The Great Falls Americans beat the Billings Bulls 5-4 in a hard-fought contest that saw the lead change hands four times.

After the loss made the series score 1-0 in the best of three series, Billings faces elimination next time out.

Lucas Lomax had four goals to lead Great Falls to victory. Lomax's first goal came 1:21 into the second period. He then added goals at 15:18 into the second, at 6:12 into the third, and at 14:46 into the third.

The Americans forced the Bulls goalie Cole Semchak to work between the pipes, taking 59 shots.

Zack Mese also scored for Great Falls. In addition, Great Falls received assists from Arseny Ivanov, who had two, Robert Kalata and Connor Barta, who contributed one each, and Josh Larson and Cody Page, who each chipped in three.

Billings was helped by Sawyer Scanlan, who had one goal. Scanlan scored 3:33 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Billings. Ian Wiljanen picked up the assist. Billings also got points from Wiljanen, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Billings also had goals scored by Chad Stucker and Torin Foundos, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Billings were Ralfs Karelis, Josh Neumann, Austin Lange, Bryce Jensen, Cameron Birklid, and Tristan Henrichs, who contributed one each.

Great Falls took out Lauren Massie after he had made 13 saves and installed Jordan Moran in goal, where he finished with eight saves and the win. The Americans incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Cole Semchak made 54 saves for the Bulls on 59 shots. Billings incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.