Marlboro Co-op Defeats South Brunswick Tri-op in OT Thriller

Sasha Saks records a hat trick, including the game-winning goal, to lift Marlboro-Holmdel to victory.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a thrilling first-round matchup of the NJSIAA South, Public Co-Op Tournament, seventh-seeded Marlboro-Holmdel defeated 10th-seeded South Brunswick-North Brunswick-Monroe 3-2 in overtime. Sasha Saks scored the game-winning goal 7:16 into overtime to complete his hat trick, lifting Marlboro-Holmdel to the victory.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Marlboro-Holmdel's hopes alive of repeating as South, Public Co-Op champions. The win also showcases the competitive nature of the state tournament, where lower-seeded teams can pull off upsets against higher-ranked opponents.

The details

Sasha Saks was the offensive star for Marlboro-Holmdel, scoring all three of his team's goals, including the overtime winner. Nicholas Diaz scored both goals for South Brunswick-North Brunswick-Monroe. Marlboro-Holmdel goaltender David Furman made 28 saves, while South Brunswick-North Brunswick-Monroe's Tristan Muniz stopped 46 shots.

  • The game was played on February 26, 2026 at Middletown Ice Arena in Middletown, New Jersey.
  • Saks scored the game-winning goal in overtime at the 7:16 mark.

The players

Sasha Saks

A forward for the Marlboro-Holmdel co-op team who recorded a hat trick, including the overtime game-winner.

Nicholas Diaz

The offensive standout for South Brunswick-North Brunswick-Monroe, scoring both of his team's goals.

David Furman

The goaltender for Marlboro-Holmdel who made 28 saves in the victory.

Tristan Muniz

The goaltender for South Brunswick-North Brunswick-Monroe who stopped 46 shots.

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What they’re saying

“Sasha really stepped up for us today. His hat trick, including the overtime winner, was huge in keeping our championship defense alive.”

— Philip Revzin, Teammate

What’s next

Marlboro-Holmdel will visit second-seeded Robbinsville-Allentown, ranked No. 20 in the NJ.com Top 20, in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime victory showcases the competitive nature of the NJSIAA South, Public Co-Op Tournament, where lower-seeded teams can pull off upsets against higher-ranked opponents. Marlboro-Holmdel's ability to rally and win in overtime keeps their hopes of repeating as champions alive.