Liquid PH blanks Omega as Zaida makes S14 debut

Photo from MPL Philippines

by Drew Malihan

MAKATI - Team Liquid PH ended Week 4 of MPL Philippines Season 14 on a high note, sweeping Smart Omega despite superstar jungler Karl Gabriel "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno being on the sidelines Sunday.

Justine "Zaida" Palma returned to the starting lineup, marking his first match in the league since April 13 against the now-defunct Minana EVOS.

The two teams were neck and neck until the 20th minute, when Andrew "Andoryuuu" Flora’s Julian went on a killing spree, pushing back the advancing Cavalry and forcing Alston "Sanji" Pabico’s Zhask to retreat.

However, Liquid PH persevered, securing the fourth lord of the match and forcing Omega into a defensive position, which ultimately led to their downfall. Jaypee "Jaypee" dela Cruz’s Tigreal stood out, securing two kills and 16 assists to lead the defending champions.

Game 2 was a different story, as the Cavalry obliterated Barangay Omega with a 16-4 kill count. Joshua "Ch4knu" Mangilog’s Lolita managed only three assists as he was taken down six times.

Andoryuuu failed to secure any major objectives, while Zaida and the rest of Team Liquid PH claimed all the turtles and both lords in just under 14 minutes. Benedict "Bennyqt" Gonzales’s Karrie outplayed Jomari "Jowm" Pingol’s Moskov, adding to Omega's struggles.

Sanford "Sanford" Vinuya shone in this game, with his Edith recording one kill and a game-high 11 assists, helping Liquid PH secure the sweep.

The Cavalry faces a tough Week 5 as they prepare to battle the undefeated Fnatic ONIC PH on Friday, while Smart Omega will look to bounce back against a struggling Blacklist International on the same day.

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