By Thomas Grant Jr.
The Chapin girls’ tennis team looked to celebrate like it was 1995 Tuesday on the school court.
The Lady Eagles were facing Mauldin in the Class 5A Upper State final. A victory would send them to the Cayce Tennis Center for a noon matchup with either Region 3-5A rival Gray Collegiate or Wando for a chance at their first state title in 31 years.
Chapin split two meetings with Gray Collegiate Academy by a 4-2 score. The win took place in the region won with an 8-0 mark by the Lady Eagles.
“This is kind of like a thrill ride for me and I’m just along for the ride because these players believe this is their destiny,” Chapin head coach David Herlong said.
The Lady Eagles gave Herlong his first region title in his three-year tenure. After battling through injuries and early losses, Chapin has won nine straight matches after going through region play undefeated and had a 16-2 overall record.
Ask Herlong what’s the biggest difference this season, he first mentions three main attributes they possess – fight, grit and determination.
“They work hard at practice. They work hard even when they’re not at practice. I think the parents’ support is tremendous. I think they’ve invested in the girls and the girls believe in the program at Chapin.”
The Bribro impact
The Lady Eagles also welcomed back a standout senior who was accompanied by her equally talented younger sister.
After a 3-year absence, Esabella Bribro returned to the Chapin roster. Her impact was immediate as she became the Lady Eagles’ lead singles player.
The older Bribro was named the Region 3-5A Player of the Year. Along with going 13-0 in singles while rebounding from injury, she was one half of Chapin’s top doubles team with fellow newcomer sophomore Kinleigh Ware.
A home-schooled student with separate tennis trainers, Isabella has enjoyed the overall high school experience. She and her sister have found a welcoming environment thanks to Herlong, assistant coach Stephen Lauro and very supportive teammates.
She looked forward to playing before family and friends Tuesday in the Upper State final.
“It’s been a very wonderful chapter in my life that when I look back on, I will definitely remember this year being such a wonderful team and, of course, being on a team with my sister,” she said.
Herlong praised Bribro’s work ethic, leadership and all-around game. He’s noticed her improvement in every match and is high on her chances to winning the state individual tournament in a couple of weeks.
“The potential she has is amazing,” Herlong said. “I don’t think there’s anything she can’t accomplish on the court. She has that mentality.”
While only a seventh grader, Elena Bribro’s undefeated record has proven her to be just as reliable from the fifth spot. Herlong said she’s greatly improved her volley game and mental edge and has provided a positive influence on the team.
A bright future
The combination of experience and youth has Herlong confident in the program’s future. Along with seniors Bribro and Emmie Blackmon, the Lady Eagles return juniors Flora Todd and Anna Hetlinger, eighth grader Charlotte Conklin and the younger Bribro next year.
Conklin made the All-Region team a second time along with Todd, Ware and Esabella this year.
“It’ll be hard to replace the seniors,” Herlong said. “But I feel like we’ve got a good young crew that can step up and continue a good tradition at Chapin.”
