Alexander Central Cougars (Taylorsville, NC) fans exited the stadium thrilled Wednesday as they observed their baseball squad hold off the host St. Stephens Indians (Hickory, NC), 2-1 in a non-league test.

With the win, Alexander Central upgrades its record to 11-1 on the season. The Cougars host Hibriten (Lenoir, NC) to play the Panthers in a Northwestern 3A/4A battle on Friday, April 1. The Panthers enter the battle with a record of 8-4. Hibriten won 5-4 in their recent league battle against Watauga (Boone, NC)

The Indians now possess a 10-1 record. They take the field next when they travel to Foard for a Western Foothills 3A battle on Friday, April 1. St. Stephens will play a Tigers squad coming off a 9-8 league win over Hickory (Hickory, NC). The Tigers record now stands at 7-2.