Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Latest from Ethan McDowell
Mens basketball sophomores Stephen Fabrizio (left) and James Beckwith (right) are among the athletes who have found outdoor courts to sharpen their skills.

Teams prepare for fall practice plans in the absence of athletic season

By Ethan McDowell
September 2, 2020

Emerson’s decision in July to cancel fall athletic competition created a void for student athletes and coaches alike that will be filled by two five-week-long practice periods.  Athletic Director...

Unlike this pre-pandemic photo of the fitness center, students must wear masks in the facility at all times.

Fitness center reopens with safety protocols in place

By Ethan McDowell
August 26, 2020

Months of preparation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by the college’s fitness center staff culminated in the official reopening of the facility Tuesday morning. The fitness center instituted new...

Gray will play his second season of professional basketball for Ironi Kiryat Ata

Gray ‘19 to continue professional basketball journey with Ironi Kiryat Ata

By Ethan McDowell
August 9, 2020

In summer 2017, Geoff Gray ‘19 stood in a Jerusalem bar watching fans celebrate Hapoel Jerusalem’s Israeli Basketball Premier League Championship win.  This was Gray’s first in-person impression...

Heightened concerns about testing, travel, practice led to fall sports cancellation

Heightened concerns about testing, travel, practice led to fall sports cancellation

By Ethan McDowell
July 15, 2020

Weeks of deliberation by the college’s athletic department led to a much-anticipated announcement Tuesday: all fall athletic competition is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Athletic Director...

Emerson Missed Connections virtually connects quarantined students

Emerson Missed Connections virtually connects quarantined students

By Ethan McDowell
May 24, 2020

Emerson Missed Connections posted for the first time on April 29. In less than a month, the Instagram account has amassed almost 2,000 followers behind students’ anonymous posts about their crushes and...

Unlike this pre-pandemic photo of the fitness center, students must wear masks in the facility at all times.

Fitness center promotes physical activity with virtual race

By Ethan McDowell
May 8, 2020

With the college’s fitness center closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the center's staff is encouraging students to walk, jog, run, or even ski five kilometers to stay active.  The fitness...

Herbert made her commitment to the Lions official on her birthday.

New Faces: Annika Herbert joins women’s basketball ready to contribute

By Ethan McDowell, Sports Editor
April 8, 2020

Annika Herbert didn't have a normal signing day.  Instead of participating in the fanfare of a regular high school signing ceremony, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Herbert officially...

The NEWMAC canceled all spring sports seasons on Thursday.

NEWMAC cancels spring seasons, Emerson ends non-conference competition

By Ethan McDowell, Sports Editor
March 12, 2020

The college plans to cancel all non-conference athletic games starting Monday after the NEWMAC announced it was canceling all conference games starting Monday, officials said. The New England Women’s...

The Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym

Utah Jazz players test positive for COVID-19 after team practice at Emerson

By Ethan McDowell and Aaron J. Miller
March 11, 2020

Following a Utah Jazz practice at the college’s gym on March 5, two players on the team tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement from the team and reporting by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The...

Emerson Athletics to continue spring schedules

Emerson Athletics to continue spring schedules

By Ethan McDowell, Sports Editor
March 11, 2020

The athletic department will not cancel any future contests or events despite the college’s transition to online classes due to COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, according to Athletic Director...

Emersons COVID-19 precautions have athletes questioning seasons future

Emerson’s COVID-19 precautions have athletes questioning seasons’ future

By Ethan McDowell, Sports Editor
March 11, 2020

Senior women’s tennis athlete Mackenzie Swaney spent the first few matches of her final season recovering from a concussion. Two days after her first practice, Swaney received the news that the team’s...

Nate Martin scored 19 points in Wednesdays loss. Photo credit: Rachel Culver

Men’s basketball falls in tense NEWMAC Quarterfinal

By Ethan Mcdowell
February 27, 2020

The men’s basketball team lost to the United States Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday by a score of 80-78 after a potential game-winning three-point shot fell short, ending the Lions’ season...

Racers from all over the community joined in the decades-old Wendell-Judd Cup.

Marlboro community unites behind ski race tradition

By Ethan McDowell
February 24, 2020

MARLBORO, VT—Dozens of Marlboro community members gathered on the campus’s soccer field Sunday to cheer on over 70 skiers and snowshoers competing in the Wendell-Judd Cup. People crowded the finish...

Junior guard Rachel Davey scored 18 points in the win over WPI.

Road win puts women’s basketball in playoffs

By Ethan McDowell
February 20, 2020

The women’s basketball team overcame a fourth quarter deficit against Worcester Polytechnic Institute to clinch a spot in the conference playoffs on Wednesday. Seven teams make the women’s basketball...

The Lions picked up their fifth NEWMAC win of the season on Saturday.

Balanced scoring leads Lions to win over MIT

By Ethan McDowell
February 2, 2020

Five Lions scored double–digit points in the men’s basketball team’s victory over the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, on Saturday, marking its second victory over the Engineers this...

Belmont Braves players dance during halftime of the Special Olympics tournament in the Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym Sunday.

Emerson special olympics event draws hundreds

By Ethan McDowell
January 21, 2020

Liz Saville watched her team members run up and down Emerson's basketball court with smiles on their faces as about 100 people cheered them on Sunday and she said the experience meant everything to her. Saville...

The womens team went 1-1 in its two matches in Puerto Rico over winter vacation.

Boyle, Madden deliver strong performances in Puerto Rico

By Ethan McDowell
January 16, 2020

The women’s basketball team had no time for sightseeing the day they landed in Puerto Rico for a tournament in San Juan. After the Lions grabbed their bags, they immediately headed for the practice court.  Despite...

Sophomore Zach Waterhouse is averaging 14.5 points per game while shooting 37 percent from behind the arc.

Lions enter conference play at the top of the food chain

By Ethan McDowell
January 16, 2020

Men’s basketball head coach Bill Curley knew his team’s mentality needed to change following its 2019 NEWMAC championship.  The Lions are no longer underdogs, and Curley wants the squad to keep...

While they didnt exactly sail, the womens basketball team did beat Messiah College in Puerto Rico Monday.  Photo courtesy of Dan Toner.

Women’s basketball sails to Puerto Rico and sinks Messiah

By Ethan McDowell, Sports Editor
December 30, 2019
While they didn't exactly sail, the women's basketball team did beat Messiah College in Puerto Rico Monday.
Quinn Madden (right) dished out six assists and recorded three steals, helping the Lions reach 18 steals for the second time this season. Ethan McDowell / Beacon Staff.

Historic defensive effort extends women’s basketball win streak

By Ethan McDowell
December 14, 2019

The women’s basketball team defeated Johnson & Wales University on Saturday by a score of 77-31 in one of the most dominant defensive performances in the college's history.  This is the second...

Freshman James Beckwith scored 18 points with 4 three pointers in 19 minutes off the bench for the Lions.

Balanced scoring leads men’s basketball past Lesley

By Ethan McDowell
December 11, 2019

The men’s basketball team defeated Lesley University on Tuesday by its largest margin of victory so far. A 54-point first half gave the Lions an early advantage, and they never trailed on their way...

Senior Jack OConnor (left) shoots the ball over an Amherst player.

Lions fall to nationally ranked Amherst

By Ethan McDowell
December 7, 2019

Nationally ranked Amherst College snapped the men’s basketball team’s three-game winning streak after defeating the Lions by a score of 97-86. Amherst came into the game ranked 14th in Division...

Sam Presti (left) appeared on The Woj Pod with senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski (right).

ESPN hosts live podcast in Emerson gymnasium

By Ethan McDowell
December 5, 2019

Alumnus and General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder Sam Presti ‘00 returned to campus on Thursday as a guest on Adrian Wojnarowski’s first live podcast with ESPN. Wojnarowski works as a Senior...

Tufts entered the matchup as the No. 2 ranked team in Division III womens basketball.

Women’s basketball falls to nationally ranked opponent

By Ethan McDowell
December 4, 2019

The women’s basketball team lost at home to nationally ranked Tufts University by a score of 87-43.  Tufts came into the game ranked second in Division III, and head coach Bill Gould knew the Lions...

Amanda Benavente and the Lions defense only allowed 0.86 goals per game. Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Women’s soccer players earn All-Conference honors

By Ethan McDowell
November 20, 2019

Five women’s soccer players received spots on the NEWMAC All-Conference Teams on Nov. 13 following the team’s second consecutive winning season.  After each season, the New England Women’s and...

Senior Natalie Clydesdale (No. 2) drives towards the basket for a layup. Greyson Acquaviva / Beacon Staff

Women’s basketball drops home-opener

By Ethan McDowell
November 14, 2019

The women’s basketball team lost its home opener 75-72 to Gordon College in overtime, despite 25 points from senior guard Natalie Clydesdale.  After a season-opening win over Suffolk University,...

Kailee Yan played 22 minutes against Suffolk and scored 10 points. Photo courtesy of Kate Foultz.

Junior transfer makes early impact for women’s basketball

By Ethan McDowell
November 13, 2019

Following her sophomore year at California Lutheran University, Kailee Yan decided to leave the West Coast and transfer to a school she never saw in person.  Yan grew up in Mercer Island, Washington...

Freshman Sage Stack (right) battles a Wheaton College defender in a conference game on Oct. 15. Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Women’s soccer season ends after playoff penalty kicks

By Ethan McDowell
November 6, 2019

The women’s soccer team’s season ended on Tuesday after losing to Springfield College in the first round of the NEWMAC playoffs following penalty kicks.  This game provided a rematch for the Lions,...

The womens volleyball team clinched the sixth the seed in the NEWMAC playoffs. Rachel Lo / Beacon Staff

Women’s volleyball clinch spot in playoffs

By Ethan McDowell
November 2, 2019

The women’s volleyball team will set their sights on a playoff run after defeating Springfield College in four sets on Saturday.  The Lions clinched the sixth seed in the New England Women’s and...

Senior Jack OConnor scored 17 points with 40 percent shooting from the field in the Lions scrimmage against Regis College. Aaron J. Miller / Beacon Staff

Regis defeats the Lions in opening scrimmage

By Ethan McDowell
November 1, 2019

The men’s basketball team lost to Regis College 87-81 in its season-opening scrimmage, despite the 23 points from sophomore guard Nate Martin.  Both teams went back-and-forth in a high-scoring first...

Courtesy of James Gascoigne

Men’s basketball freshman out for season with hip injury

By Ethan McDowell
October 31, 2019

Men’s basketball forward James Gascoigne felt an intense pain in his knees as he ran up the court during his senior season at Arlington High School.  “I was just constantly in pain,” Gascoigne...

The womens volleyball team notched its 17th and final win of the 2021 season on Senior Day.

Women’s volleyball defeats Brandeis on senior day

By Ethan McDowell
October 26, 2019

The women’s volleyball team recorded its second consecutive victory Saturday after they defeated Brandeis University 3-1 on senior day. In the ceremony before the match, the Lions’ only senior,...

Senior Jack OConnor (left) won the NEWMAC Championship Game Most Valuable Player award last season. Beacon Archive.

Men’s basketball determined to defend championship title

By Ethan McDowell
October 23, 2019

Freshman guard Ben Allen and sophomore guard Zach Waterhouse shared the soccer field in elementary school—now they share the basketball court in college. Waterhouse and Allen played sports together...

David Suvak (left) received a National A-Senior License this week. Beacon Archive.

Women’s soccer head coach receives prestigious certification

By Ethan McDowell
October 22, 2019

Women’s soccer head coach David Suvak received a National A-Senior License from US Soccer on Oct. 21, becoming the only Division III coach to be awarded the certification in 2019, Emerson Athletics announced.  Suvak...

Freshman Caroline Bond (center) led all players with 20 assists. Rachel Lo / Beacon Staff

Women’s volleyball cruises to fourth straight win

By Ethan McDowell
October 19, 2019

The women’s volleyball team won their fourth straight match in a 3-0 sweep of the University of New England on Saturday.  The Lions started off the first set 6-0 and never trailed. Senior outside...

The womens volleyball team won its 14th game of the season with the victory over Simmons College. Carol Rangel / Beacon Staff

Women’s volleyball sweeps Simmons for third straight win

By Ethan McDowell
October 17, 2019

The women’s volleyball team defeated Simmons College 3-0 in a match where the Lions won each set by at most four points.  Going into Thursday, the Lions held a 13-5 regular season record after winning...

Sophomore Grace Cosgrove (second from left) and freshman Sage Stack (right) battle Wheaton defenders for the ball on Oct. 15. Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Women’s soccer freshmen dominate mid-season

By Ethan McDowell
October 16, 2019

With the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference tournament fast approaching, the women’s soccer team is preparing to make another playoff push. Going into the 2019 season, the Lions...

Freshman Cali Brice (left, No. 4) races down the  right side of the field. Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Lions defeat Wheaton for third-straight conference win

By Ethan McDowell
October 15, 2019

The women’s soccer team won its third-straight conference match in a physical 1-0 game against Wheaton College.  The Lions recorded a shutout for the seventh time this year.  “During these...

Freshman midfield Ainslee MacQuarrie tallied one assist in the Lions win against Smith College. Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Lions snap losing streak with win over Smith College

By Ethan McDowell
October 9, 2019

The women’s soccer team ended its three-game losing streak Tuesday with a 2-1 win against conference opponent Smith College.  Freshman forward Alexa Ingersoll scored a goal to give the Lions a 1-0...

Caroline Bond (left, No. 20) sets the ball for an Emerson outside hitter. Photo by Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Freshman setter controlling offense early in career

By Ethan McDowell
October 2, 2019

When the women’s volleyball team lost its first two conference matches of the season, Caroline Bond said she refused to panic.  The Lion' freshman setter dominated the team’s next three games on...

Freshman Bo Feekins  (left, No. 14) played in nine games this season and totals one assist. Courtesy of Bo Feekins.

Freshman dual citizen pursues athletics and academics at Emerson

By Ethan McDowell
October 2, 2019

After spending seven years of his life in Ukraine, Bo Feekins decided to spend his next four as a member of the Emerson College men’s soccer team, where he is adjusting to life in the United States as...

After its win against Clark University, the womens volleyball team ranks fifth in the NEWMAC. Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Lions sweep Clark for third conference win of the season

By Ethan McDowell
October 1, 2019

The women’s volleyball team never trailed on the way to its fourth consecutive victory in a three-set win against Clark University. Coming off of an upset win over Babson College, the Lions carried...

The Lions defeated nationally ranked Babson College and celebrated on the court. Cho Yin Rachel Lo / Beacon Staff

Women’s volleyball defeats nationally ranked Babson

By Ethan McDowell
September 25, 2019

The Lions ended their two-game losing streak Tuesday night in dramatic fashion against one of the nation’s top-ranked teams. Following the deciding point of the game, the Lions cleared the bench to celebrate...

The womens and mens cross country teams race Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Pop Crowell Invitational. Courtesy of the cross country team.

New coach implements changes to cross country teams

By Ethan McDowell
September 18, 2019

For the first time in 21 years, the cross country team is running under new leadership.  Brandon Fox ‘11, the new head coach of the Lions, served as an assistant under former head coach John Furey...

Junior Albany Alexander totaled two kills in the conference game against Wellesley. Tivara Tanudjaja / Beacon Correspondent

Women’s volleyball swept in conference opener

By Ethan McDowell
September 18, 2019

The women’s volleyball team started four freshmen on Tuesday against Wellesley College, a team with two freshmen on their entire roster, and lost 3-0 in its first New England Women's and Men's Athletic...

Assistant coach Kayla Cappuzzo (center) joined the team during the off season. Montse Landeros / Beacon Correspondent

Former professional player joins women’s soccer coaching staff

By Ethan McDowell
September 11, 2019

The final whistle blew to signal the end of Northeastern University’s 2017 soccer season, and with it the end of an era for Kayla Cappuzzo.  Now, Cappuzzo works as the assistant coach of the Emerson...

Freshman Marie Bou Aziz (right, No. 17) scored her second and third collegiate goals in the teams win against Wentworth. Rachel Culver / Beacon Staff

Freshman comes off bench to score two goals in win against Wentworth

By Ethan McDowell
September 10, 2019

Freshman Marie Bou Aziz substituted into the game in the 24th minute against the Wentworth Institute of Technology Tuesday night and scored two goals, pushing the Lions to a 3-0 victory. Freshmen scored...

Freshman midfielder Ainslee MacQuarrie (left, No. 24) scored the opening goal in the Lions home opener against Regis College. Photo by Carol Rangel / Beacon Photographer

Freshmen lead women’s soccer to home opening win

By Ethan McDowell
August 30, 2019

The women’s soccer team opened its season with a 2-1 win over Regis College thanks to an impressive performance from its freshmen starters. Head coach David Suvak said the team is going into this...

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