The season has officially kicked off for the Cottey esports program, with two teams in action during Week 1 of NACE competition. The Overwatch squad lost a heartbreaker 3-2 to University of Houston-Downtown in a match that went down to the last second. The Super Smash Bros squad got the first victory of the team's history, by way of a forfeit over George Fox University.

Overwatch had a bit of a slow start in Game 1 of their series, falling 2-1 in the Control map. The Comets starting lineup consisted of Junior Kyleigh Sigears, Freshman Grace Deaton, Senior Ella Sapinoso, Senior Daphne Hedrick, and Sophomore Circe Tosta. Sophomore Gibsun Harkins and Fresman Lindsay Abegg would get some gametime on the day as subs. Hybrid was the game mode for Game 2, with UHD once again taking a close 3-2 victory. Cottey finally got things rolling in Game 3, during a Flashpoint game mode in staying alive with a 3-2 victory of their own. The Comets would fully control Game 4 in a Push matchup, dominating the game from start to finish. It all came down to the deciding Game 5. Cottey chose to defend first, and had a successful defensive stand during the Escort game mode. However, UHD would have an incredible defensive performance to pull out the victory.

Valorant had a Bye to open Week 1 competition. Next up is Week 2; Overwatch will take on Saint Xavier University on Tuesday at 7:30pm, Valorant competes against Bellevue University at 6pm on Wednesday, and Super Smash Bros will take on Hill College at 7:30pm on Thursday.

Valorant and Overwatch matches are streamed at twitch.tv/cotteyesports