By: Jerod Orcullo
Jerod Railey Ambrocio Orcullo
Aurora Philippines took care of business against Smart Omega with a swift 2-0 sweep in MPL Philippines Season 15, Saturday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
Heading into the match, Aurora had long secured their playoff spot this season. The focus then shifted to the reason behind its absence, along with TNC Pro Team, from the SIBOL qualifiers that wrapped up on April 23, with Team Falcons Philippines coming out on top.
“Mas focus lang talaga kami sa MPL kaya hindi na namin napansin yung mga kailangang ganun, yung mga check-in, maliit na bagay naman siya. Pero yun nga, siguro masyado kaming nakatingin sa MPL,” Master the Basics revealed.
“Para sa amin ano nalang siya, siguro blessing in disguise para samin. Pwede rin naman kasing hindi kami nanalo dun, then pwedeng kung natalo bumaba yung moral so tumitingin nalang kami sa positive side.”
This renewed focus and overall positive morale carried into Aurora’s game against Smart Omega, improving its chances at locking in an upper bracket spot.
Though being known for his mastery of Esmeralda in prior seasons, Edward “Edward” Dapadap utilized the hero in their match versus Omega, which marked the first time the hero has been used by any team in this iteration of the tournament.
Edward garnered eight assists in the opening game as he served as the team’s front-line against Omega’s damage-dealers.
In the second game, Renejay “Renejay” Bacarse made sure that the series would go in Aurora’s favor as his Chou had a 2/1/8 KDA in 16 minutes and 48 seconds of action.
After this win, Aurora will be right back in action as it battles Team Falcons Philippines this Sunday at the same venue.
On the other hand, Omega will be treading dangerous waters as it faces AP.Bren in a match that decides which squad gets bounced from playoff contention on May 2.
