For the third time over the last four semesters, the Northern Virginia Community College Esports Valorant team can claim an NJCAAE National Championship with a 2-1 (10-13, 13-5, 13-8) win over bitter rival Wake Tech.
With the victory former NOVA President Dr. Scott Ralls owes the Nighthawks North Carolina BBQ after making a wager with current President Dr. Anne Kress.
The Nighthawks started slow on the opening map as they found themselves down 11-3, but they fought back and got the game within two at 12-10. With NOVA looking to extend the game, Wake Tech had other plans and finished the opening map with a flawless win.
The squads were exchanging wins on the second map, but after the Eagles took a 5-4 advantage the Nighthawks won the next nine battles to grab the victory. Going into the final tussle, NOVA was led by William (Barrytine) Barentine, who had 19 kills, but it was Julian (NUNU) Barretto with the last two kills to claim victory.
Wake Tech started with the hot hand jumping on top 4-1 on the final map, but the Nighthawks had an answer. NOVA grabbed the next seven wins to gain control of the national championship game.
On the final point the Nighthawks had a one-man advantage, and it was Wilton (Wilts) Doherty with the final kill to give NOVA the programs fifth national title.
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