DUDLEY, Mass. – The Nichols Esports Rocket League team brought home the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) North Atlantic Championship, as they took down New Haven University by a score of 4-0 on Friday, May 5. The championship caps off a successful spring for the Bison, as the team went 10-1 over the regular season to earn a spot in the playoffs before downing three opponents to earn the crown. 

The bracket was released, and the Bison drew Hartford as their first opponent. Pyross (Andrew Oricchio) and kfrost (Samuel Calini) led the scoring in the quarterfinals with a combined nine goals, six of those belonging to Pyross. On top of his three goals, kfrost tallied up eight saves in the four games played. Peloza (Mike Peloza), the third member of the squad, made two saves of his own, along with two demolitions in the 3-1 win over Hartford.

Advancing to the semifinals, Nichols would matchup against Fairfield, who they had previously beaten during the regular season by a score of 3-2. The Bison made quick work of the Stags, sweeping them 4-0. The 13 goals and saves would help propel the Bison into the finals.

Nichols then faced off against the Chargers of New Haven, who had downed the Bison 3-0 in the regular season. Nichols would not let history repeat itself and swept New Haven, 4-0. It was an all-out team effort, as Pyross, kfrost, and Peloza would combine for 15 goals, 10 assists, 12 saves, and 16 demolitions, to crown them the new kings of the NECC North Atlantic Division.

The Rocket League squad's victory finishes an impressive 2022-23 campaign for the Esports program under first-year head coach Tyler Dunn. Both the Overwatch and Counter Strike teams also made the playoffs in the spring semester. The program finished with an overall record of 75-49 for a .604 winning percentage, while coming out with 32 conference wins in 57 tries.

The team looks to prepare over the upcoming months for competitions beginning as soon as July.