Semi-Finals Recap: Mops Dominate Phantoms

The Raleigh Title Wave Mops swept the Atlanta Labeda Phantoms in decisive fashion, punching their ticket to the Southeast Division Finals. Across two games, the Mops showcased their offensive firepower, stifling defense, and superb goaltending, outscoring the Phantoms 17-1 in the series.

Game 1: Mops Set the Tone with an 8-0 Shutout

The Mops wasted no time asserting their dominance in Game 1, delivering a commanding 8-0 shutout against the Phantoms. Raleigh’s offense exploded early, with Nathan Sommerville (#3) scoring twice in the opening period to set the pace. He added an assist later, cementing his role as the game’s standout player.

Raleigh’s relentless attack overwhelmed Atlanta’s defense, racking up 34 shots on goal compared to just 7 for the Phantoms. Alex Robinson (#14) and Michael Curtis (#37) also made significant contributions, combining for three goals and three assists. The Mops’ defense ensured that goaltender Justin Schomburg (#31) had a quiet night, as he stopped all 7 shots he faced for the shutout.

Key Highlights from Game 1:

• Balanced Scoring: Seven different players recorded points for the Mops.
• Schomburg Shines: Schomburg earned the shutout in a flawless performance.
• Phantom Struggles: Atlanta failed to generate offense, managing only 7 shots.

Game 2: Mops Finish the Job with 9-1 Rout

Raleigh continued their dominance in Game 2, clinching the series with a 9-1 blowout. This time, the offense came from every line, with Alex Sauer (#53) and Alex Robinson (#14) leading the charge. Sauer tallied two goals and two assists, while Robinson added two goals of his own, further solidifying his case as one of the league's top scorers.

Despite an early goal from Atlanta’s Thomas Blake Brown (#23), the Phantoms couldn’t sustain their momentum. Raleigh responded with six unanswered goals in the first period alone, effectively sealing the game before halftime. The Mops’ relentless forecheck and crisp passing made it nearly impossible for Atlanta to counter.

Key Highlights from Game 2:

• Explosive First Period: Raleigh scored six goals in the opening frame, quickly putting the game out of reach.
• Sauer and Robinson Dominate: The duo combined for six points, leading the offense.
• Stifling Defense: The Mops allowed just 10 shots on goal, with Schomburg stopping 9.

Series Takeaways

The Mops delivered a near-perfect performance in the series, outscoring Atlanta 17-1 while maintaining control in every aspect of the game. Their depth was on full display, with contributions from every player on the roster, and their defense proved impenetrable, allowing just 17 shots across both games. Goaltender Justin Schomburg was a calming presence in net, and forwards like Robinson, Sauer, and Curtis led an unstoppable offense.

For the Phantoms, the series exposed their inability to generate sustained offense against a structured, high-pressure team like Raleigh. Despite a strong performance from goaltender Anthony Szafranski (#32) in the face of a barrage of shots, Atlanta couldn’t contain Raleigh’s waves of offensive pressure.

What’s Next?

The Raleigh Title Wave Mops now advance to the Southeast Division Finals, where they will face the winner of the Florida Citrus Kings vs. Nashville Broadway Blades series. The winner of the division finals will make history as the first-ever Southeast representative at the PIHA Semi-Pro Finals.

With their dominant performance in this series, the Mops look like strong favorites to make a deep playoff run. Their offensive depth, defensive structure, and goaltending prowess will make them a tough matchup for any team standing in their way. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the Southeast Division playoffs!