The Mathews High School girls’ tennis team took a tough 5-1 loss to Radford High School in the semifinals of the VHSL State Tournament in Roanoke on Friday.

Each player worked hard and played very well, but the Radford girls were just a little better. The Radford team plays indoors in the winter and the community has many courts.

In singles, playing number one, Aly Collins lost 6-1, 6-2, but she played well with long points and almost every game went to deuce. At number two, Amy Collins took the only win for the Mathews team defeating her opponent, 6-2, 6-0. She took charge by mixing her game up with lots of slice, heavy topspin and strong serving including 12 aces.

Leanne Moughon, at number three, had a tough first set losing 6-1 but battled hard in the second set falling 6-4 to her opponent. Number four, Mercedes Wells had a tough match but never gave up, taking a loss of 6-4, 6-3. At number five, Kate van Emmerik fought long and hard with many games going to deuce losi...