New England College's (NEC) Valorant eSports team took on and defeated Montclair State University earlier this month in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) northeast playoffs. NEC won the best-of-five match 3-1, 7-13, 13-2, 13-11 and 13-10, which qualified the NEC Pilgrims for NECC's national competition that began April 15.

"I'm so proud of our Valorant team. Every one of our players' contributions has been the foundation of our success," stated Josh Staley, Director of eSports at New England College. "Our captain, Sydney, has turned tireless research and practice into outstanding success leading our Valorant team in the finals."

The Pilgrims compete against 15 other eSports schools in their division. Under Captain Sydney Bucci, NEC's Valorant team went undefeated, 10-0, for the seven-week spring 2024 season and clinched the number one seed in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Team Valorant also includes players Anthony Aguiar, Noel Huliselan, Pers Hall and Eris Liebster

"It has been a real thrill to see the growth of eSports continue here at NEC," said Dave DeCew, Director of Athletics at New England College. "This Valorant team has displayed success at a high level in many of the most important characteristics of a championship-level athletics team, including teamwork, skill development and resiliency. We can all take pride in their accomplishments."

In addition to its competitive success this spring, NEC's eSports program has grown its presence at PAX East, an annual four-day gaming convention held in Boston each spring. This year, Staley and his teams partnered with Extra Life, an organization that uses gaming to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network hospitals, to benefit Boston Children's Hospital. NEC donated half of its convention booth space to Boston Children's Hospital and raised $3,052.