The Fairfield Mirror 3/4/2026

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

NATIONALLY RANKED

Stags Earn Spot in Top 25 Ahead of MAAC Championships This Weekend

Opinion •

The RecPlex Shouldn’t Sound Like a Rodeo Page 5

Vine •

Dia Duit: An Ireland Study Abroad Diary Page 8

Sports •

Grace Slater Embraces New Role on Sidelines Page 15

Levee May Close as Soon as Friday, Decision Not Final INDEPENDENT

By DANNY MCELROY Executive Editor

The regular season has come to a close. The MAAC Championships in Atlantic City await. And in the meantime, Fairfield women’s basketball has another historic accolade to add to its long list of achievements.

For the second time in three years, the Stags have earned a national ranking in the AP Poll, slotting in at No. 25 in this week’s edition released on Monday morning. That placement matches the one they earned in the penultimate rankings of the 2023-24 regular season, when the program made its AP Poll debut en route to a 200 MAAC season and a 31-2 overall record.

But as has been the case for many of their accomplishments over the last few seasons, the Stags are trying to simply take the nod in stride.

“It was a very quick reaction, honestly,” said junior road runner Meghan Andersen. “We talked about it for a second and then we were straight into film

for watching our Sacred Heart game. Because yeah, it’s great to be recognized in that way, but our goals are a lot bigger than that. And we don’t want to focus too much on it because there’s still so much that we want to work for.”

The first goal on that list is capturing a third consecutive conference tournament title and booking a return trip to the NCAA Tournament. In many respects, the Stags will arrive in Atlantic City this week

as similarly heavy favorites to the previous two seasons.

Between their new national ranking, a NET ranking just outside the top 50 and being considered the presumptive automatic qualifier out of the MAAC by outlets like ESPN, the defending champs are considered by most to be the team to beat once again.

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Comedy Reclaims the Spotlight at Mahoney Arena

FUSA promotes the comedy show as a new spring tradition

By JULIAN NAZARIO Managing Editor

The Fairfield University Student Association revealed on Monday that Impractical Jokers star James “Murr” Murray will headline a comedy show at the end of the month at the Leo D. Mahoney Arena.

FUSA initially announced “The Spring Comedian” event on Feb. 27, but postponed the announcement of Murray for the show until the day before tickets went on sale.

In an email sent to students on Saturday, the event was described as “an interactive stand-up show featuring a celebrity.” In a new communication this week, FUSA emphasized that Murr will tell “funny stories, show off his own personal never-before-seen

videos from Impractical Jokers, and play Impractical Jokers LIVE with the audience!”

The event is the first comedy show in the Leo D. Mahoney Arena since Dec. 2023, when Staten Island native Joe Gatto performed on campus as part of Winter Fest, a nine-day-long series of events that prepared students for the end of the semester and the holiday season.

That year, the Impractical Jokers alumn performed for over an hour, with some jokes tailored to Fairfield-specific topics, including then-Fizz-Famous Lucas Steele, to whom Gatto threw a Snicker’s bar as a punchline.

As it was when Gatto visited campus in 2023, Murray is adding Fairfield as part of his nationwide tour, The Errors Tour.

Student tickets for the event went on

sale yesterday for seniors and juniors, while all other undergraduate students can buy tickets as of this morning. Tickets cost $10 for students and $15 for guests.

BY SOPHIA HABER BROCK Digital Editor

The Levee could temporarily close as early as March 5 and remain closed through the rest of the Spring semester, as Aramark, the university’s dining provider, relocates its catering operations from the Conference Center amid ongoing construction.

Jay DeGioia ’80, District Manager at Aramark, said renovations to the Conference Center, which is attached to the Media Center, would require the catering team to vacate its current kitchen.

During that period, The Levee would be used as a temporary hub for the catering operations. “The Levee makes sense for its location and the equipment needed to operate catering,” DeGioia told The Mirror.

The closure of the only late-night food option for students will lead to The Tully expanding its hours until 10 p.m., with Levee employees using the deli and pizza stations in addition to a grill in the dessert area.

“The Levee employees will transfer to the Tully,” DeGioia assured.

DeGioia specified that those stations would be used during the extended hours, indicating the operation may differ from the Tully’s typical full-service format.

It is also unclear whether students will be permitted to take food to-go during the extended hours or if dining will follow Tully’s traditional dine-in policy.

Closure Timeline Still Under Review

While the plan has not been finalized, DeGioia said Aramark anticipates closing The Levee prior to Spring Break.

“We are anticipating closing The Levee prior to Spring Break and will reopen as soon as the catering kitchen is complete,” he said. “March 5 gives us the best opportunity to open The Levee earlier in the fall.”

His reference to reopening “earlier in the fall” suggests The Levee would not reopen again this spring.

An official announcement will be made to students once the plan is finalized and approved.

Student Reactions

Students with whom The Mirror spoke to in The Levee expressed surprise when told about the potential closure.

Marcello Graffeo ’29, who said he visits The Levee multiple times a week, reacted immediately.

“This might be the worst news I’ve heard today,” Graffeo said. “I go to The Levee like three or four times a week. I love the pizza. I love the burger. It’s gonna be sad to not have this for the rest of the semester, but I am happy that The Tully will be closing a lot later. It’s gonna be very nice.”

While some students described The Levee as part of their weekly routine, others said convenience matters more than location.

Patrick Russo, a junior who said he does not frequent The Levee often, emphasized the importance of late-night dining options.

“I mean, as long as something stays open late, I don’t think it really matters,” Russo

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said. “I think it’s good that something’s staying open. And I think a lot of kids will like The Tully staying open.”

When asked how often he frequents The Levee, Russo added that his visits are typically based on the restaurant being open rather than his desire.

“Not often, just it’s the only thing that’s open,” he said.

Alcohol Service and Reopening Plans

The Levee resumed alcohol sales earlier this semester as part of what DeGioia described as both a

test and a response to student demand.

“We will look at other locations to serve alcohol if the data shows it is popular,” DeGioia said when asked about the potential for an expansion.

As Aramark plans for The Levee’s reopening, dining officials will analyze which menu items and offerings have been most successful.

It is not clear whether sales have been successful, but DeGioia shared that after The Levee’s Super Bowl celebration last month, The Levee performed well in meal exchange participation and food specials but saw limited alcohol sales.

FUSA Election Process Reinforces Need for Commitment

By OLIVIA MARCEDA Head News Editor

The Fairfield University Student Association election process is a rite of passage for student leaders, but meeting the required number of signatures can be a challenge. This year, three pairs of candidates originally declared to run for President and Vice President, but only one candidate actually ended up on the ballot.

Sophomore Matthew Doherty, who was running as Vice President with junior Hailey Guzman, fell short of the required signatures and was candid about his experience.

“I believe we were around 80 signatures short,” he admitted. Despite not qualifying for the ballot, Doherty described the process of gathering signatures as unexpectedly enjoyable. “It gives you the ability to reach out either in person or over email with students that you may be familiar with but have not spoken to in a bit. So it’s enjoyable to reconnect with certain individuals,” he said.

“It simply creates necessary commitment to the running process in my opinion,” noted Doherty, on whether the signature requirement created barriers. Doherty and Guzman decided against continuing as write-in candidates due to time constraints and other commitments.

“I do not believe the required number of signatures is unreasonable,” said FUSA President Courtney Sabogal.

Framing the signature requirement as preparation rather than a barrier, she emphasized the intentional structure behind the election system.

“To appear on the ballot, a ticket must collect 200 student signatures. In a community of more than 5,000 undergraduate vstudents, this threshold helps ensure that candidates have engaged

with a meaningful portion of the student body and have begun building the outreach and communication skills that are essential for a successful presidency.”

“Trying to be successful as a write-in campaign requires extended time and effort that I felt I did not want to prioritize over other commitments such as studying and classwork,” Doherty explained.

successfully met the 200-signature requirement. They confirmed their submission after receiving official notice from the FUSA Court. Their approach involved reaching out personally to friends and classmates, explaining their campaign initiatives and the importance of student support.

Fitzmaurice acknowledged minor technical challenges, including difficulties accessing the signature form on Life@Fairfield.

Trying to be successful as a write-in campaign requires extended time and effort that I felt I did not want to prioritize over other commitments such as studying and classwork.”

Reflecting on the experience, he added, “although not successful, it was a good experience, and I got to learn about the election process.”

“Sometimes people would have trouble accessing the link, many people were having trouble signing into Life@Fairfield initially. There were also many people having problems with signing in when people were not on the school’s WiFi,” he explained. Despite these minor setbacks, the team completed the process within va week.

Matthew Doherty Student

Sabogal provided more information on the write-in process, describing it as having the same emphasis on structure and preparedness as the traditional election process.

“While write-in candidates may seem out of the ordinary, FUSA’s election code provides clear rules and regulations for nearly every scenario, including write-ins,” said Sabogal. “While some may view them as a ‘disruption’ or ‘hiccup,’ we see them as an unconventional yet entirely valid part of the election process.”

Out of 78 presidents the organization has had, only one, current senior Andrew Mejia, was elected as a write-in candidate, when he defeated another student who was running unopposed in the ballot.

Thomas Fitzmaurice and his running mate, Olivia La Bruno,

They found the signature requirements reasonable: “It was daunting at first, but it was also necessary to get our campaign out there to the student body,” Fitzmaurice said. He also noted the election system’s accessibility, noting that the public petition form on Life@Fairfiled allowed transparency.

Both Fitzmaurice and La Bruno cited prior experience in FUSA as a motivator for running. “We have both been a part of FUSA for the past two to three years and have learned a lot about how FUSA operates and the issues on which students feel more passionate,” he said. “We are seriously approaching the role and feel we would be great representatives of the student body and would always give our best efforts toward relaying student issues to the administration.”

“While certain aspects may feel rigorous or daunting, they are intentionally designed to ensure that candidates are prepared for the responsibilities and challenges that come with serving as President or Vice President.” explained Sabogal.

Fitzmaurice-La Bruno Expected to Win FUSA Election

By JULIAN NAZARIO Managing Editor

Fairfield University juniors Tommy Fitzmaurice and Olivia LaBruno are projected to become the new FUSA president and Vice President for the 2026-27 academic year.

The results of the race were announced last night at an election party held in the Dogwood Room, but were not released in time for print.

The pair, which ran unopposed after two other presidential tickets failed to gather enough signatures to make the ballot, ran on a platform emphasizing better communication between the student body and university officials.

“We are running on a four-platform: increased collaboration among FUSA and other branches, increased communication, campus improvements and on-campus events,” Fitzmaurice said last week at a FUSA-sponsored debate. They both emphasized the opportunity of leading the student association as an honor and the next step in their leadership journey.

When asked about on-campus limited housing options, Fitzmaurice emphasized FUSA’s role as an advocate for students, saying the organization needs to take a stronger stance on what students prioritize.

“I think our main job is to advocate strongly for student needs. If students really feel like housing is a top priority, we really have to emphasize that to the administration,” the presidential hopeful said to a question from an audience member about the lack of housing on campus.

Fitzmaurice is a Finance and Accounting double major who has served in FUSA as a senator for the Class of 2027 since his freshman year, where he has been part of the Facilities Committee. This year, he is part of the Community Safety Board as chair. LaBruno is also a junior Accounting and Finance double

major. Within FUSA, she is part of the Club Operations and Student Organizations Board, where she has had roles as Club Developer and, most recently, Associate Director.

During the debate, Fitzmaurice proposed building a sauna on campus as part of his campus improvement projects.

“I know one of our initiatives as part of campus improvements, I would like to have a sauna on campus, that’s something I’ve been hearing a lot about,” he said when asked about the safety and wellness of students.

In regard to the changing policies from the Town of Fairfield affecting the student experience at the beach area, both agreed that FUSA should continue the efforts from the current leaders of the organization, including the town hall-style meeting with the police department.

“The beach is obviously a big part of our campus,” Fitzmaurice said. “Our job, as we said, is to advocate for all students, and that includes students at the beach, advocating for their concerns too.”

Editorial Board

Kathleen Morris, Editor-in-Chief

Danny McElroy, Executive Editor

Julian Nazario, Managing Editor

Caitlin Shea, Head of Editorial Integration

Section Editors

Olivia Marceda, Head News

Brenna Belasco, Associate News

Conor Doonan, Head Opinion

Katherine Kilsey, Associate Opinion

Talia Scarpa, Head Vine

Lizzie Freeman, Associate Vine

Crystal Arbelo Head Sports

Georgia McDade, Associate Sports

John Malizia, Associate Sports

Sophia Haber Brock, Digital Editor

Nathanael Wilhelm, Associate Digital Editor

Advisors

David Albright

Karla Barguiarena

Tommy Xie

Contact Information

Fairfield University

1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Fairfield, CT 06824

Printing Valley Publishing Derby, CT

Outdoor Service Opportunities Increase with Return of Spring Weather

By BRENNA BELASCO Associate News Editor

As the days are getting warmer, Fairfield University’s service opportunities are becoming more abundant. According to Katie Byrnes, the Associate Director of Campus Ministry, “Come March and April, we’re all so desperate to be outside, so anything that has an outdoor component is very popular. I’m done cancelling things [because of] the snow!”

One March service opportunity in particular, the annual Kairos Retreat, is incredibly popular. Kairos means “God’s time.” Byrnes spoke highly of the retreat, saying, “It’s a time to take a step back, take a hard stop and think about our relationships with ourselves, one another, and with God.”

This year, Campus Ministry is taking about 70 students off campus for three days. The retreat is held at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, Connecticut. The drive is an hour long, and students can enjoy 720 acres of protected shoreline around the mile-long lake.

Around this time of the year, Campus Ministry also has its sights set on

Easter opportunities. Despite the reduced student presence on campus during Easter Break, there are still things happening and people to help. Byrnes says that the main focus during the break is to aid those who work at service sites that are “...on the margins or forgotten.”

Byrnes explains that it’s a time to think of those who may not always be thought of, with volunteers baking cookies for the people at the soup kitchens, sending greetings to people in assisted living and putting together care packages for children. Campus Ministry also partners with the city of Fairfield to organize a 5K walk/bunny hop, designed for children to be able to participate alongside adults.

Byrnes expanded on the cookies for the soup kitchens, emphasizing their importance. “The folks at the soup kitchen often only get leftovers, or they get things that are mass-produced in cans. So, students spend an hour baking some cookies. I have them write a little note, stick it on a Ziploc bag, and put the cookies in, so they’ve gotten something that’s freshly baked for them with a little note that says, ‘Hey, you’re loved, thinking about you.’ It seems really small, but it makes a huge difference for them.”

As always, food pantries are a top priority for Campus Ministry. Senior Mia Swenson shared this month’s Senior Service Project: filling snack bags for kids for the Filling in the Blanks Mobile Food Pantry. It will be on Wednesday, March 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s the second of three senior service events and is a great way for even the seniors to meet new people, as Swenson said.

She described the event, saying, “It’s so easy to be involved in; you’re able to come decorate a bag, write a [fun little] note, put a joke on it, and then we have a whole bunch of snacks that people can pick from and put into their bag and then someone from Filling in the Blanks comes and picks them up at the end of the event.”

She went on to say that because of Campus Ministry’s continued support for Filling in the Blanks, Fairfield is a staple partner for the organization. “I think we’re almost counted on to continue this and [keep] it going…[we’re] consistent with this tradition, and it’s [so] impactful for the local kids.”

Potential Spring Break Travel Woes Could Affect Students & NCAA Athletes

By JULIAN NAZARIO Managing Editor

As Fairfield University students gear up for Spring Break, travel officials are warning air travelers to have extra patience at airports as the federal shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA, enters its second week.

While the shutdown has not significantly affected travel, services like Global Entry, a program that allows expedited clearance for passengers returning to the United States from international destinations, have been suspended “until funding is restored.”

TSA Pre-Check, a popular program that allows for expedited security screening, remains fully operational, according to The New York Times.

However, students flying in the coming days should still con sider the effects of the shutdown and the increased number of pas sengers expected to arrive at airports nationwide.

According to a forecast released by Airlines for America, a trade association representing the leading U.S. airlines, airlines ex pect another record-breaking spring travel period, with over 170 million passengers expected to fly.

Locally, Tweed-New Haven (HVN), the regional airport servicing Southern Connecticut, is also forecasting a higher number of passengers flying for Spring Break.

The Mirror is the recognized student newspaper of Fairfield University. Opinions and ideas expressed herein are those of the individual student authors, and not those of Fairfield University or its Board of Trustees.

“HVN is anticipating increased passenger volumes during peak Spring Break travel periods, particularly on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays,” Tom Cavaliere, the Director of Community Engagement for the airport, told The Mirror. “We recommend that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure to allow ample time for

parking, check-in and security screening.”

In addition, Cavaliere recommended that travelers keep an eye on the weather in both their departure and destination cities and monitor their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.

He also reminded passengers that Uber is not licensed to operate in the airport, so those flying out of HVN should use a taxi, Lyft or park at the new Park and Ride @ Long Wharf, which offers a shuttle service to and from the airport.

Students will not be the only ones facing potential air travel disruptions. Last week, the NCAA advised basketball programs across the country that they should have “extreme flexibility” this championship season.

The RecPlex Shouldn't Sound Like a Rodeo

By Katherine Kilsey Associate Opinion Editor

I have been going to the gym pretty consistently around 6:15 in the morning for the almost two years I have been a student here at Fairfield. This early-morning endeavor helps with my sense of routine and discipline, and I’m also a fan of getting in my workout at a non-ridiculously crowded time. I know the familiar faces I’ll see every day, my 6 a.m. gym crowd, and I can expect pretty much the same kind of atmosphere every day.

However, this year specifically, I have a huge issue with one small detail of my gym experience: the music. For my entire stretch at the gym, I am met with the most excruciating, yee-haw

country tunes known to man.

I listen to a lot of music.

I feel as if I can find common ground with almost anyone, as I enjoy a wide span of genres and artists. But I’ve always said there is one kind I simply cannot stand, and that would be this heavily commercialized country that seems to be required to mention a truck within the first verse.

It’s not even 100% of country music that I find irritating. I can appreciate some country classics blasting by the pool on a hot day while your family barbecues, and I am also a fan of passionate country-pop girl ballads on occasion. But there is only so much “truck-driving”, “whiskey-drinking” and “smalltown roads” I can take – especially at the crack of dawn.

I bring my own headphones in attempts to blast my own favorite tunes, but the volume of the Rec’s music is overwhelmingly loud, and I can usually hear right through it.

What is even more interesting to me is that the music has not always been on this station at 6 a.m.

I have distinct memories of working out to classic pop hits, party favorites and throwback jams – music that may be somewhat basic, sure, but appeals to a wider number of students and other gym-goers.

The gym is a shared space, and the music playing should reflect that. Sure, a good portion of the early gym crew might love this kind of country, but there are also plenty who don’t – and they should be considered, too.

Furthermore, I feel like music directly impacts a lot of people’s performance during a workout. The tempo of a song can correlate with motivation and energy, and I’m not convinced that formulaic storytelling country is the ideal

pick. Especially when it comes to slower, modern country, it just doesn’t match the gym atmosphere or support workouts. Now, I’m aware that the RecPlex does have guidelines when it comes to the music they play. They only have access to certain stations, and the music they play needs to be clean to promote a welcoming environment for all ages.

Luckily, there is a simple solution here: shuffle the music stations! I’m not anti-country, but I do think the RecPlex needs a better balance in their early morning tunes. Focusing on not playing the exact same songs at the same times of the day would make the gym experience at Fairfield so much better.

Fairfield U Recreation will occasionally send out surveys to gauge how they can improve the RecPlex, and adding a question about preferred music can help the university better understand which stations to consider adding to their rotation.

Hopefully, the RecPlex can stray away from strictly the boots and booze country and play songs everyone can enjoy.

Fairfield Deserves a Movie Theater

By Conor Doonan Head Opinion Editor

I’ve watched 45 movies since the start of the semester. Whether that was a healthy decision is probably beyond the purview of this article, but it seemed like a strong statement to open with.

Some of these were heinously bad, like “Paul”, while others were exceptional, like “12 Angry Men”, but regardless, almost all of them were watched in the confines of my dorm room.

That’s a problem. Film was never meant to be enjoyed

on my laptop screen, nor does the tinny sound of earbuds particularly improve it. Film was meant for the silver screen, or at least for a screen that isn’t four feet from my face.

I propose a solution that will make my film habit a little less sad, and might even help grow our campus community.

Fairfield should screen more movies.

Now, I know what you may be saying. Fairfield does screen movies. I’ve seen “Brokeback Mountain”, “The Dead”, “Rashomon” and “Michael Collins” in the basement auditorium of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library.

That may seem like a lot, but it's four movies over the course of nearly two years, and I basically snuck into film class events for two of them, so I’m not sure they actually count.

Fairfield University itself doesn’t show films on anything approaching a regular basis. They leave that to the individual departments and the occasional Quick Center event.

Who doesn’t love going to the movies with their friends? Who doesn’t love popcorn, soda and a chocolate bar?

It would be no small task to show a movie or two every week, and maybe buy a popcorn machine. Just look at our tuition costs.

I’m pretty sure Fairfield University can afford a Netflix account, and maybe HBO Max, if they’re feeling adventurous.

The library has an auditorium, and the Quick Center has an even bigger one. It’s clearly not an issue of space, though I do envy Sacred Heart the SHU Community Theatre.

You may not know this, but SHU’s theater shows movies. As an objectively superior institution of higher education, can we really let them get away with one-upping us here? Our pride is at stake.

In all seriousness, Fairfield University suffers from a lack of events during the week. Fairfield at Night covers the weekend, and there are sports games some nights, but how many Tuesday or Wednesday nights have anything interesting going for them?

What better way to get students together, and to stave off boredom, than some film magic and buttered popcorn? I’m not asking for Fairfield University to start running its own private theater that shows new releases, but I’m also not not asking for that. At the very least, weekly screenings of beloved classics would be a lot of fun and could bring people together.

So please, take to the streets. Protest for your rights. Help me take my movie habit out of my dorm room and back into the

embrace of humanity.

We Aren't Angry Enough About the Epstein Files

By EVan HilliarD Contributing Writer

Pure, despicable evil is staring us directly in the eyes. And Americans and our government are sitting idly by.

When I was a freshman in high school, bright-eyed and excited for the “best years of my life”, I vividly remember opening Instagram to news that a man named Jeffrey Epstein had been taken into custody for child trafficking and sex crimes. I remember thinking how horrible it was that this monster ruined the lives of countless children. How cruel it was that families were torn asunder by the wretched and vile abominations that went on at his island. How this could’ve happened to me, my friends or my siblings, and the world would’ve met us with the same cruel indifference we see now.

I wanted the justice system to tear Epstein to shreds. Life in prison, rotting in a cell, death, I didn’t care. So long as he couldn’t hurt anyone else.

Pictures resurfaced soon after that. Our president at the time, Donald Trump, with Epstein and his confidant Ghislaine Maxwell; I’m sure most are familiar.

The younger, naiver version of myself believed that everyone with so much as a pinky dipped into this situation would be serving life in prison for the atrocious acts they pushed

onto children; the most innocent of us all.

That was seven years ago. Seven. Years.

Now, as a senior in college, I have to watch as Republicans standing behind Trump scramble to block further releases of the Epstein files. As the one person the United States justice system has managed to put away, Ghislaine Maxwell, might soon slip out of the grasp of justice.

The fact that anything about this case (besides, of course, the names of the victims) was kept secret for this long is criminal. To call it a disservice to the victims and the American public is not dissimilar

How any American sees these documents and the images contained in them and stays silent, complicit, or blissfully unaware under their veil of ignorance astounds me. Pedophiles, literal child rapists, are being protected by our government. The abyss is staring us in the eyes, and we are blinking.

I am so overwhelmingly and indescribably done with being lied to by the government surrounding this issue. I find myself enraged with so much as a thought about it. An

insidious evil has skulked into the framework of our society, and it is doing everything in its power to remain rooted.

The only way we can fight this web of lies is to shine the light of truth upon it. Call your local government, your state senator and your representatives in Congress. Get into the streets, but not in a planned way. Make yourself an inconvenience. Read through the Epstein files, however disgusting they may be. Seek the truth and do not stop until it is undeniable. Demand that those in power, those who view themselves as untouchable, close this sorrowful chapter of our nation’s story for good.

"The Secret Agent" and the Hope for a More International Oscars

By YoUseF EBrahiM Contributing Writer

As a cinema lover, I’ve developed a complicated relationship with the Academy Awards. While recent years have seen efforts to expand the Academy voter base, most members are still very old, out of touch American film executives voting for their friends, compromising the ceremony’s objectivity and causing several baffling wins, such as Best Supporting Actress for Jamie Lee Curtis’s minuscule role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, Best Editing for the infamously rushed “Bohemian Rhapsody”, and Best Picture for films like “Crash” and “Green Book”, which tritely discuss serious issues in a manner digestible for geriatric white Oscar voters.

Still, despite (or perhaps because of) these lapses in judgment, it’s undeniably incredibly gratifying to see those occasional times where the Academy gets it right, and talented people get the recognition they deserve. No moment better epitomized this than Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” being crowned Best Picture in 2020, marking the first time a foreign language film won the high honor.

The gravity behind this win can be summarized by Bong himself in a 2019 Vulture interview: “The Oscars are not an international film festival. They're very local.” The Academy has long held a bias towards American productions over incredible foreign ones. Take, for example, Gwenyth Paltrow’s 1999 Best Actress win for “Shakespeare in Love”, a film now considered rather middling, over Brazilian actress Fernanda Montenegro in “Central Station”, widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest films. To date, only 7 acting awards have been given to largely non-English performances.

However, the success of Parasite seems to have opened the door for international cinema at the Oscars. For the past three years, two foreign films have been included in each Best

Picture lineup: “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest” in 2024, “I’m Still Here” and “Emilia Pérez” (an admittedly horrid film undeserving of any nominations, but that still signals a willingness to at least acknowledge Oscar bait from other countries) in 2025, and this year Norway’s “Sentimental Value” and Brazil’s “The Secret Agent”.

ognizes international cinema, but also films this year, they easily stick out

The nomination of these two films is gleeful to me, not only because it recognizes international cinema, but also because, having seen most nominated films this year, they easily stick out as the best of the bunch.

“Sentimental Value” is a heartfelt story about the strained relationship between two daughters and their acclaimed yet absent director father, with deep commentary on family, depression and the film industry.

I was particularly enamored by the performances of Inga Ibsdotter Lilleas and Elle Fanning, and would be overjoyed if one of them took home the Best Supporting Actress award, though it’s a stacked category all around. “The Secret Agent” is a beautifully atmospheric portrait of Brazil’s 1970s military dictatorship and a former professor’s attempts to reconnect with his son while under pursuit by corrupt officials. The film serves as both a love letter to Brazil and a reflection of continuing political strife amid the rise of figures like Jair Bolsonaro, and deserves all its praise and more.

the new Best Casting category, as well as Best Actor for Wagner Moura.

Even more promising were nominations for international films outside of Best Foreign Film, such as Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just An Accident” in Best Original Screenplay and Japan’s “Kokuho” in Best Makeup and Hairstyling. If the Oscars are to award the best of the best, international cinema must be accounted for, considering the impact it has had on American

The Winter Slump is Real

By Jane SPerry Contributing Writer

As soon as the last fall leaf drops to the ground, I find myself burrowing into my bed, almost like it’s my “seasonal” hibernation period. For many, if not all of us, winter is a dreadful, depressing time on campus. The sun sets earlier, the darkness makes us want to stay in bed and doom scroll, and class suddenly feels almost optional. Hitting snooze on that 8 a.m. alarm starts to feel less like a choice and more like a necessity. Everything feels obsolete. We joke about the “winter slump,” but that joke hides something real. Winter doesn’t just chill the air; it dulls motivation, drains energy and makes isolation feel normal. Days blur together, routines slip, and everything starts to feel harder for no obvious reason. Because it doesn’t physically look like a breakdown, we tell ourselves it doesn’t count.

I miss the days in elementary school when winter meant holidays, snow angels and no school. And while those things are still very much true, when you’re in college, it doesn’t feel the same. You no longer need the new toys or stay up just to see if the Elf on the Shelf moved. Those things almost feel pointless, as if winter itself is now the Grinch that stole the kid in us. When I got a snow day back then, I would spend all day with my sister sledding and having snowball fights until my hands and feet were so numb that my mom had to drag us inside. But now, when I walk to class, and my hands and feet freeze, I let it ruin my day, when before, it was a sign that my day was filled with fun.

Additionally, both films broke ground by garnering various nominations in technical categories. The entire principal cast of Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” received their first acting nominations, as well as Screenplay, Editing, and Directing nominations. “The Secret Agent” was nominated in

ing the impact it has had on American directors.

Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” draws heavily on Toshiya Fujita’s “Lady Snowblood”, Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s close-up psychological films laid the groundwork for the dramas of Noah Bumbauch and

Ingmar Bergman’s close-up psycho-

Robert Altman, and so on. any

Of course, there’s still much work to be done. Academy voters’ resistance to watching films comes through in the many snubs this year, most egregiously being the zero nominations for Park Chan-Wook’s “No Other Choice”, despite having far and away some of the most innovative cinematography and commanding performances of any film in recent memory. Foreign films outside of Europe also lag behind in recognition, particularly with regard to the often overlooked worlds of Asian or African cinema.

The Oscars will likely never stop annoying me with the choices they love to make, but it’s heartening to see passionate filmmaking overcome and receive its flowers as schlocky awards bait falls to the wayside.

Bong Joon Ho put it well while accepting Best Foreign Film at the Golden Globes, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

So why does the winter slump feel heavier and heavier as we get older? Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe it’s the added responsibility, the dark truth about Santa, or the way the sun seems to give up on us earlier and earlier each day. By late afternoon, the sky is already dim, as if someone slowly turned down the brightness on the world. But maybe our brains aren’t broken for wanting to slow down. Maybe they’re responding to the quiet, asking us to rest, to move more softly, to exist without constantly performing.

Maybe winter could be nature reminding us we are allowed to be quiet and take a break. So, what if winter isn’t stealing our motivation, but protecting it? What if this season isn’t meant for constant growth, but for gentle maintenance, for checking in with ourselves, for slowing our pace, for sitting with who we are instead of who we think we’re supposed to be. Trees don’t apologize for losing their leaves, and the earth doesn’t panic when everything looks bare. It trusts that something is still happening underground. Maybe we deserve to offer ourselves that same trust. Maybe feeling slower doesn’t mean we’re falling behind. Maybe it means we’re conserving energy for the version of ourselves that hasn’t arrived yet.

So, as we snooze that early morning alarm while the snow falls, we should allow ourselves to enjoy this slump instead of telling ourselves we are failing.

Remember that life is coming through you, not at you. Just like winter, it isn’t here to depress us, but to offer us a break.

The Vine

Dia Duit: Ireland Study Abroad Diary

BY CAITLIN SHEA Head of Editorial Integration and Standards

Sometimes a pint of true Irish Guinness truly can change your life. At least, that is what I learned while studying abroad on the Emerald Isle.

Looking at my name, you can probably tell that I am at least 98% Irish, so it is safe to assume that this destination was at the top of my bucket list. Whether it was my love for their written word, the fascination for their history or some other genetic (if you want to call it that) calling, Ireland was always someplace I wanted to explore.

When I was presented with the incredible opportunity to not only visit the country but study and traverse its beautiful landscapes last summer I couldn’t help but to dive in head first.

As an Irish studies minor I would be attending Galway University in the west of Ireland for a little over a month. The only issue was, I had barely even taken a train by myself before, let alone hopped on a plane destined for halfway across the world.

In reality, I had done most of my ‘exploring’ in between the pages of a book and was a dedicated homebody. The idea of leaving everything I knew behind, if only for six weeks, absolutely terrified me. It scared me so much that even though everyone around me was asking questions and extending feelings of excitement on my behalf, I simply could not think about it.

Then the day came. Working off of no longer than two hours of sleep I walked into the airport with nothing more than a suitcase and the anxiety of a targeted prey animal. I shared

BY OLIVIA LAWRENCE Staff Writer

March brings about many exciting things. The weather begins to warm up again, basketball season is at its peak and spring break is right around the corner. But, perhaps one of the most exciting things that comes about in March is one of my personal favorite holidays, St. Patrick’s Day. It doesn’t matter if you’re Irish or not, St. Patty’s is a day where everyone can celebrate and have fun, and there is certainly no shortage of ways to join the party.

As a child, one of my favorite things about St. Patrick’s Day was waiting to see if the tiny, magic leprechaun would pay a visit to my house. I remember spending hours with my brothers making and decorating a leprechaun trap, in hopes of being able to catch the little green prankster. The next morning, we would wake up to green toilet water and chocolate gold coins spread around the house. The myth of the leprechaun is just one of the many ador-

a terrifyingly tearful goodbye with my parents before heading through security and boarding my flight. Having never flown alone before, I was surprisingly shocked at how simple the entire process was. Even finding my seat felt like second nature.

Already I felt the kindness of the people around me. Having a heavy backpack and being about two feet too short to reach the overhead bin, the Red Sox cap wearing man to the right of me offered to lift my bag. Once off the plane, this consideration continued through the airport and onto the bus I took from Dublin to Galway. Even the customs officer was excited to hear about my trip, definitely a different vibe from the intimidating atmosphere of Boston’s Logan Airport.

This is where I met the absolute bundle of joy that is Anastasia. After running into each other disembarking the bus and learning that we had not only been on the same flight but that we were going to be studying together at the University of Galway, we became instant friends. Anastasia and I were able to catch a ride together to our apartment building, where we met up with Junior Shea Burns who I had known previously from attending Fairfield.

Fighting intense jet lag and told we had a six-ish hour wait until our rooms could only “possibly” be ready, the three of us took on the town and explored everything we could. This was the first time I can recall not noticing how nervous I was. After returning home and passing out in our rooms, the next day we woke up for the first day of classes.

I have noticed that you can go your whole life thinking that you have already met your people and seen all the incredible diversity this

able, light-hearted traditions that come with the Irish holiday.

One great, yet simple, way to add a touch of St. Patrick’s Day fun is to wear green. Wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is meant to represent the luscious, green landscape of Ireland, symbolizing the “Emerald Isle” as it is

world can hold, though this could not be further from the truth. That first day of classes was when this became abundantly clear to me.

Each and every person I met on this trip is someone I will forever be bonded to. The kindness; bravery, confidence, intelligence, joy, humor, wonder and honestly so much more that I can not describe in a measly (close to run on) sentence each person exudes is something I can only hope to mirror a percentage of.

There are so many countless memories I would speak to, from exploring in town to traveling to the Aran Islands by rocky boat, to grabbing the Sult before film class and attempting to find every pub in the city in the last three days of our trip. I not only pushed and found more of myself, but had the privilege to meet so many people who forever changed me in the most positive way.

If I could highlight one moment it would be almost impossible to pick, but as I learned in taking this step in my life, nothing is impossible. Our very last night in Ireland was one filled with many, mostly devastating emotions, but I can not help but to think back on it with such fondness. It is such an indescribably beautiful thing that in six way-too-short weeks a group of seventeen people could leave such a huge mark on each other's lives.

From those across entire ocean’s; the astonishing Aussies Aspen, Izzy, Sophie and Rach, and the elegantly compassionate Emily, to those who span across the United States; the luminous Lilly, radiant Rachel, lovely Laura, steadfast Sean-Paul, amazingly humorous Abby, abundantly whimsical Alisha, nifty Nathan, joyous Joshua, spirited Sarah and sincere Shea, we will always be connected through our bevy.

Even if we took the Chevy to the levee, it would never be dry.

When I asked Burns if he wanted to provide a comment for this article he simply emphasized, “Sometimes in life there's people you never see again and sometimes there's people you know you’ll see again. The faces you never forget in your mind and the lives that will always be a part of yours.”

If you are ever granted the opportunity to study abroad, go. I know that this is a message seldom left unheard, but as someone who used to be so terrified to explore her own backyard, it can not be more true.

You never know how sharing a pint of Guinness with someone can change your life, so why not take that first sip?

silly as it may sound, one of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day traditions is driving around with my friends to buy green “shamrock shakes” from McDonald’s. Additionally, the holiday is a great time to experiment with cooking and baking. A wonderful way to spend time with your family or friends could be finding and replicating

often referred to. In fact, it is an old Irish legend that wearing green makes you invisible to the leprechaun. Wearing green also represents the Shamrock, which St. Patrick infamously used in an explanation of the Holy Trinity.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper holiday celebration without food. As simple and

recipes for green or St. Patty’s themed desserts. There is also no shortage of traditional Irish foods to try, such as Irish soda bread or corned beef and cabbage. Of course, there is always the option of trying new restaurants, or even revisiting some old favorites. Colony Grill in Fairfield is just one great example of a restau-

rant that would be perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Locally, there are some great ways to enjoy the St. Patty’s celebrations. Every year, there is a St. Patrick’s Day parade held in Stamford run by the Irish American Cultural Society. It includes dancers, marching bands, lots of participants, food and live music. There are also plenty of 5k runs and charity events in towns across Connecticut that host St. Patty’s themed events to raise money for various causes, which is an amazing way to not only celebrate the holiday, but give back to the community. St. Patrick’s Day is an amazing example of light-hearted, exciting holiday fun. From local celebrations to nationally recognized parades in Chicago and New York City, there is no shortage of ways to get involved in the festivities. This St. Patrick’s Day, the Fairfield Mirror wishes everyone joy, fun and, of course, plenty of good luck.

Lucky and Lively: Best Foods for St. Patrick’s Day

BY ISABELLA SAGARESE

Contributing Writer

With March just beginning, kitchens across the world are filling with the delicious smells and tastes of St. Patrick’s Day foods. From classic Irish stews to green-themed desserts, this year’s celebrations promise to be both lucky and lively.

Classic Comforts

A traditional favorite is corned beef brisket simmered with cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Tender, savory and hearty, it is perfect for a festive dinner. For a creative twist, try making corned beef and cabbage sliders– bite-sized, easy to share, and just as flavorful.

Another cozy classic is shepherd’s pie, featuring layers of seasoned ground meat, vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes on top. Bake until golden for a satisfying, homestyle meal. Originally, shepherd’s pie was a way for rural families to repurpose leftover roasted meat, turning simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Mini Tip: Use lamb for tradition, beef for convenience, and drain excess fat to prevent a greasy pie.

Green & Festive Sides

Bright basil pesto pasta adds a pop of green and a fresh flavor to any St. Patrick’s Day table. Toss cooked pasta with homemade pesto, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve with garlic bread for a simple yet festive side dish.

Created by Caitlin Shea

For parties, spinach and artichoke dip is a warm, creamy and naturally green option that’s easy to share. Serve with crackers, bread or veg-

gies for a festive appetizer.

Traditional Bread

Irish soda bread is a must-have on any St. Patrick’s Day table. Slightly sweet, crisp on the outside and simple to make, it pairs perfectly with butter, soups and porridges. Score an “X” on top before baking your bread, as Irish tradition says it wards off evil spirits!

Developed during the Irish Potato Famine, soda bread required no yeast, eggs or oven, making it well-suited for cooking in iron pots over open fires. Today, it remains a symbol of Irish culinary tradition.

Mini Tip: Handle the dough sparingly and work quickly after adding buttermilk.

Sweet Treats

Desserts are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Create a whimsical green leprechaun hat dessert with rainbow-colored layers for a magical reveal. Children and adults alike will love the reveal of each vibrant layer when cutting into the cake.

The ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat? Irish potato candy! This Philadelphia-born confection mixes cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, confectioners’ sugar and coconut. Roll into small potato-shaped bites, then

coat lightly with cinnamon. Voila! Tiny, sweet “potatoes” that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Originally created to boost candy sales between Valentine’s Day and Easter, it has become a St. Patrick’s Day favorite.

Mini Tip: Chill the potato candies for two hours after rolling in cinnamon for the best flavor and texture.

Whether cooking classic dishes or experimenting with creative treats, St. Patrick’s Day food brings people together, celebrates Irish culture, and spreads a little luck to each plate.

Where Are Stags Going for Spring Break This Year?

BY ALISON SWEENEY

Staff Writer

With midterms week wrapping up and spring break starting on Friday, the Fairfield University campus is buzzing with talk of who’s going where. Whether it’s a tropical trip, relaxing at home, or taking a week to recharge, the Stags are making their grand plans. To get a clearer picture of where students are headed this year, I sent out a survey to a few Fairfield students about their spring break destinations, who they’re traveling with, and the influences behind their decisions.

Warm-weather beach destinations appear to be in the lead, with friend-group trips dominating over family vacations. However, not

every student is boarding a plane—some are choosing to stay local or head home to spend time with family or home friends. Here’s what Fairfield students are saying about their spring break plans.

Most popular destinations

It looks like the Stags are looking for a warm-weather escape from the cold this year. After reviewing the survey, many students reported heading to the beach or vacation locations in Florida, while others are traveling farther to islands like Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico. Popular domestic destinations remain in the lead, while a smaller but notable group of students are planning international trips to destinations such as Punta Cana and

the Bahamas. Senior Elena Gaus said “I definitely wanted a warm weather escape, especially with all the snow we have been getting, but my roommate also lives in Puerto Rico, so it seemed like the perfect place to go.”

Who’s going where?

Survey responses also report noticeable differences across class years. Upperclassmen, particularly juniors and seniors, are more likely to report traveling with larger groups of friends to out-of-state or international destinations. Many seniors described this year’s trip as a “last spring break” celebration to “go all out.” In contrast, first-year students were more likely to indicate plans to return home or travel with family.

Exploring decision factors

When it comes to choosing a destination, friend group influence, cost, and convenience appear to be the biggest deciding factors. The majority of students reported choosing the location based on what their friend group was doing or what other students in their class were planning. Some said that tradition was important, going where they had always gone for years. Others are staying in familiar places as a more affordable option. First-year Camy Picard said she’s headed to a friend's grandparents' house in Florida. "We decided to go there because flights are cheap, and it is a free place to stay.” Social media also plays a large role, with several respondents noting that seeing popular

spring break spots on TikTok and Instagram helped shape their decision. Senior Grace Martin said “After considering different spring break spots, my friends and I looked up Key West on TikTok and loved the vibe it had, so it helped solidify our decision to go!” Ultimately, convenience, budget, and shared experiences seemed to drive most plans for the Stags.

Students staying local?

Not every Stag is packing a suitcase this week. A small portion of respondents said they plan to stay local or head home for the week, prioritizing rest and relaxation, work, or time with family and friends. Senior Elizabeth Corrigan said “I am looking forward to spending time with my family and celebrating some early St. Patrick’s Day festivities in my town,” says Elizabeth Corrigan, ‘26. For some, resetting before the final stretch of the semester was more important than the upheaval of traveling.

Anticipation rises as the final week before break begins. Whether it’s catching a flight to Florida, getting a tan in Puerto Rico, or heading home for a quiet week of rest, Fairfield students are approaching spring break in their own ways. While beach destinations and group trips are the most popular, the survey shows that every student wants a little bit of affordability, fun with friends, and a relaxing seven days. No matter the destination, the Stags are ready for a much-needed break before the final few weeks of the semester begin. Let the countdown begin!

Unshackling the “Chains of Love”: A “Wuthering Heights” Review

BY TALIA SCARPA Head Vine Editor

Doom and darkness fill the lands of northern England, where the Yorkshire moors tremble beneath a wuthering sky. In a late 18th century desolate world, the abominable Catherine Earnshaw and the vengeful Heathcliff portray how twisted love just may be a destructive force. Based on the only novel written by Emily Brontë, “Wuthering Heights” is a Gothic classic that defies traditional Victorian norms.

From the director of “Saltburn,” Emerald Fennell’s 2026 adaptation starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff creates a strong narrative tying Gothic angst with 20th century surrealism. The visual experience of “Wuthering Heights” is one like no other.

The film portrays the scenery in an uncanny fashion, making audiences feel as if they were in a fever dream. The high gloss finish in the scenes, especially Edgar Linton’s estate Thrushacross Grange, adds an uncomfortable depth to the superficial relationship between Edgar and Catherine. The architecture of the Thrushacross Grange is surreal in itself: Catherine’s skin-like bedroom walls, the red glossy floors, and the scarily accurate dollhouse.

Wuthering Heights is the old, ruined farmhouse that Catherine and Heathcliff grow up in. The house’s harsh, rugged atmosphere reflects the powerful influence it has on the development of each character throughout the film. Mr. Earnshaw, patriarch of the estate, instills a sense of fear in his household. The complexity of his character being simultaneously neglectful and caring creates a weird dynamic among the household members.

Young Catherine (Charlotte Wellington) and Heathcliff (Owen Cooper) give stand-out performances. Catherine represented a symbol of hope and restoration of generational trauma. Heathcliff is taken into Wuthering Heights as an orphan boy, treated like an outsider since the beginning. The young versions of these

characters build a loyal connection from the start. Catherine even says in the film, “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same…”. Their relationship is one deeply rooted in nature, reflecting the moors: hilly and untamed. Catherine and Heathcliff find freedom in each other. But that restrained freedom is what brings grown-up Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship to despair.

Catherine becomes a tragic heroine. Her once free-spirited outlook on the world becomes tainted by her desire for social status, a prevalent theme throughout the film. Catherine’s emotional intensity leads to her self-destruction. After years of mistreatment, even by Catherine, Heathcliff becomes the anti-hero when he returns to Wuthering Heights after leaving for years. His destructive nature, unresolved problems, and emotionally passionate infatuation with Catherine leads to their toxic love.

Communication couldn’t even help their relationship. The film was a web of characters settling for the means they had. Catherine and Heathcliff were trauma-bonded from the start. Their relationship is complex and messy. Heathcliff even tells Catherine after she wrongfully marries Edgar, “I have not broken your heart– you have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine.” Heathcliff eventually marries Isabella, Edgar’s ward, treating her disgustingly and animal-like. Through the main characters’ actions, “Wuthering Heights” becomes a tragedy.

The contemporary musical score by Charli XCX gave the film a “pop techno” vibe, adding to the “camp” aesthetic. “Chains of Love” is symbolic of Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship. The shackles represent entrapment rather than security. The folk ballad “Dark Eyed Sailor” by Olivia Chaney being placed in the film when Catherine accepts Edgar’s proposal and again when Heathcliff returns. This mirror instills an eerie feeling to audiences.

There are interpretive connections present between “Wuthering Heights” and other works of cinema. Both “Wuthering Heights” and “Beauty and the Beast” explore the “beastly” male protagonist archetype, who is transformed by love from a strong-willed woman. “Wuthering Heights” and “Beauty and the Beast” are both set in dark, large estates, however, “Wuthering Heights” displays love as tragedy while “Beauty and the Beast” portrays love as redemptive.

From the eggs in “Wuthering Heights” to the East and West Egg of “The Great Gatsby,” love is idealized. Heathcliff and Gatsby build their entire lives around the woman they fantasize about. Similarly to Daisy Buchanan, Catherine is flawed and fits the “damsel in distress” archetype by the end of the film. Social status and the ideology of “seamlessly going back into the past” ruins both relationships.

Challenged by class divisions and letters unopened, “Wuthering Heights” follows the sentiment of longing in “The Notebook”. In “Wuthering Heights,” Nellie, Catherine’s longtime servant, throws Heathcliff’s letters, written by Isabella, into the fire. In “The Notebook,” Allie’s mother withholds Noah’s letters for many years. Both films focus on the concept that love transcends time and place.

“Wuthering Heights” has close ties to William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hamlet”. Just

like Romeo and Juliet’s forbidden love story and tragic ending, Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship represents just that. “Hamlet” is a film filled with past trauma, supernatural elements, and characters ruining each other’s lives. Similarly, “Wuthering Heights” displays how trauma can affect someone throughout their lives.

“Wuthering Heights” is not a love story. All-consuming love leads Catherine and Heathcliff to be selfish and cruel to those around them. The film was unfiltered, twisted, dimensional, passionate and beautiful. Through the fog and through the hills, travel to your local AMC or Regal movie theater to see “Wuthering Heights” today.

Must-See Shows and Movies to Watch During Spring Break

BY JULIANA TORELLO Staff Writer

If you’re looking for movies and shows to watch during this spring break that will get you excited about the upcoming change in season, all things spring, and just give you good vibes, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re staying home, traveling, or just trying to avoid thinking about school for a week, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few that have caught my attention and that I would genuinely consider must-watches.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Genre: Comedy/Romance

Where to Watch: Amazon and Peacock

If you love early 2000s rom-coms, this one is essential. Advice columnist Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) sets out to write a bold, new piece about how to get a man to leave you in 10 days. Her editor loves the idea, and Andie finds the perfect test subject, a confident ad executive named Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey), who believes he can make any woman fall in love with him in the same amount of time.

The plot follows a hilarious battle between the two as they both try to outsmart each other without realizing they’re both running secret agendas. It will make you laugh, feel-good, and has that unbeatable early 2000s movie vibe. If you want something light and entertaining, this is the one.

Gone Girl

Genre: Thriller/Mystery

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

If you’re in the mood for something darker

and way more intense, this is the complete opposite of a rom-com. Set in Carthage, Missouri, the film follows Nick Dunne, whose wife Amy disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, media pressure builds and secrets start to surface.

This movie is known for its insane plot twist and the way it constantly keeps you guessing. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, it flips everything. It’s suspenseful, dramatic, and definitely not predictable.

Behind Her Eyes

Genre: Thriller

Where to Watch: Netflix

This one-season Netflix series is a quick and easy watch, but don’t let that fool you. It’s about a single mother who starts an affair with her psychiatrist boss while secretly befriending his mysterious wife. From there, things spiral into twisted mind games you won’t see coming. This is easily one of the most shocking plot twists I’ve ever watched that made my jaw drop. It’s the kind of show you finish and immediately need to talk about with someone. If you want something fast-paced and completely unexpected, add this to your list.

Desperate Housewives

Genre: Drama

Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+ and Amazon

Prime I had to include this because it’s my favorite show. It ran for eight seasons and completely captures that quintessential 2000s TV vibe. The series follows four women, Susan, Lynette,

“Here

Bree, and Gabrielle, living in a picture-perfect suburban neighborhood that hides plenty of secrets. Narrated by their late neighbor Mary Alice, the show balances drama, mystery, hu mor, and unforgettable characters. The set design alone makes it worth watch ing. Wisteria Lane is almost always sunny and beautiful, and it somehow al ways feels like spring. It’s an easy watch despite having strong storylines and major drama. If you’re ready to commit to something longer over break, this is the ultimate binge.

Bewitched

Genre: Comedy/Romance

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

This is such a cute springtime movie. The story follows movie star Jack Wyatt (Will Fer rell), who signs on to star in a remake of the classic sitcom Bewitched. He insists on casting an unknown actress to play Samantha, and Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman) gets the role, except she’s secretly a real witch.

It’s light, funny, and perfect if you’re look ing for something feel-good. Also, her house is stunning and has the ultimate spring aesthetic. The whole movie just feels bright and fresh.

Spring break is the ideal time to reset, re lax, and maybe start something new. Whether that’s a comfort rom-com, a mind-bending thriller, or a full eight-season binge. Whatever your vibe is this year, these picks are guaran teed to keep you entertained.

Comes the Sun”:

The Perfect Springtime Playlist

BY LIZZIE FREEMAN Associate Vine Editor

It may seem a little early to be thinking of spring, but before we know it, the season will be here. After spring break, it always seems that time starts to speed up, and all of a sudden the sun is shining and the flowers are in bloom. After all, the Spring Equinox is March 20th–not too far off to start crafting your springtime playlists. If you need some good music to get you through those last few weeks of winter, here are some songs to help spring come early.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles:

This song just might be the epitome of springtime. Listening to it feels like a breath of fresh air–a reminder that good things are on

their way. Whether you need a pick-meup on a rough day or you’re looking for music to match your good mood, this one never gets old.

“All Your’n” and “Feathered Indians” by Tyler Childers:

If you’re like me, you’re looking forward to that first warm day of the semester when everyone sits outside and takes advantage of the good weather. The campus feels so much more lively; some people are studying, some are chatting, some are throwing a football around, and you can usually hear music coming from a speaker in at least three different places. These two are the perfect songs for emulating that first-warmday feeling.

“Springsteen” by Eric Church:

This one borders more into summer territory for me, but it deserves to be included nonetheless. It reminds me of backyard barbecues with family, going to the pool with my cousins, or watching the sunset on the last day

of school. Those piano notes especially strike a chord with me, bringing back waves of nostalgia from summers as a kid.

“Fresh Out the Slammer” by Taylor Swift:

While this might be a more unusual pick, I can’t help but think of spring when I hear this song. It embodies the hope that follows the end of a bleak, cold winter. When “The Tortured Poets Department” album came out right around the end of my senior year of high school, I had this one on repeat, so now I associate it with the feeling of exciting things to come.

“Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan and Hozier:

This song makes me want to take a road trip somewhere. Despite its mentions of being “raised out in the cold,” hearing this one makes me picture driving on a breezy, sunny day with the windows down.

“Back On 74” by Jungle:

This song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody could play in my head over and over, and somehow I wouldn’t get tired of it. It almost sounds like it belongs in the beginning of a rom-com when the protagonist walks purposefully towards her important destination. If you need a song to motivate you on your walk to class or during a study session, this is the one for you.

“American Pie” by Don McLean: Maybe it’s because my teachers always used to play this song on Pi Day in high school, but it always makes me think of springtime. The references to football games and school dances create a sense of nostalgia while also offering reminders of warm, sunny American summers. It’s hard not to dance to this song when it comes on.

“Spring Into Summer” by Lizzy McAlpine:

Last but not least, I had to include this one given its title. The soft, soothing tune is the perfect accompaniment to an easy-going spring day. It’s great to have on in the background while spring-cleaning your room or spending time with friends.

Although there’s still snow on the ground, it never hurts to get in a bright, sunny mindset. With this playlist, you can pretend spring is here until it really arrives.

Editor: Matthew Robles

SPORTS

Men’s Lacrosse Prepares For Game Against Yale

Fairfield will stay at home this weekend against Yale at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday after picking up a key win against Providence last weekend. The Stags are going into this weekend 3-2 with wins against Manhattan and Lehigh and losing to Sacred Heart and

Fairfield looks to get revenge against Ivy League opponents after dropping a close game to Brown, 10-8, with a game against Yale this weekend. Yale comes into this game 2-2, ranking fourth in the preseason coaches' rankings for the Ivy League.

Yale had set a very hard nonconference schedule for themselves, playing three ranked teams out of the four, dropping games to eleventh-ranked Army West Point and fifteenth-ranked Penn State. While beating Marist and the eighteenth-ranked Boston University at the time of playing

them.

with some strong young

" I know they’re pretty strong all over the field guys too.” Head coach Andrew Baxter said.

points. On the faceoff dot for the Bulldogs, sophomore faceoff specialist Nick Wehmeyer is clocking in a faceoff percentage of .473.

On the defensive side, junior long stick midfielder Luke Michalik leads the team in caused turnovers and is second in ground balls. Sophomore goalkeeper Ben Friedman has been starting in net for the past three games for the Bulldogs.

For the Stags to get the result they

underclassmen standouts of Yale

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

BASEBALL

WOMEN'S LACROSSE Gets Ready to Start MAAC Play with a Weekend Series Against Siena Page 14

in junior defenseman

This includes firstyear attackman Sean Grogan leading the team in goals and sophomore attackman Connor Gately leading in assists and

Softball at Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Conn.

@3:00 p.m.

Women's Lacrosse at #23 Army West Point West Point, NY

@4:00 p.m.

Radossich has already won some hardware this season, taking home the CAA defensive player of the week award after their win against Manhattan. Hirsch has started every game in the net for the Stags. Head

want, they’re going to have to rely on their pair of veteran defensive standouts to shut down the

Grace Slater's Journey Through Her Developing Role With Women's Lacrosse

Men's Basketball at 2026 Metro Atlantic Athetic Conference Championship vs Manhattan University Atlantic City, NJ @8:30 p.m.

Fairfeld Basketball Starts Journey to MAAC Championships

Julian Radossich and graduate goalkeeper Owen Hirsch, who have both excelled so far this season.

“ He’s done a great job at growing

into a leadership role as a junior. Julian has had to step in recently in these past couple of games with some guys out.” Baxter said.

Graduate midfielder Rob Moore has tallied seven goals and three assists so far this season.

“ Consistency is key in the goalie position. He bounced back this weekend against Providence, and he’s great at bringing the energy for the team, which we feed off of.” Baxter said.

Fairfield was able to pick up a clutch 8-7 win against Providence with goals coming from multiple players, with two coming from senior midfielder Will Consoli in a five-point game. Sophomore attackman Devin Lampron and senior attackman KJ Delane both netted two for the Stags.

Fairfield looks to continue the momentum Saturday against Yale.

Women's Basketball at 2026 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship vs Sacred Heart/ Saint Peter's Atlantic City, NJ

@2:30 p.m.

Baseball at Siena University Loudonville, NY

@3:00 p.m.

Men's Basketball at 2026 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship vs Saint Peter's Atlantic City, NJ

@8:30 p.m.

Scan Here to Reserve student tickets for the upcoming Men's Lacrosse

Men's Lacrosse vs Yale University Fairfi eld, Conn. @12:00 p.m.

Softball vs Marist University Fairfi eld, Conn.

Baseball at Siena University Loudonville, NY

@1:00 p.m.

home games

Softball vs Marist University Fairfi eld, Conn. @12:00 p.m.

Women's Tennis vs United States Naval Academy Orlando, Fla.

@12:00 p.m. & @2:30 p.m.

Women's Lacrosse vs #19 University of Denver Fairfi eld, Conn. @12:00 p.m.

Baseball at Siena University Loudonville, NY @1:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball at 2026 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship vs Merrimack/Mount Saint Mary's Atlantic City, NJ @2:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball at 2026 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship Championship Game Atlantic City, NJ @6:00 p.m.

Men's Tennis vs UNC Asheville Orlando,Fla.

Baseball at St. John's University Queens, NY 3:00 p.m.

Men's Lacrosse vs Dartmouth College Fairfi eld, Conn. @7:00 p.m.

Stags Baseball Back from North Carolina; Ready for Conference Play

The field is covered in snow, but the season is about to heat up as the Fairfield baseball team returns from playing games down South against #6 Coastal Carolina, Davidson, and Elon. Fairfield fought hard, but came up short in all but one game, completing their season-opening road trip with a 1-7 record. The Stags start off their conference play with a three-game series versus Siena on Friday, March 6th.

MAAC play against Siena after showing promise in early matches despite dropped results.

What are your spring break plans?

What breed of dog would you be, and why?

Which sketch from last week's SNL episode was your favorite?

Wish the men's and women's basketball teams good luck for the MAAC Tournament

I’ll be the emcee for the MAAC Tournament and then I am hitting the slopes!

A BCC Earth survey con rmed that I’d be a golden retriever!

Naturally, I was a fan of Hudson Williams’ cameo in the Ice Skating sketch.

Let’s tear it up in the Las Vegas of New Jersey!

to add one more piece of motivation for this team and one more reason to win would be that head coach Bill Currier intends to retire after this season, making this his last year coaching.

This is his 15th year leading the Stags baseball program, and 37 years of coaching Division 1 baseball, racking up 890 victories. That number ranks him the 17th all-time winningest coach. Currier has led the Stags to six MAAC conference titles, and with the best team of his coaching career here at Fairfield being the 2021 team, where he led them to a 33-1 overall record with a 28-game winning streak. Coach Currier is looking for his 400th win as the Fairfield head coach and will definitely see that early on this season, as he currently sits at 398 wins.

To start off the season, the team took a quick trip down South to play against a few tougher opponents in #6 Coastal Carolina, Davidson, and Elon.

The Stags fought hard in these games but came up a bit short. In the first game of the season against Coastal Carolina, Luke Nomura and Matthew Bucciero started the game with back-to-back home runs in the first inning. This gave the Stags a spark, but unfortunately, they could not come through with a win against a top-ranked team and dropped the three-game series. Staying down in North Carolina, they played two series against both Davidson and

Currier has brought nothing but success to the Fairfield baseball team and program and has left his mark in a big way. The Fairfield head coach has built one of the strongest Division 1 teams in the Northeast, and his coaching legacy will live on forever here at Fairfield.

In all of the games down South, the Stags take early leads but make little mistakes that lead to big innings for the opponent.

These games down South aren’t as consequential as conference play, but the Stags have an uphill battle to face for their overall record. This Stags team has talent, and it has the potential to win the conference and make the playoffs again this year. The pitching rotation is deep; they have power in their bats with senior Matthew Bucciero, who led the team in home runs last year, and TJ Schmalze, the senior outfielder who also has a strong bat.

The Fairfield Stags head into MAAC conference play after a win in their last game, beating Elon 6-4. This first win was powered by the bat of Carter Grande with his first home run as a Stag and a combined four doubles from Luke Nomura, TJ Schmalze, and Grande. This win over Elon gives the Stags motivation heading into the start of conference play with a series at Siena this Friday.

After seeing strong competition to start off the season, Fairfield matches up with Siena perfectly and is looking to start off conference play strong. Siena placed fourth in the MAAC in 2025 and is looking to improve that standing and move up higher in the spot that Fairfield was in last season, at number two in the conference. The long but fast baseball season gets fully underway for both the Stags and the Saints.

have power in their bats with senior Matthew

This team has loads of motivation to take home another conference title. But,

The Stags are in full steam mode with their first conference game on Friday, Mar. 6th, to kick off a threegame series against Siena University, and hoping the snow has all melted away from Cook Field here on campus, the Stags will play their first game at home on Friday, March 13th, against Manhattan.

I’m on my way to Atlantic City to watch Stags basketball sweep the conference titles

I feel a spiritual connection to the corgi half of my dog

Probably my greatest sin in Crystal’s eyes is that I don’t watch SNL

Women, go get that three-peat! Men, let’s go on a run! Either way, it’s like Butta said: “Just kill.”

Going home and playing with my new puppy

I’ll be trading sunny Puerto Rico for NYC and Atlantic City with the

I’ll be travelling round Montreal and Quebec City!

THE Fiona Wagner said I would be a Border Collie so I’ll go with that!

e opening monologue, the cheering for the women’s team was amazing!

Show no mercy, and shoutout to the best manager ever Anna!

Is the consensus me being a golden doodle?

Gotta be a husky - they can actually survive this weather

LOVED MR. FRENZI and Marcello Same with Caitlin! Up the women’s ice hockey team!!

Let’s get back into the march madness (peak senior year moment)

Respect everyone, fear no one!! Go get em

Leading Without Playing: Grace Slater’s Developing Role with Women’s Lacrosse

ree surgeries in nine months. For most athletes, that would be enough to step away from their game entirely. Yet for Fair eld graduate student Grace Slater, it marked the beginning of a di erent kind of season. Last year, she believed it would be her nal season for the Fair eld Stags, motivating her to play through a broken foot and a torn ACL. She pushed through the pain because she thought it was her last opportunity to step on the eld with her best friends and teammates.

“I thought it was my last year,” Slater said. “So, I just wanted to give everything I had.”

She did.

Scoring hat tricks in both the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) semi nal and championship, she was an integral part of leading the team to its 2025 MAAC title win in May. She earned MAAC All-Championship team and All-MAAC Second Team honors, recording 45 goals and 19 assists, while only playing in 16 games due to injuries.

en came the reality of three surgeries and at least nine months of grueling rehab. If that wasn’t enough of a mental load on Slater, she also had to accept the fact that she might never step into the game again.

It wasn’t until October 2025 that Slater learned she had been granted a h year of eligibility. Knowing she would need the entire 2026 competitive season to recover, when the season started, her role looked di erent - and one she was not familiar with at all. For someone whose whole identity revolves around competing and being on the eld, the shi from being a player to something closer to a coach was not natural. It was uncomfortable.

“It’s hard to be a leader if you’re not on the eld,” she said.

But, being the competitor and leader that she is, she started to realize that she can have an impact on the team in di erent ways. She became an anchor; her teammate Haley Burns, also a graduate student, describes her as the “heartbeat” of the team. She brings something to the team that only few can. Slater has both the mindset of a player bringing grit and determination into every practice and game and now, the broader view of someone with a new perspective, seeing the game from the sideline.

Particularly with the introduction of two new assistant coaches this season, it has been helpful to have someone on the sideline who knows the players, the culture, and team standard.

“She knows what it’s like to play with us,” said junior teammate Katie Repp, who consistently asks for advice and coaching points from Slater, just like many other teammates.

She currently works closely with both the goalies and the o ense, o ering insight that only someone who has been in those high-pressure moments can provide.

From the outside, an injury can look simple unless you have experienced it. e realities of standing on the sideline and being expected to smile, and wanting what is best for your team. at is not the reality.

Obviously, there is the physical pain, months of rehab, frustration, setbacks - people can see that. But there is also the mental battle of watching your team play and practice without you.

“It seems like I’m ne,” she said, “but that’s not really how it feels.”

Slater has now watched almost two seasons from the sideline.

“It puts things into perspective”, she added, highlighting

the elevated feelings of gratitude that she has from her career. Grateful for the time she was and is able to step on the eld and play. Grateful for her teammates. Grateful for coaches who continue to involve her and develop her, and for a community that never made her feel less important when she couldn’t play.

If you had asked her a year ago whether she would see herself coaching one day, the answer wouldn’t be clear. But now? Certainly.

She has learned that leadership doesn’t require a jersey on game day and that her impact isn’t limited to goals or assists. She thought last season was the end. Instead, it became the beginning of a new role - one that was built on resilience, perspective, and gratitude. She learned how to lead without playing, and this makes her an even greater in uence on her team and the game now, and when she makes her hard-fought return to the eld in 2027.

Women’s Lacrosse Aims to Extend Win Streak Against Ranked Army West Point

Women’s lacrosse is back on the road today, Wednesday, Mar. 4, to take on No. 19/22 Army West Point at 4:00 p.m. in another non-conference bout.

The Stags enter this matchup on a three-game win streak after edging Drexel in the final minutes to secure a 10-9 win in a highly contested and physical game. Their season record currently stands at 4-1. All games have been out-of-conference so far, with Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) games beginning on Mar. 21 at home against Siena.

six goals in each of the next two quarters. A late attacking effort from the Stags was not

The first contest between Fairfield and the Army West Point Black Knights was in 2025, with the Black Knights earning an 18-10 victory. Opening up the first quarter with a 5-1 lead, the Black Knights continued to demonstrate their attacking strength, scoring six goals in each of the next two quarters. A late attacking effort from the Stags was not sufficient, even though they outscored their opposition 4-1 in the final fifteen minutes.

Fairfield largely controlled the midfield during the game, with Brynn Donnelly ‘26 collecting a game-best nine draw controls. The Stags held a 19-11 draw control advantage overall. Converting midfield possession into goals will be crucial for the Stags this time around, particularly as their shooting opportunities were limited against a strong Army defense.

“We have a good defense right now. We need our offense to come to life,” head coach Laura Field commented in an interview with the Mirror. That same mindset will likely be at the forefront of the Stags’ players and coaches’ minds as they head into this next matchup.

Black Knight senior Allison Reilly leads the team with 31 points, made up of 20 assists and 11 goals. She is coming off a successful season in which she earned USA Lacrosse All-American Honorable Mention and ranked third in the country for points per game at the conclusion of the regular season. She will be a key player for the Stags’ defense to contain.

Army senior Lily Valentini leads the team with 15 goals this season.

Fairfield sophomore Tessa Caputo leads the Stags with 21 points - 15 assists and six goals. Junior Kelly Haggerty follows with 15 points of her own (12 goals, three assists), and the Fairfield offense will look for the pair to work together in similar fashion to last game, where they combined for three goals.

This contest is the first of two games this week for the Stags, as they return home to take on the University of Denver on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.

Admission is free for all fans for both games and throughout the season.

Week of March 4, 2026

STAGS BASKETBALL: ON THE ROAD TO ATLANTIC CITY

Head Sports Editor

Deuce Turner scores 10 or more points.

Looking to capitalize on a fresh start within the MAAC tournament, the Stags are ever-motivated to win it all, as they always have been.

First-year Tony Williams described the Stags’ goals for the season to e Mirror: “Just kill. Just be ourselves. Be together. Win the championship. Win it all.”

the pull

Senior Braden Sparks led the Stags in scoring during the regular season, averaging 17.6 points per game.

On ursday night, the Stags are set to face No. 10 seed,

Executive Editor

ere’s one key fact, however, that has the Stags themselves walking into Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall with a chip on their shoulders.

University, who they have a

Together, the Stags wrapped up their season 19-12 overall and 11-9 in the MAAC. With notable wins to pull motivation from, such as their thrilling 92-87 win against Sacred Heart, or their recent morale-boosting 72-58 triumph over Siena at the Mahoney Arena, the Stags also have lessons to learn.

Most recently, the Stags were outmatched physically against Mount St. Mary’s, punctuating their season with a tough 69-47 loss.

Head coach Chris Casey noted some of the struggles to be addressed within his team a er the game.

Manhattan have 1-1 record against. Last time out against the Jaspers, the Stags had their largest MAAC win in program history and won 98-62 at home. Since then, the Jaspers worked their way to a 12-19, 8-12 MAAC record.

“We’ll work on the exact same things we always do defensively, guard the ball, transition defense, ball screen defense, all those things,” Casey said.

For a team with so many new pieces, Fair eld has grown into a contender fueled by the chemistry between its veterans and newcomers.

A er splitting the regular season series with in-state rival Quinnipiac, the team enters the conference tournament as the second seed for the rst time in this three-year run due to a tiebreaker with the Bobcats.

“We are still going into the tournament as the two seed, and the underdog,” said junior guard Jillian Huerter. “We need to think of ourselves as such, that we lost to Quinnipiac and we earned the number two spot, so that’s something that we need to do, is go in and play like underdogs.”

said. “ ose rst two games, we didn’t shoot as well, and we had to nd other ways, rely on our defense and our inside game to score. So I think that those are helpful going into this year knowing we can’t have too much expectation.”

e process of even playing in the MAAC Championships takes some getting used to, in large part due to Boardwalk Hall.

Originally built as a convention hall, the arena sports 137 foot-high ceilings and a seating capacity of 14,770, over four times that of Fair eld’s Mahoney Arena, which is already among the largest in the conference.

In his second year with the Stags, senior guard Braden Sparks clocked in an average of 32.9 minutes per game, averaging 17.6 points with .418 shooting.

Meanwhile, rst-years Brandon Benjamin and Declan Wucherpfennig proved themselves to be one of the most formidable frontcourt duos of the MAAC.

Wucherpfennig has earned two MAAC Rookie of the Week awards this season, posting an average of 12.3 points per game and 8.1 rebounds for the season.

Averaging a double-double (10.2 rebounds, 13.9 points), Benjamin has earned seven MAAC Rookie of the Week nods, along with a Player of the Week recognition in early February.

“We’re starting four freshmen, they’re getting thrown right to the re, and I do that with complete con dence,” Casey said.

A key leader for the rookies, Sparks has been instrumental in their development both on and o the court.

“Kudos to Braden,” Benjamin commented. “We play with a championship mindset, especially in practice, we’re always on the same team.”

Another notable trait of this Fair eld team is how in uential its bench is. e Stags are 14-1 when sixth man and graduate guard

Fortunately for the Stags, adversity hasn’t been di cult to come by in Atlantic City despite being big favorites the last two years.

points this season. Against Faireld, the guard has averaged 16.5 points on .500 shooting. Another possible threat comes in the form of sophomore Fraser Roxburgh, who shot .391 from the oor and averaged 11.5 points against

Junior Jaden Winston leads the Jaspers o ensively, posting a 15.3 points-per-game average and tallying up 474 total Another against Fair eld.

facing an opponent for the second

being the only loss. Last

If successful against the Jaspers, the Stags will move on to face No. 2 Saint Peter’s on Friday at 8:30 p.m. e Stags are 7-1 when facing an opponent for the second time this season, with the Peacocks being the only loss.

A year ago, despite averaging 71.8 points per game across the whole season, the Stags scored just 58 and shot 34 percent from the eld in an ugly quarter nal win against Manhattan. ings got even dicier in the semis, where

“It’s very di erent from where we play, with the depth perception and all that, it’s a lot to get used to,” Andersen said. “Especially because you don’t get a lot of time beforehand to shoot around because it’s a very NCAA Tournament feel. We struggled in the past a little bit, at least the rst couple games, so we’re hoping that’s not gonna be the case this year. But I think just getting as much time in the gym as we can and working is gonna help us with that.”

it took every last possession

Junior Kaety L'Amoreaux has been named MAAC Player of the Week six times this season.

Last time out against the Stags, the Peacocks were led by redshirt senior guard Brent Bland, who nished the season with 14 points per game on .389 shooting and 10 total blocks. As a unit, they got the best of Fair eld, particularly due to points o turnovers. In the regular season, they boast an average of 15.9 points o turnovers.

redshirt senior guard Brent Bland, points per game on .389 shooting

mindset his team needs as well as we have done the entire

Casey emphasized the fresh mindset his team needs for the upcoming tournament following Sunday’s loss. “We approach it with the right attitude, and you get better. We’ll respond as well as we have done the entire year.”

All MAAC tournament games will be broadcast live from Atlantic City on ESPN+.

Manhattan

Tip-o against Manhattan on ursday is at 8:30 p.m. If the Stags advance, they will face Saint Peter’s on Friday at 8:30 p.m.

e MAAC Champion-

e MAAC Championship game will be at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday night on ESPN2.

where they shot a season worst 12 percent from three.

Two seasons ago, the Stags needed overtime to complete a comeback against Niagara in the

No matter where the games are being played though, the Stags have grown intimately familiar with the feeling of “playo basketball” over the last two years. While some of their close calls in previous seasons have come partially from their own struggles, the team knows that with everyone’s season on the line, they’re always going to get their opponents’ best e ort.

“Obviously, we’re only guaranteed one game,” said sophomore road runner Cyanne Coe. “We work every single day and just lean into each other. ere’s a lot of pressure no matter what with basketball… but we all know how to lean into each other and just kind of work o of one another.”

at cohesion is what the Stags believe to be the di erence maker for their team. And with the slate wiped clean and each of their conference foes entering the week 0-0, that’s what they’re hoping will carry them through the next three games to earn the title of conference champions all over again.

to barely claw past Mount St. Mary’s 49-48 on an a ernoon championship game a er

being thoroughly outplayed

in the rst half and

committing 27 total turnovers.

Of course, both those runs ended with a trophy anyways. And that experience is key for

this year’s team to prepare

for the tournament with a steady mentality.

“It de nitely helps knowing

that nothing is guaranteed, that we had two very close games [last year], and that it will be a battle,” Huerter

“I think every team is unique,” Huerter said. “And I think this year is unique in how we try to play to each other’s strengths, and we play our best when we play together, the ball’s moving and everyone’s working together on defense. We just know each other’s strengths very well, and when we play our highest level of basketball, that’s what we’re doing.”

e Stags will kick o their campaign for a three-peat in Atlantic City in the quarter nal round, where they await the winner of the rst round matchup between Sacred Heart and Saint Peter’s. Tip-o is set for 2:30 p.m. on Friday.