DULUTH, Ga. The Atlanta Gladiators (6-0-0-0) defeated the South Carolina Stingrays (3-3-1-0) by a final score of 4-2 on Sunday afternoon, at Gas South Arena, in Duluth, Georgia.
First Star: Jack Matier (ATL) - 2 goals, +3
Second Star: Michael Marchesan (ATL) - 1 goal, +2
Third Star: Gustavs Grigals (ATL) - 39 saves
South Carolina found twine early in the first period, with Kevin O’Neil wiring a shot into the top corner (3:46).
Michael Marchesan would answer back with his first pro goal for Atlanta, beating Bjorklund between the legs (11:26).
Late in the first, the Stingrays would regain the lead with a power play goal. Patrick Harper deflected a point shot past Grigals (19:28).
Reece Vitelli would tie the game early into the middle frame, collecting an off the boards pass from Mitch Fossier, finishing it off with a beautiful breakaway backhander (2:59).
The score would remain tied until the opening minute of the third, where Jack Matier would give the Gladiators their first lead of the game (00:26).
Matier would score again shortly thereafter, on a similar play, finding the back of the net from out high, to double Atlanta's advantage (4:15).
Gustavs Grigals made 39 saves on 41 Stingray shots, while Garin Bjorklund stopped 25 of 29.
Check out the highlights!