Late Push Not Enough as Gladiators Fall 3–2 to South Carolina

A determined third-period surge wasn’t enough for the Atlanta Gladiators on Sunday afternoon, as they fell 3–2 to the South Carolina Stingrays at Gas South Arena. In a matchup defined by momentum swings, disciplined defense, and standout goaltending on both sides, the Gladiators battled until the final horn but came up just short against a divisional rival.

Atlanta opened the game with purpose, striking first just 3:50 into the contest when Anthony Firriolo buried a clean finish off passes from Louis Boudon and Isak Walther. The Gladiators controlled the early pace, pushing South Carolina back on its heels while T.J. Semptimphelter delivered several composed saves to maintain the lead.

South Carolina responded quickly. The Stingrays tied the game at 7:42 on a goal from Ludwig Persson, then grabbed a 2–1 advantage minutes later when Kaden Bohlsen found the back of the net. A late-period Gladiators power play couldn’t level the score, but Semptimphelter’s steady presence kept Atlanta within striking distance heading into intermission.

The second period became a tight defensive grind. Both teams traded penalties, but neither generated offense on special teams. South Carolina’s Seth Eisele turned away every Atlanta look, and the Stingrays protected their one-goal lead through forty minutes.

Check out the game recap below:

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/uYEnuhSr-mKDXHGR8

Atlanta came out aggressive in the third, and the push finally paid off. At 3:41, Ryan Nolan finished a smooth passing sequence from Ethan Scardina and Brendan Less, tying the game and reigniting the Gas South Arena crowd.

But the momentum shift didn’t last long. After successfully killing a penalty, the Gladiators surrendered the go-ahead goal at 7:43 when Simon Pinard capitalized to put the Stingrays ahead 3–2. Atlanta generated pressure late, including a power play opportunity, but South Carolina’s penalty kill held firm once again. Despite outshooting the Stingrays down the stretch, the Glads couldn’t find the equalizer.

Atlanta won’t have to wait long for another shot. The Stingrays return to Gas South Arena on Wednesday night for the season’s first College Night, giving the Gladiators a quick turnaround and another chance to respond on home ice.