The Columbus Cottonmouths tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Pensacola Ice Flyers held on for a 4-3 victory.

Pensacola made the score 4-2 on a goal by Nick McParland at 11:13 in the second period, and Columbus got as close as 4-3 when Ben OQuinn scored 18:46 into the third period.

The Ice Flyers were led by McParland, who tallied one goal.

Pensacola excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The Ice Flyers relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as McParland, Brett Beebe and Keegan Flaherty took 20 of the team's 37 shots.

Pensacola also got points from Adam Pawlick, who also registered one goal and one assist. Pensacola also had goals scored by Jon Puskar and Nick Lazorko, who scored one goal each. More assists for Pensacola came via Nick Larson, who had two and Shaun Arvai and Steve Bergin, who each chipped in one.

The Cottonmouths' offense was clicking better than usual and put 36 shots on goal during the game, better than the 30.2 shots per game they average.

Columbus was helped by Will Aide, who grabbed one goal. Aide scored 16:01 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Pensacola. Andy Willigar assisted on the tally. Columbus additionally got points from OQuinn, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Columbus also got a goal from Patrick McCadden as well. In addition, Columbus received assists from Craig Simchuk, Chris Bailer, and Shawn Bates, who contributed one each.

John McLean rejected 33 shots on goal for Pensacola. The Ice Flyers totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play. Andrew Loewen made 33 saves for the Cottonmouths on 37 shots. Columbus ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.