Humber Esports’ first loss of the season came swiftly in the College Legion of Legions East champions division on Jan. 24.
According to tournament organizers, the Riot Scholastic Association of America (RSAA), Humber moved up to the highest division from the previous season’s open tier after being knocked out in the quarter-finals by St. Clair College.
Assistant Coach Brandon “J Beats” Tran said the first games blow-out loss was due to individual misplays.
“They stay a little bit longer (in a fight) because they’re trying to get ‘this’ item,” Tran said. “Sometimes it might be better to just reset.”
He said the losses were also due to player fatigue.
New member Cihan “Astronaut” Goncuoglu played the match the same day he returned from his vacation, Tran said.
The second match had “disrespectful picks,” he said.
Player James “LilSturr” Sturrock said the team composition was insulting.
“We saw what they drafted in game two, and we were lowkey insulted,” Sturrock said. “Our win in the second set was because, partially, they disrespected us.”
According to the RSAA, the Université du Québec à Montréal character selections consisted of Yasuo The Unforgiven, Jayce The Defender of Tomorrow, Veigar The Tiny Master of Evil, Kai'Sa Daughter Of The Void and Malphite Shard of the Monolith.
Tran said he attributes the win to the counter-picks from Humber and the well-played early game, which positioned Humber to gain the advantage and get the second map win.
“Those players that got the gold were the key champions that can carry the game,” Tran said.
In the third and final map, Humber went behind early with gold totals and couldn’t win crucial duels, Sturrock said.
Humber selected the champion’s best for a team fight. “Unfortunately, we got to far behind to make that comp work,” he said.
“When you’re versing a good team, and they get a lead, everything matters,” Sturrock said.
He said the team wants to improve for the upcoming season and knows what needs to be done.
“We realized that communication was the biggest problem,” Sturrock said during the team’s following practice.
Tran said there are some roster changes this season, as the team is missing their key shot-callers from last season.
He said Kyle “Kairuu” Nguyen moved to the starter position from being a sub the previous year and Goncuoglu is a new addition to the roster.
Tran said the expectations are to gain vital experience but also to have fun and do their best.
“We can keep up with these teams that are considered the best teams in the league,” Tran said.
