The Ava Bears the visiting Licking Wildcats softball squad by a count of 8-5 in Thursday's non-league challenge.

Next, the Bears meet the Mansfield Lions (Mansfield, MO) in a non-league challenge, on Monday, March 30. Ava will attempt to upgrade on its 2-3 season record. The Lions enter the challenge with a 3-4 record after their 10-0 non-league loss to Crane (Crane, MO).

The Wildcats (2-3) will now prepare for their challenge against Willow Springs (Willow Springs, MO). The Bears come into the non-league battle with a 2-0 record. In their last battle, Willow Springs got by Alton (Alton, MO), 8-3, in a league battle.