Lander Rocket League Rallies to Clinch NECC National Tournament Berth

GREENWOOD, S.C. – The Lander University Rocket League team is heading to the NECC National Tournament after a thrilling comeback victory over TCU in the South-Central Conference Championship.

After dropping the first two games of the best-of-seven series by scores of 3-2 and 4-1, the Bearcats stormed back with four straight wins to claim the series, 4-2, and punch their ticket to Nationals.

Sophomore Joel Guillen sparked the turnaround in Game 3, netting four goals in a dominant 7-1 win that gave Lander the momentum it needed. In Game 4, it was senior Brandon Pack who stepped up on the defensive end, recording six saves in a 3-1 victory to even the series.

Lander kept its foot on the gas, closing out the final two games to complete the comeback and secure the conference title.Guillen was named series MVP after finishing with six goals, three assists, three saves, and 11 demos. Pack added four goals, two assists, 14 saves and 11 demos, while Cook Jordan contributed three goals, three assists, seven saves, and 10 demos.

With the win, Lander earned the No. 8 seed in the NECC National Tournament and will face Fort Lewis College in the Round of 16 at 9 p.m. on April 24. A potential quarterfinal matchup awaits against the winner of University of Montana and Bradley University at 10 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Joel Guillen: Sky

Brandon Pack: Papa Pack

Players Mentioned

Joel Guillen
: Sky

Brandon Pack
: Papa Pack