Kirkland Koffing vs. Kenmore Air

With the week one jitters out of the way, the PDL has stepped into its second week of the 2.1 season. Just like in week one, this week brought some powerhouse gyms together for some greatly anticipated matchups. Smasher Schmidt was one of last season's rising stars as he was able to find his best postseason placement to date as well as the most improved trainer award. Looking to show off the new team and why he's in the conversation for favorite to win it all, the gym leader of the Kirkland Koffing prepared to face former champion and commissioner of the league, Daniel of the Kenmore Air. As one of the veterans of the league and a former champion, the Kenmore Air gym has gained a lot of respect over the lifespan of the PDL and has been a formidable contender for every trainer that faces him. Both gyms are coming off 1-3 losses last week so both came with a chip on their shoulder and are eager to find their first win of the season.

While spectators expected a banger of a match, they never expected to see both teams compete at such a high level. Dan came out of the gate hot, using Sabrina (Gothitelle) and the opposing teams own psychic terrain against them to come out to a 2-0 lead. Dan’s preparation and game knowledge was at its peak as he was able to read the game and secure a solid lead for his team. With the winds of a sweep bellowing in his ears, Smasher Schmidt turned his cap backwards, sat forward and locked in for match three. Despite the storm set before him by the former champion, the Koffing were able to battle their way to a game five. Thanks to Professor Narwhal’s (Hisuian Sammurott) sacred sword and a little help from Linkedin (Indeedee), the Koffing were able to make a statement victory in week two, winning 3-2.

Praising his team, Koffing’s Schmidt said, “The team was able to keep their cool when down 2 games to nil, focusing on what we needed to do in order to position ourselves better and hopefully turn the game around.  The Koffing team did a great job this week to shut down talks about who deserved the Most Improved Trainer award and that we aren't blowing smoke in more ways than one.” With a well deserved win under his belt, the Koffing look to keep their momentum going in week three as they face the Bellevue Traffic Instigators (0-2).

With an uncharacteristic start to the season, Daniel and the Kenmore Air find themselves 0-2. Even while being able to use the psychic terrain set by the Koffing to his own advantage, the Kenmore air were eventually suffocated by the smoke of the opposing team. Keeping his head high and looking forward, Pilot Daniel said, “Schmidt has come a long way in this league and has become a real tough trainer as of late. He played an amazing game so props to him for the win. Next week, I'm excited to see what Drew has learned in his first two weeks of the season. His team has a lot of threats so I’ll be charting a strong flight path and hopefully we can get the wind back under our wings.”