columbiainferno.com

The Columbia Inferno fell to the rival South Carolina Stingrays 4-2 Friday night, dropping the Inferno's record to 7-12-1-3 (18 points) on the season.

The Stingrays opened the game with three goals in the first period on goalie Rob Gherson. South Cam McCaffreyCarolina had goals scored by wingers Stephen Werner, Matt Stefanishion, and Cail MacLean in the first, and one by winger Cam McCaffrey in the second period. Gherson had 21 saves on 25 shots starting in place of Todd Ford, who was recently recalled to the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

The Inferno got their first goal of the game past goalie Daren Machesney with less than ten minutes left in the game when center Bryson Busniuk deflected a Derick Martin shot into the net. It was Busniuk's second goal of the season. Winger Anthony Battaglia scored his fourth of the season when he put a Chris Thompson rebound past Machesney's stick side with less than five minutes left. It was the first game for Battaglia since being placed on the IR after the Nov. 3 game against Texas, and the first game for Inferno captain Thompson since going on the IR after the Dec. 1 game at Augusta.

The Inferno finished the game with 36 shots and 31 PIM on 10 penalties in a hard-hitting, spirited affair in front of 4,016 fans. Columbia plays host to the Pensacola Ice Pilots on Saturday, Dec. 16th at 7:05.