The Mathews High School volleyball team captured its third state title this week, beating the Region C champion Narrows Green Wave, 3-1, Saturday at the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond for the Class 1 crown.

The Lady Devils, last year’s state runner-up, came into post-season play with one overriding goal in mind.

“Back in August, these girls set a goal of winning this championship. But I think it started last season when they lost in the state finals,” said MHS head coach Pat Moughon, who also guided Mathews to state titles in 2011 and 2012.

“Many people say runner-up is great, but these girls wanted more,” she added. “I hope they learned that hard work, team work and attention to detail pay off, because that is what we try to focus on.”

Saturday marked the sixth appearance of Mathews volleyball in the state championship game. The Lady Devils first played for the VHSL title in 2010, losing 3-1 to Nelson County, before winning back-to-back tit...