The Fayetteville FireAntz tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Columbus Cottonmouths would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 5-3.

A goal by Jason Yuel put Columbus up 5-2 in the third period, but Fayetteville pulled to within two on Corey Toy's tally 19:19 into the third period.

Levi Lind had two goals to lead the Cottonmouths to victory. Lind scored at 3:25 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Columbus and again while 11:16 into the first to make the score 2-0 Columbus.

Columbus excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The Cottonmouths bested their season scoring average. Columbus averages 2.9 goals per game. The Cottonmouths' offense was clicking better than usual and put 33 shots on goal during the game, better than the 26.0 shots per game they average.

Columbus additionally got points from Yuel, who also registered one goal and one assist. John Sullivan also scored for Columbus. In addition, Columbus received assists from Bret Tyler, who had three, Jordan Braid and Chris Bailer, who each chipped in one, and Kyle Johnson and Orrin Hergott, who contributed two a piece.

The FireAntz put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Columbus to score on any of its four power plays.

Fayetteville was led by John Clewlow, who finished with one goal and two assists. Clewlow scored 9:02 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Brian Elser assisted on the tally. Fayetteville also got a goal from Bobby Reed as well. Other players who recorded assists for Fayetteville were Mike Kavanagh, who had one and Ben Contini, who had two.

The Cottonmouths' Ian Vigier stopped 26 shots out of the 29 that he faced. Columbus incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Marco Emond made 28 saves for the FireAntz on 32 shots. Fayetteville incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.