Team Secret emerges victorious over XERXIA Esports at VCT 2022 Stage 2 APAC Playoffs
Team Secret emerged victorious over XERXIA Esports after coming from behind to win 2-1 on the opening day of the VALORANT Challengers Tour (VCT) 2022 APAC Stage 2 Playoffs.
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE FILIPINOS 🇵🇭
2-1, THE SERIES IS OURS! 🏴🏳️#SecretValo #ItLiesWithin pic.twitter.com/FKIAIoCgHc
— Team Secret (@teamsecret) June 23, 2022
Team Secret Miserably Staggers At Haven
The series’ first game wasn’t so kind to Team Secret as they lost 13-6 at Haven.
Team Secret’s Haven composition wasn’t the same as what we saw last Champions. First, they moved Riley “Witz” Go to Jett, designated Jayvee “DubsteP” Paguirigan as an initiator with KAY/O, and opted to not run a Breach this time around (with Jim “BORKUM” Timbreza on Astra, Kevin “dispenser” Te on Killjoy, and Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco on his signature Sova). Meanwhile, XERXIA’s composition mirrored Team Secret’s save for a Breach (Thanamethk “Crws” Mahatthananuyut) instead of KAY/O.
Team Secret’s overaggression was heavily punished by XERXIA early on in the game. They only managed to get on the board in Round 9, which also happened to be their only round win during the first half. They tried to turn things around after the second half but to no avail. Ultimately, XERXIA only ever needed to win two more rounds in the second half which, unfortunately for Team Secret, was accomplished by Round 19.
Returning The Favor At Breeze
As they got steamrolled the game prior, Team Secret returned the favor on Breeze 13-4.
In order to get back on XERXIA, Team Secret substituted Dispenser in favor of their young aim-hotshot Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera. Jremy’s substitution proved to be the necessary change Team Secret needed as his Chamber disposed of their enemies in tandem with DubsteP’s Jett. The Filipino squad went on a nine-round win streak before they allowed XERXIA to get their only two rounds in the first half. They then wasted no time as they ended the game just mere five rounds into the second half.
Sending Xerxia Down At Ascent
With both teams one game apiece, it was Team Secret who came out the victor in Ascent.
Unlike the previous two games of the series, the third game was anything but a blowout game. The battle on Ascent was an even matchup with both teams eager to defeat their counterpart. The game went back and forth with XERXIA ahead by two wins in the first half. It looked like Team Secret’s demise was set in stone after XERXIA won the first two rounds of the second half. However, Team Secret managed to overcome adversity and went on an 8-round win streak to win the game 13-9.
With this win, Team Secret will be heading up to the upper bracket semifinals against Onic Esports. Meanwhile, XERXIA drops down to the lower bracket where they will face BOOM Esports.
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