ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Concordia-St. Paul Hearthstone team (1-0) continued their strong run of play in the first match of the second split as they claimed a sweep of Alabama-Birmingham (0-1) on Thursday night.
 
After putting up a dominant 6-1 record in the first split, the Golden Bears picked up right where they left off as they won their fourth match in a row overall.
 
Both teams matched heroes in the opening game as both CSP and UAB kicked things off with their paladin decks. The Golden Bears got off to a flying start as they delivered the first 11 hero damage while holding a minion advantage heading to turn six. The momentum continued over the next few turns as CSP had the Blazers down to six health by turn eight before forcing a surrender one turn later.
 
Alabama turned back to their paladin deck in game two while Concordia called on their priest deck. Concordia picked up right where they left off as they slowly built an edge on the board while chipping away at UAB's hero. The Golden Bears delivered the decisive blow in the 10^th turn as they put together a massive turn to deliver the final 17 damage to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
 
CSP looked to complete the sweep in game three as they utilized their demon hunter deck to go against Alabama-Birmingham's paladin deck. It was the Blazers that got out on the front foot to start game three as they sat at full health while the Golden Bears were down to 17 health on turn seven. That lead would not last, however, as three straight productive turns from turns seven to nine resulted in 28 damage being dealt by Concordia while they also managed to heal their way to full health. That proved to be too much for UAB to overcome as they conceded the next turn to give the Golden Bears the sweep.
 
The Golden Bears will look to continue their winning ways this weekend as they compete in the first split region tournament. Game times and matchups are to be determined.