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By Brandon Yanna

Blackwater Robotics, the Franklin High School Robotics Team, competed at the Week 2 Portsmouth Event at Churchland High School on March 9 and 10th. They were one of 23 teams from across Virginia and the District of Columbia participating in the competition. During Saturday’s qualification matches, they started slow but improved throughout the day, finishing 8th out of the 23 teams with a 7-3 win/loss record. On Sunday, they had two qualification matches, including one against the number one ranked alliance, Team 422 Mech Tech Dragons, ending qualifications 8-4 and maintaining their 8th rank.

In alliance selection, they were chosen by NASA Knights, Team 122 from Hampton, to join their 4th seeded alliance, along with Phantom Robotics, Team 2028, also from Hampton. Despite facing tough opponents, Blackwater Robotics put up a strong performance, ultimately losing in the third round against the 3rd seeded alliance led by the Tutu Turtles, Team 9003 of Chatham.

During the awards ceremony, Blackwater Robotics was honored as the recipient of the Quality Award, recognizing their machine’s robustness in concept and fabrication. They expressed gratitude to their sponsors, supporters, and family members for their unwavering support. Looking ahead, they aim to increase their district points at the Week 3 Event at Deep Run High School on March 16 and 17th.