Arizona Konixx Outcasts Stun Naples Labeda Kaos in OT Thriller

📅 Date: March 9, 2025
📍 Venue: Pepsi Roller Sports Arena
🔢 Final Score (OT): Arizona Konixx Outcasts 2, Naples Labeda Kaos 1

Game Recap

In a battle between the PIHA’s top offense and one of the stingiest defenses, the Arizona Konixx Outcasts stunned the Naples Labeda Kaos with a 2-1 overtime victory in Game 1 of the Pro Western Division Final.

Arizona overcame an early deficit and delivered a defensive masterclass, holding the highest-scoring team in the league scoreless for over four straight periods, spanning the final 13 minutes of regulation and into sudden death overtime.

After Kyle Mooney tied the game for Arizona in the second period, the contest remained deadlocked until Alex Macdonald played hero in overtime, securing the game-winning goal to put the Outcasts ahead in the series.

This marks the first time all season that Naples has been held to one goal or fewer in a game, a testament to Arizona’s relentless defensive pressure and stellar goaltending from Aaron Gittings.

1st Period Highlights

✅ 11:16 – Naples Goal (1-0):John Schiavo wasted no time putting the Kaos on top, scoring just 40 seconds into the game off a feed from Tyler Kraft and Payton Baldillez.

🚨 Naples Dominates Early: The Kaos controlled the pace, outshooting Arizona 12-1 in the first period.

⛔ Arizona’s Defense Holds Strong: Despite the pressure, Aaron Gittings kept the deficit at just one goal, allowing his team to stay in the game.

2nd Period Highlights

✅ 04:40 – Arizona Goal (1-1):Kyle Mooney broke through for the Outcasts, netting the game-tying goal with an unassisted effort.

🔥 Momentum Shift: Arizona turned up the pressure in the second period, limiting Naples to just one shot on goal while generating 16 of their own.

⛔ Pugliese Answers Back: Despite Arizona’s push, Naples goaltender Patrick Pugliese stood tall, keeping the game tied heading into overtime.

Overtime Highlights

✅ 10:45 – Arizona Goal (2-1, OT Winner):Alex Macdonald capitalized on a rare defensive breakdown from Naples, burying the game-winning goal off a setup from Parker Eliot to complete the comeback victory.

🎯 First Lead of the Game: Arizona took the lead for the first and only time on Macdonald’s OT heroics.

🛑 Defensive Perfection: Arizona did not take a single penalty all game and completely shut down Naples' lethal attack for the final 44 minutes.

Goaltending Battle

🏆 Aaron Gittings (Arizona):26 saves on 27 shots – Stellar performance, held Naples scoreless for over 44 minutes.
💪 Patrick Pugliese (Naples):15 saves on 17 shots – Kept his team in the game despite Arizona’s late push.

📌 Final Shots on Goal: Naples 27 – Arizona 17

Game 1 Takeaways

🔥 Outcasts’ Defense is Elite: Arizona held Naples to a single goal, something no other team has done this season.
💪 Clutch Performance from Gittings: The Outcasts’ goaltender was unshakable, stopping 26 of 27 shots and frustrating Naples’ high-powered offense.
🔄 Naples Needs to Adjust: The Kaos generated plenty of early chances, but struggled to sustain pressure after the first period.

🏆 What’s Next?

With a 1-0 series lead, the Outcasts are now one win away from advancing to the PIHA Finals. Meanwhile, the Kaos must regroup quickly to avoid elimination and keep their championship hopes alive.

📅 Game 2:March 10, 2025 – 7:30 PM MST

Will the Kaos bounce back, or can the Outcasts complete the upset sweep? Stay tuned! 🔥🏒