To open its 2022 season, the Mathews High School softball team defeated Essex in a thrilling, come-from-behind win on the road Tuesday, 5-2.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the seventh inning with two outs and a runner on base, Olivia Coons doubled to left field and Lainie Wilson singled to tie the game and send it into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth, Reese Brock scored on a squeeze bunt to give Mathews the lead and two sacrifices scored the last two Devil runs. Emily West pitched all eight innings for Mathews for the win, striking out three, walking two and giving up one earned run. Christiana Wood had a standout day at the plate, with a double and single.

The varsity girls are scheduled to have their home opener today against Washington and Lee. The JV girls will begin their season on the road against W&L at Montross. Both games are due to start at 5 p.m.
...