February 26, 2024
MADISON, S.D. - Dakota State's Rocket League (RL) secured their first victory in a mid-season matchup against South Dakota State University in the Collegiate Champions League. The Trojans and Jackrabbits went back and forth in the best of three series, extending the match to five games
Match One
The Trojans opened the series with an explosive attitude. Alex Cuka led the Trojans to a 3-1 victory in the first round, with two goals and one save. Josh Horn, a new addition to the roster, added one goal and two saves.
Match Two
DSU played a back and forth scoring match with the Jackrabbits until the final 22 seconds when both teams were facing a 2-2 tie. SDSU pulled a quick goal over the Trojans, pulling ahead 3-2 with only ten seconds left on the clock.
The Trojans set up one final play for the attempt to tie the match but were blocked at the goal by a Jackrabbit defender. The Trojans lost the second match 3-2 to SDSU, tying the series 1-1.
Match Three
The Trojans dominated the third match, not allowing SDSU to score a single point in the five-minute round. Zach Possin led the Trojans with two goals in three shot attempts. Horn registered two goals in three shot attempts. Cuka had two assists and two saves.
Match four
The fourth match featured another back and forth scoring battle which led to a sun and death overtime with the Trojans and Jacks tied 3-3. After a competitive standoff between the two teams for almost another two minutes, SDSU pulled ahead to capture the fourth game 4-3. The Jackrabbits forced the fifth game after tying the series at 2-2.
Match five
The Trojans found their spark once again in the final match of the series. DSU secured a 4-0 lead over the Jacks. DSU flooded the scoreboard with three more goals before the clock ran out, winning the match 7-3 over the Jackrabbits and winning the series 3-2.
Overall Marks
Rocket League ranks No. 5 in the CCL League with a 1-2 record this season. The Trojans will play against South Dakota School of Mines Sunday at 7 p.m.
