The Fayetteville FireAntz tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Louisiana IceGators would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-2.

Louisiana took a 3-1 lead during the second period, only to have Fayetteville storm back on a Josh McQuade goal 6:34 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The IceGators were led by Shawn McNeil, who had one goal. McNeil scored 17:09 into the second period to make the score Louisiana. Marc Andre Carre assisted on the tally.

Louisiana also got points from Jeremey Boyer, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Robert Short, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Louisiana received assists from Matt Lawrance, Kirk Byczynski, and Kyle OKane, who contributed one a piece.

The FireAntz failed to reach their usual level of shot production, putting 24 pucks on goal after averaging 31.9 shots per game this season.

Fayetteville was helped by Bobby Reed, who racked up one goal. Reed scored 4:30 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Fayetteville. Mike Kavanagh provided the assist. More assists for Fayetteville came via Brandon Richardson and Tristin Llewellyn, who each chipped in one.

Riley Gill rejected 22 shots on goal for Louisiana. The IceGators totaled 39 minutes in penalty time with two minors and three majors and went 1-for-1 on the power play. For Louisiana, Eric Tallent was ejected from the game. The FireAntz's Marco Emond stopped 19 shots out of the 22 that he faced. Fayetteville totaled 17 minutes in penalty time with one minor and three majors and went 1-for-2 on the power play.