Softball squad heads to semis in Radford

For the first time since 2011, the Mathews High School varsity softball team is returning to Radford University to compete for the state title.

The Lady Devils, the Region 1A East champions, will face off against Region 1A West runner-up Galax at 10 a.m. Friday. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Parry McCluer-Essex game at 1 p.m. Saturday with the state championship on the line.

Mathews earned the Region 1A East title and a state playoff berth by defeating Luray, Rappahannock and Essex on consecutive days on the Devils’ home field last week. MHS pitching ace Madison South was on the mound for all 21 innings to guide the Lady Devils to the three wins.

In last Wednesday’s regional quarterfinal matchup against Luray, MHS started strong against the Bulldogs. After easily retiring the side in the top of the first, Mathews started off the bottom of the inning with a bang. 

Keely Crittenden and Savanna Wooten hit...