LATC Esports Siege Team Reflects on Promising First Season Despite Nationals Exit
The Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Esports Siege team saw their inaugural season come to a close after a hard-fought Nationals playoff match against Wichita State Tech (WSUT). Seeded fifth, LATC entered the match with high hopes but fell to the fourth-seeded WSUT team 2-0 in a best-of-three series. The match, which took place online, drew over 35 viewers, creating a vibrant atmosphere as fans from both sides cheered on their teams.
Match Recap: A Tough Battle on Familiar Ground
The first map, Clubhouse, was LATC’s pick and a map the team felt confident playing. Despite a solid start, WSUT’s coordination and tactical focus on LATC’s key players gave them the edge, leading to a 7-3 victory. The second map, Chalet, played out similarly. While LATC showed flashes of their potential, WSUT’s disciplined play and familiarity with the map once again resulted in a 7-3 win, sealing the series.
Had the match gone to a third map, the teams would have faced off on NightHaven Labs. Unfortunately for LATC, they never got the chance to compete on the tie-breaker map.
Coach LeBlanc’s Reflections
Coach LeBlanc praised WSUT for their preparation and execution, noting, “They were very well-organized and knew exactly how to counter our key players. Hats off to them for their performance.” Despite the loss, Coach LeBlanc expressed pride in the team’s season: “This was our first semester, and we made it to Nationals. That’s an outstanding achievement. The team now understands the level of play required to compete for a national title.”
Looking Ahead
LATC’s team captain, Kaian Enockson, echoed the coach’s sentiments, already setting his sights on the future. “Going through the super regionals and Nationals gave us valuable experience. We’ve identified strategies to improve and elevate our game. I’m looking forward to next semester.”
While the loss stings, the LATC Siege team’s determination and positive outlook bode well for their next campaign. The team will take a well-deserved break over the holidays before returning in February to kick off the spring semester.
Upsets Shake the Bracket
Elsewhere in the tournament, the playoffs were marked by surprising upsets. Top-seeded Laramie Community College defeated Iowa Community College 2-0, as expected, but the seven-seed Guildford Technical Community College shocked second-seed Lackawanna in a stunning victory. Additionally, Northern Virginia Community College toppled the third-seeded Laredo Palominos. Reflecting on the results, Coach LeBlanc remarked, “This time of year, anyone can get hot. Seeds don’t mean much if you’re on top of your game.”
A Promising Future
Despite the disappointment of an early Nationals exit, LATC’s Siege team has plenty to celebrate and build upon. Their first semester included standout performances, a nationals berth, and invaluable playoff experience. With renewed focus and determination, the team is eager to return stronger in the spring.
The LATC community can look forward to a thrilling new chapter in the journey of this up-and-coming esports program.
