Franklin Panthers (Franklin, NC) backers exited the stadium thrilled Monday as they saw their softball squad nip the host Blue Ridge Sports Academy Guardians (Swannanoa, NC), 1-0 in a non-league challenge.

The Panthers now own a 12-8 record. They take the field next when they host West Henderson for a Mountain Seven 3A challenge on Tuesday, May 3. Franklin will face a Falcons squad coming off a 12-2 non-league win over Chase (Forest City, NC). The Falcons record now stands at 15-3.

With the loss, Blue Ridge Sports Academy falls to 2-7 on the campaign. The Guardians travel to Rosman (Rosman, NC) to face the Tigers in a non-league challenge on Thursday, May 5. The Tigers enter the challenge with a record of 12-7. Rosman won 17-4 in their recent non-league challenge against Blue Ridge Sports Academy (Swannanoa, NC)