Snakes win first game this season in shootout

Columbus earned its first victory of the season Sunday , 3-2 over Macon in a shootout.

The team tied 2-2 through regulation and overtime. In the shootout, Ben O'Quinn and Andy Bathgate made their shots to match Macon through six rounds. Columbus' seventh shooter, Craig Simchuk, made his goal, while Alexandre Labonte failed, giving the Snakes the victory.

After a scoreless first period, Kyle Shapiro gave Columbus a 1-0 lead just 1:04 into the second period.

Macon got goals from Mark McGowan (5:56) and Shawn Skelly (8:02) to take the lead.

Chris Rial tied the game at 2:03 of the third period.

Brandon Jaeger started in goal for the Snakes and stopped 42 of 44 shots.

Columbus (1-­4-3) remains ninth in the nine-team SPHL with five points, one point behind Louisiana and two behind Macon.

The Snakes host Fayetteville on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Columbus Civic Center.

-- From staff reports

This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 7:34 PM with the headline "Snakes win first game this season in shootout ."