The Columbus Cottonmouths tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Fayetteville FireAntz held on for a 4-2 victory.

A goal by Shawn Skelly put Fayetteville up 4-1 in the third period, but Columbus pulled to within two on Bryce Williamson's tally 2:41 into the third period.

The FireAntz's penalty kill excelled, as Fayetteville gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.

The FireAntz stifled the Cottonmouths' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Fayetteville bested its season scoring average. The FireAntz average 1.9 goal per game.

Fayetteville was helped by John Clewlow, who had one goal. Clewlow scored on the power play 19:23 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Fayetteville. The FireAntz had gained a power play chance when Tom Maldonado was whistled for hooking. Skelly provided the assist. Fayetteville also got points from Skelly, who also racked up one goal and one assist, Trever Hertz, who also registered one goal and one assist, and Jan Safar, who also tallied one goal and one assist. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Randy Cameron, Brad Drobot, Mike Montrose, and Kyle McNeil, who contributed one each.

With 40 shots on target during the contest, Columbus exceeded the 29.3 shots it averages per game this year.

Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Patrick McCadden, Levi Lind, and Neilsson Arcibal, who each chipped in one.

Kevin Murdock made 38 saves for Fayetteville on 40 shots. The FireAntz totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-3 on the power play. The Cottonmouths' Andrew Loewen stopped 24 shots out of the 28 that he faced. Columbus ended with 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major.