University Recreation hosted the second Pool Battleship Tournament at Carmichael Aquatic Center, sparking a heated competition between Summer START freshmen and their mentors on Saturday, July 25.

Pool battleship is a free-for-all battle royale in which four, 4-person canoes must sink their opponent’s canoe by whatever means available, whether it’s using a bucket or splashing with their hands. This event brings together students of all majors and interests.

“Students look like they have fun, and I’ve played it before, and it’s really fun,” said Michele Makdad, a junior studying zoology who was working at the event. “They’ll make friends and learn how to work together.”

There were about 40 participants who were divided into 10 teams. The goal was to sink the opposing team’s canoe while bailing water from their own; both the stakes and water levels were high. The tournament was four rounds of frantic mayhem.

“I did not expect this to be like this; I thought it was like the board game,” said Simran Saini, a freshman studying computer science. “I wish I had known we’d be in canoes getting water thrown on me or I would’ve brought a shield.”

The strategies employed centered on controlling weight distribution while paddling and simultaneously attacking and defending. Given their previous experience, some mentors had a slight advantage.

“I expected to come out here to have a good time and whip some butts, since I am apart of the reigning champion group from last summer,” said Katelyn Auger, a sophomore studying industrial design and mentor for Summer START.

Living up to her status, Auger and her team of three defended their title as champions.