KENOSHA – On Feb. 27, Carthage Red cruises into Week Four of the Spring 2025 NECC Division II Rocket League season. They battle Southeastern Oklahoma State's Savage Storm in a best-of-seven series, Carthage Red faced the Indiana Hoosiers in Week Three on Feb. 17.

In their last meeting, September 27, 2024, Indiana swept Carthage Red, leaving a lasting impression on Alex Vaile. After Red defeated Mount Union Purple in Week Two, Alex remarked, "We're looking for revenge." On Feb 17, Carthage took on Indiana, and fought valiantly to win 4-2 in an exhilarating matchup.

Although the Firebirds were shut out in Game One, they tweaked defensive parameters to win Game Two and narrowly lose Game Three. Following Game Three, Carthage Red put the pedal to the medal, scoring a goal within the first minute of Games Four, Five, and Six to play comfortably with a lead. Although Carthage faced a 2-1 score deficit in Game Six, they rallied back with Alexander scoring two goals and Armando scoring one himself. Although Indiana fought hard, the Firebirds set up quality passing opportunities and thwarted Indiana's offensive pursuits. Penn led the team with 18 demolitions, while Alexander scored four goals and placed the ball near Indiana's net 21 times.

Their next challenger, Southeastern Oklahoma State University (2-1, 11-7), has compiled a solid resume. In Week One, the Savage Storm took down the Indiana Tech Warriors (2-1, 11-4), by a 4-3 score in a close best-of-seven series. The Warriors took Game One and pitched a shutout. Oklahoma responded by taking Game Two. In Games Three and Four, Indiana Tech scored a combined 11 goals, six in Game Three, and five in Game 4 to establish momentum. With a 3-1 series deficit, the Savage Storm won each of the next three games by one goal. After consistent team play, Southeastern Oklahoma reverse swept Indian Tech 4-3.

Next, Southeastern Oklahoma competed against the University of Houston Red Cougars (2-1, 8-10). This was another nail-biting best-of-7 series, but Oklahoma came up short 4-3. Instead of generating a reverse sweep themselves, the Cougars beat them to the punch. Houston took Game One, while Southeastern Oklahoma would stake their claim in Games Two, Three, and Four. Then, the Cougars obtained momentum and never gave the Savage Storm a chance to recover.  Lastly, in Week Three, the Savage Storm were prompted with a win over the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, after they forfeited their Spring 2025 NECC Rocket League season. 

Carthage Red (4-0, 16-6), has significantly impacted Division II – West B, by having sole possession of first place. Before their Spring 2025 campaign began, Penn mentioned that Carthage Red's practices have been "going very well and I feel like we step up on gameday." Through three matches, Carthage Red's revamped roster continued to impress. This battle-tested group is ready to do whatever it takes to win. Statistically, Armando leads the team in Goals (15) and Shooting Percentage (36%). Alex leads in Shots on Goal (56) and Saves (35). Penn leads in Assists (14) and Demolitions (44). Together, they create a versatile skill set, poised to maintain consistency as the season progresses. In a pivotal Week Four matchup, the Firebirds will rely on high-volume communication to strengthen their team chemistry.

Will Carthage achieve a clean sweep at the halfway point of NECC's Spring 2025 Rocket League season? Tune in here: https://twitch.tv/carthageesports and find out!

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