Blinn College’s Rocket League esports team won both its matches Tuesday to advance to the national tournament quarterfinals.
Blinn, in its first season of esports competition, beat Western Kentucky University 3-0 and Rollins University 3-2. It will play the University of Kansas on Thursday.
“It was a strong effort from all of the members of the Rocket League team,” coach Aaron Kapiko said. “It was a team win for sure.”
Blinn’s Rocket League team finished group play with an 8-1 record to qualify for the National Association of College Esports national playoffs.
Team members are Zach Matthews (Conroe), Jack Barry (Houston), Jason Sansom (Friendswood), and Kyle Jones (Gilmer).
Blinn’s Overwatch team saw its season come to an end Tuesday with a loss to Shawnee State University. Overwatch was 8-2 in group play to advance to the 32-team playoffs.
The Valorant team, 4-0 in group play, will play its first-round playoff match tonight against the University of Central Missouri. The Smash Bros. Ultimate team (2-2) will have a play-in match with the date and opponent to be determined.
Blinn launched its esports program this fall. It is one of the few community colleges in the region that offers esports scholarships.
For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/esports.
