JACKSONVILLE, Ill.- The Illinois College Esports team kicked off their 2023 season this past weekend with games against Purdue Northwest and Grandview University, the runner-ups and champions of last year's MEC 2022.
Against Purdue Northwest, IC fell behind early in the bottom lane, but was able to make some plays around the map to keep things relatively even entering midgame. At 10 minutes, the gold difference was only 2k in favor of PNW.
Zachary Dimond "Subsidize" had some shining moments against enemy Grandmaster top laner "Tigerstar". After some good rotations and strong team fighting, PNW closed out a close game 1 and took that momentum into a game 2 that was completely 1 sided for Purdue.
Coach's player of the game:
Zachary Dimond "Subsidize"
Day 2 saw IC match up against former MEC Champions and a former top 10 ranked team in Grandview University. IC came out swinging with an impressive early-game performance and some solid mid-game rotations. IC saw a kill lead of 6-4 around the 10-minute mark but never saw a true gold lead.
Noah Postin "TheDicey" was able to solo kill enemy Master mid laner "Ginqal" which lead to him completing the first mythic item for IC on his signature champion, Heimerdinger.
At 10 minutes, the gold difference was less than 2k in favor of Grandview. However, Grandview used great macro and team fighting to extend their gold lead and close out against IC. Game 2 wasn't much better for IC as Grandview had better drafting, laning, team fighting, and macro as the series went on.
Coach's player of the game:
Noah Postin "TheDicey"
