SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Both Spring Arbor University esports teams punched their tickets to the postseason last week, as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) and Rocket League closed out group play with victories to secure spots in their respective playoff brackets.
 
 
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
 
Spring Arbor closed out group play with a 2-0 victory over Kean University on Monday, Nov. 2.
 
Both games featured back-and-forth battles that came down to the final player on each side. TJ "salto" Gerweck delivered clutch performances to help the Cougars pull out both games and secure the sweep.
 
With the victory, SAU earned the No. 5 seed in the 16-team playoff bracket.
 
The Cougars were scheduled to open postseason play against Providence College on Monday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.
 
 
Rocket League
 
Spring Arbor entered its Thursday, Nov. 5, matchup against Louisiana Tech with first place in its group on the line. The Cougars responded with a thrilling 4-2 series victory to claim the top spot.
 
SAU opened the series with a narrow 1-0 win before Louisiana Tech answered with two consecutive one-goal victories to take a 2-1 lead.
 
The Cougars bounced back in Game 4 behind a hat trick from Jaden "jayd" Allen to even the series at 2-2.
 
In Game 5, Spring Arbor rallied with three goals in the final 30 seconds to complete a dramatic comeback and take a 3-2 series lead. The Cougars carried that momentum into Game 6, closing out the series and securing first place in their group.
 
With the victory, Spring Arbor earned the No. 3 seed in the playoff bracket and received a first-round bye.
 
The Rocket League team will begin postseason play on Thursday, Nov. 19.
 
 
Up Next
 
Both teams have qualified for postseason competition.
 
Fans can follow the Cougars' playoff matches live at twitch.tv/saucougarsesports