Newton Eagles (Newton, IL) backers exited the stadium thrilled Friday as they saw their softball squad nip the visiting Champaign Central Maroons (Champaign, IL), 4-3 in a non-league challenge.

The Eagles now own a 17-5 record. They take the field next when they host Richland County for a Little Illini challenge on Monday, April 22. Newton will battle a Tigers squad coming off a 6-0 non-league loss to Carmi-White County (Carmi, IL). The Tigers record now stands at 9-6.

With the loss, Champaign Central falls to 7-8 on the campaign. The Maroons host Peoria (Peoria, IL) to battle the Lions in a Big Twelve challenge on Saturday, April 20. The Lions enter the challenge with a record of 1-3. Peoria lost 19-15 in their recent non-league challenge against Peoria Heights (Peoria Heights, IL)