Augusta University esports program has liftoff
By Noah Bowers | Sports Writer
The Augusta University Esports varsity Rocket League team secured its first win of the season with a swift 3-1 victory over Kennesaw State’s Esports squad on Sunday, Sept. 17.
The match marked the start of the Peach Belt Conference’s 2023 Champions Division season.
The map scores were 1-2, 4-0, 1-0, 2-0.
Since the Esports Arena is still under construction at the Georgia Cyber Center, the players competed from their own setups at home. Wireless connections did not seem to be an issue, though, as AU rallied from a close Map No. 1 to three dominant map wins in a row.
Luke (spoon) Charney put on an offensive masterclass with four goals and nine shots on net. Charney’s mechanics were on full display, as there were plenty of high-flying acrobatic shots that carried AU’s momentum through the roof. Jordan (jrdn.) Moratin, captain and certified goalie of the team, led the team in saves with seven. His defensive effort helped shut out KSU in three straight maps, only allowing two goals the whole match.
Jacob (Jacobisnerdy) LoRusso maintained clear communications and organized the team to proper rotations and good spirits all match long.
“We had an emphasis on ensuring our positions and rotations were understood between us all so we could easily switch from a defensive clearance to a passing play and a goal,” said LoRusso. “The strongest part of our win was our communication and chemistry.”
The match marked not only a strong start for the AU Rocket League team, but also an encouraging catalyst for the entire esports program at the university as a whole.
“I am most excited for the PBC games, getting to know all our teammates, and establishing a RL Esports community that will live on long after we graduate.” said LoRusso.
The Jaguars will then take on the University of Georgia on Monday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in the NACE Starleague. The varsity team will play Clemson University next Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the NACE Starleague .
You can catch the matches live and past matches (temporarily) on Moratin’s Twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/jordanrl__
Contact Noah Bowers at nbowers@augusta.edu.
