Lycoming News

Pennsylvania College of Technology recently concluded its inaugural full season in the National Association for Collegiate Esports (NACE). Joshua Young, the college's esports coach, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "Amazing."

The college's varsity teams competed against well-established institutions such as the University of Michigan, Boise State, and Mizzou. Young highlighted that their main goal was to build a successful program for the future. "We competed in Overwatch, Rocket League and Valorant in the NACE Fall Cup," he said. The Overwatch and Valorant teams reached the postseason.

Young detailed the performance of each team:

In Overwatch, Penn College faced 85 teams from various educational institutions across North America. Despite starting with three losses, they secured a spot in the postseason with a 6-4 record. The team finished 17th overall after losing to Southeastern University Black.

For Rocket League, 123 teams participated in the NACE Fall Cup. Penn College fielded two teams; however, neither advanced to the playoffs. They are now competing in the PlayVS National League Fall tournament.

Valorant was introduced this fall with 78 participating teams. After an initial loss to Full Sail University, Penn College won four consecutive games but was eliminated by Lebanon Valley College in a close playoff match.

With NACE's fall season concluded, Young noted that other teams are continuing their seasons in different leagues. The spring season will include competitions in EA Sports titles, Hearthstone, and Fortnite.

Young emphasized building on past successes: "Our quick, growing success has fueled our student-athletes to focus on training." He also praised their achievements amid pandemic challenges: "It far exceeded our expectations."