NEforecast: UMASS Dartmouth Event - March 18-20
Webcast: https://www.twitch.tv/nefirst_blue
Team list: http://www.thebluealliance.com/event/2016manda
Believe it or not, Week 3 is already upon us, and this week’s only NE event is being held at UMASS Dartmouth in Massachusetts. UMASS Dartmouth’s Tripp Athletic Center is hosting a slew of teams from Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Most teams have already competed in week 1 or 2 but there are a few getting their starts at UMD - 195, notably. By week 3, it is all about iterating - primarily for teams to attempt to increase their high goal shooter accuracies with flashlights, vision and other tools to make sure they get all the boulder points possible. Also, many teams are looking to iterate their intakes to help breach and secure boulders.
By week 3 we have seen that upsets are very common with Granite State won by the #6 alliance and WPI won also by the #6 alliance facing the #5 alliance in the finals.
78 After a tough loss in the finals at Granite State, this Rhode Island powerhouse is heading north again for their second district event. With a powerful shooter and accurate tracking software, their tower-destroying apparatus is ready for battle. Not to mention a 10 wheel drivebase that breaches like no other, and AIR STRIKE will be ready for an impressive performance this weekend. Even though 78 has only played one event they rank #12 in New England with 60 district points.
195 The Cyberknights are debuting at UMD for their first 2016 event, after an impressive 2015 that ended in a packed trophy case and plenty of banners to hang. Although they can get off to a rough start, this team always iterates quickly to exceed the competition and comes out fighting as the season develops. Expect 195 to be in the top ranks this weekend, if not taking the #1 seed.
246 Overclocked from Boston, MA had a great run at North Shore last week, finishing as semifinalists on the #5 alliance, losing to the eventual winning #1 alliance. 246 has always been known for their unique solutions to the game challenge, and improves greatly throughout the season. If Overclocked can iterate fast and improve their boulder manipulation, they will almost undoubtedly be in the top at UMD.
88 TJ^2 from Bridgewater Mass had a plenty impressive performance at Granite State a few weeks ago, with a robot that was no slouch at breaching and a versatile intake that helped them breach the A, B, and D defenses easily. If 88 can iterate their intake to prevent breakage, there is no doubt TJ will be in the top 5 and play late into the eliminations. 88 ranks #8 in New England after just one event and several teams that have already played their two events with 62 district points.
230 After shooter accuracy issues kept the Gaelhawks out of the finals at Waterbury, they have surely improved and made sure they will be ringing the chains up high this weekend. Their 2015 season showed they can improve to beat the best, and with their consistent intake and drivebase helping them breach all the defenses, 230 will likely seed in the top 5 at UMD. After Waterbury, 230 has 53 district points putting them in the #20 spot in NEFIRST after Week 2.
1124 This #TeamTall Team had a very successful run in 2015, and being on the #7 alliance at Waterbury meant that their elimination run was shortened, but this team is known to improve quickly. With their powerful shooter they are looking to fine tune it with vision to make sure they will make more shots than not. Expect the Überbots to seed in the top ranks at UMD this weekend.
**Honorable Mentions
**95 Grasshoppers
121 Rhode Warriors
155 TechnoNuts
176 Aces High
1071 Team Max
5000 Hammerheads
5112 Gongoliers
Special Rookie Shoutout to the home town rookies 5846 Southcoast Corsairs from Dartmouth, 5958 Blue Wave Robotics from Providence RI, and 6201 The Highlanders from Somerville MA.