MATC WolfPack esports team looking to make postseason run
MADISON, Wis. (BVM) — The second-ever season for the Madison Area Technical College Esports team is coming to an end as postseason play begins. The WolfPack competed in Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League and Call of Duty: Cold War.
“The second season for the WolfPack Esports team was even better than the first and we’re not through yet,” WolfPack head coach Joe Hanson told MATC Athletic Communications Assistant Adam Eichstedt said in an interview on April 13 prior to this week’s playoffs.
The WolfPack had five players from their Super Smash Bros. team make the NJCAAE postseason that began April 20, building off of last season’s success in which two MATC players made the postseason.
“Madison College WolfPack Esports has an incredibly strong team for Smash,” Hanson said. “I can’t say enough about that group of players. They are really always playing one another, always working on things and always pushing each other.”
After the first two rounds of the playoffs, only Kaden Crockett and Baxter Beckwith remained and are set to compete later today in the third round.
“Both of those two have a chip on their shoulder that they want to see if they can do better than the other at this point,” Hanson said.
Crockett and Beckwith were the two MATC players who made the playoffs last season. They made it all the way to the semifinals where they faced each other. Crockett won 4-3 in a close match and then went on to win the Grand Final against Murad S. of Montgomery County CC.
Even before the seeding for the postseason came, the WolfPack knew there was a good chance Beckwith and Crockett would meet again.
“I have a feeling that we will have another friendly fire situation like we did last year,” Hanson said. “The team is already talking about it and they’re fine with it as long as it happens at an appropriate round within the bracket.”
Unfortunately it looks like the rematch, if it is going to happen, will take place next round in the quarterfinals rather than the semifinals or finals.
ICYMI: Rounds 1 & 2 of the NJCAAE Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Playoffs took place last night.
The night consisted of major upsets, close finishes, and dominating victories. 12 schools are now represented in the Sweet 16!
Check out the updated @iBUYPOWER bracket below! pic.twitter.com/rtG8qdtZFQ
— NJCAA Esports (@NJCAAe) April 21, 2021
However, Crockett first has to beat William Ranc of Monroe Community College and Beckwith will have to face off against Hunter Tillet from Calhoun Community College.
The matches can be viewed on the WolfPacks’ Twitch.
