HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker University ESports team defeated Culver-Stockton College in the season-opening round of the NACE Hearthstone National Championship on Tuesday (Feb. 2) by a score of 3-0.

Coker brought its Token Druid, Secret Mage and Pure Paladin while Culver-Stockton brought Zoo Warlock, ETC Warrior and Agro Demon Hunter. The first game was Coker's Paladin against Culver-Stockton's Warrior. The battle was back and forth when Culver-Stockton was able to sue their combo to put Coker to 7HP. Coker was able to heal up and come back to win the first game.

The second game was Coker's Secret Age against Culver-Stockton's Warlock. Culver-Stockton was able to develop a big board on turn six but it was too late, as Coker had perfect lethal with a fireball in hand.

Game three was Coker's last class, Druid against Culver-Stockton's Warrior. Culver-Stockton's was able to continuously answer Coker's minions, but ran out of steam as Coker was able to keep some minions on board and win with two savage roars in hand. 

The Cobras are back in action next Tuesday (Feb. 9) to face Wayland Baptist in the NACE Hearthstone National Championship. The match begins at 8:00 p.m., with video available at www.cokercobras.com.