A stellar performance between the pipes by Shannon Szabados helped the Columbus Cottonmouths defeat the Fayetteville FireAntz, 2-1.

Columbus was sparked by Patrick McCadden, who had one goal. McCadden scored 15:15 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Kyle Shapiro provided the assist.

The Cottonmouths put 30 shots on net during the contest, more than the 24.0 they average per game.

Columbus also got a goal from John Jackson as well. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Ryan Whitell, Kyle Johnson, and Shawn Bates, who contributed one each.

Fayetteville managed to stay out of the box better than usual, totaling one minor for two minutes in penalty time. The FireAntz finished below its season average of 19.0 penalty minutes per game. Fayetteville could not produce up to its normal offensive output. The FireAntz average 3.5 goals per game. Fayetteville's offense was clicking better than usual and put 36 shots on goal during the game, better than the 29.7 shots per game it averages.

The FireAntz were led by Nick Lazorko, who scored the team's only goal. Lazorko scored 4:06 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Joe Tolles picked up the assist.

Shannon Szabados made 35 saves for Columbus on 36 shots. The Cottonmouths ended with no penalties and went 0-for-1 on the power play. Parker Van Buskirk recorded 28 saves for Fayetteville. The FireAntz registered zero goals on zero power play opportunities.