AP.Bren pulled off an impressive victory over Smart Omega to start their MPL Philippines Season 17 campaign on Saturday.
It marked a strong return for Kiel VJ “Kielvj” Cruzem to MPL Philippines after several seasons overseas, as he delivered an impressive debut in an AP.Bren uniform.
The EXP laner posted a 3/4/10 line on Sora in a nearly 26-minute Game 1 win. However, it was rising star James “JamesPangks” Mendoza who shone brightest, tallying seven kills and four assists, including crucial takedowns on Omega’s core heroes.
Smart Omega attempted to run a Marcel–Hanabi combo, but it fell flat. Kenneth “Netskie” Barro finished with just one kill and six assists while suffering three deaths.
Kielvj then led the charge in Game 2 as AP.Bren secured the sweep in a quicker 15-minute affair. He recorded a 5/1/8 performance on Arlott, with The Hive conceding only three kills while securing all major objectives.
It was a tough outing for James “Jeymz” Gloria and John “Perkziva” Sumawan, who combined for 11 deaths while contributing just one kill and four assists.
AP.Bren, now 1-0, will look to secure a second win in their Sunday matchup against TNC Pro Team. Meanwhile, Smart Omega will aim to bounce back against Twisted Minds next Friday.
