Lake Area Tech Esports Team Pushes for Playoffs with Impressive Wins
The Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Esports teams had a thrilling week as they fought their way through critical matches, keeping their playoff dreams alive. Leading the charge was Gabe Gebhard of the Super Smash Bros. team, who entered a doubleheader against Laramie Community College from Wyoming and Eastern Arizona. Although Gabe fell to the Laramie player 2-0, a forfeit win against Eastern Arizona catapulted him into the 8th spot in his division. Gabe’s upcoming match against Wichita State College on Tuesday, November 5, is the final regular-season game, and a victory could secure his entry into the playoffs. Even with a loss, Gabe could still hold onto his playoff position if other players’ results work in his favor.
While Gabe fights for his spot, the LATC Rainbow Six Siege team came back from a two-week hiatus with an undeniable statement victory. On Friday, November 1, they demolished Walters State College in a two-map sweep, showcasing incredible skill and strategy. The first map, “Border,” was a clean sweep with LATC winning each game 7-0. Their second map, “Clubhouse,” mirrored their dominance, as the team again went 7-0.
Coach LeBlanc praised the team’s strategic prowess, saying, “I was a little concerned that the team coming off two weeks without playing might be a little rusty, but obviously that wasn’t the case. We focused on sharpening our communications and tightening up our strategies, and it showed.”
The night’s MVP was first-year welding student Braydon Alford, who led LATC in kills, racking up 12 in the first map and 10 in the second. Reflecting on his performance, Braydon shared, “I was really feeling good tonight. My movements were on point, and we did a great job communicating as a team.”
This decisive victory pushes LATC’s Siege team to a 4-1 record, placing them in third place in their division, just behind State Tech and Laredo College, both with the same record as LATC. State Tech and Laredo are set to face off on Friday, November 8, while LATC goes head-to-head with the 3-2 Trappers from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming. Fans can catch the action live on LATC’s Twitch channel, LATCesports, or cheer them on in person on campus.
With a potential playoff berth on the line for both teams, the LATC Navigators are ready to make their mark and showcase the power of teamwork and precision.
