Utilizing their strong defensive prowess, Loyola Gaming (LG) Terra swept the Holy Angel University (HAU) Valiant Archangels, 13-8, 13-6, and booked a ticket to the semi-finals of the Esports AcadArena University Alliance Cup – Valorant Season 2 last April 18.

Grudge match

The first game saw both teams showcase traditional lineups of two duelists and one initiator, controller, and sentinel. LG Terra bannered a lineup of Sova, Jett, Killjoy, Omen, and Reyna, while HAU strutted out Cypher, Phoenix, Sova, Jett, and Omen.

At the beginning of the match, the Blue and White chose the defenders’ side in Haven and jumped to a quick 5-1 highlighted by Timmy “LG yabba” Albert’s triple kill in the fifth round. HAU countered with a quick 2-0 swing to trim the lead, 5-3, but LG Terra answered back and captured two rounds of their own despite being forced into an eco round in round 10, 7-3.

In the second half, the rejuvenated Valiant Archangels notched wins in rounds 11, 13, and 14, 8-6. Despite the momentary setback, LG Terra took control in round 15 and secured four straight rounds, 12-6. Riding on their newfound momentum, Matthew “LG Matteo” Brillantes secured the win for LG Terra with four kills in round 21, 13-8. 

Showcasing dominance

Going into the second match, HAU selected the Ascent map where both teams chose defensive agents. LG Terra fielded Killjoy, Jett, Sova, Omen and a surprising pick of Viper, while HAU drafted Omen, Sova, Raze, Sage, and Killjoy.

At the start of the second match, LG Terra had a difficult time entering sites, resulting in an early four-round deficit, 0-4. To stop the bleeding, LG Terra took a tactical pause in the fifth round to review their strategy. Upon regaining their composure, LG Terra tied the match in the 10th round behind Albert’s triple kill, 5-5. Throughout the next two rounds, LG Terra notched two more wins which were highlighted by Justin “LG Dippy” Ngkaion’s quadra kill in round 12, 7-5.

After halftime, LG Terra flexed their number one ranked defense and took the next five rounds, 12-5. In a last ditch attempt to mount a comeback, the Valiant Archangels managed to snatch one round against LG Terra despite being at a gun disadvantage, 12-6. However, LG Terra’s amazing retake closed the doors on HAU in round 19 to win the match, 13-6.

Reflecting on their gameplay, Ngkaion cited the tactical pause as the most crucial part of their win. “After losing the first four rounds [in the second game], we took the timeout to keep our calm and think of other strategies that may get us rounds, which we did, and we caught up instantly after doing [the strategy] over and over again,” Ngkaion said.

With their win against HAU, LG Terra secured a berth in the best-of-three semifinals and will face the #1 seeded University of San Carlos Mustang Warriors on Sunday, April 25, 5:00 PM. Fans can stream the matches on https://www.twitch.tv/acadarenaph or https://www.facebook.com/AcadArenaPH.

LG Terra lineup:

Justin Ngkaion – “ LG Dippy”

Dominic Juan – “LG skwamy”

Matthew Brillantes – “LG Matteo”

Timmy Albert – “LG yabba”

Ken Uy – “LG Flex”

Raphael Santiago – “LG raphitb”

Ignatius Cu – “LG blimey”