psa pg 1 6-27-24
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PSA team takes national crown
Putnam Science Academy’s esports team kept the receipts.
After falling in the championship game of last year’s High School Esports League national tournament, the Mustangs were crowned HSEL national champions earlier this month. Playing Rocket League, PSA made its way to the final by knocking off its first four opponents with sweeps of the best-of-five sets.
In the final, PSA – featuring a lineup of Gavin Lo Vasco, Carson Sward, Kohen Yates, Jonathan Galdamez, and substitute Ryan Staite – faced old foe Westwood High School, which beat the Mustangs at their most recent LAN event, the Nutmeg State Esports Games.
The teams split the first four games, setting up a winner-take-all fifth game, which PSA won in convincing fashion to win the title at the event held in Kansas City, Mo.
“I am beyond proud,” coach Devon Nedoroscik said. “The students played their hearts out, and not only secured the championship title and collegiate scholarships, but the team realized how serious they want to take this career in their lives.”
Each team member took home nearly $1,500 in college scholarships (plus a pair of $750 sunglasses from event sponsor Oakley) for the win.
That was all on top of the winnings from earlier that week, when PSA placed second in another national tournament (this time the PlayVS Cup) and earned $3,000 in scholarship money.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
Winners
From left: R. Jonathan Galdamez, Kohen Yates, Gavin Lo Vasco, Carson Sward, coach Devon Nedoroscik.
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