Race for Playoffs

Hello everybody, it's Ben again. Mr KIA has the week off as he's still recovering from a troublesome past couple days with his family. I've been dealing with some family issues myself this past week, so apologies for the very late post. Anyways, enough of the sob stories, let's get to it...

Week 10 features some potentially playoff-altering match-ups. With only 3 weeks left in the season, now is the time to hold nothing back. Might as well go for it all, what do you got to lose? .. Well, you could lose out on a playoff spot if you let any opportunity slip from your grasp. The top 3 teams from each Division make it into playoffs, so realize where your team stands to ensure a spot. All matches this week are Divisional, so we could be seeing this week playing a big role in finalizing playoff positions.

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Divisional Match-ups
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SPS vs BNR, Monday @6pm, Room: Sweet Jane

The first match of the week offers big upset potential. These two teams will be fighting so hard, but for different reasons. BNR still holds the #1 seed in the division. Dina and her players have suffered quite a bit these past couple weeks, getting a game DQ two weeks in a row, which one of these DQs (last week) cost them the match. I know they must be sick of it by now. The whole team is fired up for a revenge-type week, and will be looking to take out the frustration on SPS. But be careful, one loss and this could turn in a disastrous snowball effect.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is SPS. Currently sitting 4th place in the division, Jason and his team are very eager and hungry to get out of the bottom and into the playoffs. I said before two weeks ago was SPS's best opportunity to do that, but it's not nearly over for them just yet. Last week's Bye and a MIB loss definitely jumped them back into contention. With only two games keeping them from the #3 seed, a win here would surely help. Unfortunately, I don't see them getting that playoff-ensuring win this week. But, even if you lose this week SPS, keep your heads up and remained focused because the match vs MIB you've been waiting for is right around the corner.

Previous (Week 5): 5-1 BNR

Outcome: 4-2 BNR


PFN vs MIB, Tuesday @6pm, Room: Bad Times

This is the other match in the Eastern Division. Just like Monday's match, the two teams here will be fighting for different reasons. For the past several weeks now, PFN has been taking second place to BNR. Although I don't see it happening, this could be the week where PFN snatches the #1 seed. After losing the BNR in Week 5, PFN has rallied back, winning every match for the past 4 weeks. They are rolling through the competition, and MIB is just the next team on PFN's hit list. Andy and his team will be looking to pick up every win here to close the two-game gap.

MIB has been riding a roller coaster this entire season. From losing some close matches to winning probably the biggest upset of the season, this team is still a question mark in my mind. I'm not sure they have the consistency to make it deep into the playoffs. However, that won't keep them from fighting until the end. They are right on that bubble, sitting 3rd place with SPS breathing down their necks. A big factor in this match is how Monday's BNR vs SPS match plays out. Depending on what happens Monday, MIB will be looking to either match or surpass SPS's result. The important thing here for MIB is to keep it close. Don't let PFN's momentum completely overpower the match.

Previous (Week 5): 5-1 PFN

Outcome: 5-1 PFN


FR vs LPL, Wednesday @7pm, Room: Beetle Spot

The result of this match here won't really change too much for now. FR has had a less than amazing season. They've kept it close in pretty much all matches and stayed in the middle of the pack the whole way through. They have a solid team, but now is the time to build up some momentum. If FR can pull out a win here and versus ICA next week, they will have proven themselves and go into playoffs with high spirits. Currently 3rd place in the Division, FR aren't in much danger of losing their spot. However, it will be dangerous to their team confidence if they don't put up a big effort over these final weeks. It's time to shine.

LPL is typically a power house in all interleagues, but they've been relatively quiet this season. You definately should not take them easily though; their players can strike at any time. Trotting along through the season handling business along the way, LPL is going to be that low-seeded playoff team that could (and probably will) make a huge comeback. If LPL wants a chance at catching the #1 seeded ICA team, now is not the time to sit back and let it all play out. Keep going strong until the end, and realize there's still time to grab that top spot in the division. What worries me with this team though is that LPL isn't as deep as the others, so hopefully Tino has the confidence in his players to show up when it matters the most.

Previous (Week 2): LPL 4-2

Outcome: LPL 4-3

DS vs ICA, Thursday @7pm, Room: A Face In The Crowd

The last match of the week is the most one-sided: top seed versus bottom seed. Unfortunately for DS, there is very little hope in making playoffs this season. Currently last place in the division and 3 wins back from qualifying, DS will need FR to spiral out of control to take their playoff spot. I know DS is not going to quit though. They will make a strong effort over these last few weeks to end up with something positive from the season. It's not that DS has a poor team, just the balls have not been rolling in their favor the entire way through.

Now holding the best record, ICA has made a statement that they are clearly the team to beat when it comes to playoff time. They have one of the best lineups in all of interleague. However, anything can happen. The team needs to keep their cool and focus on the task at hand. Hold onto that #1 seed and don't let some simple wins slip away. With so many strong players on the team, hopefully they don't shoot themselves in the foot and go into playoffs with too much confidence. Until then, ICA will continue here what they've been doing the whole season: win.

Previous (Week 5): ICA 4-2

Outcome: ICA 5-1