh position.Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who is now 50 years of age, finished in a tie for 21st at even par.

The April Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club was not the first time that these golfers competed in the past six months. The 2020 Masters was moved to November last year due to COVID-19.

Hideki Matsuyama raises his arms in triumph after winning the 85th Masters Tournament. In the delayed November Masters, Courtesy of Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Dustin Johnson set the tournament’s le and former Masters champion golfer can attribute his new title to scoring record. In April, Johnson’s Jordan Spieth tied for third at seven this impressive ball striking, beautiful record remained untouched by under, three behind the winner. chipping and timely putting.

Matsuyama, since the spring course

With this major champion With his win, Matsuyama was much firmer, faster and more ship win, Matsuyama now has six bested some of the best champichallenging.

PGA Tour titles and is a vibrant suonship golfers. He beat Spieth, a

The Masters Tournament perstar in the Japanese media. Mat- previous Masters champion with is, as Jim Nantz elegantly says, “a suyama is the first male, Japanese two other major championship titles, tradition unlike any other.” This golfer to win a major championship. who now has five top-three finishes year’s Masters Tournament certainWith this impressive win, he not at the Masters. Justin Thomas, who ly delighted all golf followers with only became an exclusive member won the PGA Championship, was a worthy champion and a hint of of Masters Tournament champions, lurking behind Matsuyama until a normalcy in terms of tournament but also a Japanese golf hero. The disastrous triple bogey eight at the scheduling.

The Problem With Red-Flag Laws and Preventing Violence Andrew Ceonzo Staff Writer

After a recent spike in mass shootings, President Joe Biden announced a number of gun control measures via executive order. Of note was his call for a model “red-flag” law, which has the potential to find bipartisan support across the country, as 18 states and Washington D.C. have already instituted such laws.

Those who have previously demonstrated that they may be a threat to themselves or others are already unable to legally buy a firearm due to purchasing bans on those with felony convictions, a past history of domestic abuse or certain mental illnesses. But what if someone demonstrates that they pose a threat after they’ve purchased a gun? So-called “red-flag” laws seek to address this problem by providing a legal mechanism to temporarily remove guns from individuals who may pose a threat to others or themselves through court issued gun violence restraining orders (GVROs).

Some studies suggest modest reductions in gun violence due to “red-flag” laws, mostly through a reduction in suicides by guns. The

laws themselves also raise serious civil liberties and safety concerns.

The Second Amendment and the Heller decision enshrine an individual right to keep and bear arms, including guns. While convicted felons have been afforded all of the due process rights of the criminal justice system before being stripped of their right to own a gun, “red-flag” laws do not typically entail the same protections. The Fourth Amendment also guarantees the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. Without sufficient due process protections, citizens could be unjustly deprived of their rights. Additionally, these laws could increase the risk of dangerous encounters between gun owners and police when officers act upon orders to confiscate someone’s firearm.

Consider a quick hypothetical. A woman breaks up with her boyfriend. She begins dating a new boyfriend, who legally owns a handgun. Learning of this gun, the vengeful ex-boyfriend files a “red-flag” complaint citing perceived emotional distress and suicidal comments on social media in order to disarm the new boyfriend. The police then attempt to go and confiscate the gun in the middle of the night, but the couple mistakes them for her ex-boyfriend.

The boyfriend proceeds to shoot at the officers after they break down the door, and the officers then return fire, killing the woman and injuring the boyfriend.

If you think the above hypothetical is unreasonable, it is an adaptation of the Breonna Taylor police killing, just substituting the real-life drug search warrant with a GVRO filed by a spurned romantic partner, which recently occurred due to Colorado’s “red-flag” law. Are such outcomes avoidable when crafting a “red-flag” law? Any attempt to mitigate these risks must consider at least four questions.

First, who is able to request a GVRO? Many states attempt to avoid abusive filings by only allowing immediate family members or law enforcement to file claims and by criminalizing knowingly false claims. Finding a balance is critical, as allowing too many types of people to make claims will open the door for abuse.

Second, how can the government guarantee a swift and fair hearing to adjudicate the claims?

With the time it takes to schedule a hearing, these laws have almost no opportunity to provide due process while also tending to the urgency that a GVRO claim carries. This difficulty is exacerbated by the need for the

GVRO requestor to provide clear and convincing evidence before confiscation in order to protect due process.

Third, how long does the restraining order last? If the restraining order does contain a sunset clause beyond which rights will be restored unless there is a new hearing, a person runs the risk of being permanently stripped of his or her rights without a full trial.

Fourth, can enforcement safely confiscate the gun? This will be especially difficult given that the premise of the “red-flag” order is that the person could be a threat to themselves or others, such as in the police shootings of Gary Willis and Duncan Lemp. Additionally, current police tactics for conducting search and seizures, such as the overuse of no-knock raids like in Taylor’s killing, cause situations to turn needlessly deadly far too easily. Any law would need to include a procedure for executing the order in a manner safe for both police and citizens.

“Red-flag” laws sound great in theory but pose significant risks in practice. Resolving all such concerns may not ultimately be possible, and the public should pay close attention to how the Biden administration’s proposal addresses these due process and safety concerns.

6 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

CULTURE

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ACV Brings African and Caribbean Fashion to Villanova Devin Toolen Staff Writer

On Saturday, April 10, the African Caribbean Villanovans (ACV) hosted its annual Fashion Show titled “Umphathi” on Mendel Field. The ACV is a student-run organization that creates a link between the diverse cultures of both African and Caribbean countries and the Villanova community. The organization strives to promote African and Caribbean cultures while also educating members of the Villanova community about negative images or stereotypes surrounding these cultures. Throughout the year, the ACV hosts various galas, events, dinners and fashion shows to give the University a look into the unique African and Caribbean cultures.

The first designer to kick off the fashion show was Rosetta Bernasko and her collection at PSR Galleria.

This lineup featured both men’s and women’s designs ranging from dresses to tops, backpacks and more. Some of the best pieces from this collection included matching red and orange tea length mermaid hem dresses with a pattern contrast on the ruffled hemlines. These dresses hugged the body perfectly in order to accentuate its natural curvature. Another design that stood out was the printed belt bags and backpacks modeled by some of the male students. This collection was a beautiful representation of African fashion with its bright color combinations and patterns.

Following the PSR Galleria lineup was a collection from By Attaa, created by Attaa Du, a Ghanaian designer with a love for African fabrics and prints. This clothing line consisted of luxurious African print gowns worn by the female student models. These beautifully printed gowns grasped the crowd’s attention

from the first piece to the last. From strapless mermaid gowns to full-skirt gowns and even short mini dresses,

By Attaa gave the audience an elegant and graceful representation of African fashion.

The third designer featured in the show was Kwabs Couture by Kwabs. The styles from this brand feature high-quality unique and contemporary African-inspired clothes and accessories. This brand is for men, women and children. Kwabs Couture strives to break down the myths, stereotypes and misrepresentations that have distorted Western perceptions of Africa through fashion by creating wild designs that are both unique and classy. This collection featured all different types of clothing, from men’s zip-up hoodies, to shorts and cropped top sets and long dresses. One of the best pieces from this collection was a two-piece set which featured a long sleeve, off-the-shoulder top and flare pants that incorporated ties at the knees. The beautiful bold colors including red, yellow and blue combined with geometric patterns captivated the audience and made the clothes stand out.

The final designer at the ACV Fashion Show was Chimzi. Chimzi Fashion is a diverse and Black-owned fashion house that strives to bring out the feeling of royalty within each individual. The brand is originally from Nigeria but is now based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Diversity is a main goal of this brand, as it is committed to making fashion for all body types and all occasions. The beautiful bold prints and patterns from this brand made a statement on the runway. While all of the pieces were amazing, the highlight of this collection was definitely when two models walked out wearing oversized hats that matched with the prints of their garments. One model wore a yellow spaghetti strapped jumpsuit

with wide leg pants that flowed as she walked, while the other model wore a pink fitted dress with under bust cutouts. Both of these patterned pieces matched perfectly with the oversized hats, adding just the right amount of drama to the runway.

Along with the presentation of the four designers’ clothes, the Umphathi Fashion Show also presented a skit which told the story of a family divided after the death of its powerful father. As the audience learned at the end of the skit, the man’s daughter was able to rightfully claim her spot as his successor, tying into the name of the show, “Umphathi,” which means boss.

The show also featured two performances. The first was a beautiful song sung by a student member of the ACV. The second performance was a dance by the African Dance Company. The inclusion of these two

performances engaged and excited the audience.

The show as a whole was incredibly impressive, and the models seemed to really excite the crowd.

Many of the models had friends and classmates in attendance, so as each of them struck a pose at the end of the runway, the passionate cheers could be heard across campus. All of the models walked with confidence, power and elegance and had fun with their poses. The models were able to present the designs to the audience in a professional and high-fashion manner while still expressing their personalities and keeping everyone engaged.

The African Caribbean Villanovans gave the Villanova community a glimpse into its cultures through a fun evening of captivating performances and unique fashion styles. Be sure to follow @African.Caribbean.

Villanovans on Instagram.

A beautifully printed ball gown by the brand By Attaa, modeled by a member of the ACV..

Courtesy of Devin Toolen

Best Springtime Restaurants to Ring Out the Semester Julia Stanisci Co-Culture Editor

Spring has officially sprung at Villanova. Flowers are blooming, trees around campus are full of color and the quad is alive with happy students.

And, of course, to coincide with the ability to finally be outdoors, we are all of a sudden swamped with schoolwork. While the end of the semester may be a busy time, it is important to remember to enjoy the warm weather and make some final memories of the year with friends. With COVID-19 numbers low and many people vaccinated, now is the perfect time to gather with one’s circle of friends in safe, socially distant settings. What better way to do this than supporting local businesses by dining outdoors?

Here are some of the best springtime restaurants in the area to ring out the semester.

La Scala’s Fire: Recently reviewed by The Villanovan, La Scala’s Fire is a new restaurant located in Villanova Center, a five minute walk from campus. It offers a heated outdoor seating area consisting of many tables and couches, managed by

cious eggs benedict, truffle fries and so much more.

White Dog Cafe: With two different locations in both Wayne and Haverford, brunch at White Dog is a weekend staple for Villanovans. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner, White Dog offers an outdoor patio, as well as a large, heated outdoor tent for the days when there is still a chill in the air. It serves incredible eggs benedict, savory burgers and so much more.

To top it all off, bottomless mimosas, sangria or bloody Mary’s are served through 3 p.m. for students over 21 years old.

Enoteca Tredici: A chic wine bar with eclectic small plates, Enoteca Tredici is located just down Lancaster Ave in Bryn Mawr. It has a tented outdoor patio, perfect for a classy outdoor dinner with friends or special date night. Menu options include Mediterranean cuisine, flatbreads, pasta, burgers, steak and much more. Another walkable option, Enoteca is a great choice for a warm night.

Be sure to support our local business and release some stress with friends by trying one of the incredible Silverspoon’s airy patio is perfect for brunch on a warm day. dining options in the Villanova area.

a very friendly staff. Inside, the decor is amazing and perfect for photos. The restaurant is knowood fired pizzas and delicious shareable appetizers and is a perfect destination for an evening stroll at sunset.

The Silverspoon: Located in Wayne across the street from the

indoor farmer’s market at 503 W Lancaster Ave, Silverspoon is a BYOB restaurant, offering contemporary American cuisine with an airy atmosphere. Its large, aesthetic outdoor patio is perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner on a warm day. Menu options include silver dollar pancakes, a deli-

Courtesy of silverspoonwayne.com

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The Villanovan | 7

Book of the Week: “All the Ugly and Wonderful Things” Caroline Kaynor Staff Writer

Bryn Greenwood’s All the Ugly and Wonderful Things blurs lines of every concept avid readers have come to know and love. Love, family, vices and growth come into question in a Midwestern meth lab background.

The addicting discomfort Greenwood is able to elicit in this 365 page novel is nothing short of gripping. Greenwood’s portrayal of unconventional love in an unusual life will not only break your heart and put it back together, but do the same to your concept of love in its entirety.

Wavy (short for Wavonna) is five when we meet her in 1975, but has already lived through a lifetime of trauma. Her mother, Val, swings back and forth between episodes of manic depression and ravenous drug addiction, while her father, Liam runs a meth lab out of a trailer. Wavy has spent much of her short childhood with her mother’s fingers down her throat, trying to “clean out the dirtiness,” most likely an agonizing habit stemming from Val’s meth addiction.

As a result, Wavy spends much of her life not talking, not eating, and trying to protect her little brother Donal from their mother and the horror of the world of drug addiction that she represents.

However, our story doesn’t truly get put into motion until Kellen, one of Liam’s assistants, crashes his motorcycle outside of Wavy’s house.

As eighteen-year-old Kellen is laying beaten and broken on the dirt road, a now eight year old angel (or as Kellen mistakes her for, a fairy) not only saves his life but establishes a relationship that will change the lives of Wavonna, Kellen and everyone in their wake

Kellen’s blossoming paternal relation to Wavy tugs at the heartstrings as he becomes the only person she will eat in front of. As Val has slipped into another state of depression, Kellen becomes the one to bring groceries, clean the house and register Wavy for school. He drops her off and picks her up each morning on the back of his motorcycle, which will come to be an unlikely staple of their relationship. Kellen, coming from a degenerate family of alcoholics, is able to silently relate to Wavy’s struggle of feeling outcast in a life that was so blatantly not meant for someone as intelligent and timid as her.

Their fascination with each other is born out of their unusual, unfortunate circumstances and spans the course of Wavy’s adolescence. Greenwood’s spectacular use of adult lexicon as well as framing of scenes that walk the line of plationic, and, well, not, make it impossible for the reader to not just real one more page, eager to find what, inevitably, will go wrong.

Kellen and Wavy’s relationship escalates in correlation with the meth lab background the story is coupled with. Wavy’s preadolescent crush on the man whose life she saved, the man who takes care of her, and the only person who has never hurt her, approaches discomfort as they both grow older. Kellen, careful not to ruin the relationship with the girl who saved his life, the girl who cares for him and the only person he has ever truly cared for, struggles to navigate the labyrinth that has become their intricate, undefined “friendship”. The relationship that started out innocently enough, both finding sanctuary in the other, has evolved into both finding sanctuary in their togetherness. Just as the reader overcomes the discomfort of the nature of their

relationship, for reasons I refuse to spoil (because Greenwood’s writing is just too extraordinary to summarize), Kellen and Wavy are forced apart for years. Now at the age of college, the reader is able to reflect on the beautiful, shocking, and peculiar effects Wavy’s life of unconventional love, drugs and family have on her now adult life.

If I have not convinced you already, the arch of Greenwood’s All the Ugly and Wonderful Things includes

a car accident, a murder, a drug bust and a love you would not expect yourself to root for (but trust me, you will) until the very last pages. Perhaps it is the flagrant discomfort Greenwood purposely weaves into his thrilling story that forces the reader to reevaluate everything they thought that knew about the concepts that dominate Wavy’s life, if not our own. Do yourself a favor and next time you pick up a book, find rare comfort in the uncomfortable with Bryn Greenwood’s All the Ugly and Wonderful Things.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things is a must-read.

Courtesy of Audible

Spring at Villanova: Students’ Favorite Outdoor Activities Maddie Schieder Staff Writer

With the weather consistently above 55 degrees the past two weeks, Villanova students have been flocking outside to soak up the sunshine.

Exposure to sunlight is proven to boost serotonin levels, which is great for occupied and overwhelmed student minds dealing with this pandemic and upcoming finals.

All across campus, students are making the best of their time outside, getting away from the hustle of studying for finals. Students are doing their best at following Community First guidelines and wearing masks outdoors in large groups despite the risk of gaining a mask tan line.

Music echoes throughout all of campus as the weather brightens up, and it brings the community together. Students play cornhole, football and even lacrosse in the quad, giving Villanova a true college atmosphere. It becomes impossible to find an empty table outside of the Connelly Center and Bartley Hall because of how excited Villanovans are for some outside time away from studying in their dorms.

Intramurals have started back up, which means the Driscoll basketball courts have been packed.

The same goes for the field outside of Dougherty Hall, which hosts many

softball games. Sheehan beach is also a very popular spot for students to get some fresh air by playing soccer, football or just laying out and getting a nice tan. Students have also been

taking up Spikeball, relaxing in the grass, putting their portable chairs to use and playing beach volleyball.

What’s better than a nice game of Spikeball for a study break?

Some hidden gems around campus that are perfect for gaining some vitamin-D are the grass area outside of the President’s home on West campus and Stoneleigh Gardens, which is available to the public and perfect for a mid-day picnic.

Basketball courts around campus are always packed when the weather gets warmer, and students become more active knowing they can be outside without a jacket. The tables outside of the Commons are a great study spot with a perfect view of campus.

Speaking of perfect views, the terrace above the Performing Arts Center looking out onto Lancaster and the rest of Main Campus is an amazing outlook. Tables and chairs are provided, but get there early – it is a fan favorite.

The nice weather has revitalized campus, mirroring a somewhat normal college year. Having full tables and seats by The Oreo has never felt better and makes students appreciate life a little bit more.

With COVID-19, it seems as though every individual has gained a larger appreciation for outdoor time apart from worrying about the virus.

Just a year ago, we had to learn what it was like to be stuck at home, embracing our daily family walks in the sunshine, and now college students have embraced the nice weather more The Driscoll Courts have come to life with the warm weather. than ever.

Courtesy of Villanova University

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021

CULTURE

‘Fearless’ly Written, Produced and Now Owned Sara Hecht Staff Writer

On Friday, April 9, Taylor Swift re-released her 2008 country album “Fearless.” Already featuring some of her most iconic songs including, “Love Story,” “Fifteen” and “You Belong With Me,” the album also graced fans with six new songs from “The Vault,” which were written but never released during the original release of the album.

“Taylor Swift was able to not only reclaim her old music but also release new and amazing songs from the vault, songs that still have the nostalgic vibe and sound of the original Fearless album,” sophomore Grace McDermott said. “Most ‘Swifties’ have grown up listening to her music, so it’s really sentimental and inspirational to listen to the re-recordings of your favorite songs growing up.”

Fans have also taken to social media, sharing their support and adoration for Swift. For instance, fellow celebrity Sophie Turner, who is the wife of Swift’s ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas, shared her reaction to the early release of “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” a song which heavily calls-out her husband.

“It’s not NOT a bop,” Turner said on her Instagram story with the song playing in the background.

This release is the first of six re-recordings Swift will produce after the expiration of her contract with Big Machine Label Group as of November 2020. All re-released albums will feature the tag “Taylor’s Version,” distinguishing her now selfowned work from the masters which have been withheld from her for 15 years.

Unbeknownst to Swift, Big Machine was absorbed by Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings LLC in June

of 2019 for $300 million. In under two years, Braun secretly sold her entire 2006-2017 master catalog to Shamrock Holdings with a caveat that allows him to continue to profit from Swift’s work.

“This was the second time my music had been sold without my knowledge,” Swift tweeted last November, referencing both sales.

Therefore, “Taylor’s Version” of Fearless marks a monumental moment in the music industry as artists are rarely able to control their music. For example, after a nearly 50 year-long fight, Paul McCartney finally filed a lawsuit in 2017 in hopes of gaining ownership of The Beatles nearly 250 songs after Michael Jackson’s purchase of the work in 1985.

Although Swift is now almost twice the age she was when the album was initially released, the new recordings sound quite similar to the original. Nevertheless, some small but important changes are audible on “Taylor’s Version” which reflects the growth the artist has undergone in the past 13 years.

Junior Victoria Bock felt nothing but empowerment listening to “Fearless” (Taylor’s Version) this past Friday.

“If you listen closely, you can hear and feel the passion Taylor is singing with and the freedom to express her own choices,” Bock said. “Most notably, in “Forever and Always: Piano Version (Taylor’s Version),” she has a line ‘and here’s to silence that cuts me to the core.’ She takes this brief pause after ‘silence,’ adding such an incredible amount of emotional depth that 31-year-old Taylor knows all too well.”

Swifties have already begun searching for Easter eggs that will reveal which album she will re-release next, many believing it will be Swift’s 2014 album “1989.” This was one

Taylor Swift’s new album cover is a mature version of her original version.

Courtesy of @TaylorSwift13

of her most commercially successful albums as it won the Grammy for Album of the Year, best Pop Album and Best Music Video in 2015.

Needless to say, no matter which re-recording comes next, Swift will continue to astonish fans as she takes back control of her catalog, demonstrating through her lyrical genius that with time, determination

and self-reflection, anything is possible. This correlates with a message central to the song “Fifteen,” a fan favorite from her “Fearless” album:

“When all you wanted was to be wanted / Wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now / Back then I swore I was going to marry him someday / But I realized some bigger dreams of mine.”

Upcoming Campus Open Mic Night For Social Justice Silu Liu Staff Writer

Open Mic Night has a long history and most of the time, it exists in some coffeehouse or pub where the audience can perform on the stage. Basically, a microphone is the key to an open mic.

It does not matter whether you want to sing, dance, read or just speak. There is always a theme for specific open mic nights that all performers try to use to relay ideas to the audience. Therefore, people can all enjoy, laugh and think about the theme.

This semester, the University has made a great effort in creating an enjoyable and safe environment as a whole. Every single person has faced some hardship in this past year, but there is no doubt that this rapidly changing year challenged people to be a better version of themselves. Students faced challenges and then overcame them.

At this moment in time, students all need a chance to speak out their voices. That is where Open Mic Night for Justice comes in.

Get immersed in this experience of speaking out your voice

fles to benefit the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia.

At the same time, it also seeks to create a space to imagine equitable futures of a world that sometimes feels inconceivable.

The event is eager to witness the possibility of the impossible. By registering for the event to be a performer, one will have the chance to express his or her thoughts.

“The open mic is a space for a wide range of solo or group artistic expressions,” Edward Sloane, Coordinator of Service and Justice Experiences of Campus Ministry & Initiator of Open Mic Night for Justice, said. “Song, dramatic readings, comedy, sketches and skits, dance and beyond are all welcome.”

Join the Open Mic Night on Saturday, April. 24. Everyone is invited to take the stage to express their opinions and any themes Students can join the Open Mic Night for Justice to speak their minds. they want to talk about surroundCourtesy of @vu_casa Instagram ing social justice. The event will around the theme of social justice. is a collaboration across a range of run from 7-8:50 p.m on the Riley Ellipse. Raffles for t-shirts and

It is a chance for students campus offices, departments and bookstore merchandise will be goto speak out about the theme of student groups seeking to create ing on during the event. The food social justice. Discrimination, a space for artistic expression and trucks will be provided as well. healthcare, human rights and performances that gives voice to

Please reach out to Ed equity could all be in the range of visions, hopes and dreams for a Sloane with any questions at edtopics to speak on. transformed world. The event will ward.sloane@villanova.edu.

The Open Mic for Justice also include a fundraiser and raf-

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The Villanovan | 9

Dr. Christopher Daly Performs Organ on Campus A.J. Fezza Co-Culture Editor

On Thursday, Apr. 8th, the Augustine and Culture Seminar Program held an organ recital at St. Thomas of Villanova church, performed by Humanities and Augustine and Culture Seminar professor Dr. Christopher T. Daly.

The recital began at 6 p.m.

For a little over an hour, students in attendance were fortunate enough to hear the organ beautifully blare throughout the church by the hands of a true professional.

“I’m so glad to be playing an instrument I love in a place that I love,” Daly told the audience at the start of the show.

The church was packed with students, mostly freshmen, in every other pew. When all of the designated pews were taken, students began to fill up the seats along the side of the church.

The entire performance was also available via an online livestream, which was watched by viewers as far away as the U.K., according to Daly.

This show marked the 23rd consecutive year of Daly performing on the organ for the Villanova student body. Last year in 2020, Daly’s performance was entirely virtual, which made this year’s in-person, simulcast showing all the more special.

Daly began playing piano in the second grade and organ in the sixth grade, but to much astonishment (given his incredible skills), he did not become seriously focused on his organ skills until he was getting his masters’ degree.

Daly began preparing for this years’ recital right after Christmas in 2020. Every year, he selected entirely different pieces to play before his audience. Over the past two decades, Daly has rarely ever repeated a piece from a previous repertoire.

This year’s recital was divided into four sections. Before each section, Daly would give the audience the historical context behind the pieces he was about to perform.

In the first section, Daly performed “Toccata” by Michelle LeClerc, and in the second section, Daly performed “Suite du 1er Ton from ‘Troisième Livre D’Orgue’” by Guillaume-Gabriel Nivers. Both sections were met with a hearty applause from the audience.

The third section consisted of both “Praeludium in G Minor, BuxWV 149, or “The Mist,” by Dietrich Buxtehude and “Concerto in G Major (BWV 592)” by Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach is Daly’s favorite composer.

“I love the complexity, the richness of Bach,” Daly said.

In between the third and fourth sections, Daly opened himself up to questions and walked around the room to converse with curious students.

One student asked Daly about how different it is to play secular music as opposed to music purposely written for liturgy.

“I try to play along with the words of hymns, and I try to understand the language and the import of the hymn,” Daly responded. “I try to make it correspondent in a way that I understand it to be correspondent … I

use different touch, registration, and import of words in different pieces.”

Another student toward the front asked Daly about his unique shoes. Daly responded that they were capezios, tap dancing shoes with leather soles. The shoes help him slide his feet over the organ’s pedals so his playing is more legato, or smooth.

The fourth and final section also consisted of two pieces, those being “Herzlich tut mich erfreuen (Opus 122, No. 4)” by Johannes Brahms and “Premier Choral in E Major (from ‘Trois Chorals pour Grand Orgue’)” by Cesar Franck.

Johannes Brahms’ piece is one that was composed in the final year of his life. Typical of that period, the piece was infused with melancholy, due to the fact that his fellow composer and unrequited love Clara Schumann had passed

away.

Cesar Franck’s piece, “Premier Choral in E Major,” is a secular piece commonly played at recitals. Even though Daly has tremendous admiration for Bach, his favorite music to play on the organ is indeed by Cesar Franck, since Bach’s pieces are often difficult to replicate properly on the organ, given the instrument’s acoustics.

“Premier Choral in E Major,” was the longest one of the night, lasting about 16 minutes long.

“It’s a lengthy piece; it’s a meditative piece,” Daly said.

He even welcomed the audience to close their eyes for the piece in order to become fully immersed in the music.

Most college students are not typically classical music connoisseurs, but it was very apparent that this recital was one throughly enjoyed by everyone present.

Dr. Christopher Daly performs in teh church for an attentive crowd.

Courtesy of Villanova University

10 | The Villanovan

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Alumnus Brad Ingelsby Talks Series “Mare of Easttown” iar with the region will appreciate the flavor and texture of the show: the Wawa references, the Yuengling, the pizza. What I wanted to capture was the rhythms and rituals of life and how I grew up, and I think the show does that and I’m proud of that.

A.J. Fezza Co-Culture Editor

HBO is known for its recent small-town crime dramas like “True Detective,” “Sharp Objects” and “Big Little Lies.” Now, a new drama called “Mare of Easttown” starring Kate Winslet has entered the fray.

Best of all, “Mare of Easttown” takes place just a stone’s throw away from Villanova, and was created and written by Villanova graduate Brad Ingelsby.

Ingelsby has made a name for himself over the past few years writing films starring the most famous actors in Hollywood, like Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Ben Affleck and more. Now, Ingelsby is sharing his first ever television series with the world. The Villanovan was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview Ingelsby about his life and the upcoming series.

A.J. Fezza: How did you go from business major at Villanova to Hollywood screenwriter?

Brad Ingelsby: When I went to college, I guess like a lot of people, I wasn’t entirely sure what my path would be. When I was a junior at Nova I took a screenwriting class because I always had an interest in movies as a kid. So I felt like since I had to take an elective, screenwriting was an obvious choice because I love movies. I had a teacher that worked at Villanova at the time named Sloan Seale. I remember her after class one day saying, ‘Hey is this something that you’re interested in?’ I think she saw that had a passion for movies and so given that bit of encouragement, I began to pursue it on my own and really got into it and liked writing. I then applied to graduate school at AFI [American Film Institute] and spent a couple years in Los Angeles doing a writing program there. Like all kids who don’t know what they want to do, it took me a while to figure it out.

AF: Have your experiences at Villanova affected your role as a storyteller?

BI: In terms of education, yes. I had that screenwriting teacher that encouraged me to pursue this at a time where I really didn’t know if I was any good at it and I didn’t know if it was something that I would want to pursue, but she pushed me. Also, just in terms of even my marketing degree. You have to look at stories in a lot of different ways. Obviously, just making sure the story is good itself and that the narrative works, but also: how is an audience going to perceive this when the trailer comes out? How is an audience going to either want to watch this or want to avoid it? From a business standpoint, it helps to have some background in advertising and marketing just so that when you have a story, you can think: how do I sell this script? How do I market it? How can I get my head around the business side? Because it’s a business, ultimately. We love to say that we’re artists, but it’s also a business, and there are people who are having to put up money to get these shows and movies made, and they don’t want to just lose money on every project. I think that

Brad Ingelsby’s show premieres on Apr. 18.

Courtesy of Margo Moritz / Philadelphia Magazine

even the business side of my degree at ‘Nova was incredibly helpful in understanding how things need to be marketed and sold to buyers, networks, et cetera.

AF: This Sunday is the premiere of “Mare of Easttown.” Can you tell us a bit about the story, how the project first came about, and what inspired you to first start writing it?

BI: “Mare of Easttown” is a story about a detective named Mare Sheehan. She is the only detective in this sort of small Pennsylvania town Easttown, which is really an amalgam of a number of communities in the area. It was shot in a few towns like Aston, and it’s modelled after Drexel Hill and Springfield and a lot of places around where I grew up.

My father grew up in Springfield and my mother grew up in Drexel Hill.

So, Mare is a detective in a working class community, and at one time in her life as a teenager, she was a hero.

She made a shot in a basketball game that brought a moment of glory to a town that really hasn’t had a lot of moments of glory. But when we drop into the story, her life is starting to crumble. She’s had a personal loss.

She’s unable to solve the disappearance of a girl, and now a second girl has turned up dead. And so it’s really an examination of this character and this community, and it’s an examination of Mare and of grief. It’s a woman who has to confront loss in her life and has been unwilling to do so. It’s also a story of how a tight-knit community responds to death and how the shared histories of these people intersect, and why they intersect, and how the shared history makes those intersections emotional or crushing or devastating, and how a community rebounds after the shocking reveals that come at the end of the series.

That’s really what I was interested in pursuing as a narrative.

AF: Since you grew up around the area where this story takes place, I’d imagine that friends and family are so excited to see the region represented on an HBO show.

BI: [laughing] You know, it’s funny, though, because the real Easttown is a little different than the Easttown in the show … I think anyone that lives in Easttown will probably be like, ‘That doesn’t exactly look like Easttown.’ But I think that anyone famil-

wouldn’t be able to spend time with them in a two hour movie. There are so many secondary characters in a show that over seven hours you can explore, whereas if I had two hours, it would really have to be a show just about Mare, just about the case, and I just wouldn’t have time to branch AF: I don’t know if this was intenoff and explore those secondary chartional or not, since these are common acters the way I did in this one.

Irish names, but when I was watching your film “The Way Back” I saw AF: With the emergence of streama school named “Dougherty,” and ing, there has obviously been a huge now in “Mare of Easttown” the main shift in the way people watch movies character has the last name “Sheeand shows. Your show is coming out han,” so I’m seeing many Villanova during the rise of the miniseries. Do building names. you view all these changes in entertainment as good or bad, or does it BI: [laughing] That’s so funny. You matter at all? know, I think that was a subconscious thing. But definitely having grown BI: Well, I think it depends where up in an Irish Catholic family, those you’re at. I think that for the kinds were names that were tossed around of stories I like to tell, which are a lot. So I was pulling from a lot of character-driven stories, I think it’s experience there. a wonderful time, because there are so many streamers that need conAF: How did COVID-19 affect the tent, and I’m okay with a story like filming of the show? I read that film- “Mare of Easttown” being told on ing was halted in March 2020 and TV. I don’t think, you know, that then resumed later on. is a story that has to be a movie or has to be on the big screen. That BI: Yeah, COVID hit so we paused experience of going to the movies, I in early March. And then over the think, is enhanced when that movie summer we just had a lot of converis one that has some level of scope, sations with HBO about: how are we like “Star Wars” or a Marvel movie. going to go back to work? What’s the The experience of seeing that kind of set going to look like? What are the movie in the theater is much different protocols we have to have in place than watching that movie at home. to keep the crew safe. And I have to Now, I love going to the movies, and give HBO a ton of credit. They set I love seeing these kinds of stories in up an incredible system to keep the the movies, but I’m happy that these crew safe, and by early September stories get told at all. If this increase they were confident enough in their in streaming is happening in a way system to go back to work. We went now, which we’re seeing where back to work in early September there’s just a need and demand for and we finished the show in early material, and it’s a way where I can December. And again, a lot of script get a story like “Mare of Easttown” changes had to be made. We had a told, then I’m just thrilled. As a wedding scene. How are you going storyteller, my goal is get my stories to shoot a wedding scene with a told and seen. I think now is a really hundred extras? That’s a recipe for good time for creators. I’m excited disaster. So it took some innovation about it. in terms of the writing and how we could get scenes achieved, you know, AF: Do you have any life advice to without having a ton of extras. It took give to Villanova students or college some scaling back in terms of the students in general as they enter the scope of the show, but I think we did next phase of their lives? pretty well to maintain the emotion of the scenes that we kinda scaled BI: I suppose my journey is one of back. And I’m really proud of the a kind of discovery. I suppose that crew and obviously the actors and one piece of advice I could give is just the creative team and HBO for to not put too much pressure on just having to find a way to go back yourselves now. I was a person that and get the show across the finish discovered my passion later in life. line. And I think they did a great job I think that sometimes we graduate of keeping everyone safe. and we’re expected to know exactly what we’re doing and jump into a AF: Do you find it more challenging job that’s gonna be our job for the to write a seven-part series or a film? next ‘X’ amount of years, and I think sometimes you need to bounce BI: A seven-part series, for sure. around a little bit and see what you [laughing] I had never done a mysdon’t like or to find out what you tery show, so I was totally new to the do like. So I would say to not put genre and having to understand how too much pressure on yourself. Give to keep viewers coming back at the yourself time to figure out what it is end, how to get them invested in the that you love to do. Sometimes that story, and how to end each episode takes longer than you want it to, but with a moment of sort of gast, like it’s that process that everyone has to ‘Oh my God, I have to see what go through, and one you’re able to happens next.’ I had never done that. locate the thing you that you love to And also just having to plot out the do, do everything you can to make a reveals along the way was very, very job out of it. tricky. But I had a lot of help. HBO had a long history of doing these

“Mare of Easttown” preshows really well. I had some wonmieres on HBO on Sunday, Apr. 18. derful executives at HBO creatively, Make sure to watch this series to see who were able to steer me in the the Philadelphia suburbs get repreright direction. And I would say this: sentation on the small screen, show the great joy of writing a show that’s support for a fellow Wildcat, and longer is that you get to spend time most importantly, to see a riveting with characters in a way that you crime drama.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

CULTURE

The Villanovan | 11

Villavogue: The Return of 1960s and 1970s Fashion Kaelin Trombly Staff Writer

Despite the hardships and darkness faced throughout the 60s and 70s, beauty still bloomed through fashion. Among the Vietnam War effort and resounding anti-war protests, the assasination of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., the masses delighted in joyful, colorful silhouettes. Perhaps the strain our world has gone through during the pandemic is reason enough for the groovy return of 60s and 70s fashion in summer 2021. So, for those who want to reminiscence on the youthful, energetic and colorful styles of the past, clear your closet, because the free-spirited fashion era has been granted a second life.

Oversized Frames. One booming 60s and 70s trend to look out for this summer is the extreme baggy silhouette. Achieving this style is very easy and only requires the pairing of baggy pants and an oversized top. This trend, along with cool suiting, emerged in the

beginning of the 1970s as a form of rebellion against tradition and an embrace of androgynous dressing in support of the LGBTQ+ movements. The oversized frame is represented across runways worldwide, with support from major houses like Dior and Orange Culture.

Disco Collar. Worn outside of a suit jacket for an extra 70s flair, pointed-collars are sticking around for the summer

Wide-Leg Pants. Grab some wide-leg trousers that hug the waist and flare out from the hip.

Enough said.

Circle Skirts. There’s something so fun and flirtatious about a full skirt. Whether they are layered with tulle, box-pleated, ruffled or paneled, circle skirts are voluminous from the hip bone down to the calf. This trend is conventionally feminine and beautifully dramatic. When styling this garment, stick to a top that is more form fitting since the skirt is full towards the bottom.

Size up on Sunglasses.

The big, bold eyewear of the 60s and 70s is back. From retro-inspired tinted lenses to rectangle frames, statement sunglasses will easily complete any look. For more insight, check out Gucci, Tom Ford and Saint Laurent, who happen to be frontrunners of the trend revival.

months ahead. A favorite runway look representing the disco collar is Off-White’s mint blazer and floral blouse.

Crochet All Day. Knitting’s cousin, the technique of crocheting consists of weaving yarn into a patterned fabric. The textiles from crochet are bright and colorful, presenting a peaceful aura. From skirts and camisoles to hats and purses, any article of clothing can be created with this handcraft. Not to mention, it is quite easy to do oneself. Don’t be fooled that the crochet trend is listed last, because it may just be the biggest summer 2021 craze.

1960s fashion styles may be making their way back into the mainstream.

Courtesy of vintagedancer.com

This summer, be prepared to hop in a time machine back to the 1960s and 1970s, because I have a feeling that a fresh assortment of pointed-collared oxfords and wideleg trousers are about to add verve to your wardrobe. See you at the disco.

Relay for Life Holds Campus-Wide Color Run 5K Joe Adams Staff Writer

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through Instagram and came upon a post advertising a “Color Run” on Villanova’s campus sponsored by Relay for Life.

Being a runner myself, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to have a ton of fun while also giving back to a great cause that helps fight cancer, the American Cancer Society.

I immediately texted some friends, and with a little persuasion, I got them on board too.

Running a 5K at nine o’clock in the morning sounded fun to me, but the fact that it was a Color Run and for a good cause had me fully sold. I had never done a color run before, but I had seen the cool pictures people had post-run, totally covered in colorful powder, and I knew I had to give it a try.

The race was held on Saturday, Apr. 10. It took place around Main Campus, and it consisted of three big laps. The race started at the Riley Ellipse (the Oreo). It then went around the front of the church, through Mendel Field, behind the Connelly Center. After Connelly Center, the path cut back in front of Bart-

ley Hall and then in front of the Dougherty Hall dining hall, before leading back to the church. Basically, picture a giant lap around Main Campus.

When runners arrived at the race, they were given white t-shirts to really make the color that was about to be thrown on them stand out. At the starting line, we anxiously awaited the sign to begin, and after a few minutes, we were off. Of course, my friends and I were super excited, wondering when we would be hit with the color.

Then, we saw it. At Mendel Field, volunteers stood ready with cups of every color of powder imaginable. We embraced every second of it, and everyone had a fantastic time as we were dusted with different colors of powder.

We were hit again at Sheehan Beach. I even told a volunteer to aim for my head so I could get a cool photo after. It was loads of fun, and all in attendance were socially distanced and masked up, so everyone felt safe at the race.

Once we completed the three laps around campus, the Relay for Life volunteers thanked us for coming out and offered water and food from Wawa. Everyone was so kind, and it felt great

(From left to right:) Freshmen Sarah Ager, Margaux Snow, Joe Adams and Brendan Tierney celebrate the Color Run 5K for the American Cancer Society at the Riley Ellipse.

Courtesy of Joe Adams

coming out and supporting a great cause as a campus community. So many of us know someone who has been negatively impacted by cancer, so events like these are crucial in helping fund research to fight against the disease.

Overall, everyone got a ton of rainbow-filled pictures, burned

some calories and was able to have fun while doing something good.

Afterwards, we were all so glad that we participated, because safe, in-person events like these make this semester in a pandemic seem fairly normal. Next year, I know I will be signing up for the Relay for Life Color Run again.

12 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

SPORTS

SPORTS

Run It Back: Gillespie and Samuels to Return Colin Beazley Co-Sports Editor Continued from p. 1 my injury and over the last few months supporting my teammates from the sidelines, I have had much time to think about my future. I have received valuable feedback and have had many conversations with my family and the coaching staff allowing me to make a confident decision regarding this upcoming season.

“With that being said, I am going to take advantage of this extra year and come back to Villanova!” he said in his post.

“It is going to be a blessing to put the Villanova uniform on for one last year and play for such an amazing university! I am very excited to get fully healthy again and continue to grow as a player, student, and person… and lastly to my brothers, run it back!”

Samuels’ announcement came just four minutes later: “After much consideration and many valuable conversations with my family and coaching staff, I have decided to come back for another season.

There’s nothing like playing Villanova basketball, wearing that V on my chest and playing for my teammates and coaches… I’m excited to return to Villanova to focus on becoming an even better student-athlete and man. See you soon Nova Nation. Go ‘Cats!”

Head coach Jay Wright stressed their respective leadership abilities after their announcements, saying of Gillespie, “We’re excited to have one of our great leaders return to battle with us.” He was similarly complimentary of Samuels, stating “We are blessed to have Jermaine’s character, leadership, and talent in our community for another season.

He will work hard to take his game to new heights and continue to lead our team.”

Although both players were motivated by having the opportunity to return to Villanova, Gillespie was focused most on entering the draft process healthy when the time comes. When asking if returning was a hard decision, Gillespie said “Honestly, not really. I knew what I wanted my future to look like, and to give myself the best opportunity to play at the next level, I didn’t want to go into it being hurt.”

Coming off of a major knee injury hindered Gillespie’s ability to participate in pre draft workouts, but he should be ready for summer workouts. “I think, what the doctors are saying, is that by the end of June I’ll be 100%,” Gillespie said. “It’s really a blessing that it happened this year… any other year I wouldn’t have had this opportunity.”

Wright revealed that Samuels will also have the opportunity to get healthy by staying at Villanova another year, saying “Jermaine actually played the entire season

with a severely sprained finger, which he’s having evaluated. If he’d have gone through the pre-draft process, he probably would not have gotten anything done to his finger, now he’s got the option to have surgery on his finger. It didn’t have anything to do with the decision but now he has the time he might get it done.”

However, Gillespie said that his decision was not purely injury related, and that he was looking forward to another college season.

“You can’t beat playing another year of college basketball, you can’t beat having another year at Villanova, getting to learn and grow as a player and as a person for another year. I’m really excited for it.”

Despite Wright’s excitement about the seniors’ return and their leadership capabilities, he admitted that “we were not prepared for this.

We try to do our roster structure years in advance, so we were not prepared for a pandemic year.”

However, he stressed that there would be opportunities up and down the roster stemming from decisions this offseason, saying “when guys leave it just gives opportunities for guys that have been waiting, especially in our program, guys like Brandon Slater and Justin Moore and Eric Dixon and Trey [Patterson] [and Caleb Daniels], now, those guys have been waiting for their opportunities to be go to guys. Jeremiah [Robinson-Earl] and Cole [Swider] departing does create opportunities

for people, even though we’re getting these two back.”

Barring any future defections, the 2021-22 roster is believed to be set. Four starters return in Gillespie, Samuels, Moore and Daniels. Dixon will likely step into a much bigger role in 2021-22 following Robinson-Earl’s departure, and Slater will be a senior after showing significant improvement last season. Those six in addition to Bryan Antoine and Trey Patterson could very well make up the main eight-man rotation in the upcoming season, but Wright stressed the depth he expects the team to have next year.

“I do think we’re gonna have some depth for this first time in awhile that we don’t have to develop, I think it’s there, that’s gonna be exciting, and we’re gonna look forward to it.”

The returnees will be joined by three freshmen, in guard Angelo Brizzi, guard Jordan Longino and big man Nnanna Njoku. Patterson enrolled early in January.

Samuels summed up his feelings best about returning. “I’m really excited just to do it all over again.

We got almost the same group... it’s gonna be fun to go through those experiences all over again.”

Something that seemed unlikely just two months ago has become reality, and after an unpredictable March in 2021, the Villanova Wildcats have a real shot at doing something special in 2022.

Guard Mark Armstrong Commits to Villanova Billy Vinci Co-Sports Editor

Top-150 guard from the Class of 2022 Mark Armstrong announced his verbal commitment to head coach Jay Wright and Villanova on Thursday night. Armstrong, a 6’2” combo guard from South Orange, New Jersey, made his verbal commitment official on Twitter.

“It really came down to the connection I have with coach Wright and coach [Mike] Nardi,” Armstrong told Dushawn London of 247Sports.com.

Armstrong, who attends St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, is the first commitment of the 2022 recruiting class for the Wildcats.

After missing out on five-star 2021 prospect Trevor Keels just a week ago, the 2021 class was completed and all attention moved to the class of 2022.

It didn’t take long for Wright to secure his first commitment, as Armstrong announced on Wednesday that he would be committing the following day.

Armstrong is ranked 130th in 247Sports Composite rankings and was listed as the 19th best combo guard. Other rankings, however, have him rated much higher, at 40th in the country in the 2022 class and seventh among combo guards.

The Wildcats are known for a long list of successful guards,

and Armstrong could be next on that list. The New Jersey native isn’t a pure point guard, but he is able to handle the ball and could thrive off the ball as a secondary ball handler.

“The history of guards that went there and have done well like Jalen Brunson, Ryan Arcidicano, Collin Gillespie was big for me,” Armstrong told 247Sports.com.

Rising junior Justin Moore and rising redshirt senior Caleb Daniels could technically both be with the team in 2022-23 due to this past season not counting for eligibility purposes. However, a likely outcome would be at least one of them moving on due to graduation and professional aspirations. In that event, Armstrong would slide nicely into one of their spots, as they both have similarities to Armstrong’s game.

Both Moore and Daniels are served better as secondary ball handlers or off guards, and the same can be said for Armstrong.

Additionally, Armstrong holds some of the best characteristics of Moore’s and Daniel’s game, just at a slightly lower level. Moore is borderline elite and certainly above average at getting to the rim and finishing. Armstrong isn’t necessarily elite at that skill, but he is certainly capable of it.

On the other hand, Daniels was one of the Wildcats best shooters last season, knocking down 38.6% of his three pointers.

Armstrong is also more than capa-

ble of knocking down threes. According to highshoolsports.nj.com, Armstrong made 22 three’s in 11 games during the 2020-21 season, which was his junior year.

The Wildcats roster construction for 2022-23, Armstrong’s freshman year, is very up in the air, just as it is for any college basketball team these days. But, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make an impact off the bench in his early seasons. After a year or two of development off the bench, Armstrong is likely to project as a starter later in his career.

Armstrong is the first commit in the 2022 class, but he is not likely to be the last. Projecting rosters this far out in the new age of college basketball is a futile exercise, but Wright and staff will likely zero in on more 2022 prospects this summer. The only two known outstanding offers in the 2022 class are to center Jalen Duren, ranked second in the class, and shooting guard Justice Williams, ranked 30th in the class.

The transfer portal will likely also play a big role in the roster construction for 2022-23.

Mark Armstrong is the first member of the recruiting class of ‘22 for Villanova.

Courtesy of NJ.com.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

SPORTS

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Declares for Draft Colin Beazley Co-Sports Editor

Sophomore forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl announced Friday that he would be forgoing his remaining two years of eligibility, signing an agent and entering the 2021 NBA Draft.

Robinson-Earl announced the decision on Twitter.

“After meaningful conversation with Coach Wright, family, and my trusted circle, I have decided to sign with an agent and declare for the 2021 draft,” he tweeted. “That being said, the last two years at Villanova have allowed me to grow in so many ways, as both a person and a player. I am forever grateful to Coach Wright and the entire staff, my teammates/brothers, the faculty and all of Nova Nation. I thank the GREAT Lord above for all things and for allowing Villanova to be a part of His plan for me! I will continue to strive for greatness, not perfection and bring all the tools I have learned at Villanova to guide me in this next chapter of my life! Attitude! 29:11.”

Jay Wright was supportive and complimentary of Robinson-Earl’s decision “I’m excited to watch him grow in the NBA, he’s got incredible potential,” Wright said. All of these decisions are really difficult because they’re like your sons.

You want to give them the best advice you can, and then you want them to make their own decision too. This one with JRE was really

easy… we kind of knew at the end of last year, as long as he didn’t get hurt, this was probably going to be the year (he leaves), so this one was really clear and easy.”

In his two years at Villanova, Robinson-Earl started in 56 games, averaging 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. After winning Big East Freshman of the Year in 2020, Robinson-Earl briefly flirted with turning pro but decided to return for his sophomore season. He led the team in scoring with 15.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, which was good enough for him to be named co-Big East Player of the Year, along with Seton Hall’s Sandro Mamukelaishvili and his teammate Collin Gillespie. He was also a Sporting News Third Team All-American and a finalist for the Karl Malone Award, given to the top power forward in college basketball.

Robinson-Earl is ranked 34th on the CBS Sports NBA Draft Big Board, meaning that he is projected to be either a late first round or early second round selection. ESPN projected him to go slightly later, with Toronto taking him with the 46th pick in Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz’s latest mock draft. If he is drafted, this will be the fifth straight year that Villanova has had a player selected.

Robinson-Earl is not expected to be a game changing stretch five in the NBA, as he lacks some of the size and shot-blocking ability for the position. But if he continues developing his shooting from three point range, he can be

a solid player in the professional game.

He echoed this sentiment in a press conference after his decision, saying he would “[work] more on my guard skills. My whole life I’ve either been a big or forward, so just getting confident with that and expanding my game out to the perimeter. That’s what the game is, a lot of big guys in the league are big guys that can shoot the ball.”

As for the Wildcats, this confirms what had long been expected. With Robinson-Earl declaring, Cole Swider transferring and Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree’s future uncertain due to his shin injury, the Wildcat frontcourt will look different. However, Jermaine Samuels announced he will be returning to Villanova for a fifth year on Monday night and he will provide some stability. He’ll be joined

by Trey Patterson, Eric Dixon, and rising freshman Nnanna Njoku.

Dixon has NCAA tournament game experience, and Patterson got to campus early to get a head start in practice, so the frontcourt could still be in good hands.

Although this announcement was expected, it is undoubtedly a blow to the team, as the Wildcats will have to replace their leading scorer and a leader in the locker room.

Regardless of the effect on the team, Wright was confident in his star’s decision.

“It’s the right time for him to enter the process,” he said.

Robinson-Earl leaves the Main Line with 719 career points, 502 rebounds and 115 assists.

Track and Field Set More Records Jamie Pennington Staff Writer

On Friday, April 9, the men’s and women’s track and field teams competed at the Temple Invitational, and on Saturday April 10, some members of the men’s team competed at the Joe Walker Invitational held at the University of Mississippi.

At the Temple Invite, senior mid-distance runner McKenna Keegan recorded a lifetime best in the 400-meter event, running a time of 54.50, as well as earning a slot into the fifth Villanova all-time leaderboard. Additionally for the Wildcats, Amari Onque-Shabazz, Brynne Sumner and Madison Martinez recorded personal bests in the 400, with times of 55.49, 56.82 and 56.89, respectively. These four runners then competed in the 4x400 and won with a time of 3:42.76.

In the 1500-meter event, sophomores Anna Helwigh and Lydia Olivere both ran personal bests, with Helwigh recording a second place finish with a time of 4:19.59 and Olivere finishing in third place with a time of 4:20.99.

Freshmen Elizabeth Vaughn and Marcella Krautzel each competed in this event for the first time in their collegiate careers with times of 4:48.91 and 5:09.52, respectively. Nikki Merrill (2:15.51) and Kate Flynn (2:32.83) each com-

peted in the 800-meter event, and Trudy-Ann Williamson competed in the 100 and 200-meter events, recording times of 12.19 and 25.69.

On the men’s side of the Temple Invite, middle-distance runners Josh Phillips, Haftu Strinzos and Patrick Spychalksi recorded PRs in the 1500-meter event. Phillips came in fifth with a time of 3:45.86, with Strinzos running a 3:50.04 and Spychalski crossing the finish line in 3:56.03.

In the 5000-meter event, senior Martin Barr placed second with a time of 14:24.79, junior Ben Seiple ran a PR of 14:49.36 with a 12th place finish and senior Rob Morro placed 17th in 15:09.37. In the sprint events, redshirt freshman Mac Costonsis also registered a new personal

best with a time of 56.21 in the 400-meter hurdles, junior Dylan Henry ran the 100 in 11.16 and William Seijas ran the 400-meters in 52.76.

The following day, three Villanova runners competed in the Joe Walker Invite at Ole Miss.

Fifth-year Casey Comber and redshirt freshman Sean Dolan ran two of the seven fastest times in school history in the 1500-meter event. Comber ran a time of 3:37.76, and Dolan finished with 3:38.60. Sophomore Charlie O’Donovan also recorded a sensational time of 3:40.95. These times put all three Wildcats on the weekly national leaderboard, with Dolan sitting in fourth, Comber in seventh and O’Donovan in 19th.

Comber and Dolan now hold the fifth and seventh fastest times in Villanova history.

The Villanovan | 13

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD Apr. 7 - Apr. 13

Wednesday, April 7 Softball vs. Penn (G1) 6-2 W Softball vs. Penn (G2) 2-4 L Men’s Tennis vs. St. Joe’s 3-4 L Swim Big East Championships Day 1 Men (1st of 5) Women (1st of 6) Thursday, April 8 Swim Big East Championships Day 2 Men (2nd of 5) Women (1st of 6) Women’s Tennis vs. St. John’s 5-2 W Women’s Soccer @ Seton Hall 2-1 W (2OT) Friday, April 9 Women’s Rowing vs. Delaware Dual Swim Big East Championships Day 3 Men (2nd of 5) Women (1st of 6) Women’s Lacrosse vs. Butler 20-8 W Men’s Tennis @ Penn 1-6 L Men’s Track @ Temple Invite No Team Scoring Women’s Track @ Temple Invite No team scoring Women’s Tennis @ Providence 7-0 W Field Hockey vs. Temple 1-2 L Baseball @ Creighton 2-9 L Saturday, April 10 Swim Big East Championships Day 4 Men (2nd of 5) Women (1st of 6) Women’s Tennis @ UCONN 4-3 W Softball vs. DePaul (G1) 2-0 W Softball vs. DePaul (G2) 2-3 L Men’s Golf @ Temple Spring Invite Women’s Water Polo @ La Salle 17-20 L Men’s Tennis vs. NJIT 6-1 W Men’s Lacrosse @ Denver 10-17 L Baseball @ Creighton 0-10 L (8) Men’s Track @ Joe Walker Invite No team scoring Sunday, April 11 Women’s Lacrosse vs. Butler 15-10 W Field Hockey @ Temple 2-3 L Baseball @ Creighton 0-8 L Monday, April 12 Men’s Golf @ Wildcat Invitational Tuesday, April 13 Men’s Golf @ Wildcat Invitational Men’ Tennis @ Millersville 6-1 W

Junior Josh Phillips had a successful Temple Invite.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

14 | The Villanovan

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

SPORTS

Eighth Straight Big East Title for Women’s Swim and Dive Meghann Morhardt Staff Writer

After four long and tough days of competition, the Villanova women’s swim and dive team won the Big East Title. This is the team’s eighth consecutive title, the longest streak in program history.

The team finished the weekend with 906.5 points, with second place UConn scoring just 838. The ‘Cats earned 11 gold medals over the course of the four days. Seven of these medals came in individual events, while the other five came from victories in four of the five relays.

The strong performance from the Wildcats started on the first day of competition in which they earned their first two gold medals of the conference championship.

The ‘Cats won the 800 freestyle relay with a time of 7:19.35, beating UConn by just three seconds.

The lineup for the Wildcats in this race was juniors Kelly Montesi, Abbey Berloco, Nicole Welch and senior Milly Routledge. A strong push from Montesi in the final leg of the race, outswimming a UConn swimmer by 5.5 seconds in the last 200 yards, secured the come-frombehind gold medal for the Wildcats.

Following the win in the 800 freestyle relay, the Wildcat’s tied with Xavier in the 200 medley relay. Villanova had a 0.4 second lead entering the final 50m leg, but the Musketeers were able to make up this deficit to finish even with the ‘Cats.

Wins in these two races allowed Villanova to finish the day

with 77 points, ahead of Xavier who tallied 69 points.

Villanova carried its momentum into the second and third days of competition earning three medals on day two and two medals on day three.

Day two started with a win from sophomore diver Danielle Scarano in the one-meter challenge, marking her first Big East title.

Montesi followed suit with an impressive performance in the 200 individual medley with a winning time of 2:00.90. Villanova had a strong showing in the preliminary rounds giving it four out of the eight competitors in the final round.

Villanova rounded out the night with a win in the 200 freestyle relay with a lineup of Routledge, Stahl, Berloco and freshman Lexi Elkovitch.

The ‘Cats also had four swimmers in the final race for the 500 yard freestyle including Welch, senior Emily Provenzo, sophomore Brenna McLaughlin and senior Andrea Fong. Welch and Provenzo both earned medals, coming in second and third place respectively.

With these medals and the victories in the other three events, the Wildcats added to their point total and finished the day with 347 points, ahead of second place UConn who finished with 276.

Day three kicked off with Montesi winning her third consecutive 400 Individual Medley, finishing nearly 3.5 seconds ahead of the runner up from UConn.

The second individual medal on the night for the Wildcats came from Routledge who claimed the

The victory in Ohio was the program’s eighth straight Big East Title.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

gold medal in the 200 free. This race was stacked full of ‘Cats swimmers.

Routledge was joined by Welch, who finished second with a personal best time of 1:50.15, as well as Elkovitch, McLaughlin and Berloco.

Following these two victories, accompanied by a silver medal in the 100 yard breaststroke by sophomore Margaret Kleinsmith, the Wildcats headed into the final day with a point total of 584.

The final day was the highlight of the weekend for the Wildcats with four total championships that ultimately clinched the outright Big East Title.

Montesi started the day with a win in the 200 yard butterfly, earning her third individual title of the weekend. Routledge also claimed another individual title in the 100 yard freestyle, marking her second individual title of the weekend.

The last individual title came from freshman Audrey Pastorek who claimed gold in the 200 yard backstroke, earning her first Big East title.

The ‘Cats earned one last title in the 400 freestyle relay with a lineup of Montesi, Berloco, Elkovitch and Routledge.

This victory gives both Routledge and Montesi 17 career Big East titles. Montesi has eight individual and nine relay, while Routledge has five individual and 12 relay titles.

With this stand-out performance and a total of six gold medals over four days, Montesi was named the women’s Most Outstanding Swimmer for the second time in her career. As a junior, Montesi will have the chance to break more records next year and become one of the most decorated swimmers in Villanova and Big East History.

Villanova head coach Rick Simpson and his coaching staff were named women’s Coaching Staff of the Year for the eighth consecutive season.

Villanova is losing five seniors after this season, but with a strong core coming back, the ‘Cats will have a strong chance to repeat next year.

Battle of the Blue Preview Anders Pryor Staff Writer

While it has been a strange football season for the Wildcats, it wouldn’t be complete without the Battle of the Blue. Villanova will face Delaware on Saturday, April 17 in what will be the first of the short list of games this season to host a limited number of fans.

The Wildcats hold a 2-1 record after a dominant rushing-centric win over the Maine Black Bears. This attack was spearheaded by senior back Justin Covington, who had four rushing touchdowns on 82 total rushing yards in the contest. Seven different players on the team had at least one running carry for positive yardage during the game. One of these players was Daniel Smith, who during the game continued with his not-so-stellar passing performance of the season, throwing for 176 yards on 16/28 completion.

The Delaware Blue Hens are a perfect 4-0 this season, with their average margin of victory being nearly 25 points. They have led every game with a balanced attack from multiple contributors.

Junior quarterback Nolan Henderson has led the way having multiple touchdown passes and more than 200 passing yards in two of the team’s four victories this season (Stony Brook and Rhode Island). Their rushing attack has

been led by senior running back Dejoun Lee, who has recorded a rushing touchdown in three of the four victories and multiple scores in two of them (Rhode Island and Delaware State).

Offensively, Delaware likes to send out all five receivers to stretch out the secondary as much as possible in wideout formations.

It has had many instances of utilizing a trio formation (three receivers on one side, one on the other) and holding a tight end close to the line of scrimmage.

The team creates the illusion of a strong side running play by having the running back in the I Form and then sending the tight end out on a shallow cross. If they go for twins or doubles close, they’ll use the same I formation in the backfield to toss to the strong side of the field and use the open receivers to create a bubble screen for the back to get yardage. This is a strategy that the team likes to use in the red zone, as running is generally its preferred way to score deep in opponents’ territory.

Defensively, the Hens like to play their corners close to create early pressure that disrupts any sort of potential early momentum. This forces teams to throw down the center of the field more, making it easier for them to adjust their linebackers accordingly.

Often, they’ll play their linebacker core close to the line of scrimmage, tending to blitz heavily on

shorter downs.

In order to win this game, Villanova has to trust that Smith can turn this into a shootout, as Covington and company cannot overwhelm the scoreboard with rushing numbers with a Delaware defense that plays physical early.

Taking advantage of the closer linebacker core with intermediate throws down the middle of the field will create a steady pace that can be capitalized on early on. It will still be smart for the Wildcats to utilize the tandem backfield they’re used to in order to spread

out the linebackers as much as possible to get as much running room in the center of the field while the wide outs are occupied by the Hens’ aggressive corner press strategy.

Defensively, Villanova should blitz often and with overwhelming speed, taking advantage of the wideout formations used

by Delaware. Since the Blue Hens often have the tight ends sprint off of the line of scrimmage once the ball is snapped, it will create more available gaps for the defense to take advantage of.

Sophomore Rayjoun Pringle is the team’s leading reciever this season.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

SPORTS

The Villanovan | 15

Four Wins in Six Matches for Men’s, Women’s Tennis Noah Swan Staff Writer

Both Villanova tennis teams found little rest this past week with the men and women playing three matches over four and three days, respectively. The men capped the threegame run with a win after losing the first two, adding to a mixed record on the season. The women secured all three wins, moving to 4-2 for a season defined more by missing matches than playing them.

The men fell just short in their 3-4 loss to Saint Joseph’s in the first of three matches this past week. The team dropped the doubles point to begin and found itself at a 3-1 deficit after the first three singles matches.

The Wildcats scraped back to a 3-3 score with the final singles match in progress. Sophomore Daniel Cheng took the first set of his number singles

match but could not put the match away in the end.

The story is much the same for the men’s tennis team overall, dealing with youth and doubles inconsistency.

“We have come up short too many times in doubles where we dug ourselves into a very tough hole to get out of against experienced opponents,” Coach Brad Adams said.

Saint Joseph’s squad was composed entirely of seniors and graduate students, a luxury not granted to this rendition of the Wildcats. In a tight match like this one, the youth weighs heavily on the nerves of players up against match-deciding points.

The Wildcats reversed their fortunes in doubles against the University of Pennsylvania in the second of three matches, but an early 1-0 lead later became a 1-6 loss in the end. Freshman Josh Robinson nearly added a second point for the match, but ultimately dropped the final set

The women’s team beat St Joseph’s, Providence, and UConn on the week.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

10-7.

Throughout these matches, Adams adjusted the doubles lineup in an attempt to discover the best chemistry among his young team.

Sophomore Alex Kim played beside freshman Ryan Nguyen for the first time this season against Saint Joseph’s and Penn. Adams has full confidence in Kim at the top of the lineup, but a rocky start in both singles and doubles alongside sophomore Justin Suarez forced the switch. After the new partnership lost their first two matches, Adams paired Kim with senior Daniel Martinez for their final match against NJIT. The two eked out a 7-6 victory in route to a 6-1 win for the team.

Some freshmen players continued to solidify their spots in the lineup during the stretch. Freshman Eitan Khromchenko defeated two of his singles opponents over the three matches, notching a team-high seven singles wins over the season. The doubles team of Robinson and junior Matthew Jones dominated throughout each match, always a bright spot for Adams when reviewing his doubles choices. Villanova men’s tennis has won 18 out of its 40 total doubles matches this season, and Robinson and Jones account for half of those wins. Although Adams may still be searching for the optimal six-player combination for the doubles point, he can count on Robinson and Jones at the number two doubles spot.

The Villanova women’s tennis team returned to action for the first time since March 23 against St. John’s, shaking off any rust in a 5-2 victory. Junior Annalise Klopfer finished the three-game period 5-1 in singles and doubles. However, St.

John’s may have been her toughest competition. The Red Storm entered the match undefeated, boasting three-time Big East Player of the Year Jessica Livianu who had never lost a singles match to the ‘Cats. Klopfer and senior Lexi DeNucci helped deliver the doubles point before the former’s match with Livianu. Despite close to a month of canceled matches, Klopfer breezed by Livianu in straight sets as the team rolled to victory.

In their second match, the women dominated Providence in a 7-0 decision that was never in doubt.

After sweeping the doubles point, all six Villanova players won their singles match in straight sets. It’s not just the men’s team with exciting young talent as freshman Rose Kenny gathered 12 straight games in her number six singles match, winning by a score of 6-0.

The ‘Cats faced their toughest matchup against the University of Connecticut in the last of the three.

After losing the doubles point and two of its first three singles matches, Villanova looked down a 3-1 deficit with three singles matches to play. Junior Emily Strande and DeNucci won their singles matches in straight sets to even the match at 3-3 but awaited the result from senior Claudia Althans at the number two spot. After gliding to a 6-1 first set win, Althans needed a third set to put away her opponent and give Villanova its third win in three matches.

With another three matches played for both the Villanova men’s and women’s tennis, each team has success to build from and make adjustments as each reaches the final stretch of their seasons.

Baseball Swept in Big East Opener Matthew Ryan Staff Writer

Coming into their series against the 6-7 Creighton Bluejays, the Wildcats were on a 12game win streak and were ranked No. 2 in the NCAA Division I RPI (rating percentage index) rankings. The RPI rankings take into account a team’s winning percentage, strength of schedule and opponents’ strength of schedule.

Villanova’s first series of Big East play did not go well, as the ‘Cats were defeated in all three games, 9-2, 10-0 (8 innings) and 8-0. This was the Wildcats’ first series loss since their opening series.

Ace senior starting pitcher Gordon Graceffo got the start for the ‘Cats in game one.

The Bluejays got the scoring going in the bottom of the third, jumping out to a 3-0 lead.

The Bluejays began to pile it on in the bottom of the fourth, scoring five runs and making it an 8-0 game. All five runs were unearned for Graceffo due to a throwing error by junior catcher Will Reiner.

Creighton tacked on one more run in the bottom of the fifth, which was unearned as the runner scored due to a throwing error by junior shortstop Dylan McNary, making it a 9-0 game.

After that run scored, freshman pitcher Devin Rivera came in to relieve Graceffo.

The ‘Cats got on the board in the top of the eighth with a two-run home run by graduate student Ryan Toohers that cut Villanova’s deficit to 9-2, the final score.

Toohers had one hit and two RBI’s, and Rivera pitched 3.1 innings, giving up no runs.

The season-high four errors really hurt the ‘Cats, as just three of the runs Creighton scored were earned.

The Wildcats had six hits (two doubles and one home run), drew three walks and struck out 10 Bluejays.

Senior starting pitcher Jimmy Kingsbury got the start for Nova in game two of the series.

Creighton struck early, scoring one run in the bottom of the first.

The Bluejays added to their lead in the bottom of the third, scoring four runs and making it a 5-0 game.

Senior pitcher Cameron Mathes came in to relieve Kingsbury in the bottom of the seventh, but after giving up a three-run home run, he was relieved by freshman pitcher Patrick Montfort. Montfort gave up one run in the bottom of the seventh, making it a 9-0 game.

Montfort walked the first two batters at the bottom of the eighth and then struck out the next two, but junior pitcher Jimmy Franchetti replaced him.

Franchetti hit the first

batter he faced, and with the bases loaded, he walked the next batter, giving an earned run to Montfort and making it a 10-0 game.

Due to Creighton taking a 10-run lead, the game was called as a result of the Mercy Rule.

According to sportsrec.com, the Mercy Rule is “if a team is up by 10 runs after seven innings (or six-and-a-half if the home team is ahead), the game can be called.”

Villanova had three hits (one double) and struck out a season-high 15 batters.

Game three of the series had graduate student Tyler Arella on the mound for the ‘Cats.

Arella struggled, giving up three runs in the first, two in the second and two in the third.

In the bottom of the fourth, sophomore pitcher Cole Vanderslice relieved Arella.

Vanderslice gave up one run in the bottom of the third, making it an 8-0 game, which went on to be the final.

Sophomore Danny Wilkinson pitched two innings, giving up no hits and no runs.

Villanova once again had three hits, along with one drawn walk, eight strikeouts of the opposition and two errors.

In the series, the Bluejays hit .310 while the Wildcats only hit .133.

The Wildcats’ next series is at home against the 10-13 Seton Hall Pirates (3-1 Big East).

Game one is on Friday, games two and three are a doubleheader on Saturday and the series finale is on Sunday.

As a team, Seton Hall hits .253, while it allows its opponents to hit .248.

The Wildcat offense struggled, averaging less than a run per game on the weekend.

Courtesy of Villanova Athletics

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DINING SERVICES

Villanova Dining Services April is Earth Month!

true sustainability everyone needs to eat. our connection to food is a direct connection to our environment.

begins with food Purchasing Local and Seasonal foods whenever possible

Nutrition Program with a focus on reducing animal protein consumption

Recycled Cooking Oil Program

Sustainable Seafood Purchasing Practices

Reusable Water Bottle Hydration Stations located across campus

Fairly Traded Coffee, Tea, and Sugar are always standard in our locations

Reducing Animal Protein through the Cafe Nova Blended Mushroom Burger

Offering plant-based oat milk at Holy Grounds locations

Pre-Consumer Waste Composting and Compostable Take-Out Containers in Dining Halls