UCA students’ tactical skills were put on display at a laser Nerf battle hosted by Chi Alpha at the Chi Alpha building Jan. 23. 

The building was set up with different areas for cover, and outside the battle area, there was a tent filled with armor and Nerf accessories, as well as a popular beverage in the Chi Alpha community called Gatornade, which is a combination of blue Gatorade and lemonade.  

“We [Chi Alpha] just hosted our very first ever XA warzone — We had a Nerf battle happen in our main space, and we learned a lot through it, ” Chi Alpha Director Justin Linck said. 

“It was essentially red versus blue team, and after you got out, you would have to enter ‘the graveyard’ in the center of the room, and then the other team would get a tally mark, and then you would have to run back to your side, ” Linck said. 

The games were set up with a three-minute timer, and the team with the most points at the end of the three minutes won the round. 

“We faced off at the end of the game and the two top teams ended up playing each other in the all-star game, ” Linck said. 

The all-star game was close, with the winner just coming out victorious by only four points. 

“I really liked the teamwork and seeing how people handled different types of Nerf guns while being under pressure. I guess it was a super fun adrenaline rush, ” freshman Hannah Smith said. 

“I am definitely going to remember everybody’s faces, and I would definitely do it again,” Smith said. 

“Coming in, the people were super helpful, “ senior Caleb Davis said. “They really helped set it up, and it was very well organized — The energy was great, and it was perfectly maintained throughout the whole event. It was one of the most fun events I have ever had at UCA.”

Davis was also a member of the team that received the most overall kills, eventually winning the all-star game. 

“I played a lot of different games and got to see a lot of different angles from it — It was fun and competitive,” Davis said. 

“Overall, it was a really good experience, and I enjoyed the intensity,” he said.

Chi Alpha puts on events similar to this one to bring the UCA community together in hopes of building relationships. 

“I think the biggest hope and desire over here at our ministry is that people build deep relationships. If we just put on big events and have fun, but relationships are not formed and built, I think we’ve missed the essence of why we are doing what we are doing, “ Linck said. 

“We have a deep desire to let the student body come to meet each other, engage, have fun and experience joy — And I believe that true joy comes from the Lord, and that joy is lasting, and that is the hope of the event, ” Linck said. 

Chi Alpha has its services at 7 p.m. on Mondays at the Chi Alpha building.