Greenville’s power play unit opened the scoring 14:10 into the opening period on a goal from Ben Freeman, with assists going to Ethan Somoza and Ethan Cap. The Swamp Rabbits entered the first intermission with a 1-0 lead, while holding a 15-3 shot advantage over the Icemen.
The Swamp Rabbits added a pair of goals 1:14 apart to jump out to a 3-0 lead just 3:29 into the third following a scoreless middle frame.
Josh McKechney knocked home a rebound from the goal mouth at 2:25 of the third to make it a 2-0 Greenville lead, with assists being awarded to Colton Young and Brett Kemp.
Joe Gatenby then snatched up a drop pass from Dallas Gerads at the top of the circle and moved in on net, crossing in front of the net before releasing a backhand that found its way past goalie Charles Williams and into the net to make it a 3-0 lead.
Jacksonville found the net at 7:20 of the third when Craig Martin sailed a wrist shot into the net from the left circle. Unfortunately for the Icemen, that would be their only goal of the night.
Ierullo added his lone goal on an empty net with 4:05 remaining to make it a 4-1 Greenville lead.
The two squads will enjoy a day off on Saturday before they return to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena ice for game two on Sunday at 5:00pm EST.
South Division Semifinals
Jacksonville (0) vs Greenville (1)
Game 1 – Apr 21 Greenville 4, Jacksonville 1
Game 2 – Apr 23 Greenville at Jacksonville 5:00 PM ESTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Game 3 – Apr 25 Jacksonville at Greenville 7:05 PM EST
Game 4 – Apr 28 Jacksonville at Greenville 7:05 PM ESTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Game 5 – Apr 29 Jacksonville at Greenville 7:05 PM ESTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Game 6 – May 2 Greenville at Jacksonville 7:05 PM EST
Game 7 – May 3 Greenville at Jacksonville 7:05 PM EST
Contact the writer: John.Hall@prohockeynews.com
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