In a stunning performance, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s Honda Campus All-Star team, placed third at the National Qualifying Tournament of the29th annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), held on February 3 at the University of The District Columbia in Washington D.C.
Led by Captain Meghan Sowersby, a junior communication major and Spanish minor, the team swept every round of qualifying tournament against four other HBCUs. Sowersby was joined by returning Honda team members Jesse Lucas, a senior social relations major and Stephen Adasonla, a sophomore biology major. New to the team this year was Kei Kebreau, a sophomore computer science major.
In the first round, Cheyney scored nearly four times as many points as its competitor, York College. The second and third rounds also proved no match for our dynamic team as their scores varied between the high 300s to 400 ranges. Finally, Cheyney faced its toughest competitor, Bowie State University. However, the team was victorious against this competitor, nudging them out to take the second-place lead at the entire conference.
“This is my first year being team captain and third year competing at the regional tournament. I was extremely proud of the team and the way we functioned as a unit. We did a great job in supporting and encouraging one another and filling in any gaps when it came to areas of expertise,” shared Sowersby.
The final four teams to compete included Cheyney (at number two), Howard University (number one) and Albany State University and Bowie State University rounding out at third and fourth place. While the team did not come in first or second in the final match with Albany, Cheyney placed third following all of the competitions. The teams overall impressive scores may be enough to send them to Torrance California, to compete in the championship tournament.
“I had a great experience at this year’s HCASC regional. With last year being my first year in competition, this year allowed me to be less nervous and more focused on the task at hand. If, and when, we’re selected for nationals in California, the team and I will be more than ready for our chance to become champions” shared Adasonla.
“It was really incredible to witness the breadth of knowledge, poise, and confidence displayed by the Cheyney team. We were truly a force to be reckoned with,” said Keystone Honors Academy Director and HCASC coordinator and coach, Nicole Rayfield. “Although many school had multiple teams competing, Cheyney show true heart and answer the competition as the underdog in emerge victorious. I could not have been prouder of them.”
Moving forward, the team will prepare to continue practicing in the hopes of being chosen to compete in California in April.
“To prepare for the nationals, we will continue working together to build our strengths, our weaknesses, and our knowledge, in order to continue to encourage each other and represent for Cheyney,” shared Sowersby.
Advancing teams will learn of their status within the next week. At stake is a grand prize of $75,000.