Esports knocks off defending National Champions in statement win

On Friday, the Otterbein University Rainbow Six Siege esports team delivered a statement victory, defeating the defending National Champions, the University of Cincinnati, in a commanding 2-0 sweep.

The University of Cincinnati entered the match as the reigning Collegiate R6 Season 11 National Champions. The Cardinals headed into the game as well with a four-month streak of not losing to an unranked opponent, and a 15-8 record during a rigorous fall schedule, proving they belong among the elite.

The Cardinals used the lineup of Michael Huffman (Mike.OTTER), Troy Jackson (Polamalu.OTTER), Colin Clevenger (Bandit.OTTER), Landon Chalfant (Nastee.OTTER), and Benjamin Ronk (Neb.OTTER).

Map 1: Chalet (Otterbein's Pick) Otterbein took control early on the attack, ending the first half with a 4-2 lead. Maintaining composure during the side swap, closing the map with a 7-4 victory. Freshman Landon Chalfant earned MVP honors with a dominant 13/8/8 KDA, supported by team captain Michael Huffman's 15/5/1 performance.

Map 2: Consulate (Cincinnati's Pick) The Bearcats attempted to fight back on their map choice, taking an early 2-1 lead. Otterbein responded by rattling off three consecutive rounds, highlighted by a crucial Ace by Michael Huffman in Round 6 to secure another 4-2 half. After the break, the Cardinals stifled the Cincinnati offense, ending the game on a 3-0 run to secure a 7-3 victory and the series sweep. Ben Ronk, Troy Jackson, and Colin Clevenger combined for 22 eliminations to shut the door on the defending champs.

"This season is going to be really fun," said Rainbow Six Siege Coach Nate Miller. "We've proven we can compete with anyone. With the Swiss format, we're going to have our work cut out for us week in and week out, but we're ready."

"Although we didn't finish with a championship this fall, the team built incredible momentum and grew tremendously throughout the fall split, and is off to an incredible start this spring," said Henry Woofter, Director and Head Coach of Esports.

In other games during the week, Overwatch lost 3-0 to Saint Xavier University on Monday. Seniors Aiden Bruntz and Jalen Leavell led the Cardinals in eliminations through the series.

Rainbow 6 started off the week with Midwest R6 taking on DePaul University, winning 2-0. In game one the team won, 7-5 with sophomore Mike Huffman finishing with 15 eliminations. Freshman Landon Chalfant led the way with 17 eliminations. In game two, Otterbein earned another 7-5 win. Sophomore Troy Jackson had a big impact going 13/7 in the game. The week finished with the statement win over Cincinnati.

Otterbein Smash faced Kettering University in week two and lost 2-0. Junior Seth Roy led the way again with a three stock in game two and six stocks throughout the series.

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Players Mentioned

Aiden Bruntz: Senior

Landon Chalfant: Freshman

Colin Clevenger: Sophomore

Michael Huffman: Sophomore

Troy Jackson: Sophomore

Jalen Leavell: Senior

Benjamin Ronk: Freshman

Seth Roy: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Aiden Bruntz
: Senior

Landon Chalfant
: Freshman

Colin Clevenger
: Sophomore

Michael Huffman
: Sophomore

Troy Jackson
: Sophomore

Jalen Leavell
: Senior

Benjamin Ronk
: Freshman

Seth Roy
: Freshman