GUNNISON, Colo. --- Western Colorado's Esport Varsity Rocket League team faced off against the University of Northern Colorado in a best of five match.
 
The first game of the match got off to a quick start with Western's own Nathaniel Quijano (Q) picking up his first goal of the series just eighteen seconds in. With a dominating presence on defense and strong upfield passing, Western held UNC back for the remainder of the game.
 
The first two minutes of the second game was wobbly for the Mountaineers, allowing two goals to be scored by UNC's Albert Hall (Patruni), assisted by each of his teammates, Christopher Gregory (CEEDIJ) and Zachary Drummond (Zoofus). However, with strong communication from the team and 'Q' coming in clutch, WCU saw three unanswered goals scored by Q with all three assists coming from Thomas Ledvina (Grizz). Western now had a 2-0 match lead.
 
With their backs against the wall, UNC came out strong in game three. Both Patruni and CEEDIJ saw their first goals of the day and held Western to a 2-0 deficit until the final two minutes. Western, distraught, began their pushback with Q striking in his fifth goal of the day. Headstrong and focused, the Mountaineers put up an incredible fight, forcing a deflected own goal after a full field clear from Western's Brett Scarbrough (BRT).
 
Game three featured the series' first overtime. With UNC fighting to stay alive, Western dominated the face-off with a high-pitched clear from Grizz down field, followed up by Q who put up the first shot just six seconds in. UNC scrambled for an offensive try, met with opposition from Brt in the back half. With high pressure and boost domination, UNC kept the ball in Western's half for just under one minute. With their boost depleted and a great challenge from Q in midfield, Brt came away with an offensive opportunity up the right wall. Unfortunately, nothing came away from their drive. UNC was back on the attack at 1:06 in overtime. With all three players throwing three shots at the net and coming up empty handed after every attempt the post. Their last shot connected just right with the backboard and sent the ball midfield where Q was ready to receive. Staying calm, Q controlled the ball and rolled it calmly into the unattended net of UNC, winning the series 3-0.
 
His goal in overtime tied up Q's stats for the day at six goals and four saves, crowning him Mountaineer of the Game in Western's Esports arena. Brt put up a great outing with outstanding presence in their half under pressure and finished his day with one goal, one assist, and two saves. Grizz earned his playmaker badge for the day, leaving with four assists and three saves.
 
Coming away from this win, the Mountaineers feel stronger than ever. The beginning of their season was a winding and rocky road, showing only one series win in six outings. As the season has progressed, the team has been meeting regularly for practices and scrimmaging schools from around Colorado and surrounding states. Recently, the team has shown improvement in both communication and capitalizing on important offensive opportunities. They are looking forward to their Feb. 8 matchup against University of Colorado Boulder.