The Fayetteville FireAntz gutted out a close 6-4 win against Mississippi RiverKings.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Andrew Smale secured the win for Fayetteville with a goal in the third period.

The FireAntz was paced on offense by Josh McQuade and John Clewlow, who combined for six points. McQuade registered one goal and three assists and Clewlow also added two goals.

Fayetteville's goal total was higher than its season average. The FireAntz average 3.4 goals per game. With 42 shots on target during the contest, Fayetteville exceeded the 29.5 shots it averages per game this year.

Fayetteville additionally got points from Brandon Richardson, who also finished with one goal and two assists, Bobby Reed, who also tallied one goal and one assist, and Smale, who also racked up one goal and one assist. More assists for Fayetteville came via Mike Kavanagh, Derek Elliott, Anthony Bergin, and Aaron Atwell, who contributed one a piece.

Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals. Mississippi RiverKings' offense was clicking better than usual and put 36 shots on goal during the game, better than the 15.7 shots per game it averages.

Mississippi RiverKings was helped by Adam Feniak, who grabbed two goals and one assist. Feniak scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 13:02 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Mississippi RiverKings earned a power play opportunity when Bergin was put in the box for hooking. Matt Whitehead assisted on the tally. Feniak's next tally on the power play made the score 4-4 with 8:26 left in the third period. Campbell Elynuik provided the assist. Mississippi RiverKings also got points from Whitehead, who also registered one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Mississippi RiverKings also got a goal from Kevin Willer as well. In addition, Mississippi RiverKings received assists from Matt Harrington, who had two and Ian Finnerty and Henry Coxe, who each chipped in one.

The FireAntz's starting goalie, Kyle Rank, made 18 saves and finished with the win before he was taken out in favor of Marco Emond, who stopped 14 shots. Fayetteville incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Matthew Krahn rejected 36 shots on goal for Mississippi RiverKings. Mississippi RiverKings incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.