The Columbus Cottonmouths beat the Fayetteville FireAntz, 1-0, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

Matt Gingera provided Columbus with the game-winning tally when he scored 17:14 into the the first period. The Cottonmouths earned a power play opportunity when John Clewlow was put in the box for interference. Tom Maldonado picked up the assist.

Andrew Loewen spearheaded the defensive effort for Columbus, as he did not allow a puck past him and made 33 saves for the shutout. Loewen certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 3.14 entering the contest.

The Cottonmouths were paced by Gingera, who had one goal.

Columbus stifled Fayetteville's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The 30 shots that the Cottonmouths put on net surpassed Columbus' average of 25.2 shots per game this season.

Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Jason Gray, who had one.

The FireAntz were held below their usual level of production. Fayetteville averages 2.8 goals per game. The FireAntz's offense rang up 33 shots on the Cottonmouths' net.

Fayetteville was led by Matt Smyth, who took four shots.

Columbus incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Peter Skoggard made 29 saves for the FireAntz on 30 shots. Fayetteville incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.