Loyola Esports program begins competition Thursday

NEW ORLEANS – After difficulties in the first week of competitive play, the Pack started the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fall 2023 season on Thursday, battling Columbia College. In the first year of Super Smash Bros. competition, the Pack earned a 12-7 overall record with three postseason wins. On Thursday, they added to that win total with a victory over Columbia. With a reshaped roster, the Pack took the first two crew battles to win the best-of-three matchup, 2-0.

Next week, the Pack will take on Florida Tech on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. The match will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@loynoesports. 

In the first crew battle, junior Nathan Long started the match for the Wolf Pack as Rosalina & Luma. Columbia College started Cloud as its first fighter. However, Loyola's second-year player made quick work of Cloud in a 3-0 sweep. Columbia College sent in its next fighter, Little Mac. Taking advantage of Little Mac's weaknesses in air combat, Long defeated Punch-Out!!'s mascot, only losing one stock. 

With two stocks remaining, Long defeated Columbia's third fighter in Hero, taking the fight, 3-1. With one stock left, Long took on Columbia's final fighter of the first crew battle, Captain Falcon. Once again, Nathan Long defeated his opponent, taking down each of Columbia College's fighters by himself.

In the second crew battle, Makari Jackson made his Loyola debut, playing at Terry. Columbia sent out Captain Falcon to begin the second set. Jackson continued Long's run through Columbia, taking a 3-0 victory over F-Zero's main character. Then, Makari Jackson's Terry took on the close-ranged Little Mac. With Little Mac taking a one-stock lead during the match, Jackson chipped away at his opponent, eventually taking the victory with one stock left. 

Then, Jackson faced his third opponent of the match, Bowser. Dodging the lethal hits from Columbia's Bowser, Terry managed to work his opponent down to one stock, before falling 1-2. Samuel Spiegal made his first appearance for the Wolf Pack, facing Bowser on his final stock. Playing as Roy, Speigal used his sword to keep his distance from Bowser. Only taking 2.5% of damage, Spiegal quickly defeated Columbia's Bowser. With Columbia on their last fighter, Spiegal's Roy kept Hero cornered. Trading slashes, Spiegal kept Hero off the stage, only losing one stock in the match to bring the Pack their first win of the season.
 

Results

First Crew Battle:

Rosalina & Luma (Nathan Long) def. Cloud (CC), 3-0
Rosalina & Luma (Nathan Long) def. Little Mac (CC), 3-1
Rosalina & Luma (Nathan Long) def. Hero (CC), 3-1
Rosalina & Luma (Nathan Long) def. Captain Falcon (CC), 3-0
Loyola leads match, 1-0

Second Crew Battle:

Terry (Makari Jackson) def. Captain Falcon (CC), 3-0
Terry (Makari Jackson) def. Little Mac (CC), 3-2
Bowser (CC) def. Terry (Makari Jackson), 1-2
Roy (Samuel Spiegal) def. Bowser (CC), 1-0
Roy (Samuel Spiegal) def. Hero (CC), 3-1
Loyola wins match, 2-0