ALPENA, Mich. — The Alpena Community College Lumberjacks esports program punched its ticket to the national stage Wednesday, defeating Mercyhurst University 4 games to 2 to advance to the NECC Division 8 National Championship match.

Rocket League is a high-octane competitive video game that combines soccer with rocket-powered cars. Two teams of three players each pilot vehicles capable of boosting, jumping, and flying across an arena-style field, working together to drive or aerial-strike a large ball into the opposing team's goal. Matches are fast, technical, and demand both sharp individual skill and seamless team coordination. At the college level, Rocket League has become one of the most popular and competitive esports titles in the country, with the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) organizing leagues and championship brackets across dozens of schools.

Each player earns an in-game performance score at the end of every match — a cumulative rating that reflects goals, assists, saves, shots, and overall gameplay contribution. Scores above 400 in a single game represent strong individual output, while performances north of 600 or 700 reflect truly dominant showings. The metric gives fans a meaningful way to evaluate player impact beyond simply counting goals.

The Lumberjacks were the better team from the jump, building a commanding 3-0 series lead before Mercyhurst forced a dramatic back half. But when it mattered most, ACC closed the door — taking Game 6 by a final score of 3-2 to seal the series.

Charlie Best (Chuckles7557) was the engine that drove the Lumberjacks all series long. In Game 1, Best erupted for 4 goals, an assist, and a staggering 755-point performance — a tone-setting showing that put Mercyhurst on notice from the opening match. He remained ACC's top performer throughout, closing the series in Game 6 with 2 goals, an assist, 2 saves, and 630 points in the clincher.

Isaac Zocco (Dazoc) and Max McCarty (NeatWall3) provided crucial complementary play throughout. Zocco elevated his game as the series progressed, posting 479 points with a goal, 2 assists, and 2 saves in the decisive Game 6. McCarty served as a steady, connective presence the entire series — racking up assists and saves that kept the Lumberjacks' defensive structure intact, especially during Mercyhurst's mid-series surge in Games 4 and 5.

After dropping consecutive games and feeling the pressure mount, the Lumberjacks returned to championship form in Game 6. Best, Zocco, and McCarty combined for 3 goals against Mercyhurst's 2 in a tense final that reminded everyone why ACC had earned the series lead in the first place.

The Lumberjacks will now face Fuel Rising Esports of Fanshawe College (London, Ontario) next Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. in the NECC Division 8 National Championship match. Fanshawe brings an international flavour to the bracket as a Canadian program, and with a title on the line it promises to be must-watch competition.

For the ACC esports program, this is another chapter in a growing story. The Lumberjacks have built something real in Alpena — a competitive, cohesive squad capable of performing on a national stage. Wednesday night, Charlie Best, Isaac Zocco, and Max McCarty get their shot at a championship.

Match time is set for 8:00 p.m. Follow ACC Athletics for live updates.