Winthrop University Athletics

Esports Impresses in Opening Tournament

9/23/2019 5:00:00 PM

ROCK HILL, S.C.- In their first competition in program history, Winthrop Esports had an impressive showing at the Harrisburg University Esports Invitational. The Eagles advanced to the quarterfinal round in both Overwatch and League of Legends before being eliminated from the tournament.

Coach Josh Sides, was pleased with the team's performance in their debut tournament. "Overall, I think the team exceeded a lot of people's expectations for a first-year program," said Sides. "We made a great first impression and showed that we are a team that has to be taken seriously."

The event kicked off Friday morning with pool play, where both teams were victorious in their opening matches. After losses to traditional Esports powerhouses, Maryville University & Harrisburg University, both teams were able to bounce back in their third matches. Both teams eventually qualified for their respective quarterfinal rounds before being eliminated from the tournament. While things did not end how they wanted them to, Coach Sides is happy with what he saw from the teams in their first competition.

"It was a positive debut for Winthrop Esports on a national stage, with both teams finishing in the top 8," Sides said. "I'm proud of that finish since the two other schools that also achieved that were Maryville and Harrisburg. I think that says a lot about us as a first-year program. All in all, I'm excited to build on it."

Next up for the Eagles will be the Tespa varsity qualifiers (Overwatch) which will kick off this weekend. This will be the team's first chance to compete at home as the qualifiers will take place online. For updates on the Tespa qualifiers, follow the Eagles on Twitter (@WinthropEsports).

Winthrop Overwatch HUE Invitational Results