Sparta Spartans (Sparta, NJ) backers exited the stadium thrilled Thursday as they saw their softball squad nip the host Pope John XXIII (Sparta, NJ), 3-1 in a league challenge.

The Spartans now own a 3-3 record. They take the field next when they travel to Jefferson Township for a non-league challenge on Saturday, April 20. Sparta will face a Falcons squad coming off a 9-8 league win over Vernon (Vernon, NJ). The Falcons record now stands at 7-1.

With the loss, Pope John XXIII falls to 6-5 on the campaign. The travel to Randolph (Randolph, NJ) to face the Rams in a NJAC - American challenge on Saturday, April 20. The Rams enter the challenge with a record of 7-4. Randolph lost 3-2 in their recent league challenge against Montville (Montville, NJ)