Mishawaka, Ind. --- The Bethel University Esports teams started the year off strong, with Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, and Overwatch all getting a win Saturday afternoon.
 
Super Smash Bros. defeated Defiance in a 2-1 battle Saturday afternoon. August Pogue led the Pilots with eight KOs and three wins. Right behind Pogue was John Samarich, with seven KOs and three wins. Head coach Dan Wort said, "It was the first match of the season. The young guys had the opportunity to play and get some great experience."
 
Rocket League split their games with one win and one loss. The Pilots beat Valparaiso 3-1 and lost to Ohio Northern University 3-1 with Cannon Harris at the helm. Harris scored eight goals with seven assists and 15 saves. Goals also came from Jasyon Lagrou (6) and Cameron Napier (5), while Lagrou added four assists and Napier added 10 saves during the two matches. Dan Wort said, "We split the opening day doubleheader. It was a close match with ONU. A slight change to the roster with Jayson moving up created a balanced offensive attack."
 
Overwatch started hot going 2-0 on Saturday and defeated Manchester 3-0 and Valparaiso 3-1. Wort said, "We started defending last season's Conference Championship with a couple of wins. We, unfortunately, dropped a map vs. Valparaiso which is something we didn't do at all last season. The team is picking up right where they left off in the fall, having won the NECC Championship."
 
For the latest information on each of Bethel University's 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, visit BUPilots.com or follow the Pilots on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @BUPilots or YouTube at /BethelSportsNetwork.