Mississippi Surge tried to dig itself out of a two-goal hole, but the Fayetteville FireAntz held on for a 3-2 victory.

Fayetteville made the score 3-1 on a goal by Brian Elser at 8:06 in the third period, and Mississippi Surge got as close as 3-2 when Derek Graham scored 11:49 into the third period.

Mississippi Surge's power play was ineffective against the FireAntz's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Fayetteville averages 29.1 shots on goal per game, but only sent 22 pucks on net against Mississippi Surge. The FireAntz capitalized on Mississippi Surge's penalties, netting two goals while skating with a man advantage.

Brandon Richardson also scored for Fayetteville. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Derek Elliott and Bobby Reed, who contributed one a piece and Josh McQuade and Tristin Llewellyn, who each chipped in two.

Mississippi Surge was helped by Jeff Grant, who had one goal. Grant scored 43 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 Mississippi Surge. Kyle VanderMale provided the assist. Other players who recorded assists for Mississippi Surge were Tommy Lange and Branden Kosolofsky, who contributed one a piece.

Marco Emond made 22 saves for Fayetteville on 24 shots. The FireAntz incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Mississippi Surge's Kiefer Smiley stopped 19 shots out of the 22 that he faced. Mississippi Surge incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.