The Augusta RiverHawks tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Fayetteville FireAntz held on for a 3-2 victory.

A goal by Mike Gurtler put Fayetteville up 3-1 in the third period, but Augusta pulled to within one on Dennis Sicard's tally 19:29 into the third period.

The FireAntz were led by Gurtler, who grabbed one goal. Gurtler scored on the power play 15:50 into the third period to make the score Fayetteville. Fayetteville had gotten the advantage when the RiverHawks' Justin Daniels was sent off for tripping. Derek Elliott assisted on the tally.

The FireAntz forced Augusta goalie Robbie Moss to work between the pipes, taking 40 shots.

Fayetteville also got points from Josh McQuade, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Kyle McNeil also scored for Fayetteville. More assists for Fayetteville came via Marco Emond, Bobby Reed, Kyle Frieday, and Andrew Smale, who contributed one a piece.

The RiverHawks' offense was clicking better than usual and put 33 shots on goal during the game, better than the 27.9 shots per game they average.

Augusta was helped by Matt Auffrey, who tallied one goal. Auffrey scored 12:29 into the second period to make the score 1-0 Augusta. Ian Watters picked up the assist. In addition, Augusta received assists from Drew Baker and William Lacasse, who each chipped in one.

Emond rejected 31 shots on goal for Fayetteville. The FireAntz incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Moss recorded 37 saves for the RiverHawks. Augusta incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.