Hibriten Panthers (Lenoir, NC) backers exited the stadium thrilled Thursday as they saw their softball squad achieve victory over the host Wilkes Central Eagles (Wilkesboro, NC), 14-2 in a non-league challenge.

The Panthers now own a 3-2 record. They take the field next when they travel to Freedom for a Northwestern 3A/4A challenge on Tuesday, March 22. Hibriten will face a Patriots squad coming off a 13-1 non-league loss to Burns (Lawndale, NC). The Patriots record now stands at 2-5.

With the loss, Wilkes Central falls to 2-3 on the campaign. The Eagles host West Wilkes (Millers Creek, NC) to face the Blackhawks in a Foothills 2A challenge on Friday, March 18. The Blackhawks enter the challenge with a record of 6-1. West Wilkes won 6-5 in their recent league battle against Wilkes Central (Wilkesboro, NC)