KENOSHA, Wis. — After qualifying all eight teams across five games for the playoffs in just their first year of competition, the Carthage esports program is preparing for three of its teams to compete for a national championship in the coming days.
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Overwatch
After defeating the number one seed Concordia Wisconsin, the Firebirds will go on to face Carroll in an NECC/CCIW showdown for the title of champion. Last week, after hours of hard work and preparation, Carthage was able to take down Concordia 3-1. The Firebirds dropped map one in a close objective match, but were able to secure the win by not giving up another map to the Falcons.
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The team was led by Ben McCurley, who disrupted the structure of the Falcons to allow his teammates to execute their strategy. Carroll is the only other team in the conference who was able to go toe-to-toe with Concordia, falling in map five of a regular season matchup. Carroll also swept the Firebirds 3-0 during the regular season.
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Tune in on twitch.tv/CarthageEsports or come support the team in-person in the Carthage Esports Arena. The match starts at approximately 7 p.m.Â
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"I'm really proud of how well the Overwatch team has developed over the semester. From last place in the conference, to the championship match in our first season, it's been a roller coaster of a ride, but we are excited to continue this journey and take on a fellow Wisconsin school."
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League of Legends
The undefeated Firebirds B-team had a first-round bye for the NECC playoffs this season, and faced a tough Waldorf Warriors team in the semifinals. After defeat in the opening map, the Firebirds struggled in map two but were able to capitalize on enemy mistakes to secure the win and tie the match. Map three was a similar story, with the Firebird Nexus falling below three percent health, before a quick respawn saved the match. The warriors made a few key mistakes in their team separation, and that was all the Firebirds needed to counter and defeat Waldorf, earning their way to the Championship match. The firebirds will take on George Fox University in the championship match this Friday, at 6 p.m. You can catch the action live on twitch.tv/CarthageEsports or in-person in the Esports Arena.
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"I've probably never been more stressed than that semifinal match against Waldorf University. It was an absolutely thrilling series to play, and I'm proud of the hard work and determination to finish the match, even when hope seemed to be gone. Look for another great matchup this Friday against the Bruins, as they look to redeem themselves after a tough loss to our team during the regular season."
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Rocket League
Firebirds A continued their dominance and undefeated season by taking down the Carroll University Pioneers in the NECC semifinals. The cohesion and chemistry between the team will aid them as they look to continue their undefeated run by taking on the Buena Vista University Beavers this Sunday at approximately 5:30 p.m. You can catch the action live on twitch.tv/NECC_Esports or in-person in the Esports Arena.
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The Firebirds A team will also be competing at the Wisconsin Collegiate Rocket League State Championship, on Saturday, April 30 at MSOE.
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"This team is a force to be reckoned with, and they've got a busy weekend ahead of them. The pre-season was rough for them, but as they've grown, they function almost flawlessly together. I look forward to their matches as they fight for National and State Championships in their first season. "
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