BEAUMONT, TX (April 20, 2008) - Max Taylor scored a hat trick as he led the Wildcatters past the Columbia Inferno 6-2 in game two of the South Division semi-finals. The series is tied at one a piece.

Texas was on the board first with a goal by Toby LaFrance at the 18:01 mark of the first period. Columbia's Tyler Doig answered back a minute later as he walked in on goaltender Anton Khudobin scoring his third of the post season with assists to Reid Cashman and Eric Lundberg.

Texas then scored five unanswered goals, three in the second and two in the third period as they went 3-for-11 on the power play. The penalty stricken Inferno went 1-for-7 on power play opportunities. Texas outshot the Inferno 34-19 after two periods but the Inferno outshot the Wildcatters 19-5 in the third period alone.

Peter Tsimikalis added the second goal for the Inferno at 13:37 of the third period on the power play with help from Cashman and Jeff Miles.

Columbia and Texas will both hop on their respective buses and return to the Carolina Coliseum 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.