Dakota Cougars (Macomb, MI) backers exited the stadium thrilled Friday as they saw their softball squad nip the visiting Howell Highlanders (Howell, MI), 6-5 in a non-league challenge.

The Cougars now own a 9-2 record. They take the field next when they host Grosse Pointe North for a Macomb Area - Red challenge on Tuesday, May 10. Dakota will battle a Norsemen squad coming off a 5-2 league win over Chippewa Valley (Clinton Township, MI). The Norsemen record now stands at 5-4.

With the loss, Howell falls to 12-7 on the campaign. The Highlanders host Canton (Canton, MI) to battle the Chiefs in a Kensington Lakes - West challenge on Monday, May 9. The Chiefs enter the challenge with a record of 9-2.