MARION, Ind. - The #2 seeded Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats Valorant team continued their undefeated Spring season with a win over #3 USM on Thursday night in the West-Central Conference Tournament Semifinals.
The match started off on Pearl, the pick for the Spires. And USM started strong on their pick, taking a 6-3 lead early. But the Wildcats stormed back, tying the game at 6-6 heading into their defense. It was close all the way, as the teams were tied 9-9 late into the second half, but the Wildcats pulled away from there, winning Pearl 13-10.
Map #2 was the Wildcats' pick. This time, it was Breeze for IWU. With USM getting the side choice, they were expected to have a strong attack, which they did. An 8-4 halftime lead gave them just enough momentum to swing the map in their favor despite a late second half comeback from IWU. USM would tie up the series at 1-1 after the 13-8 win.
It all came down to the third map, Haven. Haven was a map both teams have done exceptionally well on throughout the season, so it was the perfect backdrop for the deciding map. The Wildcats started on defense and started with bang. They led 5-0 early, thanks to some incredible shots from Freshman
Ryan Slain, "Rhino". But no one was expecting a blow out, especially not the Spires, who had other things in mind. They stormed back, tying the map at half 6-6 and winning 5 rounds in a row.
It all came down to the Wildcats' offensive half, traditionally much better for them than defense. Pistol round went the way of the Spires, but the Wildcats bounced back immediately. Both teams went back and forth, with the Spires leading 10-8, then the Wildcats evening things at 10 . Finally, the Wildcats broke through the tough USM defense to take the 13-10 win!
The 2-1 series win is only the second time the Wildcats have lost a map this Spring season. The loss on Breeze is the first time they've lost it this year as well. Despite the map loss, the Wildcats continue their undefeated Spring season with a 8-0 record, and a 17-1 record for the 2025-26 school year.
Evan Stoller, "PokevanXD" dominated the stat line for the Wildcats. Stoller achieved the highest match score in all three maps, even Breeze. He achieved a 75-46-13 KDA for the match, averaging an insane 25 eliminations per map. He currently leads the Conference tournament in eliminations, KDA and overall score.
The Wildcats will be taking on #5 Western Colorado University in the Conference Championship game. The match is currently scheduled for 8pm, Monday April 13. As always, the Wildcats will be streamed on Urban Edge Network, so be sure to tune in there!
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