Robots Take Over Williams, Mariucci Arenas

MINNEAPOLIS - Robots are taking over at Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus as high school students from around the Midwest compete in the FIRST Robotics Minnesota Regional Competition.

In a crowd of more than 100 teams, the pink-class Robettes from Convent of the Visitation in Mendota Heights definitely stand out.

The 19-member team from Minnesota's only all-girls school is the only all-girls team in the competition, and they're the team everyone is talking about.

"Everybody just knows us as the all girls team," Robettes member Marie Willette said. "When they come around they're like, 'Oh, you're the all girls team. We know who you are.'"

The Robettes think that's what gives them the winning edge.

With help from professional mentors from Boston Scientific and their math teacher, the Robettes built Eva the Robot in just six weeks.

The object is to get as many balls into your opponent's trailer, and whoever gets the most wins. And while the Robettes may have won their practice round, they're also winning lifelong lessons.

"In jobs, of course, you're going to need the team work aspect," Willette said. "Your going to need just the brainstorming. I just think it kind of fits in to what we're going be needing to do in the coming years."

The tournament runs all weekend at Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena on the U of M campus. The winner advances to the National Robotic Competition in Atlanta.