The Cincinnati Swords tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Peoria Mustangs held on for a 4-3 victory.

Peoria took a 4-2 lead during the third period, only to have Cincinnati storm back on a Nikita Korotkov goal 18:36 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Mustangs were paced by Chance Homerin, who racked up one goal. Homerin scored 16:17 into the third period to make the score Peoria. Nathan Chasteen assisted on the tally.

The Swords were unable to stop Peoria from sending pucks towards the net, and the Mustangs eventually piled up 38 shots on goal.

Peoria additionally got points from Brennan Anderson, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Marshall Gevers also scored for Peoria. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Levi Armstrong, Sam Turner, Austin Wisely, Matthew McPherson, and Brendan Murphy, who each chipped in one.

Cincinnati put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Peoria to score on any of its four power plays. The Swords forced the Mustangs goalie Marc Hayton to work between the pipes, taking 39 shots. Cincinnati got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

The Swords were led by Robert Gentile, who had one goal and one assist. Gentile scored on the power play 13:44 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Peoria. Cincinnati had taken the advantage when Peoria's Joshua Hart got sent off for slashing. Emil Sundstrom picked up the assist. Cincinnati also got a goal from Sean Kilpatrick as well. More assists for Cincinnati came via RJ Marshall, Matt St. Martin, Brenden Williams, and Ryan Sete, who contributed one a piece.

Hayton rejected 36 shots on goal for the Mustangs. Peoria ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Alec Rounds made 34 saves for the Swords on 38 shots. Cincinnati totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play.