In a pitchers dual, the Vikings outlasted the Spartans, for an exciting 2-1 victory in a non-district girls softball opener Monday afternoon at the Northside Complex.

Salem's (0-1) lone run of the game came in the top of the fourth inning when Ellen Weaver doubled. Two Northside (1-0) errors in two successive at bats allowed the Spartans run.

In the bottom of the fourth inning,  Kathleen Carr singled and then stole second. Kelsey Jarrett tripled to right field and scored Carr from second. Kelsey Jarrett scored several pitches later on a passed ball to make it 2-1, Northside.

Ellen Weaver took the loss for Salem. She gave up two runs on three hits, walked one and struck out 13 in going the distance.

Lauren Boitnott picked up the win for Northside. She went four innings, gave up one run on three hits, walking one and striking out seven. Kelsey Jarrett tossed three innings, giving up no runs on three hits, walking none and striking out three.