The Mathews High School girls’ tennis team took a tough 5-1 loss to Radford High School in the semifinals of the VHSL State Tournament in Roanoke on Friday.

Each player worked hard and played very well, but the Radford girls were just a little better. The Radford team plays indoors in the winter and the community has many courts.

In singles, playing number one, Aly Collins lost 6-1, 6-2, but she played well with long points and almost every game went to deuce. At number two, Amy Collins took the only win for the Mathews team defeating her opponent, 6-2, 6-0. She took charge by mixing her game up with lots of slice, heavy topspin and strong serving including 12 aces.

Leanne Moughon, at number three, had a tough first set losing 6-1 but battled hard in the second set falling 6-4 to her opponent. Number four, Mercedes Wells had a tough match but never gave up, taking a loss of 6-4, 6-3. At number five, Kate van Emmerik fought long and hard with many games going to deuce losing 7-5, 6-1. Carlyn Tillage played her best going up against a very strong number six but suffered a loss of 6-2, 6-1.

“The girls played their hearts out Friday morning and I feel each and every one of them gave it their best. It was the best match we have ever played at state under my coaching. I am very proud of each and every one of them. I am definitely going to miss my senior players next season, but I am so proud of them for achieving everything they have over the past four years,” head coach LaDonna Crain said.

“With five of the top six graduating, it will be like a whole new team next year. However, I have an excellent group of young girls with lots of drive and talent coming back. Along with my assistant coach Chandler Rogers the team will have two additional assistant coaches: Mark Brown and Dan Wood, both former Mathews High School tennis players. They will be a tremendous addition to the team and we plan on incorporating a more aggressive tennis game. This is what it takes to develop another strong team for the future years.”