KENOSHA, Wis. — The Carthage esports team finished up activation play last week, helping to seed them properly for the regular season which begins on Monday, February 7. The Firebirds picked up seven victories across their five games of competition, and will aim to keep the momentum going into the beginning of their first regular season this week.
 

Jan. 31 - Valorant

Game One vs. Purdue: W, 13-8
 
Recap: The team had a great showing on attack in Haven and picked up a 13-8 victory, with the game MVP going to Connor Parsons after picking up 30 kills.
 

Feb. 1 - Rocket League

Game One vs. Murray State: L, 0-3
 
Recap: The Firebirds came out on their heels, while Murray State came out fast and demolition-heavy, which resulted in a few easy goals. In game two, the Firebirds adjusted, keeping the game much closer but still couldn't find a way to get their rotations locked down and work the ball in front of the net. Carthage battled in game three to keep the series alive, but double commits and strong defense by Murray State ultimately resulted in a Firebirds loss.
 
Game Two vs. Colorado College: W, 3-0
 
Recap: A very hungry Firebirds team came out fast and got an early goal which put their defense to the test, holding Colorado College to zero goals in the first game. The Firebirds continued to battle in game two, keeping the momentum on their side and kept the pressure on Colorado throughout the game. The third game was a battle with the Firebirds looking for the sweep. A few early errors resulted in the final game going to overtime, but all three players found a groove and played a fluent match.
 
Game Three vs. Queen's University: W, 3-0
 
Game Four vs. Northcentral Technical College: W, 3-2
 
Recap: Carthage began with a commanding offensive approach to quickly go up 2-0 in the series. Subs from their opponents caused the Firebirds to change their playstyle, but after regrouping, they clinched the win in game five. A pair of hat tricks from Peyton Wieter and Aidan O'Neill led the way in game one, while Tanner Lee dished out three assists. Wieter and O'Neill would add another hat trick in game two and post solid offensive performances in the series.
 
Game Five vs. Northwestern College: L, 2-3
 
Recap: The team came out aggressive and picked up a 2-0 lead but was unable to close it out. Three games went to overtime during the series, and impressive rotations from Northwestern College clinched them the victory.
 
Game Six vs. Holy Cross: L, 1-3
 

Feb. 2 - Rainbow Six Siege

Game One vs. Murray State: L, 1-7
 
Recap: A tough loss was taken against former divisional-champion Murray State. The Firebirds started strong by winning the first round, however, MSU was able to quickly pick up on the Carthage strategy.
 

Feb. 3 - Overwatch

Game One vs. Hood College: L, 1-2
 
Recap: The Firebirds played a tough match against Hood college, finding a good rhythm at the end of the game to take the last map with a full hold on defense. The score was a close 1-2 with the win shouldered by Jacen Principato.
 
Game Two vs. Morningside University: L, 1-2
 
Recap: Carthage played extremely close games against Morningside, going to overtime in the first two rounds. Morningside's Pharmacy ultimately overwhelmed the Firebirds and secured a win in the third round.
 

Feb. 4 & 5 - League of Legends

Game One vs. Bryant University: W
 
Recap: Against Bryant, the Bulldogs banned the Firebirds Corki pick, and first picked Vex to put their mid off of his main champions. They were able to shift the Carthage playstyle to a more skirmish-heavy strategy instead of the normal scaling priority. Team communication and multi-man roams helped push their lead and build early dragon leads. All members of the team coordinated to shut down any hopes of Byrant getting back into the game and used their ults in conjunction to shut them down in a 30-minute 28-11 kill game.
 
Game Two vs. McMaster University: L
 
Recap: Team A had its first and only loss in the activation weeks against an extremely tough McMaster's team. An early skirmish on the bot side of the map went McMasters' way, allowing them a lead and full priority around the bot side of the map. They used this lead to stack waves and create multiple bot dives that Carthage could not match. McMasters stacked their dragons and despite some comeback fights and a tough base defense, the Firebirds could not hold off the push of McMasters, resulting in a loss.
 
Game Three vs. Baker's University: W
 
Recap: Team B was strong against Baker's, as the game ended with a 33-8 victory. Carthage target-banned their jungler, which turned out to help them in the long run. Multiple knockups and good synergy led the Firebirds and helped them roam and assist well, especially in the top lane and for drag fights. Four minutes in to the match, Carthage took a gold lead and continued to press, shutting down Baker's University and ending the match in 25 minutes.
 
Game Four vs. University of Ottawa: W
 

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