2019 Hangzhou Spark season | |
---|---|
Head coach | Muho Lee |
General manager | Saisai Huang |
Owner | Rui Chen |
Division | Pacific |
Results | |
Record | 18–10 (.643) |
Place | |
Stage 1 Playoffs | Did not qualify |
Stage 2 Playoffs | Semifinals |
Stage 3 Playoffs | Quarterfinals |
Season Playoffs | Lower Round 3 |
Total Earnings | $425,000 |
The 2019 Hangzhou Spark season was the first season of Hangzhou Spark's existence in the Overwatch League as one of eight expansion franchises added for the 2019 season.
The Spark struggled in Stage 1, posting a 3–4 record and missing the Stage 1 Playoffs. A 3–1 win over the Seoul Dynasty on 5 May gave the team a 5–2 record for Stage 2 and the seventh seed in the Stage 2 Playoffs. Hangzhou defeated the London Spitfire, 3–1, in the Stage 2 quarterfinals, but their playoff run ended after getting swept 0–4 by the San Francisco Shock in the semifinals. The Spark improved upon their Stage 2 performance in Stage 3, amassing a 6–1 record and the third seed in the Stage 3 Playoffs. However, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Los Angeles Valiant after losing a in five-map series. Hangzhou struggled at the beginning of Stage 4 after suspending their starting DPS Cai "Krystal" Shilong and the implementation of an enforced 2-2-2 role lock by the league. The team lost their first three matches of the stage but recovered by winning their final four matches. The Spark ended the regular season with an 18–10 record and the fourth seed in the season playoffs.
The Spark began their playoff run with a 3–4 loss to the Los Angeles Gladiators, sending them to the lower bracket. The team defeated the Seoul Dynasty, 4–1, in the first round of the lower bracket. In the second round, the Spark swept the Atlanta Reign, 4–0 to advance to the third round, where they faced the Shock. The Spark's season came to an end in a 0–4 loss to the Shock.