BREN Esports made an unprecedented move when it announced that it will be fielding in an all-female group in the Season Two of The Nationals Dota 2 conference — the first time in league history.
The esports powerhouse brought in the core of its all-female Dota 2 squad that just won the Liga Adarna Dota 2 championship last September. They will compete in the first franchise-based esports scene in the Philippines.
Leading the squad are local Dota 2 veteran and former TNC Amazons carry Gillian “Gill” Lumberio and team captain Johanna “Ligaya” Sta. Maria. They are joined by long-time BREN member Princess “Jaina” Pagsisihan, and newcomers Hazel “Hezelya” Mata and Kat “Katt” Arcillas.
The team, though, had a forgettable start in the tournament. BREN dropped two consecutive games against the top-ranked Laus Auto Group Playbook Esports and defending champions Cignal Ultra Warriors, resulting in lopsided affairs.
But for BREN team captain Ligaya, this just shows that every team in the league is not taking them lightly. Moreover, seeing the top two teams in the tournament go all-out against them is a sign of respect, for which they are thankful.
“Kapag may nakakalaban po kami parang hindi po nila pinagtitripan.
“Like ‘yung laro po nila is hindi lang basta-basta. Parang ginagawa pa rin nila ‘yung best nila so parang nandoon ‘yung patas pa rin ‘yung tingin kahit babae,” Ligaya said during an appearance in Tiebreaker Vodcasts’ Beyond The Meta, presented by SMART Sports.
Still in the middle of their The Nationals Season Two campaign, Ligaya vows that the team will be turning these losses into opportunities to grow. They will also continue to serve as inspiration for the young female gamers aspiring to become professional gamers.
“Basta ang pinakatinatatak po namin ay experience po ito, saka parang way siya para matuto, lalo kasi ngayon lang po nabigyan ng opportunity ‘yung girls na sumali sa mga boys tournament,” Ligaya said in the vodcast hosted by courtside reporters Carla Lizardo and Apple David.
“Actually hindi naman siya boys tournament, pero ayun nga, puro lalaki. Parang tinetake namin ito as opportunity tapos experience para matuto lalo.”
