A hat trick by Matt Gingera was the highlight in Cottonmouths' 4-2 win against the Augusta RiverHawks.

Augusta's power play was ineffective against the Columbus Cottonmouths' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Columbus was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and one major for 23 minutes in penalty time. The Cottonmouths surpassed its season average of 18.0 penalty minutes per game. The 30 shots that Columbus put on net surpassed the Cottonmouths' average of 22.8 shots per game this season. Columbus was held back by its power play unit, which tallied one goal on 10 chances.

Chris Bailer also scored for Columbus. More assists for Columbus came via Tom Maldonado, Sam Bowles, and Bret Tyler, who each chipped in one and Jordan Braid and Derek Pallardy, who contributed two a piece.

The RiverHawks racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 12 minors and one major for 39 minutes in penalty time. Augusta had been averaging 21.0 minutes in penalties per game. The RiverHawks' offense was clicking better than usual and put 35 shots on goal during the game, better than the 18.3 shots per game they average.

Augusta was led by Alex Morton, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Morton scored on the power play 18:11 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Augusta. A tripping penalty on Brett Hammond had put the RiverHawks on the power play. Dennis Sicard picked up the assist. Augusta also got a goal from Matt Auffrey as well. In addition, Augusta received assists from Curtis Megginson and Jesse Echternach, who each chipped in one.

Ian Vigier made 33 saves for the Cottonmouths on 35 shots. Augusta's Robbie Moss stopped 26 shots out of the 30 that he faced.