The game between the Columbus Cottonmouths and the Fayetteville FireAntz was tight through all 60 minutes, but in the end Columbus emerged with a 4-2 win.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Matt Gingera's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

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

Columbus was led by Gingera, who finished with one goal and one assist. Gingera scored 8:17 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Columbus.

The Cottonmouths relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Jordan Braid, Gingera and Sam Bowles took 13 of the team's 25 shots.

Columbus also got a goal from Mark Thorburn as well. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Tom Maldonado and Tom Fitzpatrick, who contributed one a piece.

The FireAntz stifled Columbus' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Fayetteville was helped by Derek Elliott, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Elliott scored on the power play 13:53 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Fayetteville. The FireAntz had gained a power play chance when Corey Bellamy was whistled for cross checking. Mike Gurtler picked up the assist. Fayetteville additionally got points from Mike Kavanagh, who also racked up one goal and one assist. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Brandon Richardson, who had one.

Andrew Loewen made 27 saves for the Cottonmouths on 29 shots. Columbus totaled 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major and went 0-for-4 on the power play. Marco Emond rejected 21 shots on goal for Fayetteville. The FireAntz ended with 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major.