04/18/2008 9:29 PM - BEAUMONT, TX (April 18, 2008) - The Columbia Inferno defeated the no. 1 seed Texas Wildcatters 4-2 in game one of the South Division semi-finals. The Inferno lead 1-0 in the series.

Only :19 into the first period, Daniel Sparre put home a rebound shot as he scored his third goal of the post season from Mac Faulkner and Steve McJannet. Texas, who trailed the game from the beginning, answered at the 2:42 mark on a shorthanded goal by John McNabb. At 4:18, Liam Huculak put the Inferno on top for good as he scored with help from Brad Ralph and Tyler Doig to take a 2-1 lead.

Columbia's defenseman Eric Lindberg scored on the power play at 10:33 to give the Inferno a two goal lead. C. Kinley scored to bring the Wildcatters to within one at 11:52, also on the power play. At 16:32, Doig netted his second goal of the post season, on the power play with assists from Peter Tsimikalis and Patrick Wellar as the Inferno took the 4-2 lead.

Todd Ford earns the win between the pipes, stopping 32 of 34 shots on goal. Texas pulled their goalie Anton Khudobin after the Inferno scored their fourth goal in the second period. The Wildcatters outshot the Inferno 34-27.

Columbia and Texas will play game two on Sunday in Beaumont at 7:05 pm (EST) before returning home for game three on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:05 pm. Tickets are available by calling 251-2222 or visiting the Carolina Coliseum Box Office on Greene Street.