Pierce High Robotics Perform at UNL Cornhusker VEX TournamentÂ
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBy Parker Gaes
One Pierce High robotics team went to UNL to the Kiewitt Engineering Building on Saturday, February 1. Team 71414A, Noggin Boppers, including Andrew Lienemann, driver/builder; Makayla Shefl, programmer/builder; and Tiffany Chaney, parts manager, ended their day with a seventh place skills score.
The UNL meet is the largest Vex robotics competition in Nebraska. The 72 team field was split into two divisions, Husker and Corn.
Noggin Boppers had a great day in the qualifying matches as a team finishing 5-1. Finishing third in the Husker division by showing their power in all phases, offense and defense. Eight matches were scheduled but because of some issues, the event dropped two matches for all teams.
The Noggin Boppers chose a 3018A Vexcalibur robot from Council Bluffs, Iowa, who they paired very successfully with during a qualifying match. The pair won the round of 16 by a score of 43-3. The quarterfinal match came down to some key defensive moves by the opponent, giving Pierce the loss, 24-21.
The Noggin Boppers increased their state skills score to 59, and drove to improve by nine points and the 14th ranked team in the state.
“The team is showing steady improvement each week. They have spent many hours working on the robot, driving and autonomous program and are able to compete with the best in the state,” robotics coach Treva Dostal said.
The next battle for both of Pierce’s robotics teams will be Saturday, February 8, at the “Clash on the Platte” at Grand Island Senior High.
