After a couple of rain-outs, the Mathews High School varsity softball team finally got its chance to play on Saturday afternoon in the Region 1A East semifinal game against Parry McCluer.

Unfortunately for the Lady Devils, the trip to Buena Vista was all for naught, as the Fighting Blues came from behind to beat Mathews, 6-2, and earn a spot in this weekend’s state tournament at Radford University.

Mathews took an early lead, scoring once in the top of the first inning. Lead-off batter Keely Crittenden drew a walk, Hunter Thomas followed with a bunt single, and Madison Owens then walked to load the bases. Lexie Miles hit a hard ground ball to the 5/6 hole, the shortstop made an excellent play, robbing Miles of a hit and forcing Thomas out at third but Crittenden was able to score.

MHS would maintain that 1-0 lead until the bottom of the fourth inning when Parry McCluer managed to score twice on a walk, a misfielded bunt, single and sacrifice fly. The fifth inning proved to be ...