In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Columbus Cottonmouths escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Augusta RiverHawks.

No lead was more than two goals during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Brett Hammond at 15:24 of the third period.

Augusta's power play was ineffective against Columbus' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

The Cottonmouths were sparked by Hammond, who grabbed one goal.

Columbus was often in penalty trouble, totaling 12 minors and one major for 39 minutes in penalty time. The Cottonmouths had been averaging 22.0 minutes in penalties per game. Columbus had trouble converting on the power play advantage, managing just one goal on 10 chances. The defense for the Cottonmouths played an important role offensively, racking up 13 shots on goal. By firing 32 shots on goal, Columbus exceeded the 24.5 shots it averages per game this year.

Columbus additionally got points from Greg Beller, who also racked up one goal and two assists and Derek Pallardy, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Columbus also got a goal from Jordan Braid as well. More assists for Columbus came via David Cianfrini, Tom Maldonado, Orrin Hergott, Will Barlow, and Bret Tyler, who each chipped in one.

The the RiverHawks penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 15 minors and one major for 45 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 23.0 minutes per game Augusta had been spending in the box.

The RiverHawks were led by Brendan Taylor, who tallied one goal and one assist. Taylor scored short handed 6:14 into the third period to make the score 2-2. Augusta found itself down a man on Drew Baker's roughing. Jim Gehring also scored for Augusta. In addition, Augusta received assists from Ed Snetsinger, who had one.

Andrew Loewen rejected 26 shots on goal for the Cottonmouths. The RiverHawks' Jon Olthuis stopped 28 shots out of the 31 that he faced.