The defending Premier Lacrosse League champs are back for another title.

Whipsnakes LC, the most dominant team in the PLL Championship Series thus far, just dispatched a familiar foe Thursday night in Redwoods LC. This game, however, didn't feature the same dominance we've become accustomed to seeing from the Whips.

They cruised to an 8-2 lead, but the dynamic scoring duo of Matt Rambo and Zed Williams were shut down by Garrett Epple and Finn Sullivan. The Woods mounted a comeback and might have stolen a victory had it not been for a pair of two-point bombs from Michael Ehrhardt.

The game still went to overtime, but 33-year-old Jeremy Sieverts — a midfielder who had yet score in the PLL Championship Series — sent the Whipsnakes back to the title game with a 13-12 win.

Let's take a look at how the Whipsnakes got to Championship Sunday, a matchup against Chaos LC at 12:30 p.m. EDT on NBC.

GROUP PLAY

vs. Redwoods — 13-9 win
vs. Atlas — 15-6 win
vs. Chaos — 12-7 win
vs. Archers — 17-11 win

ELIMINATION ROUND

Bye

SEMIFINAL ROUND

vs. Redwoods — 13-12 win (OT)

FACEOFFS

Joe Nardella has been head and shoulders better than every other faceoff specialist in the league thus far.

Having won 74 percent of his draws (and 18 of 26 Thursday night), Nardella has yet to truly be tested. His counterpart Sunday will be Thomas Kelly, who ranks last of all full-time faceoff guys in the PLL with a winning percentage of 36. Kelly did play better against Archers LC Thursday, winning 14 of 26 faceoffs.

Nardella went 18-for-21 against Chaos in the group play round.

NEW LOOK OFFENSE

Rambo, the reigning MVP, is back and playing at a high level, leading the PLL in points (21) and assists (15). Jim Stagnitta left much of his offense unprotected leading into the expansion draft, instead prioritizing his ability to maintain the top defense in the league. That led to the exodus of attackmen Connor Kelly, Ben Reeves and Ryan Drenner, as well as midfielder Drew Snider.

The plan worked.

Williams came on through the Entry Draft and is now the leading goal-scorer in the league (14). Jay Carlson, who produced just five points last season, is up to 12 points in the Championship Series. Brad Smith (14), Mike Chanenchuk (13) and John Haus (11) have all posted double-digit points, too.

TEAM DEFENSE

Speaking of that defense that largely remained intact, the unit is performing as anticipated.

The Whips have allowed 45 goals, the fewest in the league. Of course, it is important to note that the club has played one fewer game than the other semifinalists, as it did have a bye in the elimination round. Still, allowing 9 goals per game is best in the league.