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9-23-2019

Rotunda - Vol 98, no. 4 - Sep 23, 2019

Longwood University

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rotunda The ROTUNDA Low of 46°, high of 89° since 1920

A PASSIONATE

OPINIONS CRAFT PAGE 5 A discussion on the effects of E-cigarettes

A&E PAGE 7 Brad Pitt shoots for the stars in “Ad Astra”

SPORTS PAGE 10 WBB continues SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 VOL 98. ISSUE 4 rebuilding process JESSICA PAQUETTE | THE ROTUNDA 02 > SGA TheRotundaOnline.com Swearing in of newly EDITORIAL BOARD 2019 elected officials, new tj wengert SGA library updates

managing editor In by Allison Turner | News Staff | @allisonkturner jeff halliday, clint wright and ashley jones organizational advisers n this week’s Student Questions that were brought Government Association up included the issue regarding I(SGA) meeting, newly the chalk drawings around the NEWS ROTUNDA elected officers in the freshman rotundas and crowns. ALLISON TURNER class were sworn into office. (Haleigh) Pannell said, “It is staff STUDIOS SGA President Haleigh Pannell against the student policies to ELLIE STUCK staff officiated the proceedings as chalk, it is a policy violation. A&E Freshman Class President Cole If it is something that concerns JACOB DILANDRO ADDIE CLARKE editor staff Pillow, Vice President Jess you, you can always call LUPD LEDANIEL JACKSON SUTTON REEKES Semmler, Treasurer Eva Dorn, to assess the situation.” staff staff Secretary Emma Carlstrom Another question submission LIAM WELLS and Representatives Charlotte addressed their lack of OPINIONS staff Austin and Nathan Boyle took knowledge on meal exchanges TAIYA JARRETT XARIAH GODFREY staff staff the oath. versus meal swipes, stating that DAVINA APPLEWHITE The students will now assume using meal exchanges takes staff LAYOUT their roles after being sworn in away extra swipes. Pannell SPORTS ANGELI LEONG and will begin their positions addressed the topic stating editor effective immediately. students get a certain number KURT MARTIN LAUREN QUEZADA editor assistant editor Dean of the Greenwood of meal exchanges per week editor-in-chief pro-tempore MASON VEST Library Brent Roberts spoke depending on what meal plan PATRICK SANDERSON staff about updates to the library, purchased, and meal exchanges assistant editor which includes a new media are not extra swipes. PHOTO box that allows students to Student Diversity & Inclusion COPY TAYLOR O’BERRY ISABELLA CORBO editor rent movies and new furniture Council (SDIC) Representative staff BRANDON CHEUNG installed to the building. Anthony Jackson said there events staff assistant editor Roberts said on the media box, will be a town hall at the end CHELSEA MOORE JACOB PUTERKO “Because we want full access of October for students who are staff assistant editor to the media box that contains confused about Title IX. EVENTS CARRIE BAILEY more than 750 DVDs, it is In the Presidents Report, AMANDA KING staff accessible 24-7 between "The Haleigh Pannell discussed coordinator KC MCALLISTER staff Comma" coffee shop. Students the office hours of the various copy staff can go in anytime and rent stuff executive council members, and RENEE COTTON GISELLE VELASQUEZ assistant coordinator staff out.” encouraged all students, not just JESSICA PAQUETTE The library also put new those on SGA, to utilize them SOCIAL MEDIA staff furniture in on the main floor if they have any questions or MIRANDA FARLEY to make it more welcoming and need clarifications. The hours editor BUSINESS TAYLOR JENNINGS IRIS HAMMOND easily accessible to students, are posted on the door of the assistant editor business manager according to Roberts. The SGA office on the third floor of furniture includes couches, Upchurch. rocking chairs and booths. In the Executive Senators The library is also continuing Report, Executive Senator of to host events every semester Senate Relations Eleanor Carr such as game nights, a discussed the new changes the genealogy workshop, a book dining hall is making, such club and their “Long Night as opening a second entrance Against Procrastination” event at Greens to Go. They are in the next few months. They also in the process of getting continue to encourage students tortillas in the dining hall and to use the librarians and honey mustard at Farmgrill for FOLLOW US ON resources provided to them by students. the university if they need help. The next SGA meeting SOCIAL MEDIA In open forum, Webmaster will take place on Tuesday, INSTAGRAM @rotundaphotos Mason Patrick began by September 24 at 3:45 p.m. FACEBOOK @longwood.rotunda reading aloud questions from inside of the Wilson Chamber TWITTER @longwoodrotunda the virtual open forum, which at the Upchurch University can be found on the Longwood Center. SGA website. SEPT. 23, 2019 03 > NEWS

CONTRIBUTOR PHOTO | JESS BOGGS Longwood chief of police announces retirement by Allison Turner | News Staff | @allisonkturner olonel Robert R. Beach, director too far from Longwood. Chief Beach Beach said, “I’m very proud of the of public safety & chief of police says this shooting and the aftermath initiatives we have taken and how far we Cat Longwood University, has changed how universities all across the have come as a department during my announced his plans to retire at the end country, including Longwood, changed years here in Farmville.” of this academic year. their police departments. Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Beach, also known as “Chief Beach”, Beach said, “My task was to become 80 Pierson, who is Chief Beach’s supervisor, began his time here at Longwood in 2007, percent law enforcement and 20 percent reflected on his time at Longwood. obtaining his current position as chief of security post the Virginia Tech shooting. He said, “Chief Bob Beach is a dedicated police at Longwood. Prior to coming Our goal is to serve and protect our professional whose expertise in the field here, he served in law enforcement in community.” is among the best in the country. Today, Lynchburg and Northern Va. much like any other day, he is on the Beach said, “I have been doing this for clock 24 seven for Longwood.” almost 50 years, and in my time, I have The most enjoyable aspect of his job done just about everything you could he said has been working with students imagine. I began in 1970 in Lynchburg and seeing a successful resolution of and rose to the rank of Sergeant before concern. He enjoys seeing students who moving to Northern Va where I became have struggled in the past learn and the chief of police.” grow from their mistakes, and being a Chief Beach retired in 2001 before resource to students on Longwood’s moving to Farmville and joining the campus. Longwood University police department Although he is sad to be retiring, Beach in 2007. When he came here, Since coming to Longwood, Beach has knows that the next person to take his Longwood’s police department was very taken on multiple initiatives to improve position will be just as eager and well- different from what it is today, primarily the safety and well-being of Longwood’s trained as he was when he received this focusing on more security efforts than campus, including installing video job 13 years ago. Pierson said they have law enforcement. But shortly after he surveillance cameras and starting a new yet to set a specific date for when they arrived, the entire function of the police campus-wide alert system. Initiatives will start the search, but it will be set in department shifted. such as these have helped create a safer stone by the end of the fall semester. On April 16, 2007 there was a mass atmosphere and learning environment Chief Beach’s official retirement date is shooting at Virginia Tech, a college not for students at Longwood. set for July 1, 2020. 04 > FEATURES TheRotundaOnline.com Remica Bingham-Risher begins Longwood Authors Reading Series by Victoria Thompson | Contributor ike a lot of writers and avid readers, an abundance of love for her Remica Bingham-Risher’s interest husband and other family L in reading poetry sparked at a members in her life. young age. She stated, “I found my love One of the main themes of poetry in the fifth grade. My teacher discussed was family and brought in a poem by Langston Hughes the variety of emotional and I was blown away.” ways that love for family While she recognized her admiration presents itself. In fact, many for poetry, she was not aware of the of the pieces are inspired opportunities available in the poetry world by Bingham-Risher’s own until later in life, which probably sounds experiences with her family. familiar to many of the English and When asked if she ever Creative Writing students who attended focuses on any specific the reading. family members throughout She also commented, “I didn’t realize I her writing process, she

wanted to start writing poetry for a living responded, “I honestly don’t JESSICA PAQUETTE | THE ROTUNDA until I was in college and met Tim Seibles, focus on anyone when I Remica Bringham-Risher signs books after the poetry reading. a fantastic poet in his own right, who made write poetry; I write what Two of her published books were for sale during and after the me see that writing poetry in the here and comes. Sometimes my reading for purchase and signing. now was a possibility.” mom shows up, sometimes When asked how the publishing process On Tuesday September 17, Longwood my dad or my husband or my children. has changed since her first book came University kicked off the 2019 Authors Sometimes it’s a great-great grandmother out, Bingham-Risher admitted, “It really Reading Series in Wygal auditorium with that I never met.” hasn’t changed that much. My first book the first reader, Bingham-Risher, who as Music is another main concept that won a poetry prize and was published. an accomplished poet who has published shapes "Starlight & Error", in addition My third book won a different poetry three poetry books in the past several to influencing the poet’s life. At the prize and was published. So, as a poet, years. beginning of the reading, she immediately the publishing process is sometimes just In between reading her work, Remica demonstrated her love for music and its to send your work out into the world and Bingham-Risher mentioned some of the connection to her work by singing during hope that someone sees it and understands main themes written in her most recent her first poem. what you’re trying to do. The real hope is book, "Starlight & Error", which reflects “ has influenced my work that someone will hold it as valuable and more than any other because necessary work, then give it space.” that was the music I heard in my When thinking of the future, Bingham- household growing up,” recalled Risher is currently working on her fourth Bingham-Risher, “My dad also book and looks forward to writing poetry loves jazz, my mom loves R&B, so on topics beyond her own point of view. they instilled that love in me. I’ve She noted, “the next book I’m working always been pretty eclectic when it on is all about two of my grandmothers. comes to my own music choices, so They converge in Petersburg, Virginia all kinds of things—from Beyoncé in a strange twist of kismet. I’m looking to Fall Out Boy to Allen Stone to forward to not having to write about Handel—might end up in a poem myself in this next book. It’s nice to get a of mine.” break from yourself every once in a while. I also think it’s important to delve into where we came from, to look back as a way of helping us continue looking forward. Bingham-Risher also works as Director of Writing and Faculty Development at Old Dominion University, living with her husband and two children in Norfolk, Virginia.

Remica Bringham-Risher reads a few of her poems during the event and gives messages on poetry in between. She opened her first poem by singing a beautiful song. SEPT. 23, 2019 05 > OPINIONS You’re inhaling to death by Taiya Jarrett | Opinions Staff | @ohsoootay

GISELLE VELASQUEZ | THE ROTUNDA

Vapes, Juuls and other forms of E-cigs have proven to be just as harmful as cigarettes. ecently racking up the seventh is to lessen the smoking usage for people this reoccurrence has generated a red flag death, electronic cigarettes who already smoke cigarettes, this to the Food and Drug Administration R (e-cigarettes) have created a inadvertently allows non-smokers to (FDA), as this has emerged into a health temporary high with a permanent become heavily reliant on this highly epidemic. impact for many young adults, and that’s addictive stimulant drug; nicotine, due In 2017 the FDA announced quite frankly something to be fumed to their familiarity. Non-smokers may be a plan that would take about. under the assumption that e-cigarettes initiative in regulating Infused with five percent of nicotine are harmless and ineffective to one’s tobacco in efforts and flavor, these USB shaped battery health. Yet, that notion is inaccurate. to limit addiction devices are discreet yet deadly. Ranging As of recently the Centers for Disease amongst the youth. from a plethora of flavors, strawberry, Control and Preventions reported, “This plan will serve as mango, and pear to name a few are “more than 400 previously a multi-year roadmap disguised under the distinct forms of healthy young people to better protect kids tobacco varying from hookah pens, have been and significantly e-hookahs, vape pens, and Juuls. reduce tobacco- E-cigarettes come in multiple flavors, related disease slim appearance and convenient design, and death in this makes it appealing to young adults, the U.S.” particularly college-aged students from By moving 18-24. forward, in Contrary to making up a majority of spring of 2018 the demographic for e-cigarette usage, the FDA issued college-aged students are not the hospitalized an advance notice primary intended audience. in 33 states to rule-makers to According to JUUL's Chief because of a fasten the process Administrative Officer in a recent m y s t e r i o u s of regulating flavors BuzzFeed interview, the intended lung ailment.” in tobacco products and audience and purpose for most of these Yet, this has not a year later 16 states, including Virginia, e-cigarette products is to “get adult prevented ones has newly implemented a law that raises smokers to switch away from cigarettes, aged between the minimum age to buy tobacco, the designers wanted to make a product 18-24 to quit including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, that wouldn't visually remind people of indulging in from 18 to 21, in an effort to prevent cigarettes since they are trying to quit, but these tobacco filled young people from smoking. still provide the same nicotine delivery products. Consequently, That said, as the e-cigarette and sensory aspects of a cigarette,” not e-cigarettes (vape pens market continues to make a profit for pleasure and enjoyment. and Juuls) are among the off your possible last breath, it’s In reality, that purpose has latest addiction for this best to have them not hold their unfortunately become distorted and demographic. breath. overall misused, especially by its However, due to the unintended consumer. As the objective on-going phenomenon, 06 > OPINIONS TheRotundaOnline.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PLAYLIST

IN DEFENSE OF 13 Reasons Why

by Davina Applewhite | Opinions Staff | @longwoodrotunda

Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this Amidst unfolding secrets and a murder violence, sexual abuse and drugs. commentary are solely those of the author. mystery, audiences are exposed to the Time’s have changed, but the issues ollowing the first season’s release aftermath of sexual assault, specifically some teenagers face are still present on Netflix in 2017, "13 Reasons focusing more on characters Jessica and prevalent today, especially now that F Why" faced a critical amount of Davis and Tyler Down, who both handle technology and social media plays more backlash for the implicit messages about their experiences differently. of a role in the daily lives of teens and suicide that the show conveyed to its Jessica is outspoken and angry, while young adults. young and impressionable audience. Tyler is more reserved and takes time to There is no denying that 13 The backlash only increased when teen open up about his incident. Why’s themes and elements are not suicide rates reportedly increased after It’s important to show the different suitable for everyone, which is why the show's debut. sides of emotionally healing from warnings are given before starting each Parents, like Joyce Deithorn, whose sexual assault. The idea of overcoming episode and hotlines are listed afterward. teen had watched "13 Reasons Why" and something as traumatic as rape is The show also provides a link to their later committed suicide, felt as though complex; the process isn’t black and website, 13reasonswhy.info, that directs the show was a contributing factor that white. those who are struggling with any of the led up to or influenced the death of their The show asserts that boys are victims show’s topics to helpful resources. child. of sexual assault as well, and that their Notably, characters in the show don’t For this reason, the show has been pain is just as valid. Arguably, these take their own advice in this aspect, condemned for misinterpreting suicide scenes from season three encourage but it’s also important to note that "13 as an act of revenge rather than an act of males who may be victims themselves to Reasons Why" is a show, which needs a mental illness or emotional pain. speak up about their experiences even if plot and drama to provide conflict and Scenes like, the initial main character, it’s just to a trusted friend. move the story along. Hannah Baker’s suicide also received Furthermore, the series spends time Like with any television series, "13 criticism for depicting self-harm to a focusing on activism, allowing the Reasons Why" has its flaws. vulnerable audience. characters to stand up against the abuse Though the criticism of this show As a result, the scene has since been they faced that was blatantly ignored should not be forgotten and future edited out of the series. by school faculty, something that is, seasons and episodes should take note of Creator of the show, Brian Yorkey, unfortunately, a reality in real-world what audiences find controversial; there details that the intent behind the scene sexual assault cases. still needs to be exposure of these types was not to potentially glorify the act of Jessica not only uses her voice to raise of issues. suicide. awareness to the hidden survivors No exposure means fewer people “Our creative intent in portraying the around her, but also rediscovers who are willing to talk openly about these ugly, painful reality of suicide in such she is, outside of being a victim, and difficult topics. graphic detail in Season 1 was to tell the reclaims her body. No matter your feelings towards "13 truth about the horror of such an act, Both Jessica and Tyler eventually find Reasons Why", the show did exactly and make sure no one would ever wish solace in reaching out and sharing their what it intended to do, and that is start a to emulate it.” experience once they were ready and conversation. However, critics still feel as though seek help in moving forward. It is important for each and every one of adolescent trauma is exploited It is easy to cast criticism towards the us to start the conversation; not only in throughout the series, with themes writers and producers of "13 Reasons months like September, which is suicide like drug abuse, violence and sex being Why", but looking past the controversy, prevention month, or April, which is amplified to the point of extremity. one can see how a show like this is a the month for sexual assault awareness Though there are clearly negative catalyst that incites people to open up and prevention, but every day of every aspects of the show that should not go about taboo topics, that unfortunately month. unnoticed, such as dramatizing and take place in schools all around the Reach out. Hotlines are available romanticizing the act of suicide, there world. 24-hours a day. are also some important lessons that are What many critics also seem to forget National Sexual Assault Hotline: emphasized in the show that can have a is that shows, like Degrassi, that aired 1-800-656-4673 positive impact on an audience. on television in America for a period National Suicide Prevention Hotline: In season three, in particular, the show of time in the early 2000s, also focused 1-800-273-8255 focuses heavily on recovery. on some of the same ideas of suicide, SEPT. 23, 2019 07 > A&E

t’s common in fiction of any kind periods of time. Negga is as fantastic Thankfully, Gray and Pitt put that to use the fantastical to examine as she’s always been, but is painfully atmosphere to good use. This is not I deeper and more common truths underutilized here. Sutherland is a a toothless film, and despite the inky of humanity. Films like “Blade Runner” victim of the same fate, introduced blackness of space, there is a lot to and “The Truman Show” have used with boatloads of character potential, ruminate on after the credits start to elaborate and fanciful concepts to look but written out in a fairly understated roll. The concepts of home, as well as at the simple concept of identity. “Ad manner. what a parent owes their children, are Astra” is following in the footsteps of The script, penned by director James constantly dealt with throughout the those films, using the concept of a not- Gray (“The Lost City of Z,” “We Own surprisingly short 124-minute run-time. to-distant future and space travel to the Night”) and Ethan Gross (“”), It might very well be one of the most examine some deeply human ideas. manages to straddle the affecting films to ever touch upon the Brad Pitt (“Fight Club,” “The Curious line of subjects of isolation and loneliness. Case of Benjamin Button”) stars as Roy Despite these heady themes, it never McBride, the lone spaceman traveling feels like a downer either. There’s across the galaxy to find his long- a warmth to “Ad Astra” that helps lost father, played by permeate through the seriousness of Tommy Lee Jones the subject matter to create a film that (“Men in Black,” isn’t lighthearted by any means but “No Country for Old feels remarkably human. It eschews Men”). Both Pitt and Jones the melancholy feelings from are delivering career best films like “Blade Runner performances here. While 2049” or “Interstellar” Jones is on-screen less than and it creates a much Pitt, the moments where he is are more appealing film to the captivating thanks to a deeply soulful general populous as a result, and weathered delivery. There’s a loss without sacrificing the artistry. and emptiness to his character that feels believability and wordy It is worth noting that, even with its genuinely authentic and heartbreaking. vocabulary extremely well. shorter than blockbuster length and Pitt, meanwhile, is an absolute It never falls into the pitfalls of a film consistent pacing, this a slow burn of a showstopper. While it's easy to throw like “The Goldfinch,” instead settling film, and therefore won’t be for everyone. criticism at the abundance of voice- into a neat spot of vocabulary heavy Some moments just exist to showcase over present in the film, it at least seriousness. The middle of the film is a the mental state of the characters, and makes sense within the context of his bit strenuous, as that is when the pacing while they are satisfying in a story extensive space travel solitude and the drags for a bit. But it's only really one context, they might not be particularly “psychology exams” the film brings up. scene that feels out of place, a distress entertaining for a general movie-going Regardless, Pitt is delivering a stern and signal, and it at least has a purpose, even audience. cold character whose life and character if it doesn’t seem entirely necessary. For those willing to see a slow fundamentally changed over the two- However, where “Astra” truly shines is burn film through, “Ad Astra” is hour run-time. It feels so authentic and in the moment of quiet contemplation. masterclass in emotional authenticity real, as if you’re watching a documentary This is an absolutely knock-out gorgeous and theme work. For a film about of a man whose core beliefs are being film, without a doubt containing the space, the authenticity and artistry of changed over the course of his life. best cinematography of the year so far, the atmosphere is undeniable. Lead by Apart from Pitt and Jones, the rest of courtesy of cinematographer Hoyte career best performances from Brad the cast consists of roles so brief they may van Hoytema (“her,” “Interstellar”). Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones, this is a as well be cameos. There is an extended Some moments swell with incredible singularly wondrous piece of science- sequence on a space shuttle to Mars with beauty and jaw-dropping vistas. When fiction, with only minor blemishes from some great smaller roles and chemistry the seamless mix of practical and underutilized supporting characters and between the supporting cast and Pitt, computer effects is coupled with that a somewhat out of place sequence. It's but it's over too quickly to really make cinematography and the score from at times thought provoking, thrilling, an impact. Lorne Balfe (“The Florida Project,” gorgeous and insightful, sometimes all Ruth Negga (“Warcraft,” “Loving”) “The LEGO Batman Movie”) and at once. Talk about shooting for the and Donald Sutherland (“Ordinary Max Richter (“Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” stars. People,” “Animal House”) are the only “The Leftovers”), it becomes a purely 4.5/5 supporting members present for long incredible achievement in atmosphere. AAAAA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX, REGENCY ENTERPRISES, BONA FILM GROUP, NEW REGENCY, PLAN B ENTERTAINMENT, RT FEATURES, KEEP YOUR HEAD PRODUCTIONS, MADRIVER PICTURES, AND MovieTHE reviews by Jacob REEL DiLandro | A&E Editor LIFE | @spongejay1 WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES 08 > A&E TheRotundaOnline.com

COURTESY OF RHYMEHIPHOP.COM EarthGang creates a magical atmosphere with "" by LeDaniel Jackson | A&E Staff | @xidjoeker500 Mirrorland” is the third studio that includes a heavy trap beat as well as energy to the song. from the hip-hop group EarthGang, Venus and Dot talking about their path “Tequila” marks the first collaboration “based out of , Georgia. Rappers to success. Venus touches on topics with between EarthGang and T-Pain. It Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot make this lyrics like “You measure a man by they discusses how the rappers deal with stress duo unique by combing rap, R&B, jazz likes on the ‘Gram, but how do he move by drinking. The track includes a tropical and . “Mirrorland” pays homage to under pressure?” Dot comes with some beat mixed with horns and guitar. Dot the popular movie “The Wiz” and it shows clever lines like “Hypebeast/ F*** the makes good use of his vocals especially with the first song “LaLa Challenge.” hype, been a beast, I was born with teeth.” whenever he sings the word “Tequila.” It starts this album with a soulful R&B While this topic is bland, the production Venus joins Dot in the chorus and gives beat while Johnny Venus starts to create and the performances of the artists make his verse about how he relieves stress. the atmosphere for this song. Doctur Dot it listenable. T-Pain’s verse was average at best, but he then comes in and delivers a great verse, “Swivel” is about how Venus and Dot matches the vibe of the song. as well as matching the intensity of Venus. always keep their guard down with facing “Blue Moon” starts with a psychedelic Then the song makes a hard turn into a their fears. EarthGang uses old-school instrumental that meshes well with Dot’s crazy upbeat type. “LaLa Challenge” is a hip-hop to explain their topic while voice. It talks about how busy the artists great opener to this album and it sets the using their unique voices. This track also are with their music careers becoming tone for the next song “UP.” includes the two artists more more stressful. Dot’s verse is surprisingly This song keeps the energy going frequently than others. average and Venus over shines him with with its psychedelic hip-hop Doc starts the track his witty lyrics and weird voice. However, beat. Venus sets the pace with his with a surprisingly the song’s production does give it some life unique voice to match the tone of good flow while and does enhance the performance of the the track. His inspiration comes Venus comes in two artists. from the movie “John Q” which to bring Overall “Mirrorland” does a good job you can see with his intensity more of creating an atmosphere similar to and craziness. Dot comes in “The Wiz.” The only negative is when the with a calmer verse while production outshines the artists. While matching the speed of the it is amazing, EarthGang sounds Venus’ rapping. The first bland over these great beats. Besides that, two songs show how EarthGang delivers a very good album. good the chemistry is between the two artists. AAAA 4/5 “Bank” is a braggadocious track COURTESY OF CENTRALSAUCE.COM SEPT. 23, 2019 09 > SPORTS

coach Daniel Wooten and both his men’s and women’s cross country programs are Fall sports update: in the midst of a two-week rest before their Queen City Invitational in North Carolina on Sep. 27. Previously, in the first Men's soccer shines early two invitationals of the year, junior Casey Williams has made a name for herself as Conference clashes and finding momentum one of the top runners in the Big South, finishing 31st in the Elon Invitational and highlight early fall sports action sixth place in the three-team Big South by Patrick Sanderson | Assistant Sports Editor | @psanderson20 Preview race, clocking personal records in each. ith the fall sports season in After putting up fights early in the season The men’s team had two top-10 finishes full swing, the Longwood against Monmouth and Georgetown, at the Big South Preview, headed by W men’s and women’s soccer, head coach Iain Byers’ team sits at 4-2, Nick Howell, who placed ninth out of field hockey and cross-country teams coming off their first Mid-American 18 participants. This finish led the men’s have begun to establish a working ground Conference (MAC) battle at home against team to a third place finish, while the to feed off of as all teams enter a long Central Michigan on Friday. The Lancers women’s squad placed second, only behind midseason stretch ahead of their all- have allowed five goals, the second-fewest Campbell. Following the Queen City important conference schedules. Here’s in the conference, and carry an eight-goal Invitational, the team has three races left, where they stand: differential only six games into the season. including the Big South Championship in Following a disappointing 2018 season, Leading the way for the Lancers is senior early November, followed by the NCAA head coach Jon Atkinson has led his men’s forward Olivia Wawrzyniak, averaging Southeast Regional in Charlottesville. soccer program to a red-hot start, winning six shots per game along three of their first four games, including with three goals, only a 5-1 thrashing of Virginia Military behind junior forward Institute (VMI) at home. Following their Karly Harwood with slim loss to Navy on Wednesday, the four, who sits fourth Lancers fell to 3-2 with just one game in the conference in remaining on the non-conference docket. this category. Their However, Atkinson’s squad has outscored mentality of taking their their opponents 12-4 through five games, season one game at a leading the Big South conference in goals time is in full effect, as and allowing the fewest goals thus far. they look to dethrone Their lightning start came in part by conference powerhouses stellar performances from senior forward Kent State and Miami Mikel Abando and junior midfielder (OH) later this season, Ander Etxaniz, who was given Big South seeking the coveted Player of the Week honors, as both have MAC championship in netted four goals in five games. The November. Lancers boast six different scorers, and Second-year head Sophomore Leif VanSlyke weaves his way trough the Navy defense. look to regain momentum when they visit James Madison on Sep. 13. JESSICA PAQUETTE | THE ROTUNDA The women’s soccer program, who was ranked number three in the Big South preseason poll, has kicked-off to a less- than-ideal start for a team who has been a championship contender for the past few years. Veteran head coach Todd Dyer’s squad has started 2-5 and has been outscored by their opponents, 13-7 as they have begun conference play this past weekend. However, Dyer previously stated the non-conference schedule was set up to test his team, knowing it wouldn’t be a walk-in-the-park. Earlier, he expressed concerns about formations and strategies he was using to fit specific roles, as well as early season injury concerns, but hopes to resolve these and remain a powerhouse in the Big South as they are on the road at Hampton on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Longwood field hockey team is not, by any means, an easy team to beat. A.J. Kmiec carries forward and eyes teammate Ander Etxaniz in the midfield. 10 > SPORTS TheRotundaOnline.com

COURTESY OF LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY

Women’s Basketball looks to continue r by Kurt Martin | Sports Editor | @IamKurt14

fter inheriting a struggling women’s know, how strong is that chemistry? But so far I basketball program one season ago, second am just so pleased with the energy of this group, A year head coach Rebecca Tillett knew the the attention to detail and the desire to want to rebuilding process would not be easy. elevate this program,” she said. Despite a tough record of 3-27 a season ago, The Lancers, alongside 2018-19 All Big-South Tillett said she was encouraged by the team’s second-team selection, senior forward Dayna ability to pull close in the late stages of games Rouse, return four players from last season, all down the stretch and feels that can serve as a with starting experience including: sophomore launch pad into this season. guard Milou Vennema, sophomore forward Akila “I think this team is going to be more competitive Smith, junior forward Mallory Odell, senior guard in general. How quickly will that translate is the Jada Russell and senior guard Khaila Hall. question that everyone wants to know, including On the other hand, the rest of the roster sheet me,” said Tillett. “I think what you have to know is filled by seven newcomers; as four come to in those moments is how quickly are they going Farmville by way of freshman status and three as to gel together, and that’s going to be the answer junior transfers. that provides how quickly do wins translate.” Tillett said the college experience the three junior Tillett said the team is still growing together as transfers (point guard Tra’Dayja Smith, forward time passes, but has yet to face the adversity of Andrijana Reljic and point guard Allysah ‘Cookie’ which a game presents. Booth) bring to the program by way of being in “So that’s when I think we will really know, you big games before is a very important thing. SEPT. 23, 2019 11 > SPORTS

s Basketball looks to continue rebuilding in year two of Tillett era

“The way in which they approach practice, the Alongside of increased leadership, Rouse said way they approach lifting; it just has a bit of she has worked in the offseason on her jump shot seriousness to it that I think we needed,” she to extend her range to become more of a threat added. “I think they have added value already from both midrange and the three-point line. with the way they approach preparation.” This year’s team will look to improve on an 0-15 She also mentioned all freshman new to the team mark on the road from a season ago. Gaining the this year (guard Kyla McMakin, guard Adriana experience and ability to win on the road was a Shipp, forward Tayonna Robertson and guard focal point in the team’s out of season schedule, Anne-Hamilton Leroy) have the ability to produce, according to Tillett. but have to first get through the learning curve of “Last year, we were not successful on the road, and playing defense at the college level to fully reach so that will be a huge focus in the non-conference their potential. is to figure out how to win on the road, what does With these variety of new faces added to the that take.” she said. “It takes your preparation locker room, Rouse said she has had to up her from leaving Longwood, all the way until tip-off, level of leadership, alongside her fellow senior and the ending buzzer to put it all together.” teammates The Lancers will hold a scrimmage inside of “Me, Jada (Russell) and Khaila (Hall) have been Willett Hall on October 19, as they take on the here for four years, so they are obviously looking Spartans from UNC Greensboro, and will begin up to us a lot,” she said. “It’s sort of a natural role the regular season on November 6, taking on to fall into.” James Madison (JMU) in a road contest. 2 TOPPINGS $6.99 2 MEDIUM EACH GOURMET $12.99 MEDIUM PIZZA GOURMET $14.99 LARGE PIZZA

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