HEMPSTEAD — Despite giving up six goals in the first quarter, the Maryland Whipsnakes found themselves in a position where their next goal clinched a spot in the Premier Lacrosse League Championship.

The Whipsnakes battled to a 11-11 tie after regulation against top-seeded New York Atlas, needing overtime to decide who will play for the title at James M. Shuart Stadium on Saturday. The unlikely hero emerged with 4:54 left in the overtime period as rookie Levi Anderson cut in from the right side across the goal and fired a shot over the goalie’s shoulder to put the Whipsnakes in the championship match next week in Philadelphia 12-11.

Anderson’s hat trick goal put the Whipsnakes in position to win their first title since 2020, TJ Malone led the team with three goals and an assist, Colin Heacock also had a hat trick and Matt Rambo scored twice. Irving native Zed Williams was kept off the scoresheet, but recorded four shots and two groundballs.

The Whipsnakes limited PLL top scorer Jeff Teat to just a pair of goals in the victory and goalie Brendan Krebs made 11 saves to secure the win.

The Whipsnakes will face defending champion Utah Archers in the final next Sunday at 3 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted on ABC. In the only meeting this season Utah defeated Maryland 16-11 and it was Williams’ best game of the year as he scored four goals with an assist for five points.

Utah returns to the finals after a dominant 10-1 victory over the Carolina Chaos on Saturday.