Rocket League Claims Third Straight BIG EAST Championship
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
On March 15, at Butler University, Seton Hall’s Rocket League team clinched their
third consecutive BIG EAST Championship title. In a showcase of skill and strategy,
the Pirates faced off against formidable opponents from DePaul University, Butler
University, and St. John's University in a double-elimination format. Despite suffering
a setback against Butler in the second round, Seton Hall demonstrated remarkable resilience
by battling through the back draw to emerge victorious in the finals.
The Pirates began their run in a best-of-five match against DePaul University, asserting their dominance and laying the groundwork for their subsequent success in the tournament. In the second round, Seton Hall dropped into the loser’s bracket after a thrilling 3-2 match against Butler. However, through sheer determination, the Pirates battled it out in the back draw to earn a spot in the final best-of-seven game against Butler once again.
Seton Hall took an early three-game lead in the series. Despite a comeback from the Butler Bulldogs in Games 4 and 5, the Pirates maintained their focus. Holding a 3-2 lead entering Game 6, Seton Hall rallied to secure the series, retaining their title as the BIG EAST champions.
The victory exemplified outstanding teamwork and adaptability, with each teammate playing a crucial role. Seton Hall’s Rocket League coach, Antonio “Tone” Riozzi, offered valuable guidance and expertise, drawing from his own experience competing in the BIG EAST tournament as a player. Team Captain, Kevin “Froze” Minch, kept the team focused through both triumphs and setbacks, while Paulie “Stokelyy” Santoro excelled in facilitating smooth transitions, especially on the defensive end of gameplay. Asif “ItsQuinx” Khan, a first-year student, began the day nervously in his first LAN experience but adapted throughout the games, scoring crucial goals when the Pirates needed them most. With each match, the players demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence and represented Seton Hall with integrity and sportsmanship.
After the win, Coach Tone expressed his gratitude to the entire Seton Hall community, stating, “Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Your enthusiasm and spirit have been a driving force behind our team's success, and we look forward to celebrating this momentous achievement together. Go Pirates!”
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