Salem Wildcats (Salem, IL) backers exited the stadium thrilled Wednesday as they saw their softball squad nip the host Benton Rangers (Benton, IL), 7-6 in a non-league challenge.

The Wildcats now own a 2-0 record. They take the field next when they host Effingham for a non-league challenge on Wednesday, March 20.

With the loss, Benton falls to 1-1 on the campaign. The Rangers host Massac County (Metropolis, IL) to battle the Patriots in a non-league challenge on Friday, March 15. The Patriots enter the challenge with a record of 1-0. Massac County won 6-1 in their recent non-league challenge against Pope County (Golconda, IL)