In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Fayetteville FireAntz escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Cottonmouths.

No lead was more than one goal during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Matt Robertson at 13:15 of the third period.

Fayetteville was paced by Robertson, who registered one goal.

The FireAntz put 33 shots on net during the contest, more than the 26.4 they average per game.

Fayetteville also got points from Tyler Sheldrake, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Josh McQuade also scored for Fayetteville. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Corey Tamblyn, Austin Daae, Kristaps Nimanis, and Chad Hohmann, who contributed one each.

Columbus' offense rang up 42 shots on Fayetteville's net.

The Cottonmouths were helped by Matt Gingera, who tallied one goal. Gingera scored on the power play 8:24 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Columbus had taken the advantage when the FireAntz's Tim Recio got sent off for holding. Levi Lind assisted on the tally. Columbus also got a goal from Louis Belisle as well. More assists for Columbus came via Andy Willigar and Shawn Bates, who each chipped in one.

Kevin Murdock made 40 saves for Fayetteville on 42 shots. The FireAntz totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 0-for-2 on the power play. The Cottonmouths' starting goalie, Shannon Szabados, made 17 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Andrew Loewen, who stopped 13 shots. Columbus totaled nine minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major and went 1-for-4 on the power play.