Players, coaches and parents met at Salem United Methodist Church in Diggs on Friday evening, gathering one last time to celebrate the 2017 state championship Mathews Lady Devils’ softball team—and for the girls to get their championship rings.

The group assembled in the church’s Fellowship Hall to enjoy a meal and recall the championship season.

Dr. Ben Lennon, who provided the banquet and gave the girls and coaches their championship rings, spoke about the lessons that these young women will take with them long after the final game is over—lessons of what can be accomplished with teamwork, of learning to lose with grace and win with pride.

“I think it’s the equivalent of the Super Bowl in high school,” he said of winning a state title. “I think if you reach that level, you should have something to show it.”

“It has been a tremendous season,” head coach Robert Thomas said. He said it was always his goal ever since f...