GERADS TIES GAME LATE, RABBITS FALL 4-3 IN SHOOTOUT TO GLADIATORS

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Despite a late tying goal by Dallas Gerads, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits fell 4-3 in the shootout to the Atlanta Gladiators on Friday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. 

GAME SHEET: https://bit.ly/3JUnaT7

Both sides came out hot in the first period, however the Swamp Rabbits had momentum on their side as they outshot the Gladiators 13-11. Ethan Somoza found Anthony Rinaldi wide open on the back post at the 18:11 mark, as Rinaldi buried the puck in the back of the net and created the 1-0 score line that carried into the second frame.  In the second period, Atlanta’s Carlos Fornaris put the Gladiators on the board and tied the game at the 4:32 mark. The score did not remain tied for long, as Somoza struck at 10:55, reestablishing the Greenville lead with his first career goal.  Atlanta was able to turn the tide with two goals in quick succession. Carlos Fornaris scored his second of the game at the 8:35 mark on a long shot that found the back of the net. Peter Bates added another goal just 0:43 later, creating the first Gladiators lead of the night. Dallas Gerads scored an equalizer with just 12.7 remaining, sending the game to overtime with his fourth goal in the last seven games.  An intense overtime period saw nine combined shots, however stellar goaltending kept the teams scoreless. The Gladiators capitalized in the shootout, as Derek Nesbitt and Cody Sylvester both converted on their chances, giving the Gladiators a 4-3 victory. With the loss, the Swamp Rabbits fall to 28-26-5-4 while the Gladiators improve to 41-20-3-1. The Rabbits remain at home to take on the Gladiators Saturday night before traveling to Duluth, GA to finish the series on Sunday afternoon.Swamp Rabbits Single Game Tickets are on sale now! For more information or to secure your seats today call 864-674-PUCK (7825) or email INFO@SwampRabbits.com