Carlow Esports opens Overwatch 2 action with loss to Penn West Edinboro

PITTSBURGH --- Carlow University Black (2-3) fell to the Fighting Scots Red (3-0) from Penn West Edinboro in their Overwatch 2 match on Oct. 18.

Map 1: Control on Antarctica

Carlow's roster came out strong, with Tayshaun Johnson leading the team as Doomfist. His aggressive playstyle exerted pressure on the Fighting Scots and resulted in six eliminations, though Carlow University Black faced stiff resistance from opposing Sombra, who was able to disrupt the backline of Carlow and resulted in the Fighting Scots picking up the first point of the map, 46-100.

Support play was crucial on this map, with Alena Hemminger (West Middlesex, Pa./West Middlesex HS) healing, eliminating low health targets, and adding a team high seven assists. Lily Ibanez (Camp Hill, Pa./Camp Hill HS) put up significant healing numbers – over 7,500 – keeping the team sustained during prolonged fights. Despite their efforts, Carlow struggled to maintain momentum, as the opposing team was able to get the first pick in many of the team fights, and therefore pick up the second point of the map, 56-100. Map 1 ended with a defeat for Carlow, despite a valiant effort from Elizabeth Knight (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin HS) on Reaper, securing nine eliminations.

Map 2: Hybrid on Hollywood

Carlow University Black looked to bounce back on the second map, with each player switching heroes strategically to counter the Fighting Scots' approach. Johnson's aggressive style paid off early, diving into the opposing backline to eliminate both a support and a damage dealer in quick succession. This allowed Carlow to capture one-third of the point before the Fighting Scots could reinforce. Johnson continued to play fearlessly throughout the map, racking up 15 eliminations and dealing over 8,800 damage while mitigating 7,566 damage to anchor the team's defense.

However, Fighting Scots Red maintained their strong team-fighting from the first map and were able to repel Carlow's aggression. Undeterred, Carlow regrouped and pushed through the enemy's defenses to capture the first point. Hason Chan provided consistent damage output, securing 17 eliminations and nearly 10,000 damage. Knight, the team's other DPS player, was equally critical, contributing 15 eliminations and 8,000 damage.

Carlow's momentum slowed during the payload phase, encountering a roadblock in the form of a Mauga tank, bolstered by a Mercy, who withstood much of the Celtics' damage. As a result, Carlow's push was halted after just 43 meters. Hemminger continued her dynamic support play, leading the team in healing and assists, with 7,600 healing and 16 assists.

Carlow's coordination and individual performances were commendable, but the enemy's tactical execution proved decisive, leading to a final payload push that the Celtics were unable to stop.

Map 3: Push on Esperanca

Carlow University Black, facing a 2-0 deficit and needing a reverse sweep to win the series, dug deep on Map 3. Knight displayed consistency with 30 eliminations, while Chan followed closely with 25 eliminations and five assists. The Celtic damage dealers outdueled their counterparts from the Fighting Scots, applying the offensive pressure Carlow needed to both push objectives and hold defensive positions.

The Fighting Scots tried to counter Johnson's Doomfist by fielding one of their own, a decision that ultimately backfired. Johnson's tank play was pivotal, with an impressive 34 eliminations and nearly 12,000 damage dealt, while still mitigating over 6,000 damage. His relentless pressure gave the opposing team no room to breathe, as he completely outmatched their Doomfist.

Carlow mounted a strong push that nearly delivered the robot to the final capture point. However, the Fighting Scots narrowly won a prolonged team fight due to quicker reinforcements, as the battle unfolded right outside their spawn doors. Ibanez was instrumental in keeping her teammates alive, providing nearly 8,500 healing along with 11 assists.

In overtime, the Fighting Scots launched one final push, but Carlow University Black regrouped and proved to be too much to handle. They secured a team kill to clinch the map victory, aided by another standout performance from Hemminger, who delivered 30 eliminations, 27 assists and 8,700 healing.

Map 4: Flashpoint on Suravasa

Carlow University Black entered the final map on Suravasa determined to continue their momentum after a strong showing in the previous round. The team came out with energy, and their coordination paid off as they captured the first point early. Chan led the charge with several well-timed eliminations, breaking through the Fighting Scots' initial defenses and securing the first capture point for the Celtics.

However, after the initial capture, the Fighting Scots regrouped and adapted quickly. Their coordinated team fights overwhelmed Carlow's defenses, and despite Ibanez's best efforts to sustain the team, Carlow found themselves frequently on the back foot, unable to regain the control they had displayed early in the match.

In the end, Carlow's tenacity was not enough to turn the tide. The Fighting Scots maintained their advantage for the remainder of the map. Despite valiant individual performances, Carlow University Black fell short on Suravasa, 3-1, marking a hard-fought but disappointing end to the series.

Carlow University Black's next game is Wednesday, Oct. 23 against Saint Vincent Gold (2-4).

Carlow 0 | Penn West Edinboro 2

Carlow 1 | Penn West Edinboro 3

Carlow 3 | Penn West Edinboro 1

Carlow 1 | Penn West Edinboro 3