Serving the Rutgers community

since 1869. Independent since 1980.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018RUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEW BRUNSWICK

WEATHERAM rainHigh: 56Low: 47

MEN’S LACROSSE No. 9 Rutgers gets set to face No. 19 Ohio State in a do-or-die game

SEE SPORTS, BACK

ONLINE AT DAILYTARGUM.COM

LAURELS AND DARTS We laurel the organizers of 2018’s Trans Youth Forum

SEE OPINIONS, PAGE 6

VOLUME 150, ISSUE 58 • UNIVERSITY ... 3 • OPINIONS ... 6 • INSIDE BEAT... 8 • DIVERSIONS ... 9 • SPORTS ... BACK

SEE ONLINE Fatto Americano is a new pizza joint on George Street that offers twists on classic dishes

SEE INSIDE BEAT, ONLINE

2 Rutgers ROTC students chosen to train as Air Force pilots ELIZABETH KILPATRICK

STAFF WRITER

Senior Air Force Reserve Offi-cer Training Corps (AFROTC) ca-dets, Michael Quigley, a School of Arts and Sciences junior, and Al-exander Hsia, a Princeton Univer-sity student, have been selected to become pilots after graduation, when they will go to an Air Force base and receive their in-depth flight physicals.

Capt. Kayla Stevens, assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Studies, said that after commission there is a tw- year pilot training process.

Hsia and Quigley will then re-ceive their planes, base assignment and undergo survival training.

The two cadets were selected based on their outstanding skills, Hsia said. GPA, physical fitness score, flight aptitude, commander’s ranks and their summer training camp are taken into account when being considered for the position.

These results are then sent to the Air Force headquarters, Hsia said.

“The Physical Fitness Assess-ment (PFA) is a test that all cadets have to take and pass once a semes-ter,” Hsia said. He said that the test measures the maximum number of push-ups a cadet can perform in one minute, the maximum number of sit-ups in one minute and a timed 1.5-mile run.

Hsia also offered commentary about the pilot application and the summer training camp.

“The Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score is com-prised of a number of real-world flight hours, a written aviation knowledge test and the Test of

Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS),” he said. The TBAS is a series of tests that are designed to measure one’s spacial and motor coordination as well as multitasking ability.

The summer training camp, also called Field Training, is a multi-week session held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

“Upon completion of their fresh-men and sophomore years, compet-itive cadets can be chosen to attend this camp as the next step in their AFROTC career,” Hsia said. To con-tinue in the AFROTC program, one must be accepted into the camp and pass its requirements.

Hsia said that Field Training Offi-cers (FTOs) and seniors selected as Cadet Training Assistants (CTAs) evaluate cadets based on military leadership through numerous chal-lenges and tasks.

“It’s all aspects that you can con-trol. You have to be an all-around cadet,” Quigley said.

Hsia said that his favorite aspect about being part of AFROTC is the dual life of being a student and a ca-det, as well as knowing he is going to eventually serve in the military.

Quigley said he appreciates the opportunities that he may not get as a regular student.

“The leadership training is un-matched unless you’re at an acade-my. You stand out to professionals,” he said.

As much as there are bene-fits of AFROTC, there are some challenges that need to be faced to succeed.

Hsia said it can be difficult because the program revolves around Rutgers’ schedule and as a Princeton student, there are times that classes and spring breaks

conflict, but it is a matter of prior-ity to him.

Although cadet responsibilities include physical training twice a week, 3-hour leadership training blocks every Friday, sacrificing some social events and getting up early, Quigley said he has adapted to it.

“One day we’re going to graduate and getting up early is going to be part of the lifestyle,” he said.

Both Hsia and Quigley agree that they are held to a higher standard than other college students would be because they are in ROTC.

If an AFROTC cadet decides to cheat on a test and subsequently gets caught, there are two lines of authority that they have to answer to, the first being Rutgers and the Air Force second, Quigley said. Sometimes Rutgers can forgive eas-ily, but the Air Force may not.

“It’s a little bit of give and take,” Hsia said. While being in AFROTC can limit options that everyday stu-dents may have, the end goal is es-sential, he said.

While many people at Rutgers may know what ROTC is, they may not know how much hard work and dedication goes into it. Hsia said that cadets have to earn their place every step of the way and work hard.

“In ROTC, you are a cadet at all times. Being a cadet becomes a part of your everyday life,” Quigley said.

He said that his and Hsia’s AFROTC class started out with ap-proximately 40 people and that now it is down to approximately eight.

“Some people come in and out of the program, and that’s okay. Peo-ple have to learn if it’s for them,” Quigley said.

App educates parents on infant sleep care

RYAN STIESIASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

New parents now have access to readily available information about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) thanks to a new app.

“SIDS Info” was developed by the SIDS Center of New Jersey (SCNJ) of the Robert Wood John-son Medical School (RWJMS). It consolidates important information

for new mothers and their families, including proper sleep care for new-born infants.

It was funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, said Barbara Ostfeld, program di-rector at the center and one of the app’s creators. The center con-ceived the idea last year and rolled out the app this week.

SEE CARE ON PAGE 4

After graduation, Michael Quigley and Alexander Hsia will be assigned to an Air Force training camp where they will undergo two years of pilot training. ACCLAIM IMAGES

The Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) house is located in front of Alexander Library on College Avenue. Its cadets juggle everyday student responsibilities along with those that the program requires, such as attending weekly meetings. GOOGLE MAPS

Sat

Hi 56 Lo 47 Hi 70 Lo 44 Hi 52 Lo 39

SunFri

Page 2 aPril 27, 2018

Campus Calendar

If you would like to submit an event for the Campus Calendar section, please email marketing@dailytargum.com. For more information please visit www.dailytargum.com. Due to space limitations there is no guarantee that your event will be listed.

THE DAILY TARGUM204 NEILSON ST.NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

BUSINESS DIRECTORY:Business ManagerRachel DeSimoneMarketing DirectorElizabeth EnglishAdvertisingClassifieds Productions

x101 x102 x103x104x107

PHONE: FAX: E-MAIL: WEB:

(732) 932-7051(732) 247-3670business@dailytargum.comwww.dailytargum.com

BUSINESS MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MARKETING DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPERATIONS MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTROLLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RACHEL DESIMONE // BUSINESS@DAILYTARGUM.COM

ELIZABETH ENGLISH // MARKETING@DAILYTARGUM.COM

ELIZABETH KATZ // LIZ@DAILYTARGUM.COM

SIMONE KRAMER // SIMONE@DAILYTARGUM.COM

CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER VICTORIA YOFFEE // CLASSIFIEDS ASSISTANT AMANDA GIRELLO

PRODUCTIONS DEPARTMENT

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

PRODUCTIONS DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NIGHT PRODUCTIONS MANAGER . . . .

COREY PEREZ // PRO@DAILYTARGUM.COM

MICHELLE KLEJMONT // NIGHTPRO@DAILYTARGUM.COM

The Daily Targum is a student-written and student-managed, non-profit incorporated newspaper published by the Targum Publishing Company. Circulation is 10,000. The Daily Targum is published Monday through Friday in New Brunswick, New Jersey, while classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters. No part thereof may be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the consent of the business manager.

©2018 TARGUM PUBLISHING CO.

Weather Outlook

TODAY High of 56, AM rain

TONIGHT Low of 47, Clouds early

Source: Rutgers Meteorology Club

CORRECTIONS

THE 150TH EDITORIAL BOARD

FRIDAY 4/27 The Office of Advanced Research Computing presents “Preparing Biological Research Labs for Petascale Computing” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Computing Research and Education Building on Busch campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy presents “Prospective Student Information Sessions” at 11 a.m. at the Civic Square on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Aresty Research Center presents “14th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium” at 10:30 a.m. at the Livingston Student Center on Livingston campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Department of Food Science presents “Construction and characterization of emulsion stabilized by oil body protein extracts from peanut” from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Food Science and Nutritional Sciences Building West on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Department of Food Science presents “Influence of processing parameters and food microstructure on high pressure assisted infusion of calcium and fruits and vegetables” from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Food Science and Nutritional Sciences Building West on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Plant Biology Graduate Program presents “Plant Biology Core Seminar : The genetic architecture of maize domestication: low hanging fruit and dark matte” from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Foran Hall on Cook campus. This event is free and open to the public.

SATURDAY 4/28 Mason Gross School of the Arts presents “Rutgers University Glee Club: ‘Northern Sounds—The Baltic and Beyond’” at 7:30 p.m. at Nicholas Music Center on Douglass campus. This event is $5 for students.

SUNDAY 4/29 The Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life presents “Professor Yael Zerubavel Retires: Join us for a Special Program in her Honor” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Douglass Student Center on Douglass campus. This event is free and open to the public.

The Daily Targum promptly corrects all errors of substance. If you have a comment or question about the fairness or accuracy of a story, send an email to eic@dailytargum.com.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MANAGING EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NEWS EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPINIONS EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DESIGN EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SPORTS EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COPY EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PHOTO EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

VIDEO EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FEATURES EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KHAULA SAAD // EIC@DAILYTARGUM.COM • x 108

SAIGE FRANCIS // MANAGED@DAILYTARGUM.COM • x 109

CHRISTIAN ZAPATA // NEWS@DAILYTARGUM.COM

STEPHEN WEISS // OPED@DAILYTARGUM.COM

SHREYA MURALI // DESIGN@DAILYTARGUM.COM

ROBERT SANCHEZ // SPORTS@DAILYTARGUM.COM

CHEYENNE R. TERRY // COPY@DAILYTARGUM.COM

DECLAN J. INTINDOLA // PHOTO@DAILYTARGUM.COM

NICOLE LAGOS // VIDEO@DAILYTARGUM.COM

CLARISSA GORDON // INSIDEBEAT@DAILYTARGUM.COM

RYAN STIESI // UNIVERSITY@DAILYTARGUM.COM

ERICA D’COSTA // UNIVERSITY@DAILYTARGUM.COM

COBY GREEN // SPORTS@DAILYTARGUM.COM

THOMAS BONIELLO // PHOTO@DAILYTARGUM.COM

CORRESPONDENTS GRIFFIN WHITMER, JORDAN FARBOWITZ, JORDAN LEVY, ABIGAIL LYON, ALMIER MCCOY, ELIZABETH LEOCE, ALEXANDRA DEMATOS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS CASEY AMBROSIO, GARRETT STEFFE, DANIEL MORREALE

Stay connected.

Facebook: The Daily TargumTwitter: @daily_targum

Instagram: @dailytargumYouTube: Targum Multimedia

www.dailytargum.com

UNIVERSITYApril 27, 2018 pAge 3

Crash course in undocumented student education comes to U. ABNER BONILLA

STAFF WRITER

DREAM Zone is an interactive training program that teaches students, faculty and staff at New York University (NYU) how to support the undocumented com-munity. On Wednesday, the pro-gram came to the College Avenue campus for the first time.

Ariana Mangual Figueroa, an associate professor in the Grad-uate School of Education, and Viviana Siles-Osejo, a second-year student in the Graduate School of Education, arranged to bring the training to the University. It touched on topics such as legis-lation that impacts students af-fected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ad-ministrative program, the history of migration to the U.S. from dif-ferent parts of the world and how to “check” how people talk about the undocumented community through social media.

The program spanned from noon until 3 p.m. One workshop in the agenda lined all partici-pants in the room into two rows, allotting everyone a partner to start a dialogue.

“What does the American dream mean to you?” was one of the questions asked.

The back-and-forth between partners led to a group conver-sation on how to define what it is to be American and how to find a balance be-tween American exceptionalism and American-ism. A handout distributed at the beginning of the training de-fined Americanism as “an articu-lation of the ideology, traditions, culture and customs of what is perceived to be ‘American.’”

Another part of the workshop elaborated on New Jersey’s re-cent legislative efforts to give certain undocumented students eligibility to apply for in-state fi-nancial aid.

The Daily Targum reported that bill A3467/S699 cleared the New Jersey General Assembly and New Jersey Senate, and now awaits final approval from Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.).

There are more than 500 DACA recipients currently study-ing at Rutgers across all of its campuses, according to The Phil-adelphia Inquirer.

“I think trainings like these are important to start conver-sations about how to begin sup-porting undocumented students in institutions, especially for people who are going into high-er education,” said Yuriana Gar-cia Tellez, the senior program coordinator of undocumented student services who was also in attendance. “The training should be mandatory.”

Garcia Tellez said a short documentary-style video that was shown as part of the training also allowed participants to see who a DACA recipient is. The video followed undocumented students at NYU who immigrat-ed from Asia and South America and struggle to find the money to pay for college.

She said that it is important to give the recipients a face, be-cause it humanizes them and al-lows others to connect and empa-thize with them.

“I feel like there’s not that many trainings like this offered at many in-stitutions, so I learned to be more of

an advocate for other students,” said Rachel Sawyer, a first-year student in the Graduate School of Education.

Sawyer said although she identifies as a Black woman,

she appreciated the training because it allowed her to learn the laws and history of other

students of color.Siles-Osejo said she first

came across DREAM Zone and its curriculum when she worked for NYU in its Washington, D.C.

office, where professional stu-dent-services staff help students adjust to life in the city outside of

class, according to its website.

She said she dedicated her-self to creating programs that could support the undocument-ed community at Rutgers, be-

cause she felt there was a scarci-ty of programs and information available when she was searching for it.

“That’s a reason why I wanted to bring DREAM Zone to Rut-gers,” she said.

Mangual Figueroa said she helped Siles-Osejo organize the event because she felt a responsi-bility as a professor to be part of the growth and action to help un-documented students at Rutgers.

As Siles-Osejo prepares for graduation, she hopes that some-one will pick up where she left off and continue to build the relation-ship with NYU and DREAM Zone.

“Even though we’re distinct and different institutions, it’s important to maintain those re-lationships and learn from other institutions on how they’re rais-ing awareness about different student populations on campus,” Siles-Osejo said.

In the finale of the training, every participant was handed a certification card that confirmed they learned about the issues undocumented students face in higher education. It was also a call-to-action to continue learning how to be an advocate for that community.

“I hope, in some way, this has allowed me to leave my mark at Rutgers,” she said. “Either way, I hope it continues.”

“I feel like there’s not that many trainings like this offered at many institutions, so I learned to be more of an advocate for other students.”

RACHEL SAWYERFirst-year Student in the Graduate School of Education

At the end of Wednesday night’s event, students were handed flyers that asked them to commit to the information they learned to help inform the community about undocumented students and the issues they face. ABNER BONILLA

In one of the auxiliary rooms adjacent to the College Avenue Student Center, students watched an informational video that followed two undocumented students at New York University. ABNER BONILLA

Page 4 aPril 27, 2018

CAREApproximately 3,700 sudden infant deaths occurred among 1 year olds during 2015

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“When you are in the hospital for 48 hours after you’ve given birth, a lot of information comes your way, all about taking care of the umbilical cord, and taking care of yourself and establishing breastfeeding and on and on,” she said. “And so safe infant sleep is one of many important pieces of information.”

In 2015, there were 5.9 infant deaths per 1,000 births nationally, according to the New Jersey State Health Assessment Data. In New Jersey specifically, there were 4.8 deaths per 1,000 births.

The Centers for Disease Con-trol and Prevention reported approximately 3,700 sudden, un-expected deaths among infants under 1 years old in America in 2015. Ostfeld said that the app will serve as a standardized tool for parents, caregivers and providers to access the Ameri-can Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep guidelines — an effort to spread awareness and increase infant safety.

Each piece of information in the app is animated in some form to make it as appealing as possible, she said. It exists in three modali-ties: text, visuals and audio.

After opening the app, users can tap on the baby icon, which leads to different topics such as “Place me to sleep on my back.” From there they can listen to a maternal voice read the text, scroll through informative screens, read text and view images on different subjects. There is also a “baby talk” compo-nent that provides additional infor-mation in a baby-sounding voice.

Under the resources tab, there are links to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Safe Sleep Policy, the

Consumer Product Safety Com-mission and more.

“Because it’s oral as well as writ-ten, visual, we overcome any con-cerns about literacy because peo-ple can hear the story, not just have to read the story,” Ostfeld said.

Socioeconomic conditions can impact infant mortality rates, something SCNJ considered in making the app, she said. By making it free, easy to access on today’s common technology and appealing to look at and use, the app avoids being skewed to favor certain populations.

The infant mortality rate, in the state, among Black babies is three times that of white babies, accord-ing to The Daily Targum. Factors that contribute to this disparity in-clude poverty and racism.

Ostfeld said there are many socioeconomic components that may contribute to a family not complying to the sleep guidelines, but that the app will give them a chance to refresh their knowl-edge and can spur future discus-sions and problem solving.

“We’re hoping that it will be something people access and then return to a few times for reminder tips,” she said. “Because com-pliance matters, and over time sometimes compliance drops off, and this gives people a chance to review and reinforce the initiative that they’ve taken on.”

Ostfeld said she hopes the app can serve as a standardized tool that everyone from care provid-ers at hospitals to family mem-bers can reference. Providers can add to the script they give to educate families with a newborn, and families can have all of that information centralized in a form that is less likely to be lost or for-gotten about.

Another advantage of the app is that the information is transferable.

“Since many hands touch a baby, it’s not just mama and papa but its grandma and grand-pa, caregivers and so forth, the parents can inform all who care for a baby,” she said. “They can download it as well so that they

have very clear information about what constitutes safe in-fant sleep.”

This can allow any caregiver to reassess the information whenev-er they might need to, she said. And due to its nature, the infor-mation can be updated whenever advancements occur.

The app is available on both iP-hone and Android, Ostfeld said. It can be found under the search terms “SIDS info,” “SIDS Center of New Jersey” and “SCNJ.”

She said that everything SCNJ does, in terms of education, considers the goal of increasing awareness, but more importantly increasing compliance with the guidelines. The introduction and spread of the American Acade-my of Pediatrics sleep guidelines have been associated with a sig-nificant decrease in infant-sleep related deaths, according to News Medical.

“It’s not just ‘what do you know,’ it’s ‘what do you do,’” Ostfeld said.

“SIDS Info” is an app developed by the SIDS Center of New Jersey of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School that feeds new parents information to prevent against sudden infant death syndrome, among additional resources. JEFFREY GOMEZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

Stay connected.

facebook.com/thedailytargumTwitter: @daily_targum

Instagram: @dailytargumyoutube.com/targummutlimedia

www.dailytargum.com

April 27, 2018 pAge 5

Nevin Kessler is the executive vice president for Development and Alumni Relations. He says that alumni have a big say in the conversation of how their donations will be used. This allows the University to be flexible with student and faculty needs. RUTGERS.EDU

Here is how automatic registration might affect poll turnoutHANNAH MCCLAIN

STAFF WRITER

New Jersey is the 12th state to ap-prove automatic voter registration.

Matt Cordeiro, state director of New Jersey Student Power, and Ross Baker, a professor in the De-partment of Political Science, dis-cussed recent legislation that au-tomates the process and possible effects of its implementation.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) on Tues-day, April 17, according to the Bren-nan Center for Justice.

“When eligible voters visit state agencies like the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), the informa-tion they provide is safely and ac-curately used to add their names to the voter registration rolls (unless they opt out; no one is re-quired to register),” according to the center.

Cordeiro said that based on the successful results of automatic vot-er registration in Oregon, he has high hopes for its implementation here in New Jersey.

“Right in the beginning, there was a big influx of new voters, younger voters and more people of color. So I think, quickly, we’re go-ing to see a pretty large swell in the polls,” he said.

Cordeiro said that slightly more than half of Rutgers students cur-rently vote, based on a report from

National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement.

Students across America are known to be a low-turnout group, Baker said. He offered his view on why this is the case.

“There are complications for stu-dents, particularly students who are living at school. ‘Do I go home to

vote? Do I register where my col-lege or university is located?’ It’s a very tough group to get out to the polls,” he said.

Cordeiro said that the somewhat in-depth process of getting regis-tered and voting does not fit the daily lives of most students and young people.

Another reason is that many young people often feel alienated by the political system because pol-iticians do not normally take up is-sues that young people care about, he said.

Baker agreed, and said that stu-dents are left out, but explained that this is because politicians are much

more responsive to people who are known to vote.

“Politicians would be much more responsive to the needs of students, in terms of policies that are friendly and supportive of students, if they had some sense that there would be consequences if they didn’t do things that the students wanted,” he said.

While Baker said he does not think automatic voter registration is the solution to this issue, he does think that it is a step in the right direction.

“It’s not going to solve all the problems, it’s not going to make students into a high-turnout group, but it would remove one hurdle that people have to get over in order to cast that ballot,” he said.

Cordeiro proposed a different take on the possible results of the legisla-tion, and said he believes the imme-diate effects of its implementation will be substantial. He said that a big impact might be seen right away, fol-lowed by it tapering off as automatic voting becomes normalized.

He said he thinks that the legis-lation will benefit Rutgers students, among other groups.

“I think there’s going to be a pret-ty big boom for Rutgers students. This is important for them to know about so the next time they go use one of these state services where automatic voter registration will be offered, they’ll know to sign up and use the new service,” he said.

Matt Cordeiro, state director of New Jersey Student Power, said that he is hopeful the autonomous process will show the same results in New Jersey that it has in other states. He cited the initial wave of young voters that came out to the polls in those states. LINKEDIN

ELIZABETH KILPATRICKSTAFF WRITER

Rutgers collects millions of dol-lars from its alumni every year. Nevin Kessler, the president of Rutgers University Foundation and executive vice president for Devel-opment and Alumni Relations, dis-cussed how the University utilizes these contributions.

During 2017, alumni donat-ed more than $200 million to the University.

“Alumni can support any Rutgers school or program that is meaning-ful to them,” Kessler said.

Contributions can be made to-ward something as specific as a scholarship or research in a par-ticular field. Kes-sler explained that alumni have a lot of influence in how the Uni-versity applies its money.

“This support allows Rutgers to be nimble and responsive to student and faculty needs and opportunities,” he said.

Becky Gilbert, a School of Arts and Sciences junior, member of the Delta Gamma sorority and Dance Marathon, said she appreciates the alumni contributions.

She said that many of the alumni who donate are previous Dance Marathon captains, assis-tant directors and even worked for the Embrace Kids Founda-tion, the non-profit institution be-hind the marathon.

“Delta Gamma alumni always love to give back. Many still share the Delta Gamma team Facebook-fund-raising page with their friends and families,” she said.

Gilbert said the marathon hits home for many University gradu-ates and spurs their passion for giv-ing back.

Alumni choose to donate to im-portant programs and projects within the University for various reasons. Some do so out of thanks for the opportunities and success that Rutgers helped them achieve, Kessler said.

David Kanevsky, a School of Arts and Sciences senior, is a member

of the Phi Kap-pa Tau frater-nity and Dance Marathon par-ticipant. He said that Greek-Life alumni are an integral source of fundraising.

“I can per-sonally attest to alumni help in my Rutgers Dance Marathon

experience. They have been the largest contributors to our fundrais-ing efforts,” he said.

Other alumni donate to support other areas of the University, such as medicine, Kessler said. It de-pends on what is important to the individual and what Rutgers is try-ing to improve within the University or community.

“Every gift makes a difference. In many, many cases … philanthro-py is the difference between good work and extraordinary impact,” he said.

Alumni keep U. plump with funding for various departments

“Alumni can support any Rutgers school or program that is

meaningful to them.”

NEVIN KESSLERVice President for Development and Alumni

Relations

OPINIONSPage 8 aPril 27, 2018

The Daily Targum’s editorials represent the views of the majority of the 150th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.

UNIVERSAL UCLICK

corner, students at Rutgers are probably now, more than ever, thinking about their futures and what they want to do with the rest of their lives. For many, the beginning of the rest of their lives may start this sum-mer. Some may have prestigious internships with their dream firms lined up, some may have summer jobs in their hometowns waiting for them and others may still be figuring out what field they want to enter. And while each person has a unique path depending upon the future career they envision for themselves, there is a common theme in those that are trying to be as successful as they can: Experience is necessary.

While education is clearly the most important aspect of attending a university, the mistake that many people make in their four or more years at college is that they consider it to be the only aspect of their time there. And though grades are important and should not be consid-ered as completely irrelevant, the entire weight of your college career should not rest on your GPA. When you want to move forward with your life and your career and find yourself competing for a position with other candidates, it is very likely that you find your grades are on-par with your competitors. So how do you differentiate yourself between your 4.0 and the other five 4.0’s sitting in the office waiting for an inter-view? The answer is in your experience.

When recruiters look at your résumé, they want to see someone who has not spent four years with their nose buried in books. They want to see someone who has had the discipline to get work done well in

the time that they were in college, but has also balanced going to club meetings, taking part in social events and gaining new skills. But the securing of a job should not be your only motivation to try and become as well-rounded in your college years as possible. College is a time where society gives you the opportunity to spend four years of your early adulthood trying to figure out who you are as freely as you want to be. If you decide that your major is not something you truly want to pursue, you have the ability to change it. You have the chance to try out being part of different organizations and seeing if you fit in well. Col-lege is the time where you might discover that something you thought you would always love might not be part of the right path for you. But this is not something you will discover if you spend the entirety of your time here worrying about one not-so-good grade or eliminating all the distractions in your life for the sake of a stellar GPA. Your GPA is some-thing that, although will help you move on to other schools and be con-sidered for certain programs, will be forgotten in later years of your life.

Khaula Saad is the Editor in Chief of The Daily Targum.

Experience is worth more than grades

“They want to see someone who has had the discipline to get work done well in the time that they were in college, but has also

balanced going to club meetings, taking part in social events, gaining new skills.”

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESKKHAULA SAAD

EDITORIALWEEK IN REVIEW: Laurels and Darts

SPACE RESEARCH NASA launched its Transit-

ing Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) last Wednesday as part of a mission aimed at discover-ing thousands of exoplanets or-biting bright stars. Many would

likely say that funding research about distant plan-ets and space in general may be a waste of mon-ey and time, but people should not lose sight of the values that exploring things beyond Earth can hold. Searching for and studying exoplanets can help us learn more about ourselves, and allow us to appreciate more thoroughly our own world and its seemingly unique and uncommon characteristics. We laurel the launch of the new TESS satellite, and hope that it can help humans learn a great deal more about the nature of our universe.

NET INEQUALITYThe Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) decided back in December to rollback policies that were meant to ensure net neutrality remains strong. Soon,

those policies will be no more, and a small group of powerful Internet Service Providers will have free reign over limiting who sees what, how fast they see it and how much they pay to do so. This rollback of net neutrality may very well have a negative impact on freedom and access to per-sonal and institutional education. We dart this rather unfair decision by the FCC for forcing us to take a step back on the road to true equality.

TRANS VISIBILITYNew Brunswick High School

held the fourth-annual Trans Youth Forum on Saturday. During the event, people at-tended workshops and listened to panels with the aim of in-forming New Brunswick about

the transgender community and the issues regard-ing it. In order for the transgender community to continue to progress and gain traction and visibil-ity, more events and forums like Saturday’s must be held. Allies and members of the transgender community must work together to spread knowl-edge about these important issues. We laurel the organizers of the Trans Youth Forum for pushing for a more informed and understanding public.

SEXUAL ASSAULTIn March, The Daily Targum re-ported on two cases of sexual misconduct involving Rutgers pro-fessors. Now, new progressions in one of the cases have emerged.

Nabil Adam, vice chancellor for Research and Col-laborations at Rutgers—Newark, was under inves-tigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a graduate student that he worked with. Rutgers has recently decided to suspend judgement on the decision, stat-ing that neither parties are trustable. Though we are unsure what the truth of the matter is, the situation is unsettling no matter which party is in the wrong. Both actually committing sexual assaults and giving false allegations are shameful. We dart the continu-ous reminders of the unfortunate fact that we are far from a sexual-assault-free nation.

MITIGATE MORTALITYIn 2015, there were 5.9 infant

deaths per 1,000 births in the U.S., according to the New Jersey State Health Assessment Data. Additionally, the Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention reported that there were approximately 3,700 unexpected infant deaths in the same year. It is important for mothers to know as much as they can about keeping their infants safe and healthy soon after birth, and with a combination of science, technology and communication, a new app developed by the SIDS Center of New Jersey from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RW-JMS) can help lower infant mortality rates. We laurel RWJMS for this new and helpful innovation.

CARE ABOUT HEALTHCAREAs a result of the newly imple-

mented R-Health Direct Care, some of the 3,000 part-time fac-ulty members who previously did not have access to healthcare now

do. This “boutique style” primary-care network is available to all part-time employees who are also members of the faculty union — American Associa-tion of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers — and includes easy access to personal physicians, speedy appointments, comprehensive primary, preventive, urgent and chronic care and does not require co-pays. Though this new avail-ability is undoubtedly a positive thing, we dart the fact that it did not happen sooner.

As yet another year comes to a close and with the sum-

mer being right around the

QUOTE OF THE DAY

In ROTC, you are a cadet at all times. Being a cadet becomes a part of your

every day life.

Michael Quigley, a School of Arts and Sci-ences junior. See story on FRONT.

April 27, 2018 OpiniOns pAge 9

YOUR VOICE The Daily Targum welcomes submissions from all readers. Due to space limitations, letters to the editor must not exceed 500 words. Guest columns and commentaries should be between 700 and 850 words. All authors must include name, phone number, class year and college affiliation or department to be considered for publication. Anonymous letters will not be considered. All submissions are subject to editing for length and clarity. A submission does not guarantee publication. Please submit via email to oped@dailytargum.com by 4 p.m. to be considered for the following day’s publication.

Making sure to set summer goals is important for students

With finals week just around the corner, many of us are already in the summer vacation mind-

set and have started making plans with our friends and families for exciting events. Es-pecially for those who are graduating, sum-mer 2018 is a time for relaxation and free-dom from school-related stress. Although we should definitely dedicate time in our end-of-year plans to our friends and families and enjoying ourselves after a long semes-ter of stress, exams and existential crises, we should also devote a significant chunk of our schedules to pursuing intellectual and personal growth.

Summer vacation has a strong conno-tation of “anti-school” and simply being relaxing, but this can be a huge and unfor-tunate waste of time if relaxing is all we do. Since there are no assignment deadlines or exams during vacation, it becomes much less stressful and more enjoyable to set cer-tain goals for ourselves and reach them at our own pace. Summer is the perfect time, for instance, to finally start reading the books that have been collecting dust on your shelves, learning a new language, tak-ing on a project, working a job, volunteering or even preparing for courses that you are going to take in the Fall 2018 semester. It seems pretty nerdy and boring to practice

calculus problems or learn new grammar points in French during break, but every moment is precious and an investment into your future. Summer vacation is no excep-tion. With unlimited access to the internet and loads of free time, one could definitely start a new hobby, read and even write a few articles and spare some time to give back to the community.

Personal progress does not have to be limited to academic and intellectual pur-suits. We all have certain things that we are aware we need to work on, whether it is relationships, proneness to stress and anx-

iety, lack of motivation, etc., and summer can be a perfect time to work on combat-ing these issues. Some may want to devote more time to their spirituality and faith, some may want to get back in contact with old friends, some may want to determine their major and plan their career paths and some may want to take on new experiences and travel somewhere different. Whatever the case may be, it is necessary to take ad-vantage of the great weather and opportu-

nity to spend time with loved ones to better ourselves emotionally and mentally.

Another goal that is very hard to com-mit to during school is working out. I have come to realize that the “freshman 15” is no joke and that I seriously need to lay off the late-night ramen and large, sugary iced cof-fees. Setting a personal fitness goal is also a great way to seize the summer and shed off the layers of stress-eating that have ac-cumulated over exam seasons. Summer is a time for drinking cold water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables and getting motivated for taking cute Instagram pictures. We do

not need to treat our bodies when we are at home as poorly as we do in college when our only dietary restriction is “cheap and fast.”

One of the best ways to stick to a sum-mer plan is getting someone to do it with you, or getting inspired from someone else. My personal goals for summer 2018 so far are practicing my two target languages, fin-ishing at least 10 books, working a summer job to save up for some of my future travel

plans and exercising daily. To get started on your plan, take out a piece of paper right now and write down at least three things you want to achieve in terms of personal growth this summer. Here are some ideas: start meditating a few times a week, make a new friend, learn a new skill, teach some-one a new skill, practice a new language by watching shows and listening to mu-sic, search up and purchase at least three books you want to read, pick up a new hob-by, go the entire summer without a sip of soda, start bullet-journaling or blogging, write out three aspects about yourself that you want to improve, go somewhere new (it could even be a restaurant that you have never been to), read a news article every day, contact relatives or immerse yourself in a new culture.

It is not too early to make summer plans. There are countless ways to make the most of your vacation and better the person you are so you can enter the Fall 2018 semester with a new, healthy mindset. Of course you should have fun and relax, but remember that future you will thank you just as much for finishing all of those books as she or he will for going to a concert with your friends. That being said, finals have not even start-ed, so save some excitement for later.

Dilara Guvercin is a School of Arts and Sciences first-year double majoring in phi-losophy and psychology. Her column, “The Bigger Picture,” runs on alternate Fridays.

“There are countless ways to make the most of your vacation and better the person you are so you can enter the Fall 2018

semester with a new, healthy mindset.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE DILARA GUVERCIN

How to Place an Ad:1. Come to 204 Neilson St.

2. Email your ad to classifieds@dailytargum.com

3. CHARGE IT! Use your credit card over the phone or by coming to our business office 204 Neilson St. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

THE DAILY TARGUM

204 Neilson St.New Brunswick, NJ 08903

732-932-7051, x104

Rates:Small classified: up to 20 words, each additional word 30¢ per dayDEADLINE: 12:00 p.m. one (1) business day prior to publication

Large classified: up to 25 words, $8.50 each additional inch (11 words)DEADLINE: 12:00 p.m. one (1) business day prior to publication

Display classified: Typeset with border; contains graphics, logos, etc.Cash Rate–$10.15/column inch • Billed Rate–$12.15/column inchDEADLINE: 3:00 p.m. three (3) business days prior to publication

1 day 3 days 5 days 10 days$8.00 $7.50/day $7.00/day $6.00/dayStudent rate – $4.00 per day

$21.00 $19.00/day $16.00/day $14.00/dayStudent rate – $10.00 per day

CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED FOR SALE

Bikes, Bikes, Bikes! All types!

Student bikes for sale located in New

Brunswick. Prices from $125-$225.

Fully serviced, new tires, ready to ride!

We take trade-ins. Locks, helmets,

and racks also available.

Text Chris for appointment at

(908)-208-5461

$30-45 Per Hour!

SAT/ACT Tutors

Wanted!

Car Needed.

Email:

mypeakscore

@aol.com

Summer day camp in Bridgewater, NJ

looking for Specialists and Counselors.

Specialists needed for the following

activities: Tennis, Sports, Archery,

Dance, Cooking, Music and Ropes

Course. Training provided. Must be

able to teach small and large groups

of campers from ages 2- 12.

Eight week full time commitment

from June 25-August 17 for all

camp staff positions.

Apply on line to JCC Camp Ruach at

www.ssbjcc.org/campjobs.

Page 10 aPril 27, 2018

Rutgers has not won since 4-2 win over Penn State on March 31

STREAK

CONTINUED FROM BACK

Junior pitcher Whitney Jones is the ace on the Rutgers pitching staff, but has struggled this year with a 8-13 record and 4.27 ERA. CASEY AMBROSIO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / APRIL 2018

“It was kind of we felt the right time for both of us to go separate directions.”

TRAVIS SCHLENKAtlanta Hawks General Manager

The Spartans’ staff ERA is solid at 3.33, while Rutgers’ staff ERA is below average at 5.09. Michigan State also allows op-posing hitters to bat .271 off of it, while the Knights allow their op-ponents to bat a much higher .333 off of them.

Rutgers will likely square off against the Spartans No. 1 pitch-er, Kristina Zalewski, who is 10-10 on the season with a 2.20 ERA and 134 strikeouts in 121 innings pitched. She also only allows op-ponents to bat .249 against her.

The ace on the staff for the Knights is junior Whitney Jones, who has been lackluster this season, with a 8-13 record to go along with a 4.27 ERA and only 41 strikeouts. Jones also allows opposing batters to hit a very high .340 off of her, which has hurt her this season from the circle.

Junior shortstop Jess Hughes is another spark in the Rutgers lineup, as she is batting .312 on the year with five doubles and 4 home runs. She is second on the team in hits (44) and leads the

team in stolen bases with eight bags swiped in nine attempts.

Hughes has also started and played in all 44 games this season, the only Knight to do so.

Although Hughes has been productive at the plate, her 18 er-rors at shortstop have certainly hurt Rutgers at times. But, she has also been responsible for turning 16 double plays, a stat the Knights rank very high nationally in.

With a staff ERA above 5.00, Rut-gers needs to produce runs in this series if it is going to win the series, or at least win one game to snap its losing streak. Michigan State is a comparable team in many aspects, so expect every game in this series to be very close and competitive.

After the series with the Spar-tans, the Knights only have four games remaining in the regular season. They will take on Hofstra (34-8, 15-0) at home on Wednes-day in one more non-conference contest, before a final three-game series against Indiana (23-25, 15-2) at home beginning on Friday.

For updates on the Rutgers soft-ball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA (AP) — Hawks gen-eral manager Travis Schlenk on Thursday described coach Mike Budenholzer’s exit as “harmonious” and “as mutual as parting can be.”

Schlenk also said the deci-sion, finalized and announced late Wednesday, came after many dis-cussions with Budenholzer and was not based on just one factor.

“It’s not one thing,” Schlenk said. “It was just the course of several conversations we just felt like this was best for him and his career and the right time for the Hawks for where we are.”

Added Schlenk: “It was kind of we felt the right time for both of us to go separate directions. It wasn’t negative on either side.

It was just time for both of us to move forward.”

Budenholzer helped to pave his path out of Atlanta by expressing interest in coaching other teams.

Schlenk said he still believed at the end of the season, when the Hawks finished with the worst record in the Eastern Con-ference, that Budenholzer would remain the team’s coach. Then Budenholzer received permission to interview with the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks.

Budenholzer withdrew his name from consideration with the Suns and remains a candidate with the Knicks.

With Budenholzer seeking employment from at least two oth-er teams, it was increasingly diffi-cult for the Hawks to serve as the coach’s safety net.

The Hawks, with the blessing of majority owner Tony Ressler,

finally decided it was best to find a new coach. The decision came even though ending the relationship with Budenholzer, who had two years re-maining on his contract, ended the team’s chance to receive compensa-tion if he is hired by another team.

“Obviously Tony is involved in all the decisions,” Schlenk said. “We made the decision that was best for us instead of waiting and seeing what might happen. But certainly we had his blessing.”

Schlenk said he will look for a new coach who can work with a young, rebuild-ing team.

“One of the things that’s most import-ant is having

a coach who’s going to connect with our young players, continue to develop our young players, so that’s going to be a big part of it,” he said.

Budenholzer was 213-192 in the regular season and 17-22

in the playoffs in five seasons with Atlanta. The Hawks were an Eastern Conference-worst 24-58 this season, ending the team’s streak of 10 consecutive playoff appearances.

The high point in Budenhol-zer’s five years with the Hawks came in the 2014-15 season, when the Hawks set a franchise record with 60 wins. He was named NBA coach of the year after the Hawks’ first appearance in the Eastern Conference finals.

Budenholzer was given more authority with the title of presi-dent of basketball operations, but he gave up that position when Schlenk was hired as gen-eral manager in 2017. Schlenk said the two maintained a posi-tive relationship.

Budenholzer’s ‘harmonious’exit starts Hawks coach search

Knights can put themselves into Big Ten Tournament with win

SEASON

CONTINUED FROM BACK

April 27, 2018 pAge 11

After two 1-goal losses to then-No. 6 Johns Hopkins and the then-No. 1 Terrapins, being able to make plays down the stretch against Penn State helped the team’s confidence in close games, Christiano said.

“Being able to close it out, just have that composure, was really huge and helped us win,” he said.

In Ohio State, Rutgers is facing a team that went through a rough patch in the middle of the season and enters at just 7-6, but is com-ing off two straight conference wins and still has an outside shot at the NCAA Tournament if it can make a run in the Big Ten.

In a word, the Buckeyes are des-perate, and the Knights will without

a doubt get their hardest punch.Redshirt freshman defender

Garrett Bullett said that Rutgers is prepared for this moment and the way the team played against the Nittany Lions gave it the confidence it needs to go on the road and close out the season with a massive win.

“We’re gonna be flying around, playing fast like we always do,” Bul-lett said. “This is a playoff game, this is a must-win for us. This is a big one, and we’re ready for it.”

The Knights are as confident as they’ve been all season, and after narrowly missing out on the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons, it is clear that they are not ready to make it three in a row.

When asked about the mag-nitude of Saturday’s game, head coach Brian Brecht threw out his favorite saying and one he has used all season: “At the end

of the day we need to take care of ourselves.”

Rutgers controls its own desti-ny for both the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments and that has no doubt been Brecht’s message to his team as they prepare for a season-defin-ing matchup with Ohio State.

Against Penn State, the Knights did not win a faceoff in the second half, but it obviously did not affect the outcome of the game. Brecht credits that to Rutgers being top-notch in all areas of the game, and added that he has tons of confi-dence in his two senior faceoff specialists, Joe Francisco and Alex Schoen, to get the job done.

Brecht said he aims for a 50-per-cent mark on faceoffs and when the Knights are able to do that, they are

usually successful. The rest of the team is deep enough and skilled enough to the point where they don’t need to be elite at the faceoff X every week and can still be a top-10 team.

And at the end of the day, Brecht said, it will come down to his team being able to make plays in all areas of the game.

“We have to execute and do what we do extremely well,” he said. “... It’s about us. It’s about how we play. Are we gonna make saves, are we gonna put the ball in the back of the cage, are we gonna out-ground ball them and have more opportunities in possessions? Are we gonna clear the ball first time and be able to run in transition?”

For updates on the Rut-gers men’s lacrosse team, follow @GriffinWhitmer and @TargumS-ports on Twitter.

Head coach Brian Brecht has said that the game against Ohio State will come down to the Knights being able to make plays in all areas of the game. DECLAN INTINDOLA / PHOTO EDITOR / APRIL 2018

IN BRIEF

“We’re gonna be flying around, playing fast like we always do. This is a playoff game, this is a

must-win for us. ”

GARRETT BULLETTRedshirt Freshman Defender

F ollowing the Cleveland Cavaliers’ thrilling 98-95 Game 5 victory over

the Indiana Pacers in which Cav-aliers power forward LeBron James blocked a layup by Pacers shooting guard Victor Oladipo in the waning seconds and sub-sequently drained a game-win-ning 3-pointer at the buzzer, the NBA has confirmed that James’s blocked shot was a goaltend and Oladipo’s basket should have counted, according to ESPN.

In its Last Two Minute Report, the NBA noted that the referees missed the call after the ball first hit the backboard and was then blocked by James, which should have resulted in a basket and a 97-95 lead for the Pacers.

“I got a step on him. Felt like I even got grabbed on the way to the rim,” Oladipo said after the game. “I tried to shoot a layup, it hit the backboard, then he blocked it ... It was a goaltend. It’s hard to even speak on it. It just sucks, honestly. It really sucks. We fought our way back, we tied the game up, that layup is huge.”

Joe Borgia, the NBA’s senior vice president of replay and ref-eree operations, told NBA TV on Wednesday night that the play was not reviewable because goaltending was not called on the court.

“In super-slow motion, you just see the ball hit the glass and may-be come off an inch, and that’s when LeBron got it,” Borgia said. “Like I said, once the ball touches the (backboard), defenders can-not touch it, and unfortunately James did.”

James finished the game with 44 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. When asked about the play, he smiled.

“Of course I didn’t think it was a goaltend,” he said. “I try to make plays like that all the time, and I mean he made a heck of a move, got me leaning right and he went left and I just tried to use my recovery speed and get back up there and make a play on the ball. And I was able to make a play.”

With the blown call, the Pac-ers now trail the Cavaliers 2-3 in the series with Game 6 going back to Indiana.

TWITTER: @TargumSports

WEBSITE: DailyTargum.com/section/sports

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We have to execute and do what we do extremely well ... It’s about us. It’s

about how we play.”

— Men’s lacrosse head coach Brian BrechtSPORTSFRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 ONLINE AT DAILYTARGUM.COMRUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEW BRUNSWICK

EXTRA POINT KNIGHTS SCHEDULE

MEN’S LACROSSE NO. 9 RUTGERS-NO. 19 OHIO STATE, TOMORROW, 4 P.M.

SOFTBALL RUTGERS-MICHIGAN STATE, TODAY, 4 P.M.

Knights look to end 12-game losing streak

Rutgers closes out season at Ohio State

SEE STREAK ON PAGE 10

SEE SEASON ON PAGE 11Junior midfielder Mark Christiano and the Knights understand that they have to put the work in and treat their game with No. 19 Ohio State as just another game. DECLAN INTINDOLA / PHOTO EDITOR / APRIL 2018

Senior first baseman Rebecca Hall is batting .385 with 12 doubles, six triples, 7 homes runs and 37 RBI’s. She will lead Rutgers into East Lansing to try and end its 12-game losing streak. CASEY AMBROSIO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / APRIL 2018

NICK MATERA,junior catcher on the baseball team, was added to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List on Thursday. The award is given to the nation’s top catcher. Matera is slashing .279/.368/.471 in 35 games this season and leads Rutgers in extra base hits.

SOFTBALL

at Michigan State

Today, 4 p.m.,Softball Complex

GRIFFIN WHITMERCORRESPONDENT

The Rutgers men’s lacrosse team’s entire season comes down to Saturday afternoon, when it will play in a de facto playoff game against No. 19 Ohio State, in which the win-ner goes to the Big Ten Tournament and the loser’s season is likely over.

Both teams sit at 2-2 in the Big Ten and Saturday is the regular season finale. The Buckeyes (7-6, 2-2) are coming off a road upset of No. 1 Maryland, while the No. 9 Scarlet Knights (9-4, 2-2) most recently took down then-No. 11 Penn State by a score of 11-8.

With major postseason implications on the line, Rutgers is not lacking any confidence and no nerves are apparent as the team read-ies for the biggest game of the season.

“It’s just like any other week for us,” said junior midfielder Mark Christiano. “We know you just gotta put the work in. It’s about the process and that will lead to the end result.”

The Knights were in a similar situation a week ago against the Nittany Lions, where a loss would have been a huge hit to their post-season résumé and a win would likely catapult them into the NCAA Tournament Commit-tee’s top-10 rankings.

MATTHEW HOWESTAFF WRITER

On Friday, the Rutgers softball team will travel to East Lansing, Michigan to take on Michigan State in a three-game series with hopes of snapping its current 12-game losing streak. The Scarlet Knights (17-27, 2-12) have not won a single game in the month of April.

The Spartans (18-24, 4-11) rank 121 na-tionally in RPI, with Rutgers close behind checking in at 127. They rank 11th in the Big Ten standings, while the Knights are dead last after just two conference wins this season, so far.

Both teams have similar hitting statistics, with Michigan State checking in with a .262 team batting average and Rutgers close be-hind with a .257 team average. The Spartans’ top hitter is Lea Foerster, who bats .361 with 17 doubles, 8 home runs and 20 RBI’s.

The Knights’ top batter is senior first base-man Rebecca Hall, who averages .385 with 12 doubles, six triples, 7 home runs and 37 RBI’s. The major difference between these two teams is its pitching, where Michigan State holds the advantage.

MLB SCORES

NY MetsSt. Louis

SeattleCleveland

DetroitPittsburgh

34

54

01

AtlantaCincinnati

ArizonaPhiladelphia

MinnesotaNY Yankees

74

82

34

BASEBALL

at Purdue

Today, 6 p.m.,West Lafayette, Ind.

TRACKAND FIELD

Penn Relays

Today, All Day,East Lansing, Mich.

MEN’S GOLF

Big TenChampionships

Today, All Day,Baltimore, Md.