SE Division Final Recap: Mops Sweep Broadway Blades

The Raleigh Title Wave Mops solidified their dominance in the Southeast Division with a decisive two-game sweep over the Nashville Broadway Blades to clinch a spot in the 2024-25 PIHA Finals. Raleigh becomes the first team from the newly reorganized Southeast Division to qualify for the Finals, showcasing their strength with a stifling defense and relentless offense.

Game 1: Mops Dominate in a Defensive Showcase, Win 3-0

In Game 1, Raleigh set the tone for the series with a commanding 3-0 shutout victory. The Mops outshot the Blades 34-16, led by goaltender Justin Schomburg (#31), who was flawless between the pipes, turning away all 16 shots he faced.

Offensively, Alex Sauer (#53) led the way with two goals, including the game-opener at 11:13 in the first period, assisted by Chris Mahaffey (#21) and Michael Curtis (#37). Sauer struck again just minutes later, burying a feed from Curtis and Nathan Sommerville (#3) to make it 2-0. Curtis sealed the win with a shorthanded goal just 13 seconds into the second period.

The Mops' defense smothered the Blades, who struggled to find space in the offensive zone. Nashville’s goaltender Ethan Williams (#32) made 31 saves in a valiant effort but couldn’t withstand Raleigh's relentless pressure.

Key Highlights:

• Justin Schomburg (#31): 16-save shutout.
• Alex Sauer (#53): Two goals, including the game-winner.
• Raleigh's penalty kill was perfect, even adding a shorthanded goal.

Game 2: Raleigh’s Offensive Explosion Secures the Sweep

Game 2 saw the Mops unleash their full offensive arsenal, cruising to a dominant 10-3 victory to close out the series. Raleigh outshot Nashville 30-11 and scored seven goals in the second period to overwhelm the Blades.

Michael Curtis (#37) was the standout performer, tallying two goals and four assists in a career-defining game. Alex Robinson (#14), the league's top scorer, added two goals and an assist, while Jared Holst (#7), Chris Mahaffey (#21), and Alex Sauer (#53) all found the back of the net.

The Blades showed flashes of resilience in the first half, with goals from Jack Tinney (#3) and Logan Orem (#17) keeping them within reach at 3-2. However, Raleigh erupted in the second period, scoring seven unanswered goals to put the game out of reach.

Key Highlights:

• Michael Curtis (#37): Six-point game (2G, 4A).
• Alex Robinson (#14): Two goals and an assist.
• Raleigh’s depth: Seven different players scored for the Mops.

Series Takeaways

The Raleigh Title Wave Mops demonstrated why they’ve been the class of the Southeast Division all season. Their combination of elite goaltending, defensive discipline, and offensive firepower was too much for the Nashville Broadway Blades to handle.

Raleigh’s top players shone throughout the series, with Alex Sauer, Michael Curtis, and Alex Robinson delivering standout performances. The Mops' defense, anchored by Nathan Sommerville (#3) and Gannon Karmire (#11), stifled Nashville’s attempts to generate scoring chances.

For Nashville, the series marked the end of a strong season. Jack Tinney (#3) and Logan Orem (#17) provided moments of brilliance, but the team struggled to contain Raleigh's dynamic attack.

What’s Next?

The Raleigh Title Wave Mops are now the first team to punch their ticket to the PIHA Finals in Colorado Springs next month. They’ll represent the Southeast Division, making history as the first team from the newly reorganized division to reach the Finals.

As Raleigh awaits their opponents, they’ve shown they’re a legitimate contender to take home the championship. With their balanced roster and top-tier talent, the Mops will be a formidable force on the PIHA's biggest stage.