The Columbus Cottonmouths and the Fayetteville FireAntz were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Columbus made the most of its opportunities and won, 3-2.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Levi Lind secured the win for the Cottonmouths with a goal in the third period.

Columbus was paced by Lind, who grabbed one goal. Lind scored on the power play 11:00 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Columbus. The Cottonmouths had gained a power play chance when Anthony Pisano was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct. Kevin Kessler picked up the assist.

Columbus' defensemen bolstered the Cottonmouths' offensive attack, as they bombarded Mike Brown with 18 shots. The 41 shots that Columbus put on net surpassed the Cottonmouths' average of 26.4 shots per game this season.

Columbus additionally got points from Derek Pallardy, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Bret Tyler, who also finished with one goal and one assist. In addition, Columbus received assists from Greg Beller, who had two.

Fayetteville forced Columbus goalie Ian Vigier to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots.

The FireAntz were helped by Josh McQuade, who had one goal. McQuade scored 13:29 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Chris Leveille assisted on the tally. Mike Forgie also scored for Fayetteville. Other players who recorded assists for Fayetteville were Matt Smyth, Chris Rebernik, and Jesse Biduke, who contributed one a piece.

Vigier rejected 41 shots on goal for the Cottonmouths. Columbus totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play. Brown recorded 38 saves for Fayetteville. The FireAntz totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-4 on the power play.