KENOSHA, Wis. — Carthage Esports completed its Fall 2026 National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Week Four matches on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The following teams competed: Valorant (3-1), Rocket League Red (RL) (3-1), Overwatch (OW) Black (3-1), OW Red (2-1), Marvel Rivals (1-3), Smash Bros. (1-3), and RL Black (1-3). Rainbow Six (R6) improved to 4-0 after Texas Tech Black forfeited.

Fall 2026 NECC Week Four Recap – Carthage Valorant (3-1) against Cornell College Rams Varsity Purple (0-4)

Division V – Midwest A | Monday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. CST
Score: Carthage 2, Cornell Purple 1

Carthage Valorant won its third straight Fall 2026 NECC regular-season match after starting 0-1. In Week Three, Firebirds Valorant swept St. Ambrose University Club 2-0 in an off-stream, best-of-three series. Last Monday, Carthage secured a 2-1 series win after dropping the first map.

Four weeks into Division V – Midwest A competition, Carthage (3-1, 6-4) has sole possession of fourth place in the regular-season standings. The top four teams in Stages A and B of a given conference advance to the playoffs. If Firebirds Valorant can remain in the top four of Midwest A, they will qualify for the Division V – Midwest playoffs after their Week Seven match on Monday, Nov. 9.

Carthage Valorant's roster contains senior captain Sergio Musaitef (Gio), second-year transfer Charlie Post (Opt1mal), first-year transfer Brayden Vandewalle (Aerodynamic), and juniors Aiden Hecht (Hecht) and Ryan Rivera (Righreanden). Second-year transfer Thalia Sullivan (Jellyfish) did not play in this series.

Map One (Abyss / 13-11 Loss)

• For the opening map, both the Firebirds and Rams began on Abyss. This map features two spike sites and a central lane with significant verticality and jump shortcuts that require precise navigation, making it well suited to both snipers and players who can use movement abilities.
• The Rams recorded more kills (94-81), assists (47-35), and spike plants (10-8). Although Carthage recorded more spike defuses (4-2), Cornell's higher kill count proved decisive in a close Map One victory. Rivera led the Firebirds with 11 assists, while Vandewalle was the only player to maintain a positive kill-to-death ratio (26-18). Cornell's top performer was Sleepy G, who recorded a series-high 31 kills alongside 14 deaths (2.21 K/D), 16 assists, and three spike plants.

Map Two (Lotus / 13-7 Win)

• Down 1-0 in the series, Firebirds Valorant competed on Lotus, a map they lost 13-6 against the Governors State University (GSU) Jaguars in Week Two. However, cleaner gunplay helped Carthage earn a 13-7 victory. Lotus features an ancient Indian-inspired temple with three distinct spike sites (A, B, and C). Its layout includes two rotating stone doors, a destructible wall that opens new pathways when broken, and a silent drop ledge.
• Carthage recorded more kills (83-63), assists (39-37), spike plants (9-7), and spike defuses (4-1). Post (23-13, 1.77 K/D, six assists) and Rivera (20-12, 1.67 K/D, nine assists) both had strong performances. Hecht recorded 11 assists and planted the spike four times. For Cornell, Sleepy G stood out once more, finishing 19-17 (1.12 K/D) with nine assists.

Map Three (Split / 13-3 Win)

• With the series tied 1-1, the Firebirds and Rams played the deciding map on Split. In Week Two against GSU, Carthage secured a 13-10 victory and recorded 90 kills as a unit. Split is a vertical, urban-themed Japanese map defined by its extreme verticality, narrow chokepoints, and rope ascenders (ziplines) that allow rapid movement between high and low ground.
• Unlike on the previous maps, Firebirds Valorant defeated the Rams decisively, recording more eliminations (73-45) and assists (56-18). Post stood tall, finishing 21-7 (3.00 K/D). Additionally, Hecht, Post, Rivera, and Vandewalle all recorded 10 or more assists.

Fall 2026 NECC Regular-Season Player Statistics Through Week Four – Carthage Valorant

• Brayden Vandewalle (Aerodynamic): 201 kills, 143 deaths (1.41 K/D), 64 assists, three spike plants, four spike defuses
• Charlie Post (Opt1mal): 185 kills, 130 deaths (1.42 K/D), 79 assists, 33 spike plants, 15 spike defuses
• Ryan Rivera (Righreanden): 148 kills, 142 deaths (1.04 K/D), 93 assists, 12 spike plants, one spike defuse
• Sergio Musaitef (Gio): 101 kills, 103 deaths (0.98 K/D), 47 assists, three spike plants, four spike defuses
• Aiden Hecht (Hecht): 90 kills, 109 deaths (0.83 K/D), 56 assists, 10 spike plants, three spike defuses
• Thalia Sullivan (Jellyfish): 19 kills, 28 deaths (0.68 K/D), 17 assists, one spike plant, one spike defuse

Player Reflection: Ryan Rivera

"Overall, we have done well in the Fall 2026 NECC season after a 0-1 start. By having a consistent composition, the team has been able to string together quality wins. For these last three weeks, the team is looking to continue winning matches and make the playoffs."

As of this writing, Carthage Valorant (4-1, 8-4) has defeated UW-Milwaukee Panthers Club White (2-2, 4-5) in an off-stream, best-of-three NECC Week Five series. The match took place yesterday and will be discussed in the Fall 2026 NECC Week Five recap.

Fall 2026 NECC Week Four Recap – Carthage Smash Bros. (1-3) against Augustana College Vikings Club Blue (2-2)

Division IV – Midwest A | Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. CST
Score: Augustana Blue 2, Carthage 0

Carthage Smash competed in a livestreamed, best-of-three series against College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) rival Augustana Vikings Club Blue. In Week Three, Firebirds Smash were victorious after an exciting best-of-three series against Missouri State University (MSU) Bears Club Black (1-3, 4-7). Carthage earned a 2-1 series win after gutsy Set Two and Set Three performances by Rylee Preston (Ender), who claimed 14 stocks in total. Preston overcame a 6-3 deficit in Set Two and a 5-3 deficit in Set Three.

However, Firebirds Smash were swept 2-0 by Vikings Club Blue in Week Four. As a result of the loss, Carthage College (1-3, 3-7) is tied for seventh place in the Fall 2026 NECC Division IV – Midwest A regular-season standings with the University of Illinois (UIC) Club Blue (1-3, 3-7). With three weeks left in the regular season, Firebirds Smash face a tough schedule. The team will play the University of Missouri Academy Black (3-1, 7-2) in Week Five, UIC Club Blue in Week Six, and East Central University Tigers Varsity Red (4-0, 8-1) in Week Seven.

Carthage Smash's roster consists of senior captain Alex Chuluunbat (ParaMedx), juniors Shannon Pasters (MintMelee) and Rylee Preston (Ender), and freshmen Angel Lopez (CH3CKM8TE) and Gianna Wiley (ATH33NA).

In the NECC, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate uses a "Crew Battle" format. Crew Battles are team competitions in which two groups of players face off in a series of one-on-one matches. When a player loses, they switch with a teammate, while the winner stays in and may face a new opponent from the other team. The match continues until one team loses all its stocks. Each team consists of four players, each with three stocks, for a total of 12. In a best-of-three format, this process is repeated for each set.

Set One (2-0 Augustana Blue Win)

Wiley (Pyra/Mythra) started things out for Carthage against MiteHF (R.O.B. the Robot) from Augustana on the Town & City stage. In this fight, both players battled down to their last stocks. Wiley landed two great forward smashes on MiteHF as Pyra. Meanwhile, MiteHF became a difference-maker, utilizing R.O.B.'s gyro discs and a devastating bury into an up-smash combo. To win the round, MiteHF quickly used an up-air to eliminate Wiley after tying the stock count at 1-1. Thus, Augustana jumped out to a 10-9 stock lead.

Then, Lopez (Joker) battled MiteHF, who carried one stock over from the previous exchange with Wiley. Lopez eventually eliminated MiteHF with a timely forward smash. However, Lopez was left with only two stocks after MiteHF grabbed him, boosted up, and slammed him onto a Town & City platform. Despite MiteHF's elimination, Augustana maintained its one-stock lead (9-8).

Next, Augustana Club Blue sent in WhiteCanvas (Jigglypuff) to face Lopez. Both players battled on the Kalos stage. This time, Lopez struggled against Jigglypuff. WhiteCanvas did a nice job of floating around Lopez and making him waste a couple of Arsène charges. For those unfamiliar, Arsène is a persona ability that increases the damage of Joker's base moveset. WhiteCanvas kept all their stocks while eliminating Lopez with a few throws and levitating forward kicks. As a result, Vikings Club Blue jumped out to a 9-6 advantage.

Preston (ZSS) entered as Carthage's third fighter to take on WhiteCanvas. Week Three's hero came alive on Small Battlefield in an even three-stock bout. It started with Preston tasing WhiteCanvas off the right ledge, preventing WhiteCanvas from recovering. Then, WhiteCanvas damaged Preston and evened the stock count at two with a thunderous up-smash. Once Preston respawned, he caught WhiteCanvas at an off-angle on the right ledge and landed a timely forward air. From there, Preston remained disciplined as WhiteCanvas got down to their last stock. While both players hovered around 100% damage, Preston pierced through WhiteCanvas' shield bubble with a plasma whip side-B to win the round.

Preston cut the deficit to 6-5 and went on to battle SamWise (Wii Fit Trainer). SamWise eliminated Preston after an impressive performance as Wii Fit Trainer. SamWise utilized the soccer ball side-B, deep-breath down-B to keep stamina up, and several smash attacks. Preston, though, stayed in the fight, hitting a signature stun-and-up-B combo and a back-air later in the round. However, SamWise used the soccer ball and neutral-B sun attacks to discombobulate Preston on the left ledge of Pokémon Stadium 2. With Preston forced to land near a platform, SamWise took advantage and hit a nasty back-air.

At this point, Augustana Club Blue led 4-3, with Chuluunbat (Bowser) on deck and SamWise still active with one stock. In a brief fight, Chuluunbat eliminated SamWise while losing a stock himself on the Hollow Bastion stage. Although Chuluunbat intended to stay clean, SamWise caught him looking the wrong way while trying to hit a side-B slam. This caused Chuluunbat to drop to two stocks before knocking SamWise out with a big forward-tilt punch.

For Set One's final fight, Matt (Yoshi) entered to close out Chuluunbat, who was down one stock. On Hollow Bastion, Matt won the fight while keeping two stocks. His first knockout came after trapping Chuluunbat under Hollow Bastion's right ledge. This cut off Chuluunbat's recovery range with Bowser's vertical shell spin. In between Matt's defining moments, Chuluunbat hit a side-B slam to force Matt down to two stocks. Then, Matt continued to rack up damage on Chuluunbat and eventually eliminated him for good with a downward headbutt.

Set Two (4-0 Augustana Blue Win)

Pasters (Banjo & Kazooie) began Set Two for Firebirds Smash against Matt (Yoshi) on Pokémon Stadium 2. Matt secured a three-stock performance against Pasters, losing no stocks himself. Matt successfully countered Banjo & Kazooie's "Wonderwing" side-B, which gives Pasters an invincible attack unless the opposition shields in time. Pasters ran into a problem because Matt consistently used Yoshi's egg to block the Wonderwing. As a result, Matt gained momentum and pummeled Pasters with forward headbutts and a devastating ground pound. Augustana Club Blue went up 12-9.

Lopez (Joker) entered as the second fighter and took on Matt. Overall, it was an entertaining fight, as both players used great aerial moves. Ultimately, it came down to a one-stock fight in which Matt narrowly edged out a round win while reaching 176% damage. On Smashville, Matt caught Lopez in the air with a vertical tail wag to seal the deal. Vikings Club Blue increased their lead to 10-6. On Hollow Bastion, Matt faced Chuluunbat (Bowser). After taking eight consecutive Carthage stocks, Chuluunbat took out Matt with a vicious side-B slam. However, Matt had taken Chuluunbat down to his last stock with another ledge trap and an up-B-to-forward-smash combo.

As WhiteCanvas (Jigglypuff) entered, Augustana Club Blue held an 8-3 lead. On Small Battlefield, WhiteCanvas cleaned up Chuluunbat, who had one stock left after an intentional self-destruction. Preston (ZSS) faced his toughest stock deficit yet as a closer. He began on Small Battlefield against WhiteCanvas. After losing one of his three stocks, Preston stayed composed and read WhiteCanvas' floaty movements to win the round.

From there, Preston awaited Augustana Club Blue's third player, SamWise (Wii Fit Trainer). SamWise got Preston down to his last stock after a soccer-ball-to-sun combo on Pokémon Stadium 2. Once again, though, Preston was unfazed by the massive deficit and kept fighting, even getting SamWise down to a single stock. Preston dodged SamWise's maneuvers and inflicted 125 damage on him.

However, Preston himself reached 160% damage, which favored SamWise. In the end, SamWise broke through Preston's shield bubble with a spine-curling up-smash, guiding Augustana Club Blue to a 2-0 sweep.

Fall 2026 NECC Regular-Season Player Stats Through Week Four – Carthage Smash

• Rylee Preston (Ender): 38 stocks claimed, 24 falls
• Angel Lopez (CH3CKM8TE): 28 stocks claimed, 29 falls
• Alex Chuluunbat (ParaMedx): 27 stocks claimed, 30 falls
• Gianna Wiley (ATH33NA): Eight stocks claimed, 18 falls
• Shannon Pasters (MintMelee): Four stocks claimed, 12 falls

Carthage Smash (1-3, 3-7) will prepare for a livestreamed, best-of-three NECC Week Five series against the University of Missouri Tigers Academy Black (3-1, 7-2) tonight at 8 p.m. CST.

Fall 2026 NECC Week Four Recap – Carthage Marvel Rivals (1-3) against Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) Bulldogs Varsity Blue (3-1)

Division III – West Central B | Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. CST
Score: SOSU Blue 3, Carthage 0

Carthage Marvel Rivals completed an off-stream, best-of-five series against SOSU Bulldogs Varsity Blue. It was the third consecutive loss for the Firebirds since starting 1-0 after a Week One victory against Texas Tech University Raiders Club Scarlett (1-3, 4-10). In Week Two, Carthage suffered a 3-1 loss against the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Broncos Varsity Blue (1-3, 5-10). This week, the team suffered a 3-0 sweep.

With this loss, Carthage College (1-3, 4-9) dropped to seventh place in the Fall 2026 NECC Division III – West Central B regular-season standings. With three weeks left, the Firebirds' playoff chances are slimmer. However, there is still time for them to mount a midseason comeback.

Carthage Marvel Rivals' NECC Week Four game-day roster included senior Ethan Anderson (Snowstorm), alongside freshmen Jacob Cooper (Void), Hayden Nelson (Hazzick), Matthew Santiago (Lumen), Michael Santiago (Vader), and Anna Westbrook (BambeeBirdie).

For the Firebirds, Hollis and Michael Santiago primarily play Vanguards; Nelson and Matthew Santiago are Duelists; and Cooper and Westbrook are Strategists. However, players may swap roles from time to time to maintain flexibility.

Map One: Birnin T'Challa – Domination (SOSU Wins 2-0)

SOSU Blue controlled the opening map with a decisive 2-0 sweep in Domination, suppressing Carthage's offense to just four total kills across the entire lineup. ZaneJamin earned in-game MVP honors by leading all players with 22 kills, 17,155 forced damage, and 27,335 blocked damage. The Bulldogs' damage output was further bolstered by Afersie (21 kills, 12 final hits, 12,755 damage) and Muppin (18 kills, 14 assists, and 8,305 damage). The Firebirds struggled to break through point defenses, though Anderson earned SVP with 13,809 healing.

Map Two: Tokyo 2099 (Shin-Shibuya) – Convergence (SOSU Wins 1-0)

Building on their momentum, Bulldogs Blue won 1-0 in Convergence behind a balanced, high-efficiency team assault. Teo claimed in-game MVP honors as a Strategist, leading the teams with 22 assists, 18 kills, and 19,757 healing. Muppin locked down the front line with 20 kills, six final hits, and 32,356 blocked damage. Meanwhile, ZaneJamin topped the damage charts with 20,135 forced damage and 35,015 blocked damage.

Carthage's offense became more effective as Matthew Santiago finished with 21,179 damage and nine kills. Michael Santiago did a solid job as a Vanguard, dealing 19,368 damage and blocking 34,077 damage. However, SOSU Blue's backline healing duo of Mr. Waffle (21,668 healing) and Teo proved too durable to overcome.

Map Three: Tokyo 2099 (Spider-Islands) – Convoy (SOSU Wins 1-0)

Concluding the series, SOSU Blue held the Firebirds to zero points in Convoy. Muppin earned in-game MVP honors with a dominant 23-kill performance, recording 11 final hits and 16,151 damage. Afersie added 20 kills and 10 final hits, while ZaneJamin recorded 25 assists. The Firebirds managed only five kills across their entire roster. Westbrook earned SVP for a defensive effort that included 14,534 blocked damage and two final hits.

Fall 2026 NECC Regular-Season Player Stats Through Week Four – Carthage Marvel Rivals

• Michael Santiago (Vanguard): 195 kills, 88 deaths, 112 assists, 308,354 forced damage, 600,961 mitigated damage
• Anna Westbrook (Vanguard): 132 kills, 99 deaths, 45 assists, 164,044 forced damage, 246,157 mitigated damage
• Adam Hollis (Vanguard/Duelist): 93 kills, 59 deaths, 13 assists, 116,426 forced damage, 88,726 mitigated damage
• Matthew Santiago (Duelist/Strategist): 154 kills, 46 deaths, 89 assists, 185,468 forced damage, 133,369 healing
• Hayden Nelson (Duelist): 128 kills, 96 deaths, 16 assists, 204,164 forced damage
• Ethan Anderson (Strategist): 129 kills, 61 deaths, 167 assists, 311,554 healing
• Jacob Cooper (Strategist): 75 kills, 58 deaths, 140 assists, 221,287 healing

Player Reflection: Ethan Anderson

"Our season has been a little shaky. Every week, there's some role switch with someone, then we go back. From there, we discuss and plan for the same switch again. This has affected our performance, since we do not have set roles. Because of this, we are having a hard time planning and making specific team compositions. The positives are that we are becoming more stable, assembling team compositions, and have received recommendations from Coach Kyle Ng. As time has passed, I have noticed a lot of great high-level individual skill and game knowledge in our top players. As we continue to practice, things will be smoother. With some of the losses we've had, I am confident we beat those teams in a second-chance scenario. We have the individual skill; we just need to get our synergy and chemistry up. As long as we plan things out and are taught the right things, we should be better."

Carthage Marvel Rivals (1-3, 4-9) will prepare for an off-stream, best-of-three NECC Week Five series against the University of Colorado Boulder Varsity Gold (3-1, 9-6) tonight at 8 p.m. CST.

Fall 2026 NECC Week Four Recap – Carthage RL Red (3-1) against the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Club Orange (3-1)

Division III – Central A | Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. CST
Score: UIUC Orange 4, Carthage Red 3

Carthage RL Red completed a Week Four off-stream, best-of-seven series against UIUC Club Orange. Last week, Firebirds Red defeated the University of Illinois (UIC) Red 4-1 after the series was tied 1-1. However, the team suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 series loss against UIUC Club Orange. With their Week Four loss, Carthage RL Red (3-1, 11-5) remains in second place in the Fall 2026 NECC Division III – Central A regular-season standings, ahead of UIUC Club Orange (3-1, 11-7).

Carthage RL Red's roster includes a sophomore trio consisting of captain Owen Perry (Kor), Kyle Branski (xray), and Jimmy Prims (ItsSlurp17, also known as ThePrimReaper). Throughout this series, Firebirds Red competed against Peaceful, Small, and Stress from UIUC Club Orange.

In Game One, UIUC Club Orange won 3-1. Each member scored at least once, and Small anchored the defense with three saves. Branski became the lone scorer for Firebirds Red. Although Carthage recorded five total demolitions, it wasn't enough to stop UIUC's 3-for-8 shooting performance.

In Game Two, Firebirds Red earned a 1-0 win courtesy of a Branski goal. Perry anchored the defense with two saves. Then, UIUC Club Orange earned a 4-1 Game Three victory, highlighted by two goals each from Small and Stress. Although both teams recorded 10 shots on net, UIUC accumulated more demolitions (6-4), which made an impact down the stretch.

Next, Carthage rebounded with a 3-1 win in Game Four. This time, Branski, Perry, and Prims each scored once. It became another physical slugfest as UIUC recorded eight demolitions and 10 shots on net. However, Firebirds Red were ready for the challenge, recording six saves as a team and converting three of nine shots. Conversely, UIUC Club Orange converted one of 10 shots.

In Game Five, Firebirds Red gained a 3-2 series lead after Perry scored off an assist from Prims. Carthage's defense limited UIUC Club Orange to four shots on net and overcame six demolitions in the process.

However, UIUC Club Orange exploded offensively in Game Six, winning 5-1. For the first time in the series, the team did not rely on demolitions. Instead, UIUC Club Orange let its efficient shooting do the talking. Stress recorded a hat trick, while Peaceful and Small added one goal each. As a team, UIUC Club Orange converted five of eight shots. Conversely, Firebirds Red converted one of five shots, with Prims scoring the team's only goal.

Lastly, UIUC Club Orange clinched the series with a 3-1 victory. Once more, Stress stood out on the stat sheet, scoring twice, while Peaceful added one goal. The offense recorded twice as many shots on net as Carthage (10-5), setting the tone not only in Game Seven but in Game Six as well.

As a team, Carthage RL Red was outperformed in every major statistical category: goals (16-9), assists (12-7), saves (30-28), shots (56-50), and demolitions (29-22). Despite the loss, Firebirds Red remain confident in their abilities down the stretch.

Fall 2026 NECC Regular-Season Player Stats Through Week Four – Carthage RL Red

• Owen Perry (Kor): 16 goals, 11 assists, 24 saves, 74 shots, 22 demos, 22% shooting
• Kyle Branski (xray): 12 goals, six assists, 23 saves, 37 shots, 14 demos, 32% shooting
• Jimmy Prims (Slurp): Eight goals, seven assists, 21 saves, 37 shots, 14 demos, 22% shooting

Player Reflection: Kyle Branski

"We have done well so far in the [Fall 2026] NECC season. We definitely felt snubbed of Division II and thought we should have been there. Instead of leading on that mentality, we have focused on working our way through Division III as well. We played exceptional Rocket League through our first three series without too much adversity, and only lost in a Game Seven to our Midwest Collegiate Rocket League (MCRL) rivals UIUC [Club Orange], who are quite good. I believe they should also be in Division II because they are among the best Division II teams right next to us. However, we need to keep doing our thing and stay confident to make plays and win matches."

Carthage RL Red (3-1, 11-5) will prepare for an off-stream, best-of-seven NECC Week Five series against Illinois State University (ISU) Redbirds Varsity (5-0, 16-4) on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. CST.

Fall 2026 NECC Week Four Recap – Carthage RL Black (1-3) against Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Club Blue (1-2)

Division III – Central B | Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. CST
Score: Carthage Black 4, GVSU Blue 2

Carthage RL Black completed an off-stream, best-of-seven series against Grand Valley State University Club Blue. Last week, Firebirds Black were swept 4-0 by Robert Morris University (RMU) Club Red (4-0, 16-7). This week, the team rebounded to win its first Fall 2026 NECC regular-season match by a 4-2 score. Despite the victory, Carthage RL Black (1-3, 7-14) remains last in the Division III – Central B regular-season standings.

The starting lineup included senior captain Penn Gilchrist (Pixlr), senior Lucas Menzer (Joystik), and junior Kaliek Wade (Akko). Throughout this series, Firebirds Black competed against Graybon, Relic, and Wheats.

Game One ended in a 3-2 overtime win for Firebirds Black after a shootout. Gilchrist scored his first goal within 40 seconds. However, Graybon retaliated for GVSU Blue. With the score tied 1-1, Firebirds Black stayed patient, and Menzer found an open passing lane to help Gilchrist score his second goal. Before regulation expired, Graybon scored again. Then, both teams endured a 1-minute, 35-second overtime period. In the end, Wade stepped up and made a huge play to secure a dramatic win. As a team, Firebirds Black recorded 14 shots on net and seven saves. Meanwhile, GVSU Blue recorded 11 shots on net and six saves.

GVSU Blue responded with a 5-3 Game Two victory after building a 3-1 lead early. Relic became the hero for GVSU Blue, scoring three times. Wade opened the scoring for Carthage, forcing a 1-1 tie before Relic regained the lead for GVSU. In the second half, Gilchrist and Menzer scored consecutive goals to tie the game at 3-3. However, Firebirds Black could not contain GVSU Blue's offensive momentum as Relic continued his scoring run. After GVSU Blue took a 4-3 lead, Wheats scored an insurance goal. Seven of GVSU's 10 shots on net came from Relic alone.

Game Three ended in a 1-0 overtime win for Carthage. After the high-scoring second game, both defenses stepped up. Neither team scored in regulation, leading to a 1-minute, 5-second overtime period. In the end, Wade threaded the needle to Menzer, who drilled in the game-winning shot. Firebirds Black limited GVSU Blue's offense to just four shots, all from Relic. Meanwhile, Carthage recorded 14 shots on net, while GVSU Blue's defense recorded 12 saves. These statistics illustrate how narrow the margin of error became and how the Firebirds stepped up when needed.

In Game Four, GVSU Blue's offense earned a commanding 7-3 win. It started with four unanswered goals—three by Wheats and one from Relic. In response, Gilchrist and Menzer scored consecutively, cutting the deficit to 4-2. However, GVSU Blue scored three more goals before time expired—two by Graybon and a fourth by Wheats. Although Menzer helped Carthage maintain a two-goal deficit with his second score, the defense had no answers.

Carthage regained control with a 2-1 Game Five victory. Firebirds Black secured the win in regulation after a three-minute defensive struggle. Menzer scored twice, with one goal assisted by Gilchrist immediately following a kickoff. Although Graybon cut the deficit to 2-1, GVSU Blue could not force overtime. As a team, GVSU recorded 13 shots on net, while Carthage made eight saves. Carthage's defense also cleared three shots in the final minute of regulation—two from Relic and one from Wheats.

In Game Six, Firebirds Black clinched the series with a 4-3 victory. All four goals came from Gilchrist, who converted four of five shots and recorded two saves. At one point, Gilchrist pushed his team to a 3-1 lead. Although GVSU Blue's offense continued to chip away at the lead, it could not force overtime. Relic finished with two goals for GVSU Blue, while Wheats added one.

Fall 2026 NECC Regular-Season Player Stats Through Week Four – Carthage RL Black

• Penn Gilchrist (Pixlr): 21 goals, 12 assists, 32 saves, 66 shots, 23 demos, 32% shooting*
• Lucas Menzer (Joystik): 15 goals, 14 assists, 32 saves, 45 shots, 32 demos, 33% shooting*
• Kaliek Wade (Akko): Four goals, seven assists, 21 saves, 46 shots, 27 demos, 9% shooting*
• Ben Lagerhausen (Cosmic): Two goals, one assist, four saves, six shots, 33% shooting*

*Some statistical information is missing.
Player Reflection: Lucas Menzer

"Well, we got our first win of the season against GVSU Blue. We've changed how we warm up and prepare for NECC matches. Unlike earlier this season, the team has gotten into an hour-long scrimmage routine before a given match. This approach works because an NECC series, on average, contains better opponents and is longer than our other leagues [MCRL and WEC]. I'm hoping we perform well throughout the remainder of the [Fall 2026 NECC] season to make the playoffs."

Carthage RL Black (1-3, 7-14) will prepare for an off-stream, best-of-seven NECC Week Five series against Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) Varsity Red (2-2, 11-12) on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. CST.

Fall 2026 NECC Week Four Recap – Carthage OW Red (2-1) against William & Mary Griffin Varsity (3-1)

Division II – West Central B | Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8:30 p.m. CST
Score: William & Mary 3, Carthage Red 2

Carthage OW Red completed a rescheduled, off-stream, best-of-five series against William & Mary Griffin Varsity. Because of several reschedules, Firebirds Red have not followed the weekly NECC schedule. Before this match, Carthage OW Red competed against Wright State University Gold (0-4, 2-12) in a livestreamed, best-of-five series on Friday, Oct. 9. There, the team completed a 3-0 sweep on Control (Samoa), Hybrid (Neon Junction), and Flashpoint (Suravasa).

A Week Three match against the Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) Titans Varsity Silver (2-1, 8-5) was rescheduled from Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. CST, to Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. CST, because of a campus-wide fall break. Instead of an on-stream appearance, this match will take place off-stream at the Esports Arena.

This Week Four match against William & Mary Griffin Varsity (3-1, 11-7) was also moved, from an on-stream appearance on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. CST, to an off-stream appearance on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8:30 p.m. CST. As a result, Carthage OW Red has competed in only three matches within the first four weeks of Fall 2026 NECC Division II – West Central B competition.

Carthage OW Red's roster includes senior captain Mason Stenger (zXc), senior Joy Schultz (JumpyWizard), and juniors Billy Flanagan (ChickenFries), Adam Hollis (Hollister09), and Deacon Kirvan (FerociousPig). Together, this team achieved significant success in the 2025-26 competitive year, winning consecutive Division IV NECC conference titles in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, along with the 2026 Division III NECC Nationals.

Last Saturday, Carthage and William & Mary competed in the following game modes, in order: Control (Ilios), Flashpoint (New Junk City), Hybrid (Paraíso), Push (Esperança), and Escort (Grímsvötn). William & Mary started with a 2-1 Control win on Ilios, followed by a 3-0 sweep in Flashpoint on New Junk City.

Down 2-0, Firebirds Red aimed to mount a comeback and pull off an impressive reverse sweep. Carthage OW Red earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory in Hybrid on Paraíso, scoring just enough points to beat William & Mary. Then, Firebirds Red edged William & Mary while guiding a robot in Push on Esperança. As Map Five approached, Carthage OW Red had come back from a 2-0 deficit. However, William & Mary played stellar defense, holding Carthage to one offensive point while the Griffins earned two of their own.

As a result of this narrow loss, Carthage OW Red (2-1, 8-3) occupies fourth place in the Fall 2026 NECC Division II – West Central B regular-season standings. William & Mary Griffin Varsity is directly ahead of the Firebirds, while IWU Titans Varsity Silver sits below them. As the Fall 2026 NECC regular season continues, Firebirds Red have work to do as the postseason approaches.

Carthage OW Red (2-1, 8-3) will prepare for a rescheduled, off-stream, best-of-five NECC Week Three series against IWU Titans Varsity Silver (2-1, 8-5) on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. CST. Then, Firebirds Red will return for a livestreamed, best-of-five NECC Week Five series against Illinois State University (ISU) Redbirds Varsity (3-1, 11-5) on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. CST.

Fall 2026 NECC Week Four Recap – Carthage OW Black (3-1) against UW-Stevens Point Club Gold (1-3)

Division VI – Central B | Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. CST
Score: Carthage Black 3, UWSP Gold 0

Since the last Fall 2026 NECC recap, Carthage OW Black has reached a 3-1 overall record and a 10-5 map record in Division VI – Central B. Like its varsity counterpart, Firebirds Red, Firebirds Black had to reschedule one of their matches because of the campus-wide fall break. Their Week Three match against Waldorf University Club Purple (2-1, 6-4) was moved from Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. CST, to Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. CST. Because of this change, along with Firebirds Red shifting their Week Three and Four matches, Firebirds Black were livestreamed. This section highlights their Week Three and Four matches.

Carthage OW Black's roster consists of senior captain Ethan Anderson (Snowstorm), juniors Ryan Rivera (Righreanden) and Kaliek Wade (Akko), sophomores Alek Miech (Stewie) and Jena Pillman (Jenny), and freshman Brayden Pawlak (Precmanx68).

As a result of their Week Three and Four victories, Carthage OW Black (3-1, 10-5) has moved up to second place in the Fall 2026 NECC Division VI – Central B regular-season standings. The team's only loss came against Buena Vista Beavers Club Gold (4-0, 12-5) in Week One. Since then, Firebirds Black have won three straight and have solid momentum entering the second half of the regular season.

First, Carthage OW Black battled Waldorf University Club Purple in the following game modes: Control (Busan), Push (Esperança), and Hybrid (Midtown). Firebirds Black came away with a 3-0 series sweep.

• Control (Busan): Carthage won 2-0 by taking two central objectives and reaching a 100% capture rate. Everyone on the team performed well, including Pillman (Tank), who finished with 23 eliminations, seven assists, 9,537 forced damage, and 9,976 mitigated damage. Wade led the DPS position with 22 eliminations, accounting for 64% of team eliminations, and recorded 10,117 damage. Meanwhile, Anderson and Pawlak generated balanced healing outputs of 9,158 and 9,219, respectively.
• Push (Esperança): Carthage won 1-0 by guiding a robot from a central starting point to an end location about 135 meters away. Firebirds Black were dominant, dying only eight times as a team. Rivera and Wade combined for 26 DPS eliminations and well over 9,500 damage.
• Hybrid (Midtown): Carthage won 3-0 by capturing a central point, unlocking a payload, and guiding it to an end location to earn all three possible offensive points. Carthage OW Black also played strong defense. Miech served as the Tank and put together an outstanding stat line, finishing Map Three with 29 eliminations, 11,823 forced damage, and 11,542 mitigated damage. Although Firebirds Black felt some pressure on defense, Anderson and Pawlak stabilized the team, combining for 53 assists and nearly 18,000 healing. On DPS, Rivera and Wade combined for 47 eliminations and roughly 8,300 damage.

Next, Carthage OW Black battled UWSP Club Gold (1-3, 3-9) in the following game modes: Control (Busan), Push (Esperança), and Hybrid (Midtown). Firebirds Black came away with another 3-0 series sweep.

• Control (Busan): Carthage won 2-1, led by Pillman's 39 eliminations and 14,044 forced damage. Wade stood out in the DPS department, recording 32 eliminations and 15,020 damage. Meanwhile, Anderson and Pawlak combined for 58 assists and more than 22,000 healing to keep Carthage OW Black afloat during Map One.
• Escort (Grímsvötn): Carthage won 1-0 after denying UWSP Club Gold any offensive points and securing one offensive point of its own. Miech played Tank and finished with 19 eliminations, matching Wade's output. Rivera recorded 15 eliminations and 7,126 damage. Additionally, Anderson and Pawlak remained consistent, combining for 37 assists and more than 16,400 healing.
• Flashpoint (New Junk City): Carthage won 3-1 by capturing enough smaller points throughout the map. Rivera impressed with 30 eliminations and 9,209 damage, exemplifying the phrase "quality over quantity." Miech remained at Tank and finished with 26 eliminations, 12,781 forced damage, and 6,179 mitigated damage.

Fall 2026 NECC Regular-Season Player Stats Through Week Four – Carthage OW Black

• Jena Pillman (Tank): 201 eliminations, 98,448 forced damage, 67,516 mitigated damage
• Alek Miech (Tank): 98 eliminations, 53,357 forced damage, 43,042 mitigated damage
• Ryan Rivera (DPS): 280 eliminations, 107,686 forced damage
• Kaliek Wade (DPS): 279 eliminations, 116,384 forced damage
• Ethan Anderson (SPT): 276 assists, 61 deaths (lowest on team), 133,088 healing
• Brayden Pawlak (SPT): 271 assists, 62 deaths, 127,115 healing

Dual Postgame Interviews – Carthage Black

TJ Buchmann interviews Kaliek Wade; Billy Flanagan interviews Ethan Anderson

Carthage OW Black (3-1, 10-5) will prepare for an off-stream, best-of-five NECC Week Five series against Purdue University Boilermakers Club Pink (2-2, 9-7) on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. CST. Carthage Esports is currently in season with NECC and WEC competition. Fall 2026 NECC livestreams are scheduled for Smash Bros. (Tuesdays), Rainbow Six (Wednesdays), and Overwatch (Fridays). This schedule applies to regular-season matches from the week of Sept. 28 through the week of Nov. 9. 

Follow @carthageesports on social media to stay updated on content involving the upcoming Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 seasons. Follow our Twitch channel to be notified when broadcasts go live. Lastly, be on the lookout for recaps on the Carthage Athletics – Esports page as the Fall 2026 NECC and WEC seasons continue.