Josh McQuade lifted the Fayetteville FireAntz to a 5-3 victory with a hat trick against the Augusta RiverHawks.

Fayetteville put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Augusta to score on any of its three power plays. The FireAntz forced the RiverHawks goalie Robbie Moss to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.

Fayetteville also got a goal from Brian Elser as well. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Bobby Reed, who had three and Mike Kavanagh, John Clewlow, Brock Sawyer, Mike Gurtler, and Kyle McNeil, who each chipped in one.

Augusta excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in six chances. The RiverHawks put 30 shots on net during the contest, more than the 24.4 they average per game.

Augusta was led by Alex Morton, who finished with one goal and one assist. Morton scored 19:15 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Augusta. Casey Mignone provided the assist. Augusta also got points from Shawn Skelly, who also had one goal and one assist. Myles McCauley also scored for Augusta. More assists for Augusta came via Michael Switzer, who had one.

Fayetteville's Marco Emond stopped 27 shots out of the 30 that he faced. The FireAntz ended with 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major. Moss rejected 27 shots on goal for the RiverHawks. Augusta ended with 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major.