Avenging last year

We didn't want to lose to this team again.”

Chapin's Carson Graves following Friday's victory over Lexington. It was the first meeting between the two teams since last season's Class 5A Lower State final won by the Wildcats 3-1 in overtime.

Keeping sole ownership of first place in Region 5-5A was not the only motivation for Chapin boys soccer Friday night at Wildcat Stadium.

For Carson Graves and the returning Eagles, last year's 3-1 overtime loss to the Wildcats in the Class 5A Lower State final remained very much on their minds going into the rematch.
"It was a killer," Graves said. "It hurt. We were all crying after that game, so it motivates us this season."
Once again, Chapin and Lexington needed extra time to settle their match. This time, it came down to the final penalty kick by captain Arlis Dawsey to get the Eagles the 3-3 (3-2 PKs) win over the Wildcats.
Chapin improved to 9-3 overall, 4-0 in Region 5-3A. The loss dropped Lexington (12-3, 2-2) into third place in the region standings.
"We went through the film before this game and this meant a lot for our pride and a lot of these returners, we feel the same," Graves said. "We didn't want to lose to this team again and we came out and played hard."
Lexington had 1-0 lead 14 minutes minutes into the match on a goal by Franklin Spires. Graves answered with a goal which he slipped past goalkeeper Bradon Guliano to tie the match before halftime.
Chapin took a 2-1 lead in the second half off a penalty kick by Tillman McClure. Just as officials began to keep time of the last two minutes, Kenny Kwizera haunted the Eagles again. He sent a left-footed shot from about 20 feet over the outstretched reach of Chapin goalkeeper Tyler Harvey to tie the match and force 2, 5-minute overtimes.
With two minutes left in the first overtime, Graves sent a long kick downfield from Preston Sumerel that landed in the goal box into the nets to put the Eagles up 3-0.
"The mindset was just get right back at it," Graves said. "Same as last year, Kenny tied it up...and we were getting right back at it."
Lexington answered again with 1:39 left in the second overtime with a goal by Trace Blakely. The Wildcats then took a quick 1-0 lead in the penalty kicks after a Kwizera goal.
Chapin managed to tie it at 1-1 in its third try and took a 2-1 lead on Wilson Overstreet's goal. Lexington tied it on their final attempt by Spires, only for Dawsey to win it for Chapin.
"It was a great game," Graves said. "We love it. All the scoring and our captain finishing it off, it just feels great.
Chapin plays host to Airport Tuesday, while Lexington plays host to River Bluff.

River Bluff 4, White Knoll 0

Jackson Myhand scored twice and Spencer Floyd and Bryce Truesdale also scored to lead the Gators.
River Bluff (10-2, 3-1) moved into second place with the win and travels to Lexington Tuesday. White Knoll (1-11, 0-3) travels to Dutch Fork Tuesday.
Dutch Fork 1, Blythewood 1 (5-3 on PKs)
Ethan Likas' goal in the second overtime force the penalty kicks which enabled the Silver Foxes to snap their five-match losing streak.
Dutch Fork (3-5-2, 0-3) plays host to White Knoll Tuesday.

Gray Collegiate 6, Saluda 1

Girls Soccer

Chapin 1, Lexington 0

The top-ranked Lady Eagles maintained their hold on first place in Region 5-5A with their second straight 1-0 victory.

Kat Haigker scored the game"s lone goal off an assist by Kyia Tucker. Peyton Henderson helped preserve the shutout at goalkeeper.

The Lady Eagles (15-1, 4-0) return to action Wednesday at Mid-Carolina. Lexington (9-2-2, 2-2) plays host to River Bluff Monday.

River Bluff 4, White Knoll 1

Alanna Colbert scored three goals and Katie Freiberger and Charlotte Wiman each had two assists for the Lady Gators.
River Bluff(6-4-2, 3-1) moved into second place in Region 5-5A behind Chapin with the win. It travels to archrival Lexington on Monday. White Knoll (4-10-3, 1-3) plays host to Dutch Fork Tuesday.

Brookland-Cayce 5, Swansea 0

The Lady Bearcats (11-4, 4-2) play host to Gilbert Tuesday. 

Gray Collegiate 5, Saluda 0