Shawn Bates gave the Columbus Cottonmouths a 2-1 (OT) victory over the Fayetteville FireAntz when he scored 56 seconds into the extra period.

Columbus was led by goalie Shannon Szabados, who finished with 35 saves while allowing one goal. Szabados managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 3.45 prior to the game.

The Cottonmouths were paced by Bates, who grabbed one goal.

Columbus put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Fayetteville to score on any of its three power plays. With 45 shots on target during the contest, the Cottonmouths exceeded the 30.9 shots they average per game this year.

Columbus also got a goal from Nick Curry as well. In addition, Columbus received assists from Craig Simchuk, Levi Lind, and Kyle Thomas, who each chipped in one.

The FireAntz's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Columbus power plays. Fayetteville's defensemen also contributed in the offensive zone and ended up with 15 shots between them. The FireAntz's offense rang up 36 shots on Columbus' net.

Fayetteville was led by John Clewlow, who scored the team's only goal. Clewlow scored 6:08 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Derek Elliott assisted on the tally.

The Cottonmouths incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Kevin Murdock made 43 saves for the FireAntz on 45 shots. Fayetteville incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.