Shepard Astros (Palos Heights, IL) backers exited the stadium thrilled Saturday as they saw their softball squad run past the host Bishop McNamara Fightin' Irish (Kankakee, IL), 11-2 in a non-league challenge.

The Astros now own a 2-1 record. They take the field next when they host Blue Island Eisenhower for a South Suburban challenge on Tuesday, April 12. Shepard will battle a Cardinals squad coming off a 16-1 league win over Hillcrest (Country Club Hills, IL). The Cardinals record now stands at 1-5.

With the loss, Bishop McNamara falls to 4-3 on the campaign. The Fightin' irish host St. Francis (Wheaton, IL) to battle the Spartans in a Metro Suburban challenge on Tuesday, April 12. The Spartans enter the challenge with a record of 4-2. St. Francis lost 3-1 in their recent league challenge against Aurora Central Catholic (Aurora, IL)