New-look TNC scored its first back-to-back victories since Season 11 after sweeping Smart Omega, 2-0, in the MPL Philippine Season 15, Saturday afternoon at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
After recording three or fewer wins in each of the past five seasons, TNC is now off to a strong 2-1 start in the regular season.
This also marked the first time that TNC won back-to-back games since Season 11.
“Sinunod lang namin ‘yung mga preparations namin saka ‘yung strategy na (pinlano) kaya kami nanalo,” said TNC head coach Douglas “ImbaDeejay” Astibe after the win.
Following a close encounter in the opener, TNC dominated Smart Omega in the second match with its early aggression led by Justine “Zaida” Palma (Nolan), Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera (Chou), and Lance “Lancey” Cunanan (Yve).
Smart Omega was on the defensive throughout the match, failing to find the opening they needed to try and stop TNC.
TNC eventually secured the second Lord of the contest at the 14th minute, before eventually going for a three-for-two exchange before Zaida, with the help of the Lord, locked on to Smart Omega’s base for the win.
Zaida paced the Game 2 win with six kills and four assists without a single death, while Lancey provided ample support with a game-high 10 assists to go along with a kill in the 12-7 victory.
TNC needed to hack out a 23-minute Game 1 win before eventually securing the sweep in the second match.
Yawi’s Selena was all over the place in the opener, setting up traps and hitting timely Abyssal Arrows to power his side’s 1-0 start. He finished with three kills and eight assists against one death in the opener.
TNC will take on Twisted Minds in hopes of extending its winning run to three games on Sunday, 5 p.m. at the same venue.
On the other hand, Smart Omega dropped its second consecutive game to start the season, sliding to 0-2 in the standings.
Smart Omega will return tomorrow as well, taking on Team Liquid PH at 7:30 p.m.
