MERRIMACK – The Merrimack High School FIRST Robotics team, Chop Shop 166, recently traveled to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to compete at BattleCry@WPI, the final event of the school year.

During the two-day event, Chop Shop 166 competed with and against 58 other teams from New England, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

“BattleCry is one of the most fun off-season events we participate in with special game rules and a wild 60 team bracket,” said Matthew Murray, mentor of Chop Shop 166. “BattleCry is one of the only events outside of the World Championships, where we get the chance to compete against teams from outside of our district.”

Chop Shop placed fourth out of 59 teams and headed into the playoffs as the captain of the third alliance. The team advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated by one of the eventual alliance finalists.

The judges handed out several off season BattleCry@WPI awards. Chop Shop’s team spirit was recognized by the panel and the team was awarded the Best BattleCry award which will be proudly displayed in the shop.