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Vacaville Today
By the People, for the People
Vacaville High School Esports Team's Postseason Run Ends
Bulldogs' Marvel Rivals squad falls 3-0 to Chatsworth High School in NASEF CIF tournament second round
Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:08pm
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A cubist interpretation of the intense competition and strategic maneuvering that defined the Vacaville Bulldogs' narrow defeat in the NASEF CIF esports tournament.Vacaville TodayThe Vacaville High School esports team's postseason run came to an end on Thursday as their Marvel Rivals squad lost 3-0 to Chatsworth High School in the second round of the NASEF CIF tournament. Despite an emphatic sweep in their playoff debut earlier in the week, the Bulldogs struggled to find the same rhythm against the more experienced Chatsworth team.
Why it matters
The defeat marks the end of a landmark first season for Vacaville's newly formed esports program, which earned a playoff berth and secured a first-round victory in its inaugural year. While the loss ends their competitive season, coaches emphasize the program's broader impact on students' collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
The details
After an emphatic sweep in their playoff debut earlier in the week, Vacaville entered the matchup with momentum and confidence. But against a more experienced Chatsworth team, the Bulldogs struggled to find the same rhythm that had powered them through the opening round. Teacher and coach Fred Zilz said the team did well, trying different strategies, but couldn't pull out the win.
- The Vacaville High School esports team's postseason run came to an end on Thursday, April 11, 2026.
- The Bulldogs' Marvel Rivals squad lost 3-0 to Chatsworth High School in the second round of the NASEF CIF tournament.
The players
Fred Zilz
A teacher and coach for the Vacaville High School esports team.
Vacaville High School
The high school that fields the Bulldogs esports team, which competed in the NASEF CIF tournament.
Chatsworth High School
The high school that defeated the Vacaville High School Bulldogs' Marvel Rivals squad 3-0 in the second round of the NASEF CIF tournament.
What they’re saying
“It was a good first season.”
— Fred Zilz, Teacher and coach
What’s next
The Vacaville High School esports club is planning to set up a campus-wide tournament for Marvel Rivals and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to help recruit for next year and then get some for the Fall 2026 season. They also want to add some things to their program, such as streaming their games.
The takeaway
While the Vacaville High School esports team's postseason run has come to an end, their inaugural season has been a landmark achievement, establishing the program as a competitive presence. Beyond wins and losses, the coaches emphasize the broader impact on students' collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking skills, which are central to the program's purpose.
