The Mathews High School girls’ tennis team recorded a couple of firsts last week. In the 11 years that LaDonna Crain has coached the girls, this is the first time the team was the VHSL State Team Tournament semifinalist. It was also the first time that the team had a doubles duo (Morgan Johnson and Ashley Hudgins) end up VHSL State Doubles Tournament semifinalists.

Finally, it was also the first time under Crain that a player made it to the finals in the VHSL State Singles Tournament. Johnson defeated Rebecah Storms of George Wythe in the state singles semifinals, 6-2, 6-2, at Radford University last Thursday morning.

Crain also ended the season as the Region 1A East Coach of the Year.

At noon, Johnson then lost, 6-3, 6-1, in the finals to Radford High School’s Samantha Brooks for the state title, making Johnson the #2 ranked player in the state for Group 1A.

Johnson and Hudgins played Radford High School’s Brooks and Landerth for the VHSL State Doubles semifinals...