NEWS

By David Lee, Augusta Chronicle

Augusta goalie Robert Moss and his Mississippi counterpart Kiefer Smiley entered Saturday’s game not having allowed a goal in their past five combined periods. The two proved just as effective facing each other for the second consecutive game.

In a tight, defensive struggle, the Mississippi Surge were able to pull out a 2-1 overtime win at James Brown Arena at the end of what was otherwise a strong three-game stretch for the Augusta RiverHawks, winning two of three this week.

“We’ll take this type of play every week,” interim coach Mark Richards said. “It was a disappointing game, but looking at the big picture, with the momentum we’ve built and playing better, I think the guys are buying in.”

Moss entered Saturday on the momentum of a Friday shutout against Mississippi, and he had not allowed a goal in his past four periods dating back to Thursday against Fayetteville. He was a combined 39 for 39 entering Saturday and was 17 for 17 before allowing a goal in the third period.

“He should be player of the week,” Richards said. “He has played phenomenal and given us a chance to win. We’re confident and proud of him.”

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