NIU’s Overwatch varsity team faced off against Western Michigan University at 7 p.m. Tuesday, which marked their ninth match as part of the Esports Collegiate Conference. Two teams of seven players went head-to-head for the potential of playing in the playoff season.

“This would be a very important win tonight. It would be good for the team, both for our standings in the playoffs, and for the confidence of the players,” NIU esports coach Jakob Furgat said.

Western Michigan stood as a formidable rival during the match, and NIU knew this, expecting any victories to be hard fought. The first and second round fell in WMU’s favor, and though NIU gained important information and made a strong effort in the third round, their efforts fell short.

At the end of it all, NIU suffered a grave defeat, losing in a three-match sweep. Though the team as a whole felt discouraged over this loss, the players’ composure was strong. They had recognized what faults they had seen in their gameplay, and the knowledge of their adaptation carried through to that final round.

NIU’s current record leaves much to be desired. The team stands at three victories and six losses over the course of the current season. It will be difficult for the team to find a strong place in the playoffs as their chances for success dwindle.

The team still has chances to triumph, however, as they have three more matches to play before the end of the season. “We just need to do our best, keep pushing forward, and give it all that we can,” Furgat said. 

NIU’s next Overwatch match will be against Central Michigan University at 7 p.m. Thursday. The match will be streamed to the NIU Esports Twitch channel.