MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- Smash Bros., Rocket League, and Overwatch played in the GLEC Tournament over the weekend. The Smash Bros. team fell to Manchester in the championship for a runner-up finish. Rocket League took fourth after losing to St. Xavier 4-1 in the consolation match. Overwatch also took fourth after their close 3-2 loss to Albion.
The Super Smash Bros. team showcased their prowess in the GLEC quarterfinal, sweeping Valparaiso University. They continued their winning streak with an upset victory over Cleveland State in the semifinal. Although they fell to Manchester 3-1 in their battle for the GLEC Championship, they emerged as the runner-up in the conference tournament, a feat to be celebrated.
Junior Gus Pogue and Blake Wehlage earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors for the season, and Director of ESPORTS Dan Wort was pleased with the results, "Very proud of our Smash Bros team. They got 3rd place in the Fall tournament and came into this season's playoffs as the #3 seed. Upset the #2 seed Cleveland State in the semifinals in dramatic fashion and earned our programs first ever berth in the championship. Finished Runner-Up. Also had two players earn all-conference."
Rocket League beat Baldwin 4-1 in the GLEC quarterfinal before coming up short 4-0 in the semifinal to Mt. Union, before falling to St. Xavier 4-1 to claim the fourth place spot. Junior Gustavo Alvarez took home the 2nd Team All-Conference honor. "While we didn't achieve our goal of top 3, this team competed very well. It was the first time in school history that our Rocket League team made the GLEC playoffs, so to finish 4th this year was a great accomplishment. We also had one player earn all-conference," said Wort.
Overwatch also finished fourth in the GLEC Tournament, beginning with a 4-1 win over Tiffin in the quarterfinal, but lost to Cleary 3-0 in the semifinal and nearly won the third-place match but fell 3-2 to Albion. Junior Zak Shaffer and senior Alden Matta earned the 2nd Team All-Conference honor for Bethel. "Tough way to end our season, losing in the 3rd place game to a team who has had our number this year. While it was somewhat disappointing, they did compete well over the weekend, beating Tiffin in round 1 and playing a competitive match against the #1 seed and eventual champion Cleary University. In addition, some players made both the 1st and 2nd teams all-conference," Wort told the Sports Information Department."
Despite the finishes, Wort still has something the team can take away from the season: "Overall, it was a great season for our teams. We were one of only three schools in the conference to have all 3 Spring season teams represented at the conference tournament. Only the top 8 teams from each game make it, and having all of our teams finish in the top 4 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players. We also won the Best Overall Esports Program for the GLEC as voted on by the coaches."
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.