DC Inferno Survive Shootout Thriller Against SoNo Sharks to Reach NSL Finals

The DC Inferno are headed to the 2026 National Squash League Finals after defeating the SoNo Sharks 3-2 in a dramatic overtime shootout at MSquash in South Norwalk, Connecticut.

The semifinal delivered everything fans could have hoped for, with neither team able to gain separation through three fiercely contested periods. DC claimed the opening period 32-26 behind strong performances from Amanda Sobhy and Jasmine Hutton, but the Sharks answered in the second period, edging the Inferno 36-38 to level the match heading into the decisive final frame.

With the third period worth two games in NSL competition, both teams knew a strong finish could secure a championship berth. The Sharks received a massive performance from Marina Stefanoni, who erupted for 39 points in the final period and finished with a match-high 60 points. Her late surge helped SoNo narrowly take the third period 50-49 and tie the overall match score at 2-2.

The Inferno countered with balanced scoring throughout the evening. Jasmine Hutton finished with 49 points, including a match-best 21 power-play points, while Amanda Sobhy added 46 points and Noa Romero contributed 24. DC’s efficiency on power plays proved critical, converting 27 power-play points compared to 19 for the Sharks.

With the semifinal deadlocked after regulation, the match moved to an overtime shootout. The tension inside MSquash reached its peak as players stepped onto court with a place in the Finals on the line. The Inferno ultimately prevailed 3-2 in the shootout, completing an unforgettable comeback after surrendering the third period and punching their ticket to the championship match.

Despite the loss, the Sharks delivered one of the most resilient performances of the postseason. Stefanoni’s standout display, combined with strong contributions from Salma Hany and Margot Prow, nearly carried SoNo to the Finals in front of their home crowd.

The victory sends DC into the 2026 NSL Championship, where the Inferno will face the New York Queens with the league title on the line. Watch the NSL Finals at 6:30 PM on YouTube.