Unable to match their enemy’s playstyle, Loyola Gaming (LG) Hydra fell to the Mapua Gaming Society (MGS) Mages, 0-2, in the Esports AcadArena National Campus Open – League of Legends (LoL) Metro Conference NCR Loser’s Finals last March 27.

LG Hydra managed to take control of the game early and established a solid 5,000 gold difference to MGS. However, LG Hydra’s lead was diminished by MGS’ teamfight arsenal, as the latter was fully equipped with a Wukong, Neeko, and Rell. Throughout the match, the Blue and White was unable to put a stop to the ensuing onslaught of teamfights, causing them to lose the first game, 0-1.

Given their disadvantage in teamfights, LG Hydra adjusted the composition of their team to include picks like Alistar and Galio heading into the second match. With the inclusion of these crowd-control heavy champions, LG Hydra was able to keep up with MGS in terms of kills and gold. However, LG Hydra’s middle lane was annihilated after a crucial team fight in the Baron pit. In a final effort to stop MGS from getting their third dragon, LG Hydra put out all stops in their last fight by going for an early engage. However, LG Hydra’s poor positioning ultimately cost them the game, dropping the second match, 0-2.

Despite the loss, mid-laner Dean “LG Yobhel” Nucum remained positive with the team’s performance and saw it as a learning experience for their next tournament. “I know for a fact that we have what it takes in terms of individual skills and potential. We really have what it takes to be the best team sa bansa (in the country). So right now, magfo-focus lang kami sa (we will just focus on) improvement and try next time,” he said.

LG Hydra Roster: 

Zed Dy – “LG Swapito”

John Erguiza – “LG Sparklyy”

Dean Nucum – “LG Yobhel”

Josh Dinio – “LG Znake”

Joseph Chavez – “LG Cavalry”

Jericho Reynes – “LG Ness”

Matthew Isidro – “LG Smexy”