KENOSHA, Wis. — Securing playoff appearances in all five games of competition in their first-ever season, the Carthage esports team is ready to make a splash in the postseason, which begins Thursday, April 14.

"We are excited to have found as much success as we have for our inaugural season in esports for Carthage College," said Director of Esports Kevin Palmer. "It would not have been possible to have all eight of our teams across five game titles reach the playoffs, if it wasn't for our outstanding student leadership and our dedicated student-staff."

To begin the postseason, the Firebirds Overwatch team will take on the five seed Highland Community College at 7 p.m. after grabbing the four seed. A win will have them matchup with an opponent to be named next Thursday on April 21. To close out this week, League of Legends A Team will take on Bryant at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 15, and look to secure a spot in the next round's game scheduled for Friday, April 22. The B Team for League of Legends secured the top seed in their bracket, and will await their opponent for a match at 6 p.m. on April 22.

"Overwatch has proven themselves as the comeback team of this season," said Palmer. "With such a large roster, the team struggled to find positions that everyone fit amongst the team, but once it clicked, it clicked well. Our League of Legends teams are in great positions to make runs for playoff championships, if we can broaden our champion diversity for playoffs. The A team has struggled recently with our draft phase of the match, and are looking to diversify our profile as we prepare for Friday's match. The B team, however, has found a great amount of success, winning an undefeated regular season title, and now look to bring home a playoff championship as well."

Next week, the Valorant team is set to play the number two seed East Stroudsburg University at 5 p.m. With all three Carthage teams qualifying for playoffs in Rocket League, the Firebirds A Team earned the top seed and will await their opponent for a 5 p.m. matchup, while the B and C teams each earned the number two seed. Carthage's B team is set to take on Lambton at 4:30 p.m., while the C team will face the University of North Alabama at 8:30 p.m.

"Valorant has had a rough season, as we have learned that collegiate Valorant is a lot different compared to other leagues and competitive play," said Palmer. "Although they've had their struggles, this team is dedicated to planning and executing our gameplan during Monday's matchup vs a talented East Stroudsburg. Rocket League has exceeded our high expectations for this season, and only continues to improve. With A team winning an undefeated regular season championship, and B & C team claiming the two seed in their divisions, we are hoping we can continue to push with our success and bring home a playoff championship as well." 

Taking the top seed in the playoffs after an incredible season, the Carthage Rainbow Six Siege team awaits their opponent to be named, but will compete on Wednesday, April 20 at 8 p.m.

"Rainbow Six has had a wild year, making the Wisconsin final four, and going undefeated in NECC action," said Palmer. "We are deep into planning for our match next week, as we come off a first-round bye. Both teams that we could face are excellent programs, and we know they're going to be scouting us just as much as we are scouting them."

All matches are scheduled to be streamed on the Carthage Esports Twitch Channel, but all are welcome to come cheer on the Firebirds in person in the Carthage Esports Arena located in the basement of the TWC.

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