BETHANY, Okla. - The SNU Esports Rocket League team is making waves in the 2025 NECC National Tournament, advancing to the Final Four after an electric run through the first two rounds. Entering the bracket as the #4 seed, the Crimson Storm showed why they're one of the top teams in the nation, opening the tournament with a dominant performance over #13 seed University of Alabama-Huntsville before edging out #5 Indiana Wesleyan in a high-stakes thriller.

Round One: Statement Win Over Alabama-Huntsville

The tournament opener saw SNU come out strong against UAH, sweeping the best-of-five series 3-0. Though UAH struck first in Game 1, the Crimson Storm responded with a surge of offense, netting four unanswered goals to take a commanding 4-2 win. Kam Van Prooyen, a.k.a. "Bubbatheenforcer," was nearly unstoppable throughout the match, leading the team in scoring and setting the tone early.

Game 2 followed a similar script, with UAH scoring first once again. But SNU's resilience showed through as Bubba buried the equalizer in the third minute. The game went to overtime, where team captain Zane Wright, a.k.a.  "Bris," sealed the win with a clinical finish.

Game 3 was all Crimson Storm. Bris scored just 9 seconds into the match and added a second goal just 25 seconds later. He finished the game with a four-goal performance, capping off the sweep and sending SNU into the next round with momentum and confidence.

Round Two: Crimson Storm Outlasts Indiana Wesleyan in Five-Game Thriller

The second round pitted SNU against a tough #5 seed in Indiana Wesleyan. Game 1 was a nail-biter, with SNU jumping out in front off a goal from Bubba, but IWU battled back to tie the game late and then steal the win with just 12 seconds on the clock.

SNU responded in Game 2 with grit and composure. Landon Brant, a.k.a. "Landobando," made his first mark on the scoreboard with a much-needed goal, leading the team to a 2-0 shutout win. With momentum shifting, SNU took Game 3 with a 4-2 victory, reclaiming the series lead.

However, IWU wasn't done. Defensive missteps in Game 4 allowed them to cruise to a 3-0 win, forcing a decisive Game 5. With the pressure on, the Crimson Storm brought their best. Landobando opened scoring just 15 seconds in, Bris added another, and then delivered a highlight-reel shot from deep in SNU's own zone to ice the game and the series.

Up Next: SNU Awaits Final Four Matchup

With two series wins under their belt, SNU now awaits the results of the #1/#9 seeded matchup between the University of North Dakota vs New Mexico State. The Final 4 showdown is set for Thursday, May 1st, and promises to be one of the toughest challenges yet for the Crimson Storm.

Fans can catch all the action live on Twitch as SNU fights for a spot in the NECC National Championship match.

Don't miss it — the Crimson Storm is heating up!