Author: Ken

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Men Sports Tennis Tennis Women

Men’s and women’s tennis look forward to upcoming season

Jen Lee

Contributing Writer

Both coming off of successful seasons, the men’s and women’s tennis teams have been preparing all summer to capture the Patriot League title this fall.

After only a few days of practice, the Bison are already looking ahead to their future matches and are preparing appropriately. Last year’s Patriot League Rookie of the Year Nick Bybel ’16, capped off his successful summer season with a singles and doubles victory at the UNCG ITA Summer Circuit Event in Greensboro, N.C. After finishing last year’s season on a strong note with a 6-0 victory over Bloomsburg, the Orange and Blue have their hopes set on winning the Patriot League Championship.

“We had one of our most successful seasons last year and we came up a little short,” Bybel said. “This year the guys have come back even hungrier for the Patriot League title, and I feel that our team is ready to claim it.” 

With the championship in its sight, the team is practicing hard under the guidance of its new co-captains, Aidan Lynch ’14 and Kyle Rosen ’14, and is ready to start its season off strong.

The women’s tennis team also has its sights set on a Patriot League Championship victory after a disappointing end to last season, falling 4-0 to Navy in the Patriot League semifinals. This year’s team is excited for the season, hoping the returning players, along with the new first-years, can carry them to victory.

“I think it will be a great tennis season since we have both returning players and a few new players,” Stephanie Pino ’16 said. “We look forward to a successful and fun tournament season.” 

The two-time co-captains Elena Vidrascu ’14 and Elizabeth Morgan ’14 look to build off the successes of last year and to earn themselves a spot in Patriot League history.

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Men Soccer Sports

Men’s soccer defeated at season opener

Ajan Caneda

Copy Editor

All-Patriot League player Chris Thorsheim ’16 posted two first-half goals for the men’s soccer team in its season opener on Aug. 30, but Canisius pulled off a stunning comeback and came away with a 3-2 overtime victory at Emmitt Field.

Thorsheim scored his first goal in the 24th minute, as Austin Lenart ’17 won the ball in the middle of the field and delivered his first collegiate assist to Thorsheim, resulting in a highlight reel 30-yard goal that landed in the upper left corner of the net. The Orange and Blue pulled ahead further after Thorsheim stole the ball away and scored off the breakaway. Canisius shifted the momentum in its favor with a 30-yard goal of its own in the 40th minute.

“I thought how the goals were scored were far different from how the game was played, but that is soccer. Canisius controlled the early parts of the game and then we scored two quick goals from Chris Thorsheim. After the goals we started to play better and control things more. However, just before the half, Canisius took control of a team defensive lapse and scored to make it 2-1 at half instead of 2-0,” head coach Brendan Nash said.

In the second half, the Bison had a 13-5 shot advantage but were unable to convert on their attempts. Another goal by the Golden Griffins in the 63rd minute brought the game to a 2-2 standstill. The Orange and Blue had several chances at the go-ahead goal, including attempts from Justin Galiani ’17 and Jesse Klug ’16, but the Canisius defense protected the tie heading into overtime.

“The problem in the beginning of the second half was our lack of energy. We came out unorganized and it came back to bite us. After they scored their second goal we woke up and created quite a few quality chances. Unfortunately we were not able to capitalize on them,” Thorsheim said.

Canisius completed the comeback in the sixth minute of overtime, nailing a difficult goal in the far post to steal the win.

Goalie Mike Lansing ’16 finished the game with three saves. The Orange and Blue held a 22-15 shot advantage, but it was Canisius’ lone shot in overtime that clinched the match.

“I think that our ability to create chances was one of the major positives we can take from this game. I think our outside backs were great offensively and defensively during this game as well. Our ability to get wide and start the attack with them looks promising,” Thorsheim said.

The Bison continue their homestand this weekend, as they face Buffalo tonight at 7 p.m.  followed by a match against La Salle on Sept. 8 at 2 p.m.

“The biggest positive was the size and energy of our home crowd. Holmes Stadium can be a great place for our students and community to show their school spirit. Friday night it was a great atmosphere. We hope that trend will continue for our next three home games next week,” Nash said.

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News

Hip-hop artist storms off Spring Concert stage early in setlist

Only a few songs into his set, headlining artist Lupe Fiasco announced he would be ending his act early and quickly departed the stage.

The Chicago-based rap artist, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, began complaining about the lights and sound after just a few songs during the University-funded Spring Concert on April 5.

A few songs later, the visibly unhappy artist  ended his performance entirely.

“One thing that I’ve never done – that I’ve never done in my whole career – which I might have to do tonight, is I can’t continue this show,” he said onstage, then promising to return his fee.

An announcement was made by concert staff that people who wanted to leave immediately and receive a refund could have their tickets signed by a staff member and would be paid back later, head of the Concert Committee Zack Beltran said. Those students will be notified by the University soon about receiving their refund.

Students who opted to stay for the rest of the concert would not be given a refund.

“In regards to the shortness of Lupe’s performance, the committee cannot control individual artists’ actions,” said Beltran. “We go through an extensive booking and contracting process, working with our advisor and agent, to plan the show…we hope that people are not discouraged by this year’s concerts.”

Alternative rock band Third Eye Blind, the second act of the show, took the stage after the break, stopping to take a jab at the previous act by promising that they would continue their performance despite even possible police intervention.

Soon after the show Lupe Fiasco took to twitter, apologizing for his premature exit and claiming that he felt his “voice starting to crack trying to overcompensate for a very messy sound set-up and feared really damaging [his] voice if [he] continued.”