Raging Rivalries and Sweeping Victories
St. Ambrose University beat Augustana College 4-1 in Battle for the River on Saturday, April 26th.
The event determined which team would get the Esports Oar for another year. The paddle lists “SAU” and “Bees” on one side and “Augie” and “Vikings” on the other.
Before the event started, Keith Hamaker, Director of Esports at St. Ambrose University, said, “I expect to see the oar back in our room today.”
Overwatch, Rocket League, Valorant, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Marvel Rivals were all featured.
Some matches, such as Valorant, were neck and neck. Luke Pearson, a St. Ambrose University Senior, said, “The first map was a little rough…
“We were feeling out the grooves, but once we started to feel more comfortable map 2 and 3, we were in a flow state.
“Our chemistry as teammates as well as friends kind of just came into play.”
Rocket League, meanwhile, was an absolute sweep. Ryan Kruse, a St. Ambrose University Senior, said, “I was really happy with the result. We won the first game 5-0, the second 4-3, and the last one 7-2.”
No matter the results, many were proud to see their improvement since their last competition. Chloe Brees, an Augustana College Sophomore, believes, “…it went better than I expected. I’m actually really happy with how we improved as a team.”
Meanwhile, Kade McKillip, a St. Ambrose University Freshman, had a lot of feelings going through his first Battle for the River. “I was just feeling a little nervous…I put in a little bit more work to prepare.
“I wasn’t expecting to do as well as I did, but it feels good.”
With their victory against Augustana, the Bees have now kept the oar for a third year in a row.
To watch the event livestream, please visit twitch.tv/AugieEsports
For information on how the event was prepared, read Preparing for Battle
