Sixty-one teams competed in the DC Regional FIRST robotics competition this past weekend with George Mason High School’s robot, Vae Victus, coming within one match of making the finals.

This year, Mason’s robotics team had to build a robot able to shoot baskets into hoops and balance on bridges.

The team performed well in the nine qualification matches held all day Friday and Saturday morning at the D.C. Convention Center, earning a spot as one of eight alliances to advance to the elimination rounds. Their alliance won in the quarter finals, but was eliminated in the third match of the semifinals.

At the end of the competition, awards are given to individuals and teams who have merited special recognition. The volunteer of the year award was given to Falls Church resident and GM mentor, Don Brobst.

The Gracious Professionalism Award was awarded to George Mason. The award “celebrates outstanding sportsmanship and continuous gracious professionalism in the heat of competition, both on and off the playing field.”