On the opposite side of the deck was Edmonton Impact and the newly formed collaboration team TonTon Arsenal, which is essentially the TonTons of old aided the support of Baltimore Arsenal. This was a sustained pressure match. Both teams are known for their slower-pace style of play and matched up well. This time, it was the TonTons who effectively spread the field and did not make mistakes. Though Impact tried to step up the tempo, the TonTons were able to find the seams, force mistakes, and exploit them. The TonTons made a statement that, despite the name changes, they still belong amongst the elite, and came away with a resounding 4-1 win.
Next on stage was San Antonio X-Factor and Houston Heat. X-factor leveraged the discipline and the experience they have built through years playing together to overpower the newlyrestructured legacy team, Heat, with a resounding 5-1 win. They shared the deck with Femmes Fatale and Dallas Vibe, and the ladies stole the limelight. The Femmes came out at a faster tempo than has been characteristic for them, perhaps answering the Vibe pace. Ultimately, the back-and-forth match would go to the Femmes 4-3.
The last set of the evening showcased PaintballFit and Seattle Uprising. Fit showed the dominance that has them at the top of tier of the Pro division and took the match 4-1. The Heroines and New Jersey High Rollers would share the deck with them. The returning champion Heroines showed the composure and aggressive style that has kept them at the top of the WNXL for five seasons to walk off a 3-1 win.
Competition for the remainder of the weekend continued outside of the stadium in the location where it was hosted last season. But the afterglow of the big night was pervasive, and the vibe and intensity continued throughout the event.
Shot on Film By Matt Clayton www. paintball. media
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