Tag: PCI
Providence College Investigates
by The Cowl Editor on September 27, 2018
Sports
The New York Yankees Will Win the World Series
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
While some teams that have clinched a playoff berth this season have continued to shine, the New York Yankees will be very successful this October, as the team looks forward to winning the 2018 World Series and adding their 28th Championship to the clubhouse.
What started as an exciting season slowly turned gloomy in July, after a wild pitch hit the wrist of Yankee outfielder and All-Star Aaron Judge, and put him out for two months. Recently, Judge has been entered back into the lineup and is currently providing clutch hitting for the Yankees, with his .278 batting average and 26 homeruns.
In the past few weeks, injuries have been plaguing the Yankees, such as outfielder Aaron Hicks with a tight hamstring and shortstop Didi Gregorius with a cartilage tear in his right wrist. Both players are hoping to be back by the end of the regular season, just in time for the postseason.
Yankees’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who is entering the postseason for the first time in his career, has been leading the charge for his team in last the two months of Judge’s absence. Stanton is sporting a .293 batting average across the months of July and August, as well as 35 homeruns this season. When asked about the tools to keep the momentum going for the Yankees this postseason, Stanton stated, “There’s no feeling like it, till you get a couple more in you down the stretch here… It’s good. It’s a good point we’re at now and just keep pushing forward, step by step.”
The Yankees will most likely face the Oakland Athletics in the wild card game. Although the A’s have arguably been the hottest team in baseball this season, the Yankees’ 3-3 record against them so far and a roster almost at 100 percent gives them a solid chance against them should they come face-to-face.
In the American League Division Series, the Yankees will have to face Boston, the team with the best record this MLB season. The Yankees are currently 7-9 against Boston this season, although last series they won 2-1. The road may be tough, but if the Yankees play to their strengths, they can beat Boston in six games. Though the Red Sox may have clinched the AL East, Giancarlo states to his rivals, “They can celebrate now…We have time to celebrate later.”
The American League Championship Series will have a Cleveland Indians-Yankees matchup. If played to their strengths, the Yankees can also win this series versus Cleveland in six games, which would allow them to possibly face the Atlanta Braves, coming out of the National League, in the World Series.
New York’s heavy-hitting lineup will be the difference between an unexpierenced Atlanta team, and give them a chance to win the series in five games.
Overall, the Yankees will rise their 28th pennant in their storied history at Yankee Stadium this season.
Providence College Investigates
by The Cowl Editor on September 20, 2018
Sports
The Women’s Soccer Team Will be the Fall Sport With the Best Record
By Jack Belanger ’21
Sports Co-Editor
No fall sports team has found consistent success this year like the Providence College Women’s Soccer Team. Though both the Men’s and Women’s soccer team and the field hockey team were picked to finish fourth in their respective Big East Preseason Coaches’ poll, with a 6-2-1 record, the women’s soccer team has a better record than all other teams and has exceeded expectations at this point in their season. The men’s team currently sits at 3-4-1, while volleyball is 6-5 and field hockey is 4-5.
So far this year, PC is undefeated at Chapey Field (5-0-0) and the team’s only two losses came against two top-15 nationally ranked teams, Duke University and the University of North Carolina (UNC), at the Duke Nike Classic. The team also tied 1-1 against the University of Arkansas, who is 5-2-2 and plays in the Southeastern Conference, one of the tougher conferences in Division I soccer.
Goalkeeper Shelby Hogan ’20RS has been named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll four times and was once named the Big East Goalkeeper of the Week. Teammate Hannah McNulty ’21 has been named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week twice this season. McNulty, so far, is second in the Big East in goals with six. Hogan leads the league in saves with 46.
The Friars defense, led by Katie Day ’19 and Hailee Duserick ’19, have given Hogan plenty of protection in front of the net. PC has allowed the third fewest goals in the Big East this season with six goals in nine games. The two seniors have started every game for the Friars this season and are tied with the most minutes on the field.
As the team begins conference play on Sept. 22 against Villanova, the Friars will enter the game with the second-best record in the Big East, behind only 10th-ranked Georgetown University, who has yet to lose a game. Last season, PC earned the third seed in the tournament, and they returned many of their key contributors this season, as they look to challenge Georgetown for the Big East crown.
While there is still plenty of the fall season left for PC’s sports teams, as each team begins conference play within the next couple weeks, the women’s soccer team has proven that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country (losing by 1 goal to Duke and UNC) which only bodes well for them when they take on the top teams in the Big East. While PC’s other teams still have a chance to move up in the standings, the women’s soccer team is already near the top and will be able to surpass their last season’s win total of 10.
Providence College Investigates
by The Cowl Editor on September 20, 2018
Sports
The Volleyball Team Will be the Fall Sport With the Best Record
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
The Providence College Volleyball Team will have the best record of all fall sports this semester. One major factor going into this decision is based on the home-court advantage provided at each game by the fans and students. Going into each game is always a fun time, and the fans always have a new experience.
The team’s home-court advantage shows in their winning record of 3-1 at home whereas on the road, the team currently has a losing record of 3-4.
Regardless of who the team is playing, the students and fans are cheering their hearts out as if it is a championship game. Whoever is on the court for our team, they are ready to give it everything they have for the fans and put themselves on the line for the team to score. Right now they remain 6-5, and as Big East conference play approaches, the stakes are higher for the Friars.
With fans always in attendance, the team will strike gold in the coming days. The team’s first two Big East games will be played at home, one against DePaul University, who is 2-9 and the other is St. John’s University, who is 11-5.
Mackenzie Taylor ’22 has been one of the top defensive players on the team this season. Taylor leads the team in digs by a wide margin, with 187 digs, almost 100 more than the next player on the team.
Allison Impellizeri ’19 the team’s starting middle blocker, has proven to be one of the top players in the conference at this point in the season. She is sixth in kills per set in the conference with 3.36.
During the Kangaroo Classic in Kansas City, Missouri, Impellizeri was named to the All-Tournament team. In four games she recorded 57 kills, which also earned her a spot on the Big East Weekly Honor Roll.
With Taylor and Impellizeri leading the team, PC has a balanced team that should not be severely overmatched on either side of the ball. The Friars will have a chance to be competitive in every match going forward which will certainly give them the chance to go on a extended winning streak during the season.
Lastly, the team is already showing improvements from last season. Almost at the halfway point in the season, if its winning record continues, the team is on track to beat their 17-16 record from the 2017 season.
With the team’s first two Big East games at home, the Friars have a great opportunity to start off conference play in the right direction and gain some momentum before going on the road. This team is worth keeping an eye on, as there is plenty of potential to see it finish out with the best record of the fall season.
Providence College Investigtes
by The Cowl Editor on September 13, 2018
Sports
The New Orleans Saints Will Win Super Bowl LIII
By Thomas Zinzarella ’21
Sports Staff
Football is officially back and Atlanta’s newly built Mercedes Benz Dome will play host to Super Bowl LIII and the New Orleans Saints will walk out with a win come Super Bowl Sunday in February.
This will be the franchise’s second Lombardi trophy; their first Super Bowl win was in 2010 when the Saints defeated Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. They were led by Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees and a lockdown secondary that could have rivaled the Legion of Boom in Seattle.
What’s different? The Saints may have a better team now than they did in 2010 and this may be the best team that Sean Peyton has had in his tenure as head coach. The Saints were bounced out of the playoffs in the divisional round against the Vikings after a last second 61-yard touchdown sealed the Saints’ fate.
It is a new season for the Saints and the team brings back plenty of experienced players. On the offensive side, Drew Brees will enter his 13th season in New Orleans where he threw for only 23 TDs and eight interceptions last year. The last time Brees failed to throw over 30 touchdown passes was all the way back in 2007.
Why a decline from Brees in the touchdown category? Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are the answer, some consider them to be the best tag-team duo in the NFL. Kamara coming off a rookie campaign where he ran for 728 yards and eight TDs while collecting Pro Bowl and Rookie of the Year honors.
Kamara looks to build off his outstanding rookie season while WR Michael Thomas is one of the most under-the-radar receivers in the league. He should be considered an “elite” receiver after he hauled in 196 catches in his first two NFL seasons, which is an NFL record. Thomas will continue to blossom while the speedy Ted Ginn Jr. can still be considered a deep ball threat for this potent offense.
Defensively, the Saints are looking better than ever, the only concern being the linebacker position. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore finished his rookie campaign with five interceptions while accumulating a well-deserved Pro Bowl pick. Experts say he could turn into into one of the best corners in the league.
Safety Marcus Williams, who was remembered for the missed tackle he had on Vikings WR Stefon Diggs in the NFC Divisional game, also had a stellar rookie season where he started 15 games and had four interceptions.
In the off-season, Williams has received a lot of praise; he was even compared to Ed Reed, the former safety for the Ravens.
In the trenches on the defensive line, Cameron Jordan participated in his third Pro Bowl last season after he had a career high in sacks with 13.
The Saints have a chance to get back to the Super Bowl, especially with the explosive combination of Brees, Kamara, and Thomas, which should make Sundays fun to watch. It is all going to come down to the defense; however, there is nobody better in the business than Sean Payton.
Providence College Investigates
by The Cowl Editor on September 13, 2018
Sports
The Los Angeles Rams Will Win Super Bowl LIII
By Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
As week one has concluded for the 2018-2019 NFL season, Super Bowl LIII predictions are a popular topic of discussion. My prediction: the Los Angeles Rams.
The defending NFC West Champions enter this season coming off an 11-5 record in their 2017 campaign, but have added several key players to this year’s roster that complement their current playmakers.
The Rams boast the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year in running back Todd Gurley. Gurley finished the season with 1,305 rushing yards while leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 2,093 and touchdowns at 19. His ability to find the end zone and create positive yardage gives the Rams the edge they will need to hoist the Lombardi Trophy come February.
Leading the offense, however, is 2016 first overall pick, Jared Goff. The 6’4” 222 pound quarterback had an excellent sophomore season as he threw 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns. Goff is emerging as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, which is imperative for a Super Bowl contender. Look for Goff to exceed last year’s numbers and lead his team to Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII.
A huge reason Goff is expected to have another successful year is because of his speedy and talented receiving core. Brandin Cooks was an exceptional offseason acquisition for the Rams as he gives Goff more depth at wide receiver. Cooks is a deep threat receiver who has an unbelievable ability to create separation for big time plays. He excelled last season in New England and played a large role in getting them to the Super Bowl.
Along with the Offensive Player of the Year in Gurley, Aaron Donald, the Rams’ top pass rusher, was named Defensive Player of the Year. He is one of the most dynamic players in all of football as he finished last season with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles.
To compliment Donald’s ferociousness up front, the Rams acquired Ndamukong Suh, who is perhaps one of the most aggressive defensive linemen in the NFL. The two of them will certainly wreak havoc on opposing offenses all season.
Finally, as if the Rams had any holes in their roster, they have added two of the NFL’s top defensive backs: Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib in their lineup. With quarterbacks already fearing the defensive line, this Los Angeles secondary is going to make quarterbacking a nightmare for opposing teams.
With all key components of their roster seemingly filled with top players, the Rams are bound to make quite the run this season. Do not be surprised when this talented group is crowned Super Bowl LIII Champions.
PCI: The Best Moment of Summer 2018
by The Cowl Editor on August 30, 2018
Sports
By Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
For the first time in history, the Washington Capitals are at the top of the hockey world after defeating the Las Vegas Golden Knights in five games to win the Stanley Cup. The sheer fact that Las Vegas reached the Stanley Cup final was in itself an outstanding moment. Seeing Alexander Ovechkin and the rest of the Washington Capitals reign as champions is undoubtedly the best sports moment of the summer.
Ovechkin, one of the highest NHL goal scorers of our generation, has been criticized for never winning a Stanley Cup. Until now, some experts have discounted Ovechkin when considering best players of all time; therefore, seeing him raise the Cup for his team was special to watch.
It seemed as though the 2016-2017 “super” team would capture the organization’s first title. When they fell short and subsequently lost Justin Williams, Nate Schmidt, and Kevin Shattenkirk, the 2017-2018 team was certainly battling against the odds.
However, the Capitals still maintained the rights to powerhouse forwards Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie, and Evgeny Kuznetsov as well as a top 10 NHL defenseman, John Carlson who led all NHL defensemen with 68 points last season.
Although the Capitals appeared solid on paper, it takes more than a good roster to win the Stanley Cup, a trophy which is often referred to as the hardest trophy to win in professional sports. The Capitals’ “Big 5” carried out their roles as they finished top five in team scoring for both the regular season and postseason. However, they had another underdog story of their own.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Capitals found themselves down three games to two in the best-of-seven games series to the Tampa Bay Lighting.
With their backs to the wall and the potential for another season to fall short of the Finals, Washington dominated Game 6, winning 3-0 to force a decisive Game 7 in Tampa Bay.
In Game 7, Ovechkin scored the first goal of the game giving Washington control and momentum on the ice.
Despite playing in a hostile crowd, Washington dominated and won on the road for the third time in the series, winning 4-0 to seal a trip to the Finals.
After dropping the first game in the finals, Washington came back to win four games in a row to seal their first title.
Lars Eller, the first Danish player to bring home the Stanley Cup, had a career year as he finished his season ranked sixth on the team in points. His late goal in the third period broke a 3-3 tie to top the Golden Knights 4-3 to clinch the title.
After the final horn buzzed, Ovechkin reflected on how big the moment was. “We did it. That’s all that matters. Look at the smiles on my teammates. This is something you’ll never forget. This moment, I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’m so happy. It’s unbelievable.”
With Ovechkin and Washington winning their first Cup, Eller scoring the winning goal and bringing the Cup to Denmark, and watching Oshie share a special moment with his ill father on the ice after lifting the Cup, it is hard not to tip your cap to the Washington Capitals.
PCI: The Best Moment of Summer 2018
by The Cowl Editor on August 30, 2018
Sports
Lebron James Signs with Lakers
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
While this summer was filled with incredible off-season trades and pickups in the NBA, one move that stood above the rest was the announcement of All-Star LeBron James’ decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Los Angeles Lakers.
On July 1 of this summer, multiple news sources told the world that James, the former champion for the Cleveland Cavs, had agreed to a $153 million contract spanning four years with the Lakers. James had received offers from both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics before telling his agent, Rich Paul, that he would join the Lakers.
With the addition of James, the Lakers have added the one of the best and most recognized athletes in the country to one of the most successful sport teams in the nation.
This is not the first time the Lakers have acquired one of the game’s best players to their roster. Throughout their history, the Lakers have added multiple NBA legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and, more recently, Shaquille O’Neal.
The decision sparked debate within the sports world and many were confused as to why James would sign with a team that went 35-47 and missed the playoffs. On the contrary, many understood his decision as the Lakers have a younger core of players.
Even though the Lakers finished far from playoff contention last season, the addition of James gives the Lakers plenty of hope to make a return to the playoffs after a five season drought.
Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, said in a release that James is “special” and is “the best player in the world.”
“He loves to compete and is an awesome leader who is about winning and making sure that his teammates are successful,” Johnson’s statement continued.
“The Lakers players are excited to have a teammate who has been to nine NBA Finals. It’s a huge step closer to returning the Lakers to the playoffs and to the NBA Finals.”
With James, the Lakers put themselves back on the map as a main free agent destination after several seasons of struggling to attract top-tier players.
Following James’ announcement, the Lakers continued to add players, announcing the signing of veterans Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and JaVale McGee.
Even at the age of 33, James remains one of the most athletic and versatile players in the league. Last season, he averaged 27.5 points per game and a career high 9.1 assists per game.
Coach Luke Walton has even expressed putting James, who is a natural forward, at center, and debuting a starting lineup consisting of Rondo, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, and James.
While the Lakers themselves have nothing but high hopes for this upcoming season, with an improving young core to surround James, the team still has to make improvements in areas they struggled with last season, such as defense and three-point shooting.
Being one of the world’s most recognized athletes brings a lot of attention from the media across the country as James adds a new chapter to his storied career.
PCI: Josh Allen will be the First Pick in the 2018 NFL Draft
by The Cowl Editor on April 26, 2018
Sports
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
In this upcoming NFL Draft, the first pick selected by the Cleveland Browns will be University of Wyoming quarterback, Josh Allen.
In a draft class filled with amazing talent at all positions, some standouts are in the quarterback, class of this draft. Despite all their talents, the one who stands out among the rest is Allen. The 6’5”, 223-pound junior is being compared to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, and has the skills and character to potentially be one of the NFL’s most elite quarterbacks.
At the NFL combine, Allen ran a 4.75 second 40-yard dash, and showed a vertical jump of 33.5 inches. One of his most notable abilities is his arm strength. At his pro-day, it was clear his strength was off the charts. Despite some reports and instances of inaccuracies, Allen has taken the offseason to work with QB coach Jordan Palmer to improve his footwork and focus, allowing scouts to put those inaccuracy reports behind him and focus on what he could bring to a team.
His anticipation when throwing the ball is still a bit rusty. As training camp and preseason progress, however, he will soon find what he needs to do in-game during the NFL season.
Compared to University of Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, who is another potential first pick by Cleveland, Allen has showed his ability to work harder and improve the weaker parts of his game. Mayfield’s off-field drama with the law shows he may not have the character to survive in this social media world, while Allen has shown that he does.
The Browns shocked the world this offseason with ground-breaking trades for players such as wide receiver Jarvis Landry, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and cornerback Damarious Randall.
If they were to add Allen alongside this roster, the Browns would be doing themselves a favor, which could eventually allow them to win a game or reach playoffs. Taylor, the former starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, would have to compete for the starting position against Allen. It is likely that Allen will win the starting role due to his arm strength.
For a team that has been through so many losses the last few seasons, things will begin to turn around on April 26 when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Browns will take University of Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen.
PCI: Sam Darnold will be the First Pick in the 2018 NFL Draft
by The Cowl Editor on April 26, 2018
Sports
By Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
Draft Day is just around the corner. In recent history the 2018 NFL Draft has one of the most highly anticipated drafts due to the skill and athleticism of most of the prospects, but also because it is focused heavily on quarterbacks. However, there is no clear answer as to who will be the first overall selection.
For the second consecutive season, the Cleveland Browns will be making the first overall selection. The Browns finished the 2017 season with a record of 0-16, following a 2016 campaign that landed them at 1-15.
With a plethora of good quarterbacks on the table, along with some exceptional athletes, the Browns have several options. When Roger Goodell takes the stage for the first time on Thursday night, he will be joined by University of Southern California Quarterback Sam Darnold as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
It is hard to not select Saquon Barkley, who spent the last three seasons as the running back for Pennsylvania State University, shattering numerous school records in the process. However, based on the Browns’ immediate needs, Darnold makes more sense than Barkley. The Browns recently filled their running back void during the offseason by acquiring Carlos Hyde, so a franchise quarterback is now absolutely imperative for the Browns, and Darnold is their guy.
The Browns have had terrible luck trying to find their starting quarterback, as seven different players have started a game under center over the last three seasons. The Browns have to pick a quarterback. Darnold has proven to be the most NFL-ready quarterback as he possesses the necessary qualities that successful NFL quarterbacks have had historically. He is an extremely precise pocket passer who can also be very mobile and evade defenders with his excellent footwork. Darnold has all the intangibles that it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL and jumpstart the future of the Cleveland Browns.
In his two seasons as a starter for the USC Trojans, Darnold threw for 7,229 yards and 57 touchdown passes. His size, arm strength, and precision have shown to be exactly what the Cleveland Browns need as their former failed starting quarterbacks such as Johnny Manziel and DeShone Kizer have been smaller and more mobile.
Darnold checks nearly every box based on what it takes to be successful in the NFL and what the Browns should be looking for in a franchise quarterback, so it should be a no-brainer to select Sam Darnold for the first overall pick.
PCI: The Las Vegas Golden Knights Will Win the Stanley Cup
by The Cowl Editor on April 19, 2018
Sports
By Ethan Ticehurst ’18
Sports Staff
In their first season in the league, the Golden Knights will complete what is already one of the most shocking and historic seasons in the history of sports by kissing the Stanley Cup and become this year’s Stanley Cup Champions.
Expansion teams have historically begun their season on a weak note throughout the history of professional sports, across every sport. For maybe the first time ever, the world is experiencing an expansion team that has a chance to win a championship and it is exciting. This season is exactly what sports fans and the NHL dreamed about when the team was first announced.
After a strong regular season, which finished with a number one seed in the playoffs, it is not too hot of a take to pick the Golden Knights to win the Cup. Their only real competition in the Western Conference is the Nashville Predators, who went to the finals last year and finished with the most points in the West.
However, the Predators have seemed to be weaker so far in the playoffs, having lost a game to the Avalanche while the Golden Knights have completed the sweep against the Kings in the first round. The momentum is on the side of the Golden Knights and the skill level of these teams is close to even.
There is a side to sports that is often overlooked, and a strong emotional aspect to sports that is sometimes forgotten. Some of the best seasons in recent sports history have happened after an influential and, unfortunately, usually tragic event.
The Red Sox won the World Series in 2013 after the Boston Marathon bombing, the Yankees went to the World Series after 9/11, and the Houston Astros were champions after the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey.
Last year was a tragic year in Las Vegas, after the Mandalay Bay shooting caused the death of over 50 people. But, as it has commonly done in the past, tragedy tends to bring people together more than divide them, and the Golden Knights have been spurred on by the togetherness that the tragedy created.
Awful things have happened, but the Golden Knights have done their best to go out and represent the people of their city in the best that they can and by winning the Cup, they can bring something worth celebrating to Vegas.