SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (0-1) started its Power Esports Conference (PEC) season with a surprising 2-0 loss to West Virginia. The match, held in Marley Auditorium, was the first Syracuse Esports Homestand where the stands were filled with Orange fans, creating an electric atmosphere.
 
With all the excitement in Marley Auditorium, the Syracuse Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team knew it needed a win, not only for its record but also to tie the overall matchup between Syracuse Esports and West Virginia. The energy from the fans was infectious throughout the match, with the contest going back and forth. Both rounds came down to the last matchup, and Syracuse came up short, falling 12-9 both times. Even with the loss, everyone in attendance in Marley Auditorium was appreciative of the performance from Syracuse and the team stayed after the match to meet fans and pose for pictures.
 
Andrew Mo "Syrup" put on an elite performance, displaying his top tier talent and cemented his reputation as a top 10 player in the world and Syracuse's ace. In both of his matchups, he had the crowd on its feet with two 4-0 sweeps, the second of which was against West Virginia ace Hawk.
 
Smash's loss closed Syracuse Esports' first week of conference play with a 3-1 setback against West Virginia, with Overwatch earning the Orange's lone win.
 
How It Happened:
Each round consisted of four 1-on-1 matchups, with every player carrying three stocks. Teams earned a point for each stock taken, plus a bonus point for each matchup won.
Round 1: West Virginia 12, Syracuse 9
The teams were even at 8-8 heading into the final matchup, but Hawk closed it out for West Virginia.
Zach Garby "Scooby" (Mii Brawler) vs. Quacklers (Zero Suit Samus): WV, 4-2
Andrew Mo "Syrup" (Steve) vs. Rosanetta (Bayonetta): SU, 4-0
Jack Bub "Bubbros" (Ness) vs. Rapid (Roy): WV, 4-2
Zachary Colyer "LuigiDood" (Bowser Jr.) vs. Hawk (Wolf): WV, 4-1

Round 2: West Virginia 12, Syracuse 9
Mo swept West Virginia ace Hawk 4-0 to keep Syracuse within 8-7 entering the last matchup, but Quacklers held on.
Colyer (Bowser Jr.) vs. Rosanetta (Bayonetta): WV, 4-1
Mo (Steve) vs. Hawk (Wolf): SU, 4-0
Garby (Mii Brawler) vs. Rapid (Roy): WV, 4-2
Bub (Ness) vs. Quacklers (Zero Suit Samus): WV, 4-2
 
Up Next:
Syracuse Esports dives back into PEC competition next week against the University of Washington while the Overwatch team has a bye. Rocket League plays Monday, Oct. 19, Valorant plays Wednesday, Oct. 21, and SSBU closes the week Thursday, Oct. 22. All matches begin at 8:30 p.m. with Valorant and SSBU playing in Marley Auditorium and Rocket League in the Schine Esports Center. Admission is free for all Syracuse University students, and the matches will be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube.
 
Socials: For more information on Syracuse Esports, visit the Syracuse Esports website. Fans of the Orange can follow @cuseesports on Instagram, X and Facebook.