The Mathews High School varsity softball team made history at Radford University on Saturday when it was crowned Virginia Group 1A State Champions.

The Lady Devils finished their season with a 22-2 record, recaptured the Region 1A East title, outscored their opponents, 226-37, and for the first time in the program’s history, capped it off by bringing home the state title.

In the state tournament, Mathews survived a nine-inning pitchers’ duel against Patrick Henry, 1-0, and beat Holston High School for the title, 4-1.

MHS hit the road last Thursday morning on a mission. After losing 8-0 to Parry McCluer in the championship game last season, Mathews was determined to get it done this year, the only remaining opportunity for the team’s seven seniors. They had their final practice of the season at Radford High School that afternoon.

With only four teams in the tournament, they were two wins away from a championship. Mathews met the Patrick Henry High Sch...