Carthage Red Determined to Continue Spring 2025 NECC Rocket League Undefeated Streak

KENOSHA – On Feb. 17, Carthage Red boosts into Week Three of NECC's Division II – West B Rocket League. In Week Two, the Firebirds overcame another fundamentally sound team, Mount Union Purple. Freshman Armando Hernandez (Mando), sophomore Penn Gilchrist (Pixlr), and junior Alex Vaile (Vaile) defeated Mount Union 4-2 in a series that resembled a chess match.

Carthage secured victories in Games One and Two after gradually picking up their pace. However, defensive errors from the Firebirds prevented a clean sweep. Mount Union won Game Three and fought valiantly in Game Four, which forced a 0-0 overtime. Alexander and Penn executed a tremendous team play to clinch the win. Game Five became highly competitive as Mount Union attempted to recover from a 3-1 series deficit. Due to inconsistent defensive positioning, the Firebirds narrowly lost Game Five. In Game Six, both teams traded goals twice. Near the end, Penn struck the ball against the right post of Mount Union's net, setting up Armando to score the series-winning goal. Armando led the team with nine goals off 24 shots, with a shooting percentage of 38%. Alexander anchored Carthage's defense with 14 saves, while Penn orchestrated nine demolitions and led the team with five assists. Carthage Firebirds Red (2-0, 8-4) ascends into Week Three to face the Indiana Hoosiers (1-1, 6-4).

Since the season began, the Hoosiers have lost to the University of Houston Red Cougars (3-1, 8-6) and earned a Week Two win against the University of Tennessee—Knoxville after the club forfeited its season. Indiana competed in a close 4-3 series against Houston on Feb. 7. Houston took Game 1 with a score of 3-2. The Hoosiers responded with a 3-0 shutout in Game Two. Houston retaliated in Game Three, dominating with a 5-0 victory. For Games Four and Five, the Cougars and Hoosiers traded wins, leading to a 3-2 series score. With the lead, Houston was confident. However, Indiana took Game Six, forcing an important Game Seven. The Cougars ultimately triumphed, winning 3-2 in a fantastic series. Although Indiana suffered a heartbreaking defeat, they will use this as motivation to improve and showcase their progress against a red-hot Carthage Firebirds team.

In the Carthage Red vs. Mount Union Purple postgame interview, Alexander said the team is "looking for revenge" against Indiana this time. During the Fall 2024 NECC Division II season, the Firebirds battled against Indiana. On September 27, 2024, Carthage fell victim to a 4-0 sweep at the hands of Indiana. Alex, Penn, and senior Connor Moore (Nyrome11) played in that series. In Game One, the Firebirds lost 6-3 after Indiana Hoosiers player Pablo scored four goals on six shots. Game Two showcased Indiana's ability to generate pressure on Carthage's net with eight total shots, twice as many as the Firebirds, to win 2-0. The Hoosiers continued to push forward, mustering 13 shots on net compared to Carthage's four, outpacing the Firebirds. The final game ended in a 2-1 Indiana win, solidifying a 4-0 series sweep. Although Carthage matched the Hoosiers in shot attempts, they suffered seven total demolitions, giving Indiana more chances to maintain ball possession comfortably.

Carthage Red will have a chance to flip the script on Feb. 17. The Firebirds have looked determined since Spring 2025 began, defeating Davenport White and Mount Union. Their strategy emphasizes maintaining a strong mentality and excellent team communication. Heading into this grudge match, Armando leads with 12 goals, nine coming from the Mount Union Purple series. Additionally, Armando has the highest shooting percentage (38%). Penn leads with 10 assists and 26 demolitions. Alexander leads the team with 25 saves and 35 shots on goal.

Will Carthage Red conquer their Division II rival? Tune in here: https://twitch.tv/carthageesports and find out! Follow Carthage Esports on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates.

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Players Mentioned

Penn Gilchrist: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Connor Moore: Senior

Alex Vaile: 5' 11"; Junior

Armando Hernandez: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Penn Gilchrist
: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Connor Moore
: Senior

Alex Vaile
: 5' 11"; Junior

Armando Hernandez
: Freshman