By Thomas Grant Jr.
A year ago, the Chapin girls soccer team saw their state championship dreams end with a loss in the final.
It heads into Saturday’s “Battle of the Lady Eagles” matchup for the Class 5A Division II title at Memorial Stadium against Eastside riding high momentum. Chapin enters the 1:30 p.m. contest having won 14 consecutive matches, all but two settled by shutout.
Chapin (20-2) has outscored its last eight opponents 65-0 led by Lander University signee Kat Haigler and junior Lila Bowers. Both had two goals in the 8-0 win over West Florence in the Upper State final and were named to the S.C. High School Soccer Coaches Association’s All-State team along with Grace Benson and Sydney Stoner.
The Lady Eagles of Chapin are seeking their first state title since 2016. Meanwhile, Eastside (18-3) looks to win a seventh state title and third in a different classification.
The match is available for streaming for a fee at www.nfhsnetwork.com.
While the girls play for a state title, the boys team saw their season end at Cecil Woolbright Field. The Eagles were defeated 3-2 by Lucy Beckham Saturday to end the season with an 18-6 record.
Jacob Braden, Jalen Tucker and Grayson Zamiello were all named to the S.C. High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State teams.
(Photos by Edward Walker)
