The Saint Francis University Overwatch White Squad faced off against the Central Connecticut State University Overwatch White Team. The Red Flash hosted the match which was observed from the forward-looking SFU Esports Arena. The match was off to a late start due to the academic schedule of the opposing team, leaving the match to start at 8:30pm rather than 8:00pm. Before the match began the team developed a plan, discussing what maps they would choose if given the opportunity. The team collaborated on this issue and looked back on their weaknesses of previous matches to avoid running into their same issues.
The starting lineup for the Overwatch White Squad on Wednesday:
(Tank) (C) Requiem - Reinhardt
(Tank) Chazz - Winston
(Damage) CapSchmidt8 - Junkrat
(Damage) NaturedHalo - Reaper
(Support) Perogi69 - Lucio
(Supoort) Atlas - Mercy
Game 1 was played in Nepal, following the ECAC format of beginning with a control objective map. Because SFU hosted the match they were given the first choice of the map. In round 1 team captain, Matthew Tran (Requiem), almost immediately recognized a need for Roadhog. He called for his other tank to switch heroes, Chase Forberger (Chazz), responded to his captain's call resulting in a more effective lineup. The first round ended in CCSU controlling one hundred percent (100%) of the objective over SFU's thirty-two percent (32%). The round wasn't a total loss as the team collectively commended Damage player's, Andrew Schmidt (Capschmidt8), use of his hero's ultimate ability, Junkrat's rip tire. Round 2 of the game was less effective for SFU, giving CCSU ninety-nine percent (99%) control of the objective without earning a single percentage point for themselves. The team's final effort was to charge the objective. This last-stitch effort failed however resulting in SFU suffering a 0-2 defeat in game 1.
Game 2 was played on Route 66, following the ECAC's rule of an escort objective map. Because SFU lost game 1 they were given the opportunity to choose the map for this game as well. CCSU chose to defend first, leaving SFU to offensively escort the payload along its path. Matthew (Requiem) Tran again called for his team to conform their heroes to the map. SFU finished their offensive round having moved the payload 76.94m, less than just 10.00m from the first checkpoint. SFU's distance however was overcome in under ninety seconds (90s). Thus, resulting in yet another game where SFU fell to CCSU.
Game 3 was played in Temple of Anubis, due to the ECAC's rule of game three (3) being an attack objective map. Again, due to their previous defeat SFU chose the map. Once the match started Requiem (team captain) realized the situation was in and knew he had to do something. Matthew Tran became very vocal, calling plays, affirming his team, and calling for hero changes. "Back up!" Matthew continuously led his team into and out of the heart of the battle. The team altogether showed their strong suits in this game. Support player, Micah Wanko (Atlas), took his opportunities to announce the positions of threatening opponents. The overall energy in the arena was booming with the players' excitement. SFU had earned 2 points, which ultimately won game three(3) 2-1. This being the first official game the SFU Overwatch White Squad won as a team.
Game 4 was a unique experience for the team. Playing at King's Row, a hybrid objective map. However, the hybrid objective was not beneficial to the team. Being a combination of the control and escort objectives; which the team had previously suffered defeat in. SFU captured the control point, leaving them 3 minutes to escort the payload. Game 4 was ultimately a failure for the team, allowing CCSU to take the match in a 1-3 lead.
Although the overall match wasn't successful for the team their improvements are clearly visible. Their spirits are lifted after a long string of no successes. Look forward to seeing the SFU Overwatch White Squad's next match where hopefully they will improve their record. The next match will be streamed live on Twitch Wednesday, October 21 at 8pm EST.
