The Fayetteville FireAntz could not stop the Columbus Cottonmouths' Preston Shupe, who tallied a hat trick in an 8-5 win.

Columbus surpassed its usual scoring output this season. The Cottonmouths have scored at the pace of 3.4 goals per game during the current campaign. Columbus was effective with a man advantage, and put in three goals while on the power play. The Cottonmouths could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 23 minutes in penalties during the game. With 58 shots on target during the contest, Columbus exceeded the 27.6 shots it averages per game this year.

Columbus additionally got points from Levi Lind, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Columbus also had goals scored by Steve Mele, who had two and Will Aide and Matt Gingera, who scored one goal each. More assists for Columbus came via Neilsson Arcibal, who had two and Jason Gray, Andy Willigar, Dan Bremner, and Seth Ronsberg, who contributed one a piece.

The Fayetteville penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and two majors for 56 minutes in penalty time. The FireAntz surpassed its season average of 20.0 penalty minutes per game. Fayetteville's goal total was higher than its season average. The FireAntz average 2.6 goals per game. The defensemen of Fayetteville were also effective in the Cottonmouths' zone, and came away with two goals. The FireAntz's offense was clicking better than usual and put 38 shots on goal during the game, better than the 23.3 shots per game they average.

Fayetteville was helped by John Clewlow, who had two goals and one assist. Clewlow scored the first of his two goals at 11:16 into the second period to make the score 2-2. Bobby Reed picked up the assist. Clewlow's next tally made the score 7-6 Columbus with 3:16 left in the third period. Fayetteville also got points from Corey Toy, who also racked up one goal and one assist, Corey Tamblyn, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points, and Reed, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Fayetteville also got a goal from Zach Carriveau as well. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Kyle McNeil and Nick Craven, who each chipped in one.

Curtis Martinu made 33 saves for Columbus on 38 shots. The FireAntz's starting goalie, Peter Skoggard, made 39 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Dustin Carlson, who stopped 11 shots. Fayetteville registered two goals on five power play opportunities. For the FireAntz, Brandon Richardson and Ryan Hand were ejected from the contest.