By: Arjohn Roxas
Team Liquid Philippines moved one step closer to completing the golden road after clinching back-to-back championships with a dominant 4-0 sweep of Aurora Philippines in the MPL Philippines Season 16 Grand Finals, Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Cavalry not only edged closer to making MLBB history by pursuing the first-ever golden road, but also ended Aurora Philippines’ impressive 15-match winning streak this season.
Reflecting on their preparation, head coach Rodel “Arsy” Cruz credited the victory to collective effort and deeper strategizing to defend their title.
(C) MPL PH
“It was a total team effort,” said Ar Sy. “Naging collaborative kaming lahat, nag-usap-usap kami kung ano yung mga possibilities pagdating sa drafting. Kahit alam namin na madali na lang mag-draft, naghahanap pa rin kami ng paraan kung paano kami mas mahihirapan sa Aurora.
“So ayun, yung lumabas sa drafting, yung iba expected, yung iba hindi. Pero para sa’kin, mas nag-prepare na talaga kami para sa kanila,” he added.
After taking the first two games of the series behind stellar MVP performances from Kiel “Oheb” Soriano and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, the Cavalry gave Aurora no room to breathe.
They dominated Game 3 with a commanding 9.5k gold lead by the 13-minute mark to reach match point.
In what turned out to be the final game of the season, Team Liquid continued to overwhelm Aurora’s late-game-centric lineup, with Yue’s Cecillion leading the charge.
Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno’s Fredrinn consistently invaded the jungle, while Jaypee’s Hilda spearheaded the aggression. The two allowed the Cavalry to build an 8k gold lead by the 10-minute mark.
However, Aurora refused to go down without a fight. Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s Terizla landed a perfectly timed Flicker–Penalty Zone combo onto three members, while Dylan “Light” Catipon’s Gatotkaca followed up with a clutch Conceal engage.
That turned the tide, earning a 3-for-1 trade to close the gap heading into the second Lord objective.
Despite Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto’s Akai securing the third Lord at the 16-minute mark to seemingly seal the deal, Alston “Sanji” Pabico pulled off a signature backdoor play on Luo Yi down the bottom lane, clinching the championship for Team Liquid Philippines.
(C) MPL PH
Jaypee was named Finals MVP — his second overall — becoming the first tank player in MPL Philippines history to receive the honor.
With the victory, Team Liquid Philippines now turns its focus to the M7 World Championship later this year, as the quest for the golden road continues.
