Centralia Orphans (Centralia, IL) backers exited the stadium thrilled Wednesday as they saw their softball squad nip the host Salem Wildcats (Salem, IL), 4-3 in a non-league challenge.

The Orphans now own a 1-0 record. They take the field next when they host Vandalia for a non-league challenge on Wednesday, April 16.

With the loss, Salem falls to 2-6 on the campaign. The Wildcats host Paris (Paris, IL) to clash with the Tigers in a Apollo game on Saturday, April 12. The Tigers come into the game with a record of 1-0.

This was one heck of a softball game & I'm sure a very exciting one for all the fans who showed up to support the cross county rivals. The teams traded runs in the 2nd & both teams had numerous chances to score throughout the game, but couldn't until Centralia scored 2 in the top of the 5th. With 1 on & 2 out, SS Anissa Rasul went for a diving catch on a soft pop up up the middle. The ball bounced out of her glove when she hit the ground & Centralia had 2 on for Sam Cameron. She ripped the first pitch for a 2-run double & made it 3-1. Kelly Sager led off the 6th for us & ripped a long fly to deep left, but Jessica Feig made one of the best catches you will ever see a HS OF make as she hauled it in over her shoulder as she was falling down. After 2 singles & an IF out, Megan Molemhour ripped a 2 out double over Feig's head to tie the game at 3 going into the 7th. After Centralia scored an unearned run in the top, we loaded the bases with 1 out, but 2 IF pop outs ended the game.