With clean round-of-16 wins for both Rocket League and Super Smash Bros., the Bears reached NACE quarterfinals in two titles over the weekend. Unfortunately, both teams fell in their Saturday games, ending the Spring 2023 esports season.
Super Smash Bros. vs. Shenandoah University 2 – 0 W
Thursday night, the Bears brought home an exciting clean sweep win against the Shenandoah Hornets. Senior Mark Schueler (gamertag: Atlas) led game one with his signature Pac Man play. He managed to claim four stocks from the Hornets before falling and handing off to Seth Schott. An unfortunate self-defeat shook the freshman player and he fell before taking a stock. Fellow freshman Christopher Mowery (gamertag: SpaceMiner) took the stage third, claiming the remaining eight stocks to seal a 5 – 0 match opening win.
Schueler entered first for the second game to take five stocks, including an exciting showing against another Pac Man player. Following him was Desmond Craft (gamertag: EchoForce) who claimed three stocks as Joker to extend the lead. To seal the match, Mowery returned on Toon Link to clear out the remaining four stocks and secure the quarterfinals spot with a 4 – 0 game win.
Rocket League vs. St. Clair College 0 – 4 L
Saturday afternoon held the quarterfinal match for Rocket League, against the St. Clair Saints. Despite their hard work, they were swept 0 – 4.
Game one was a tough 0 – 3 loss for the squad, with Dyllan DeBruyne (gamertag: DuckWorth) taking three shots on the goal, with teammate PJ Fiscus (gamertag: Fisci25) taking two while earning a save. Zach Ellis (gamertag: FireRaptor) attempted one shot on the goal but was also unsuccessful. Despite several close calls, the Bears couldn't secure the necessary goal in a nail-biter overtime situation in game two and lost 0 – 1. Ellis earned two saves, while DeBruyne earned one of his own.
Game three saw the Bears take an early lead. Unfortunately, this lead was short lived as the Saints nabbed the win 3 – 4. DeBruyne earned two goals, with Ellis earning one goal and two assists. Ellis and Fiscus were both credited with assists, earning the players two and one, respectively. The final game was a difficult 0 – 5 loss for the Bears. Ellis was credited with two saves, while DeBruyne and Fiscus each prevented one goal.
This fifth-place finish ends the season for SSU Rocket League.
Super Smash Bros. vs. Northwood University 0 – 2 L
SSU Smash Bros. claimed a fifth-place finish of their own after falling to Northwood on Saturday. Schueler led the charge in game one with his Pac Man, but was unable to claim a stock from the opposing roster. Following him was teammate Benjamin Moushey (gamertag: Waywardness) as Zelda. Moushey was able to nab two stocks in hopes of regaining lost ground. In third was Craft as Joker, who claimed one stock before falling. Mowery brought his Toon Link play to grab two for the road before falling in a 0 – 7 loss for the squad.
Game two was led by Moushey's Zelda, which took one stock before being eliminated. He was followed by Schueler, once again on Pac Man. The senior claimed one of his own before handing off to Craft. The Joker player grabbed one stock, entrusting the fate of the match to Mowery. Mowery's Toon Link took five stocks before falling to end game two 0 – 4.
This fifth-place finish ends the season for SSU Super Smash Bros.
To watch the SSU Esports teams in action, visit www.twitch.tv/team/shawneestateuniversity.
For more information on SSU Bears Athletics, visit www.ssubears.com or visit the Twitter and Facebook pages at www.twitter.com/SSUBears and www.facebook.com/SSUBears. For more information on how to join the SSU Bear Club or for sponsorship of specific SSU players or events, visit www.givetossu.com/bear-club and www.givetossu.com/sponsorthebears.
