Oh, and I think holding a science competition that punishes contestants with less than three friends seems counterproductive.
I actually don't know.
Your response has confused me.

I responded to the wrong post.
I do not know how the questions were asked/answered. I think it was a Jeopardy-like buzz-in kinda deal. I could be wrong.
In response to your other post: Originally the first place team did have 4 members. One girl* dropped out and they didn't replace her for some reason.
*I have no idea why this girl was chosen to be on the team. She is a great student but is a raving witch. It does not surprise me in the least that quit and left her teammates in a lurch.