Mops Survive Late Assault Push, Win 3–2 in OT to Reach Semi-Pro Final

The Raleigh Title Wave Mops are headed to the PIHA Semi-Pro Championship Series after a gritty 3–2 overtime win over the New Jersey Assault in Saturday’s single-elimination semifinal at Pepsi Roller Sports Arena.

Raleigh looked ready to run away with it early, scoring twice in the first period and carrying a 2–0 cushion into the break. Then the Assault flipped the game in the final two minutes of regulation—striking twice to force overtime—before the Mops regrouped and finished the job in extra time.

Raleigh Jumps Ahead 2–0

The Mops controlled the opening period and converted twice at even strength:

• Alex Sauer (#91) opened the scoring at 6:42 of the first, assisted by Michael Curtis (#88).
• Patrick MacDonald (#10) made it 2–0 at 1:25, set up by Nathan Sommerville (#3) and Sauer.

Assault’s Late Rally Forces OT

New Jersey’s push finally broke through in the second period—and it came fast and furious late:

• Dan Kane (#17) cut the deficit at 1:52 (even strength), assisted by Trevor Cear (#26) and Anthony Gallicchio (#9).
• With just 0:31 left in regulation, Chris Connor (#88) buried the tying goal to make it 2–2, assisted by Cear.

OT Winner Sends Raleigh Through

In overtime, Raleigh reset and struck for the dagger at 8:28 of OT1: Nathan Sommerville (#3) ended it, assisted by Curtis, sending the Mops into Sunday’s final.

By the Numbers

The shot totals were tight—New Jersey 26, Raleigh 23—and both sides leaned on their goalies to survive the swings.

Up Next: Best-of-Three Final Begins Sunday at 9:15am

With the win, the Mops advance to the best-of-three Semi-Pro Final, where they will face the winner of Long Island Empire Snipers vs Marple Gladiators. Game 1 is set for Sunday at 9:15am.