The Mathews Junior All-Star softball team ended up placing third in last weekend’s state tournament in Honaker.

The Mathews girls went 2-2, winning both games on Friday and falling to the state champions from Honaker on Saturday and the runners-up from Chesterfield on Sunday.

The Mathews juniors started off strong, beating the District 1 champions from Saltville/Chilhowie in the opening round by the mercy rule, 16-1, and then the District 14 champions from Madison County, 11-5.

The girls’ win streak came to an end on Saturday against the District 11 hosts from Honaker, who shut out Mathews, 10-0. In the final game in the double-elimination tournament, Mathews lost to the District 5 team from Chesterfield, 8-2. 

Honaker went on to claim the state title on Sunday, beating Chesterfield, 13-3. Majors

The All-Star Majors, the other Mathews softball team to advance to the state tournament, will play its first game at noon Friday in Luray against the District 6 champion....