Echo Fox Claim Victory over Splyce at Rift Rivals 2018

Since this match was between the two 3^rd seed teams, side selection would be decided by a 2v2 match, which saw Heo "Huni" Seung-hoon and Adrian "Adrian" Ma playing for Echo Fox, and Kasper "Kobbe" Kobberup and Raymond "kaSing" Tsang representing Splyce. The four players took to the Howling Abyss, normally reserved for ARAM games, for the small preview of what was to come. First blood went to Splyce as they turned an engage from Echo Fox around. Unfortunately when Adrian moved to check a bush for vision he was caught out once again, costing him his life and Echo Fox the 2v2 match. Claiming the match, Splyce opted to choose the Red side for their match, giving up first pick, but ensuring they would have the opportunity to use their last pick to counter Echo Fox.

Splyce managed to pick up first blood in the main match as well, catching out Dardoch when he tried to sneak an invade to steal jungle camps without any backup. A dive from Echo Fox on the top lane does grant them a kill, but they in turn lose a life in the aftermath. With more members and more pressure in the bot side, Splyce pick up the first Dragon of the match as they look to extend their lead. In response, Echo Fox secured the Rift Herald before moving top where they secured the first tower and a kill without even summoning the Herald.

With pressure building in the side lanes, Echo Fox summoned the Rift Herald in the mid lane as they looked to set up multiple towers to fall at once. Splyce responded by sending multiple members to the bot lane to secure another kill, before a team fight broke out that saw both teams pick up a kill apiece. Echo Fox’s response was to secure their first Dragon of the game before collecting another kill in the mid lane to level out the score. Keeping their momentum flowing, Echo Fox rapidly secured towers and kills with strategic dives as they extended their own lead. Echo Fox continued to push Splyce away from objectives as they claimed their 4^th tower of the match before looking to set up vision control over the river. Setting an ambush around the Dragon area allowed Echo Fox to claim yet another kill before they moved towards Baron.

Splyce push Echo Fox away from the Baron, and a misguided dive in the bot lane hands Splyce two more kills onto Echo Fox to level out the score once again. Splyce continued to chase Echo Fox across the map, picking up another kill in the top lane before both teams looked for control over the Baron. A large team fight breaks out in the mid lane that looks promising for Splyce as they pick up two kills, however Echo Fox are able to secure three kills for themselves before breaking open the base of Splyce and taking down the mid lane inhibitor. Echo Fox then moves to the Baron pit to secure the buff before escaping relatively unscathed.

Using the power of the Baron Echo Fox move to the bot lane to apply pressure there, securing another inhibitor before pulling back and looking to the top lane. With their overwhelming power, Echo Fox secure the final inhibitor and another kill before moving in for the kill. Though Huni falls in the assault, Echo Fox take down the nexus and claim victory in their bout.

For more on Rift Rivals 2018, check out our how to watch hub, here.