KENOSHA, Wis. — Competing in the first of three NECC Championship matches, the Carthage esports team fell in their Overwatch game with Carroll on Thursday 4-2 in the Carthage Esports Arena.

"The Overwatch match was great, but it was a heartbreaker," said director of esports Kevin Palmer. "We came out really strong with a packed esports arena, going up 2-0 looking and feeling confident, but after a five minute break Carroll came out with a completely different mindset and composition."

The Firebirds would take an early lead on a team they fell to 3-0 earlier this season, before a strategy change from the Pioneers threw off Carthage. While their third map was close, Carroll would claim the first of four straight on a momentum change.

"They pressured us, constantly countered our strategies, and caught us completely off guard," said Palmer. "We had great leadership throughout the match a a good attitude, and it was tough to be countered like that."

Despite falling in the NECC title match, the Firebirds Overwatch team received a bid for the national tournament and will be back in action in May.

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