Golden Valley Cougars (Merced, CA) backers exited the stadium thrilled Wednesday as they saw their softball squad nip the host Merced Bears (Merced, CA), 17-16 in a non-league challenge.

The Cougars now own a 2-4 record. They take the field next when they host Hilmar for a non-league challenge on Monday, March 25.

With the loss, Merced falls to 0-3 on the campaign. The Bears host East Union (Manteca, CA) to battle the Lancers in a non-league challenge on Monday, April 1. The Lancers enter the challenge with a record of 7-2.