ESPORTS

MIU Pioneers open NECC spring season with 2–0 victory over Ithaca College

02/20/2026 - By Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva

The MIU League of Legends team opened the Spring 2026 season with a strong statement, earning a 2–0 sweep over Ithaca College in their first official match of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC).

After weeks of preparation, reflection, and strategic development, the Pioneers demonstrated discipline, adaptability, and team cohesion in their season debut.

“We locked in early, and getting that first win was really impressive,” said Bobby, MIU Pioneers mid laner. “Overall, we adjusted well throughout the series. We knew we could beat them, and that’s exactly what we did.”

Game 1: Dominant start

MIU began the match on the red side, drafting Ashe (Aaron Ellis), Malphite (Skylar Allen), Azir (Christopher Revolinski), Rek’Sai (Cole Kerrigan), and Camille (Aaron Painter). The Pioneers quickly set the tone, securing first blood of the spring season through Bobby’s Azir.

Early momentum continued with a solo kill from Aaron’s Camille and additional pressure from Cole’s Rek’Sai, giving MIU a 3–0 lead. By 11 minutes, MIU led 7–1, with Rek’Sai posting a strong 4/0/2 stat line.

Although Ithaca College secured the first two dragons, MIU regained control at 18 minutes with a decisive team fight, eliminating three opponents and claiming their first dragon. The Pioneers followed with a Baron Nashor at 21:44 and closed the game shortly after, finishing Game 1 with a 25–8 victory in 30 minutes.

Game 2: Composure and resilience

Returning to the red side, MIU drafted Sivir (Aaron Ellis), Darius (Cole Kerrigan), Brand (Christopher Revolinski), Rakan (Skylar Allen), and Jax (Aaron Painter). Aaron once again made an early impact, securing first blood with Jax.

Ithaca responded with pressure across the map, holding a narrow kill advantage at 12 minutes. MIU countered by securing the first tower at approximately 15 minutes, shifting momentum back in their favor.

Game 2 evolved into a competitive, back-and-forth contest that extended to 37 minutes. Through coordinated team fighting and late-game execution, MIU secured the win with a 32–26 final score, completing the 2–0 sweep.

A strong start to the season

Following the match, the Pioneers reflected on a challenging week that included intense internal discussions and a late-added NECC matchup. The team’s ability to adapt and unify under pressure proved instrumental in their opening-night success.

The MIU Pioneers begin the Spring season undefeated and look ahead with confidence as NECC competition continues. The Pioneers will return to action on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as they face CSULB Blue in the MIU Esports Lab.

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Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva is the Sports Editor for MIU News and the Sports Information and Creative Director for the MIU Athletics Department.