Augusta University Rocket League team still flying high
By Noah Bowers | Sports Writer
The Augusta University Esports team kept the good times rolling Sunday, Sept. 24, when the Jaguars defeated Coker University’s Rocket League team in a dominant 3-0 sweep.
The victory left the Jaguars alone atop the Peach Belt Conference Champions division as the only undefeated team, starting the season 2-0.
The match scores were 4-1, 5-0, and 5-4.
The Jaguars made a roster substitution going into the match, with Zach (realpyeguy) Pye taking over for Jacob (jacobisnerdy) LoRusso. The change paid off big time, as the offensive effort almost doubled last week’s performance against Kennesaw State.
Luke (spoon/Glub) Charney stacked another offensive showcase, leading the team with a jaw-dropping eight goals and 16 shots. Charney scored as many goals by himself as the entire roster had scored combined against Kennesaw State. Now averaging over 1.7 goals per map, Charney could be an early front-runner for PBC MVP if he keeps up the pace.
Zack Pye and Jordan Moratin followed behind with three goals each. Pye and Moratin both had at least nine shots on net as well. Only a total of seven saves from AU, as Coker struggled to get into any rhythm.
Coker had no answer for the offensive pressure of AU in the first two maps. The Cobras were left in the dust while Charney climbed the scoreboard, who scored all fie goals in map No. 2. They were only able to squeeze one goal past the stout AU defense.
The Jaguars pulled out to another comfortable 5-0 lead with 2:30 minutes left in map three, before seemingly letting off the gas. Coker used the breathing room to score four consecutive goals with less than one minute left. A strong save by Moratin cleared the ball across the map, and shut down the improbable comeback as time expired.
The varsity team will be competing Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. against Clemson University in their third game of the NACE Starleague, looking to bounce back from a tough 2-3 loss against the University of Georgia last week. The Jaguars next PBC match will be against University of South Carolina at Aiken on Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
You can find the recording of the match here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1934310265.
Contact Noah Bowers at nbowers@augusta.edu.
