The Columbus Cottonmouths tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Fayetteville FireAntz held on for a 4-2 victory.

A goal by Jeff Martens put Fayetteville up 4-1 in the third period, but Columbus pulled to within two on Jordan Draper's tally 18:54 into the third period.

Matt Smyth was all over the ice for the FireAntz, as he registered two goals in the win. Smyth found the back of the net on the power play 12:49 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Fayetteville and again while 14:02 into the second to make the score 2-1 Fayetteville.

The 32 shots that Fayetteville put on net surpassed the FireAntz's average of 27.7 shots per game this season.

Fayetteville additionally got points from Martens, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Bobby Reed, who also racked up one goal and one assist. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Brandon Richardson, who had two and Brett Liscomb, Aaron McGill, and Brandon Greenside, who each chipped in one.

The Cottonmouths relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Draper, Tyler Gjurich and Jason Gray took 16 of the team's 31 shots.

Ian McNulty also scored for Columbus. More assists for Columbus came via Levi Lind, who had one and Tory Allan, who had two.

Kyle Rank recorded 29 saves for Fayetteville. The FireAntz incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Andrew Loewen made 28 saves for Columbus on 32 shots. The Cottonmouths incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.