NIU’s varsity “Overwatch” team faced difficult trials as they battled Northeastern University Thursday. This was the final match before the beginning of the playoff season, and the stakes stood high for both teams.

When inquired about his thoughts on the matchup prior to the games ahead, coach Jakob Furgat detailed that he was anxious about the results of the game.

“The odds for making it into the playoffs depend on how we do today,” Furgat said.

However, he wasn’t entirely shaken.

“It’s my third year coaching, so these nerves don’t feel as bad as they used to. It’s just another game as far as I’m concerned,” Furgat said.

This game held great importance for the varsity team, as it would stand to determine their chances at being seeded well for the playoff season later in the semester. The more the team wins, the stronger the opponents they would have to face. With this last game, it would be their last chance to directly give themselves a fighting chance in moving on to the playoffs.

In an unfortunate event, NIU lost theat final match against Northeastern in another 0-3 sweep, similar to their performance in their game against Western Michigan University on March 18. The momentum was strong in their third game, but the adaptation wasn’t quick enough for the offensive power of their opposition.

The team’s final record stands at four wins and eight losses for the semester-long journey. The results of NIU “Overwatch’s” unsteady season would make the odds of continuing on to the playoffs uncertain at best and unlikely at worst.

“We played as well as we could,” said Jayme “FlipFlop” Fortino, a support player for the team. “We knew Northeastern would be a tough one to beat. We did our best to make it as even as we could, and it gives me hope that we can do even better next time.”

The fate of NIU’s varsity team’s long run in the Esports Collegiate Conference is no longer in their control. Their supporters and their fellow teammates will continue to raise up one another, regardless of their future status.