Manteno Panthers (Manteno, IL) backers exited the stadium thrilled Sunday as they saw their softball squad nip the visiting Marquette Crusaders (Ottawa, IL), 9-8 in a non-league challenge.

The Panthers now own a 12-6 record. They take the field next when they host Streator for a Illinois Central Eight challenge on Monday, April 24. Manteno will face a Bulldogs squad coming off a 4-1 non-league loss to Morris (Morris, IL). The Bulldogs record now stands at 7-8.

With the loss, Marquette falls to 12-5 on the campaign. The Crusaders host Woodland (Streator, IL) to face the Warriors in a Tri-County challenge on Tuesday, April 25. The Warriors enter the challenge with a record of 11-6. Woodland won 5-0 in their recent non-league challenge against Prairie Central (Fairbury, IL)