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Student printz October 1, 2015

Page 1

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Volume 100 Issue 12

www.studentprintz.com PAGE THREE

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NEWS Luckyday

Leadership team hosts show to get people involved on campus.

PAGE EIGHT

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F E AT U R E

OPINION

S P O RT S

Students share which on-campus dining options are their favorites.

Printz reporter explains why GOP frontman will never be president.

Eagles rally from 2-1 deficit to overcome Jags, 3-2.

Food

Donald Trump

Volleyball

CAMPUS SICC showcases region’s choral talent ON USM Foundation Camille Myrick

announces scholarship to honor fallen police officers

Printz Reporter

The two-day Southern Invitational Choral Conference featured public performances from a variety of choral ensembles earlier this week. The conference welcomed hundreds of high school students to campus. During their stay, the students participated in fast-paced rehearsals and learned the skills required for collegiate level choirs. Pascagoula High School choir director Nancy Leigh Strum chose students that catch on quickly and work hard. “I hope that being a part of SICC will boost my students’ confidence,” Leigh said. “It is also essential that they learn the importance of music theory to advance their abilities.” This is the second year Leigh has taken part of the conference. Two of her students now attend The University of Southern Mississippi, a decision partially influenced by the experiences they had at SICC. After the first day of rehearsals, high school students had the opportunity to see the USM choral department perform at the Southern Miss Showcase Concert on Monday night. The performance kicked off the semester for USM choirs as the first concert of this academic year. USM President Rodney Bennett gave a welcoming speech to the visiting students before the Southern Miss Women’s Choir proceeded into the auditorium. “We are excited to see so many new faces,” Bennett said. “The

Van Arnold

Southern Miss Now

Fadi Shahin/Printz The University of Southern Mississippi hosted its Southern Invitational Choral Conference at Bennett Auditorium on the USM campus Monday, Sept. 28.

choral program at USM is achieving at the highest level in the region and nation, and I anticipate we will continue to be a leader in artistic development this coming year.” The goal of the conference every year is to show prospective students the opportunities they have in the music department, despite the level of training they hold. Webb Parker, director of the Women’s Choir at USM, explained the purpose of SICC and what the School of Music tries to accomplish by hosting it. “We have a place for everyone in the School of Music, no matter what your level of experience is,” Parker said. “We all come together to form one voice and sing

beautifully. Of course, we want to heighten students’ musical skills, but it is really an experience of music that words cannot express.” Parker described the sense of community that students build while participating in the conference. It allows a diverse community to come together and build relationships with a variety of people. “This program has become a tradition and it grows every year,” Parker said. “We have over 800 people on campus right now involved with this event.” The concert showcased classical and pop pieces, solo artists, a capella groups and accompanying musicians, including every part of the School of Music.

The following day, the high school and junior college honor choirs rehearsed for the last time and congregated at Main Street Baptist. After 27 hours of practice, the students demonstrated the skills they learned. Fifteen-year-old Kaitlyn Gladdis, an alto from Forest High School, said her first time at SICC was hard work, but she would love to come back and participate again. “It was difficult at first, but the conductors made it fun,” Gladdis said. “I learned that it isn’t good to always put the spotlight on yourself, but coming together and working towards a common goal is sometimes more important. Many voices are better than one.”

ON CAMPUS

Professor writes book about nonviolent protest Lindsay Adkisson Printz Reporter

Robert Press, a political science professor at The University of Southern Mississippi, has recently published his third book, “Ripples of Hope: How Ordinary People Resist Repression without Violence.” This book is a compilation of 170 interviews from mothers, students, teachers, journalists, attorneys and more who fought nonviolently for their beliefs of human rights and freedom. The people in these stories are from Kenya, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The title, “Ripples of Hope,” was inspired by Robert Kennedy’s “A

Tiny Ripple of Hope” speech. It surrounds the idea that even the smallest attempts can help create the biggest effects. Press focuses on these small groups and individual activists who helped create pressure within their societies and promote change for human rights. Many of these stories were told before social media and various advanced technologies were invented, and people only relied on information channels for communication. Amid the violence and destruction in these people’s homes, they chose to protest nonviolently. “I’m just really helping people realize that the forces for good are

Jillian Rodriguez/Printz

much greater than we thought,” Press said. According to Press, it is important to pull the subject matter from these individual points of view because it shows that individual activism is occurring. “They are the eyes and ears for human rights,” Press said. “They can collectively make a difference.” “Ripples of Hope” is being noted by several people as a breakthrough in social movement theories because of Press’ approach to various individuals’ viewpoints. “I think that the book will be a very important contribution to the study of social movements in West BOOK, SEE PG. 3

Humility and reverence are words that come to mind as The University of Southern Mississippi student Bailee Alexander reflects on being selected as the inaugural recipient of the Deen and Tate Memorial Scholarship. The endowment is named in honor of Hattiesburg Police Officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate, who were killed in the line of duty on May 9 of this year. The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation officially announced the establishment of the endowed scholarship during a special ceremony held Monday, Sept. 28 on the Hattiesburg campus. The scholarship will provide support to a Southern Miss student who is the child or grandchild of a police officer, firefighter or paramedic/EMT. “I cannot put into words the feelings that overwhelmed me when I was told I had been chosen for this scholarship,” said Alexander, a Purvis native and senior in the College of Nursing. “It immediately brought tears to my eyes when I discovered why this scholarship was created and that I was given an opportunity to receive it. Unlike any scholarship I have ever been awarded, I felt a deeper, personal connection to this one.” Her father, Jason Alexander is a 17-year veteran of law enforcement, having served with the Hattiesburg Police Department and currently employed as a lieutenant with the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department. Several other relatives have served as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders. “Every time I see my dad walk out the door for another day of service, I am reminded of the risks these men and women take on a daily basis,” said Alexander. “To be able to receive this scholarship in memory of Officer Deen and Officer Tate reminds me of our protection and freedom that is not given freely, but is fought for.” The Deen and Tate Memorial Scholarship Endowment would not have been possible without significant contributions from four people in particular. Southern Miss OFFICERS, SEE PG. 3


INFORMATION

Page 2 | Thursday, October 1, 2015

MEET THE STAFF OF FALL 2015

Dirty Birds

EDITORS & STAFF

• On Monday, Sept. 21, at 12:49 p.m., larceny petit was reported at Century Park North. The case remains open.

• On Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 4:58 p.m., a disturbance in public was reported at Sigma Nu. The case remains open. • On Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:48 p.m., larceny petit was reported at Longleaf Trace. The case remains open. • On Monday, Sept. 28, at 1:31 p.m., simple assault was reported at the Thad Cochran Center. The case remains open.

Police Contact Information

When reporting, the following information should be provided: • • • • •

Contact Us

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Expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

Editorial Policy @studentprintz

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@studentprintz www.studentprintz.com

The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff, or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number, and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Friday. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space, or journalistic ethics.

Nature of the crime or emergency Name, address and phone number of the caller Location of incident Description of the scene and suspects Description of any vehicles involved, especially license plate numbers

University Police 911 (emergency) 601.266.4986 (non-emergency) Bond Hall, First Floor West


NEWS

ON CAMPUS

Thursday, October 1, 2015 | Page 3

Luckyday team hosts lip sync battle Camille Myrick Printz Reporter

More than 200 students congregated at Century Park South to see the Luckyday Lip Sync Battle on Sept. 29. By the time the show started, it was standing room only, and there were still people left in the hallway looking through the window. The event, coordinated by the Luckyday Leadership Team, served the purpose of connecting students with on-campus organizations. The competing groups included members from Honors College Ambassadors, the Residence Hall Association (RHA), Student Government Association (SGA), Student Eagle Club, the African American Student Organization (AASO) and the National PanHellenic Council (NPHC). Kayla Hubbard, sophomore kinesiology major, and Kawan Jefferson, sophomore communications major, served as the two hosts of the show. “We are going to try to give more background about the teams so that the students can know more about them,” Hubbard said. “We want to

connect everybody.” The hosts introduced each team to the stage with a description of what the organization is and the things they accomplish on campus. “Some students are intimidated by prestigious organizations, so this will give them an opportunity to see them on a more personal level and maybe get some students involved,”

BOOK CONTINUED

OFFICERS CONTINUED

Africa,” said Lansana Gberie, senior associate and head of Monrovia Office, International Center for Transitional Justice Monrovia, in Liberia. “The cacophony of voices, which could have cluttered the text, feels fresh and original, because they are drawn from many sources, some expected, some not. They add up a very convincing account of the political history and social activism of the country for the past few decades.” Press said some of these people were easier to find than others. He used what he calls a “snowball effect” to find people. In each interview he would ask if that person could direct him to other people that would have stories to share. The people are “very much alive and they have a story to tell,” he said. One specific interview Press recalled is an interview with activist Rumba Kinuthia. Kinuthia was arrested several times for supporting people against the government. He experienced a great deal of torture, but he never responded violently. Press also met Kinuthia’s mother and she is also included win the book. The mother fought for her son’s freedom when he was locked in jail. Press even witnessed the brutality from police that ensued when several mothers were protesting the sentences of their sons. Press said that Africa is a continent that people should be focusing on. “It has everything in the world happening,” Press said. There is political progress, economic growth, human rights progress, abuse and so much more. According to him, it is the vanguard of change. “Ripples of Hope” was released in July. It is distributed in the United States by the University of Chicago Press and contains photos taken by Press’ wife, Betty Press, who was a USM professor.

Courtesy Photo

Jefferson said. “They need to feel welcome to do these kinds of things at Southern Miss too.” The six campus organizations competing for the title of lip sync champions were evaluated by a table of judges, but students also had a say. The audience could vote for the organization they enjoyed the most by posting a picture on

Head Football Coach Todd Monken, his wife, Terri Monken, Paul Maholm and Jessica Maholm organized a benefit golf tournament and auction “Chip N Fore Heroes” that raised more than $40,000 to establish the endowment. The benefit auction took place on June 28 with the golf outing at Canebrake Country Club held the following day. More than 200 golfers participated in the tournament. Hundreds of area volunteers assisted in the planning and delivery of the two-day event. “I have the utmost respect for the men and

Instagram with a specific hashtag. One of the judges was Michael Dixon, executive director of Extra Table in Hattiesburg. “I’m going to be judging on how convincing they are,” Dixon said. “We will pay attention to style, originality, and whether or not they are in sync. We are going to be tough on them.” At the end of the show, the judges voted for the team they decided performed best and awarded them with a golden microphone. The Student Choice Award would go to the team with the most hashtags on Instagram. Before determining a winner, the judges narrowed down the choice to two teams. RHA and the Honors College Ambassadors were featured in the final round going head-to-head with follow-up performances. RHA was first in Instagram votes after a dramatic rendition of “Contagious” by the Isley Brothers, followed by the Honors College Ambassadors in close second after they opened the show with a comical performance of “White and Nerdy” by Weird Al Yankovic. RHA won the Student Choice Award and the Lip Sync Champion

women who wear the badge to serve and protect us,” said Terri Monken. “We wanted to do something to honor our fallen heroes, and this was the path we decided to take. We began working on both events within days of the May 9 tragedy. Although we truly had the honor of organizing and hosting the events, those who attended were just as touched.” Terri Monken said her family drew inspiration from the outpouring of support shown to the families of Deen and Tate, who were shot fatally during a traffic stop near downtown Hattiesburg. “My son, Travis, and I made signs to hold

trophy when they stole the final round with a Michael Jackson mash-up. Tiara Ellis, sophomore biology major, was part of the audience. “RHA won because they went old school,” Ellis said. “They chose songs everyone knows the lyrics to and the Michael Jackson part was the icing on the cake.” Ellis thought the show was a great idea and is definitely supportive of the event happening again. “It was nice seeing a bit of friendly competition between the organizations,” Ellis said. “I would come see this if Luckyday did this event again, but next time they need a bigger venue to fit all the people.” The turnout was much larger than expected, and the audience maintained great supportive energy that kept the show going. Many diverse groups were represented at the show, even non-competing hiphop dance groups Rhythm Rush and Chaotic Movement brought in for an intermission. The lip-sync battle not only exposed students to what opportunities are available on campus, but also brought them together to meet new friends and have a fun experience.

during the four processionals, and I took him out of school to attend the three daytime processionals, as I believe this was history – one I hope we never have to witness again,” she said. “The Hattiesburg community was strong, compassionate and unwavering. It is indeed an honor to start a scholarship of this kind at Southern Miss.” Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Alexander plans to practice nursing at a local hospital – preferably in a critical care unit.

For the rest or to learn more, visit usm.edu.


Page 4 | Thursday, October 1, 2015

STATE

FEATURE

IHL commissioner submits budget request

$17

Julius Kizzee News Editor

On Sept. 22, Commissioner of Higher Education Glenn Boyce presented a budget request from all Mississippi universities, asking for more financial resources to improve the educational systems in the state. “We support this goal and are working to attain it through increasing educational attainment, supporting economic development and solving Mississippi’s most pressing problems,” Boyce said. “However, we must have the resources necessary to do the work required to achieve this goal.” During his speech to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, Boyce asked for various things. He stressed the importance of employee salaries, campus renovations and how money could be saved across the state. During his speech he presented budget options and plans for the committee to consider. “The facilities infrastructure goes beyond brick and mortar,” Boyce said. “Our faculty, staff and students must have the technology infrastructure necessary to have the teaching and learning opportunities they expect in the 21st century.” Southern Miss has made vast improvements over the years to improving the campus. With the additions of Spirit Park, more agricultural planting and the opening of Scianna Hall, the university has benefited from

$17 million increase in resources to address repair and renovations of facilities across various campuses in the state.

83% Miss. professors earn 83 percent of the average salary of other Southern Regional Education Board state schools.

this exact notion. “To increase educational attainment, we must attract and retain faculty and staff, maintain our infrastructure and increase accessibility,” Boyce said. The request includes a $17 million increase in resources to address repair and renovations of facilities across various campuses in 0the state. With a decrease in funding from the legislature, the impact could be drastic. The funding does not

Courtesy Photo/ Holmes Community College Archives

affect just the students but also the faculty. “We can’t overstate the importance of faculty and staff on student success and research,” Boyce said. “Our faculty members serve as an inspiration to students and help them persist and graduate, our staff members provide essential services that protect student safety, help students persist and help students find jobs after graduation.

According to the legislative press release sent on Sept. 22, Mississippi professors only make 83 percent of the average salary of other Southern Regional Education Board state schools. That discrepancy in competitive salary could drive Mississippi employees elsewhere to find work. Boyce spoke on a request asking for a $50.1 million increase in faculty salary, as well as $14.2 million in student financial aid in FY 2016.

$50 Boyce spoke on a request asking for a $50.1 million increase in faculty salary.

$14

$14.2 million requested for financial aid in FY 2016.


FEATURE

Thursday, October 1, 2015 | Page 5

Mansfield, Louisiana

What are you studying at Southern Miss?

A: I am a junior double major in merchandising and marketing with a minor in business administration.

What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I like to create and sew clothing designs. I own a clothing business called Opus Fervid, and I create all of my clothing from scratch with all original designs. I also love playing video games.

What is your favorite video game?

A: My favorite video game is “007” because of the action and strategy.

ON CAMPUS

Courtland Wells/Printz Photo Editor

Eagle Dining offers students variety Camille Myrick Printz Reporter

Eagle Dining recognizes that a diverse student body needs diverse dining options. Taking into consideration the preferences and special nutritional needs of students with hectic schedules, oncampus dining is more convenient than it has ever been and available in more locations. However, all students have that one favorite place that hits the spot more than the others. Freshman public relations major Maria Williamson chose her favorite based on her Hispanic background.

“I’m really picky about what I eat,” Williamson said. “I love the Tortilla Fresca because it tastes like the type of Mexican food I cook. My favorite is the taco salad.” Williamson feels at home when she eats there. “I called my mom last week after eating lasagna in the Fresh,” she said. “It’s just not how my mother makes it.” Tortilla Fresca is located in the International Center next to the bagel restaurant Einstein Bros. The two restaurants make up the Agora, and a long line can be seen trailing out of this popular spot at many times of day.

A freshman, who wished to remain anonymous, chose their favorite for a different reason. “We like Chick-fil-A because it is close to our dorm,” one student said. “It’s a nice change from eating at the cafeteria. It just feels like real food.” Chick-fil-A and Subway are in Seymour’s in the R.C. Cook Union, another bustling spot on campus. Spencer Merrill is not a student at The University of Southern Mississippi, but sometimes he visits his on-campus friends just for the food. A Stone’s Throw, located behind Wilbur Hall, is a place he frequents.

Students wait in line at the Chick-fil-A in Seymour’s, one of many Eagle Dining locations on the USM campus.

Jillian Rodriguez/Printz

“When me and my friends hang out, we always go to Stone’s Throw,” Merrill said. “The beef cheese steak is so good and the restaurant is open late. Sometimes we eat there twice in one night.” However, no matter what students may say, numbers can show which eating location gets the most traffic, and that is the Fresh Food Company. John Meyer, general manager of Eagle Dining, estimated that 30,000 meals are served in the campus cafeteria every week. “The Fresh is definitely the most trafficked spot on campus,” Meyer said. “We have made some improvements that have increased the ethnic variety of meals we serve, but we also have food items that are always available.” Eagle Dining makes sure that comfort foods like pizza or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are always an option, but there is always diversity. The menu changes every week. “I eat at the Fresh Food Company every day and I always

have something different,” Meyer said. “It is nice that variety is always available, but we do have some dishes that require students to be a little bit adventurous.” Students prefer the Grill Station most when dining in the cafeteria. The Fresh had two grill stations last year, but decided to close one this year. The Fresh can prepare a meal specially for a student who has allergies or certain aversions to ingredients in the food. “If we make an Asian dish that includes peanuts and someone has a peanut allergy, we have a separate set of cookware that we will use to make that dish so that the student can enjoy the meal safely,” Meyer said. Diners may not see immediate results, but Meyer assures that the goal of Eagle Dining is to feed as many people as possible. “I know you can’t always make everyone happy, but we are going to try to please as many people eating on campus as we can,” he said.


Page 6 | Thursday, October 1, 2015

OPINION NATIONAL

No one will call Trump ‘Mr. President’ J.D. Rimann Printz Reporter

Hunt Mercier/Assistant Photo Editor Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Mobile, Alabama, Aug. 21.

Since he declared his candidacy for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, real estate magnate and reality TV star Donald Trump has been in the forefront of nearly every popular column, segment and predictions poll created by the mainstream media. At first dismissed as nothing more than a sideshow, the Donald J. Trump Show has quickly become the main attraction of the 2016 presidential primaries. He currently leads the early GOP opinion polls in Iowa, New Hampshire and nationwide, capturing 30 percent in a recent survey. On the surface, it would now appear that Trump does in fact have a path to the presidency, and this thought has become one that the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, many voters and especially the mainstream media have been all too happy to talk about. It is also wrong. Let me be as clear as possible: there is no conceivable universe in which Donald J. Trump becomes the president of the United States of America. Nobody should waste their time even considering the possibility, because it will not happen.

Here are the main reasons why Trump will not win the nomination. First, he does not have a base in the Republican Party. Unlike Ted Cruz (the Tea Party favorite), Rand Paul (darling of the Libertarian wing of the party) or even Jeb Bush (hero of establishment moderates everywhere), Trump does not have an identifiable bloc of voters within the party. Commentators have tried to make the case for him being a right wing “Tea Party” type, but the numbers do not back this up. According to a recent article by Harry Enten, a collaborator of famed pollster Nate Silver, Trump is polling at approximately the same level among self-identified moderate, conservative and liberal Republicans. Trump would say that this means he is loved by all; in actuality, this means he is likely benefiting from nearly universal name recognition (something Enten points out as well) and does not have any true base. Second, Trump is not a very conservative individual, and his policies are not very conservative policies overall. Yes, the man is to the right of the Know Nothing Party when it comes to immigration, and consequently this is the position most often invoked to

demonstrate his conservative bonafides. However, his other positions tend to be to the left of conservative orthodoxy, especially in today’s polarized political atmosphere. Trump has praised single-payer healthcare, supported private sector unions and opposes altering the two biggest entitlement programs, Medicare and Social Security. Finally, Trump is clearly opposed by the establishment of the Republican Party. Traditionally the party elites in both parties have had a large but somewhat behind-the-scenes influence on the candidate selected by the party to run for president. They act as the gatekeepers, and in Trump’s case they appear to be viciously opposed to him as the nominee. Not only is he a loose cannon with no discernable political values outside of whatever he believes will gain him the most notoriety, but the right-wing positions that he has endorsed are anathema to the moderate Republican establishment. Without their approval, the chances of Trump winning the nomination drop from very slim to absolutely none. So the next time someone brings up Trump in a conversation about potential next presidents, look at them, smile politely and kindly inform them that it simply will not happen.

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SPORTS

Thursday, October 1, 2015 | Page 7

FOOTBALL

Golden Eagles aim for first conference win Joshua Campbell Sports Editor

Southern Miss opens their conference schedule Saturday when they host North Texas (0-3) Saturday in the schools’ tenth meeting. Last season, the Golden Eagles bested the Mean Green 30-20 in Denton, Texas. Jalen Richard, Nick Mullens and Dylan Bradley were instrumental in pulling off the road win. The Mean Green have continued to struggle this season, losing all three games by at least 14 points. They have a very shaky defense that is prone to big plays, allowing 43.7 points per game, but they do have some solid weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Antoinne Jimmerson is the key to their offense, rushing for 200 yards so far on 37 carries. He has a compact build with a low center of gravity that creates power, but also has some good moves in the open field. The Golden Eagle front seven will have its hands full with Jimmerson. Quarterback Andrew McNulty has struggled to start the season, throwing just two touchdowns and four interceptions. His go-to receiver is Carlos Harris, a speedy deep threat with the potential to score from anywhere on

Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY Sports North Texas Mean Green linebacker Anthony Wallace tackles Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Jacob Hillyer during the first half at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

the field. Like the Austin Peay game, this game is more about Southern Miss simply executing rather than its opponent as USM has clearly proven to be the better team. The Golden

Eagles have more talent and depth than in previous years and it has shown up through the first four weeks of the season. “First of all, you have to have playmakers to be at their best when their best is needed,”

said head coach Todd Monken. “We have guys like that and we have more depth. We are as banged up as we have been the previous two years, but we have depth and more guys to go to than we have had

in the past.” Despite going up against an inferior opponent, Monken knows his team needs to be ready as there is no such thing as an easy conference game. “It’s going to be a challenge for our team to come back off the road after another emotional game,” Monken said. “We have to realize this is a divisional opponent, which is twice as important due to the tiebreaker of divisional games.” The Southern Miss offense should have a field day against North Texas. The Mean Green have struggled mightily against both the run and the pass while USM has proven its worth in both facets. Mullens is fifth in the nation in passing yards while the combination of Richard and Ito Smith has rushed for over 600 yards and seven touchdowns in only four games. It will be interesting to see how the Mean Green defense tries to defend USM’s balanced attack. If they stack the box, Mullens can easily pick apart their secondary. If they use more nickel and dime packages to combat the Golden Eagles’ three and four receiver sets, the running backs will have plenty of room to run. This game should lead to Southern Miss picking up its first conference win of the season. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.


SPORTS

Page 8 | Thursday, October 1, 2015

VOLLEYBALL

Eagles make strong comeback, win match 3-2 Deantae Smith Printz Reporter

The Golden Eagles survived a five-set non-conference match against South Alabama, 3-2, improving to 14-5 and 6-1 at home. Southern Miss tallied 68 kills, 79 digs and eight blocks. Junior Stephany Purdue recorded 25 kills and 10 digs, while seniors Mary Pursell and Shelby Russell added 23 digs and 18 digs. Freshman Sarah Bell registered 43 assists and 11 digs. The first set went back-andforth seeing nine ties until the Golden Eagles gained momentum and their first lead at 16-15. Southern Miss would extend the lead to 2117 following one of Purdue’s 25 kills. The Jaguars did not go down without a fight, narrowing the gap to 22-21, but the Golden Eagles buckled down and sealed the set with a block by senior Rachel Johnson and Bell, for the 25-22 win. Southern Miss carried the

momentum from the first set over into the second set as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead. The Golden Eagles gained a 12-11 lead, only to fall victim to an 8-1 run by South Alabama. The Golden Eagles withstood the raid of points to pull within two points at 21-19 when a Purdue kill forced the Jaguars to take a timeout. Following the timeout, a poised Jaguars team returned to the floor to win the set 25-20. In the third set, South Alabama rode the wave of momentum from the previous set to a 4-1 lead. After a handful of USM points, the Jaguars extended their lead to 13-9. Southern Miss fought its way back to gain the lead at 22-21 after a pair of kills from Purdue. Once again following a timeout, the Jaguars returned a different team. The Jaguars returned to the floor strong and were able to close out the set 25-22. In the fourth and potentially final set, Southern Miss came out on a mission, taking an early lead 10-7. The Golden

Eagles hit a rough spot in the set and allowed the Jaguars to tie the set at 11-11. Following a Bell ace, the Golden Eagles extended their lead by three again at 17-14. The Jaguars fought to close the deficit to one point six more times. At 24-21 with the Golden Eagles leading, USA added another point to close the gap to 24-22. Purdue recorded her sixth kill of the set to give USM the 25-22 fourthset win. After forcing a fifth set, Southern Miss jumped out to an early 6-2 lead. After swapping sides of the net, the Jaguars tied the set at 8-8. Following the tie, the Golden Eagles would not look back, going on a 7-0 run to end the match. Purdue clinched the set and the match with her 25th kill of the night as Southern Miss won the set 15-8. The Golden Eagles will return to action in a conference match against the Charlotte 49ers on Oct. 1 at Charlotte. First serve will be at 5 p.m.

Joe Harper/Courtesy Photo Rachel Johnson goes up for the spike in the game against South Alabama on Tuesday.


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