The Southern Tier Xpress tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Pittsburgh Vengeance held on for a 3-1 victory.

A goal by Cody Black put Pittsburgh up 3-0 in the third period, but Southern Tier pulled to within two on Mark Sunde's tally 14:31 into the third period.

The Vengeance were led by goalie Brian Baker, who finished with 28 saves while allowing one goal. Baker certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 1.98 entering the contest.

Pittsburgh stifled the Xpress' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

The Vengeance were helped by Bryan Hovanec, who racked up one goal. Hovanec scored 13:09 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Pittsburgh. Tyler Speis picked up the assist. Pittsburgh also got a goal from Richard Doherty as well. More assists for Pittsburgh came via Brooks Antill, Eli Lynn, Michael Straub, and Gavin Cummings, who contributed one each.

Southern Tier could not produce up to its normal offensive output. The Xpress average 3.8 goals per game.

Other players who recorded assists for Southern Tier were Brandon Desrosiers and Luke Sunde, who each chipped in one.

Pittsburgh incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Southern Tier's Cody Gibson stopped 16 shots out of the 19 that he faced. The Xpress incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.