Marking our fifth PCS regional championship is truly surreal, the fifth time our efforts have culminated in victory. Day 4 of 6 was probably the best showing we have had as a team in a very long time, probably as close to perfect as a competition day can get. Five matches in a day where we placed 2nd, 1st, 8th, 1st, 1st with a 90+ point day showed success on a points based end but the real success came from our focus in scrims. Having a serious, goal oriented approach to replicating scrim efforts into real matches were all agreed upon and executed by all four of the boys and the match quality of scrims reflected that with real match-like scrim lobbies.

Our placing increased markedly on Day 4, storming ahead into the lead by over 60 points after starting Week 2 at 5 points behind first place. There wasn’t a single time where the players did not have a plan for what was next, no matter the circle shift, no matter their location or position, no matter if enemies were in their way. The last time I ever heard such incredible objectivity and focus from the team was from PGI.S and PCS4, both tournaments we obviously have won but tournaments where I believe we showed our best. From taking the lead at PGI.S grand finals and continuing our lead into the next day as overall winners to sweeping every week of PCS4, Day 4 felt exactly like those tournaments.

Admittedly though, after such a great day, in fear that the boys could possibly relax their grip on the lead, Day 5 and 6 reflected that a bit even with victories to end the day to, in a sense “maintain” our lead ahead of the competition. With comfort came relaxation into our planning, our objectivity, our communication back and forth was not met with the same energy as we had previously because of the cushion that is a massive lead. This was all too inevitable due to just how good Day 4 was but is something we are looking to set aside as we aim towards the biggest picture of all: international competition. In remembering the comfort of a lead, I want to encourage the boys to never settle, never letting go of the gas pedal until the last match ends, until the very last moment met with confirmation. This is how we will regather, regain when going abroad for PGC, our formula to win.

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