As the only all-girls team in the competition, our young wāhine stood out from the moment they arrived. The field featured schools from across the country, predominantly Auckland-based, with two schools from Christchurch and one from Wellington, and our girls held their own throughout.
Their tournament opener was a baptism of fire: playing on the main stage, in front of a live crowd. Nerves and all, they delivered a decisive victory — and won over plenty of new fans in the process.
Day two brought a different challenge. Illness swept through the group, leaving the team able to field just four players. Despite this, they battled hard through some fierce matches. Needing a fifth player to continue, they reached out to Rangitoto College, who generously stepped in. The girls knew the consequence: potential disqualification. They played on anyway.
It was a brave call, and the crowd loved them for it. Chants of "Go! Sacred Heart!" rang out from an audience of virtual strangers – a moment that speaks volumes about the kind of team these girls are. They left the stage with a win, and with a standing ovation.
NZ Esports Chief Executive Jonathan Jansen was full of praise for the team, making a point of acknowledging them on the microphone. As the only girls’ team in the field, our Sacred Heart players were true pioneers, and it is the organisers’ hope that their performance will inspire more young women to step into the exciting world of competitive esports.
Well done to our valiant Valorant team: Zoe, Sarang, Lala, Adison, and Rielle.
Absent through sickness – Sarang Kim (Year 13 – played Saturday – totally amazing virtual assassin), Brenna Sammons (Year 13).