Athol Bears (Athol, MA) backers exited the stadium thrilled Saturday as they saw their softball squad nip the visiting Smith Academy Falcons (Hatfield, MA), 4-2 in a league challenge.

The Bears now own a 10-6 record. They take the field next when they travel to Hopkins Academy for a PVIAC - Franklin East challenge on Monday, May 16. Athol will face a Golden Hawks squad coming off a 5-1 non-league loss to Hoosac Valley (Cheshire, MA). The Golden Hawks record now stands at 2-6.

With the loss, Smith Academy falls to 3-9 on the campaign. The Falcons host Mahar Regional (Orange, MA) to face the Senators in a PVIAC - Franklin East challenge on Monday, May 16. The Senators enter the challenge with a record of 0-8. Mahar Regional lost 30-3 in their recent non-league challenge against Mount Greylock Regional (Williamstown, MA)