EUGENE, Ore. – The 2019 Varsity Overwatch Series came to a close this last weekend as Northwest Christian University was eliminated in the second game of play-in action. The play-in stage was single elimination bracket for a chance to qualify for playoffs.
 
By all measures, the second season of Overwatch provided the young team (many of whom have never played collegiately) with much needed experience. The Beacons went 7-7 in the inaugural season of the Varsity Series presented by Tespa. Teams had to apply to join the Varsity Series. Only institutions that officially sanctioned or tangibly supported esports as a student activity were eligible to participate in the series.
 
Lineup:  
DPS: Akito Ryuzaki, Tyler Chase 
Support: Alex Daraban, Jesse Gerlach 
Tank: Daniel Gerlach, Kenyon Webster-Lorentzen
 
GAME ONE: Forfeit by St. Clair College
Due to not having enough players, the Saints were forced to forfeit the match which gave the Beacons the easy win in the RO128 of the play-in stage.
 
GAME TWO: NCU 0, SDSMT 3
The best-of-five match opened up on the control map, Busan. NCU nearly won the first point in overtime but the Hardrockers were able to keep control late in the game. SDSMT was then able to take point two rather easily winning the match. The Beacons were unable to gain any attraction the remainder of the game.
 
Match two was played on a map we have not seen yet this year, Blizzard World. NCU started on the offensive and were only able to earn a point. Despite a tough stand from the Beacons, the Hardrockers earned two points to win the match.
 
The third and final match opened up on the escort map, Junkertown. NCU, who seemed to be losing steam, were unable to earn a point and rather quickly lost the match to SDSMT.
 
With the fall season for Overwatch over, the Beacons will grind this offseason in preparation for spring competition. Follow NCU Esports on Twitter and Instagram (@BeaconsEsports) or on Twitch.