The Mathews High School varsity girls’ softball team returned to the diamond last week, traveling to Bruton on March 8 in a pre-season scrimmage.

Head coach Robert Thomas lauded the team for their focus and intensity in practice so far and expected the girls to do well in their first scrimmage. The Lady Devils took no time in showing off their hitting ability when the second batter of the game, Virginia Scatchard, hit the second pitch over the center-field fence.

The Lady Devils continued to hit the ball in gaps and force the Lady Panthers to make defensive plays. Coach KK Hudgins said the girls exhibited one of the best base-running games he’d ever seen.

Later in the game, freshman Sammi Rutter followed Scatchard’s home run with one of her own over the left-field fence. Lindsay Crigler started for the Lady Devils on the mound and pitched four impressive innings followed by Lindsay Collins, who came in and closed the remaining four innings.

On Wednesday, ...