MARION, Ind. - This week, the IWU Esports team wrapped up their regular season. With playoff placement already decided, it was a great opportunity for the teams to finish strong and build momentum.

Valorant began the week with their match against 0-6 Nazareth. The match was the first where the maps Pearl and Split were allowed to be played. Fittingly, Pearl was the first pick for the Wildcats, while Split was the first pick for Nazareth.

The Wildcats proved why Pearl was their first pick and one of the strongest maps for them this season, as they went on to win 13-5. Split was much closer, but the Wildcats pulled away late to take a 13-10 win. The 2-0 win completes an undefeated regular season for the Wildcats, which also netted them the #1 overall seed for the East Conference Playoffs.

Smash Bros. had their last match of the regular season on Tuesday, where they struggled heavily in an 0-2 loss to Purdue Northwest.

For Rocket League, they were also looking to complete an undefeated regular season against Indiana University on Wednesday night. Game 1 was a close 1-2 loss after a late goal gave Indiana the lead. Games 2 and 3 both went right down to the wire, with Indiana eventually scoring the game winner. Finally, the Hoosiers used their momentum from the first three very close games to pull away in game 4, delivering on the shocking upset.

The loss is the first of the season for the Wildcats, who maintain a 5-1 overall record this Fall season. However, even with the tough differential, the Wildcats still maintain the #2 seed for the Midwest Conference Playoffs. Their opponent is still yet to be decided.

Next week will start the postseason for Rocket League and Valorant, so make sure you follow the Wildcats on Twitch: twitch.tv/IWU_Esports. Don't miss the action!

Standout Wildcats

• Evan "PokevanXD" Stoller had an impressive 53 eliminations against Nazareth from the Duelist role
• Despite the tough loss, Jeb "Drybbles" Byrd had a good performance against Indiana, leading the Wildcats in goals with 3

Upcoming Week

Monday

• NECC East Conference Quarterfinals, #1 Valorant vs. #8 Pace University, time TBD, streamed in Century Dining Room

Wednesday

• NECC Midwest Conference Quarterfinals, #2 Rocket League vs. #7 TBD, time TBD, streamed in Century Dining Room

Follow Athletics (@IWUWildcats): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Follow Esports (@IWU_Esports): Twitter | Twitch





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