O'Quinn, Bates power Snakes to 4-2 win over Macon

A night after climbing out of the cellar of the SPHL standings, Columbus kept the momentum going thanks to two third-period goals by Shawn Bates, knocking off Macon 4-2 Saturday night.

With both clubs off to a slow start, Macon struck first 10:10 in the opening frame when forward Matt Robertson went top-shelf for the first of two goals on the night.

The Snakes found their offensive stride in the second when Ben O'Quinn connected on two goals, including one on the only power-play opportunity of the night, seizing a 2-1 lead. Assisting on both goals, forward Andy Bathgate has a league-leading 14 assists and is averaging better than an assist per game.

"We've been working on the power play for two weeks, and it's starting to show some life" said coach Jerome Bechard. "On a night where it's a defensive struggle, taking advantage of that power play opportunity is crucial."

In the third, Macon's Robertson scored the equalizer knotting the score at two.

Less than a minute later, assisted by newcomer Cody Freeman, Bates scored the eventual game winner. Later, he closed out the game by tacking on an empty netter in the final minute giving Columbus the 4-2 victory.

"Early in the year we weren't responding well when getting scored on, and a lot of guys stepped up on the bench and said let's stick with it and score back," Bates said.

Columbus goaltender Shannon Szabados picked up her first win, ending a six game winless streak to start the year. Szabados had 31 saves on 33 shots.

Following a two-game suspension for an elbowing penalty in the Snakes' Nov. 24 win over Knoxville, defenseman Andy Willigar's return to the lineup was short lived after taking a shot to the face midway in the second period. He ultimately returned to the bench at the start of the third period.

With Friday's win over Knoxville and Saturday's win over Macon, the Cottonmouths have won four out of their last five to climb out of last place in the nine-team league for the first time this season.

Saturday's win improves the Snakes home record to 3-3-2, and the Snakes have now taken two straight over in-state rival Macon.

The Snakes launch a two-game road swing Tuesday beginning with a meeting with the first place Mississippi RiverKings. The Cottonmouths then have a meeting with the Havoc in Huntsville on Thursday.

"Our confidence is starting to build," continued Bechard. "Two huge wins this weekend helping us reach .500 at home, I like to think the way we are playing we can go on the road and take two more."

Cottonmouths return home Saturday to host Fayetteville.

Saturday at Columbus Civic Center

Macon 1 0 1--2

Columbus 0 2 2--4

First period--1, Macon, Robertson (Skelly, Toomey) 10:10; Penalties--Lockeridge, Columbus (Slashing) 20:00; Michel, Macon (Slashing) 20:00.

Second period--2, Columbus, PP-O'Quinn (Brodie, Bathgate) 9:51; 3, Columbus, O'Quinn (Hafner, Bathgate) 16:37; Penalties--Wills, Macon (Hooking) 7:53;

Third period--4, Macon, Robertson (Toomey, Montagna) 8:56; 5, Columbus, Bates (Freeman) 9:33; 6, Columbus, EN-Bates (Freeman); Penalties--Hafner, Columbus (Fighting-Major) 3:14; Gentzler, Macon (Fighting-Major) 3:14; Lockeridge, Columbus (Roughing) 10:55; LaBelle, Macon (Roughing) 10:55; Willigar, Columbus, (Roughing) 11:21; Skelly, Macon (Roughing) 11:21.

Shots on goal: Macon 13-7-13; Columbus 15-13-11

Power plays: Macon 0 of 0; Columbus 1 of 1

Goaltenders: Macon, Bartus (loss) 58:50 15 11 9. Columbus, Szababdos (win-loss) 60:00 12 7 12

Referee: Fernandez. Linesman: D'Loughy, Locicero.

Time: 2:24

Attendance: 3,698

This story was originally published December 5, 2015 at 11:15 PM with the headline "O'Quinn, Bates power Snakes to 4-2 win over Macon ."