Spring sports have started in Lexington County, which means it’s time to head back outside after months of nights packed in gymnasiums.

Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, track, tennis and golf competitions started this month in South Carolina and will run until May. With 14 high schools fielding varsity teams this spring, there should be plenty of exciting action to keep an eye on. 

There are plenty of teams in Lexington County facing high expectations. Seven soccer teams and five baseball teams began the season ranked in the top 10 of their classification by their sports coaches. Four boys and three girls Lacrosse teams were ranked top 20 in all of South Carolina by Laxnumbers, a ranking database for lacrosse teams across the country. 

Some of these ranked teams will be eying deep playoff runs later in the year. The River Bluff baseball team for example will be looking to defend its 5A state championship. 

Other teams came close to reaching the top but fell just short last season and will be back with a vengeance. 

The Gray Collegiate soccer team is seeking its last chance at a 2A soccer title after losing in the championship game last season. Likewise, River Bluff is hoping for a deeper playoff run in head coach Phil Savitz’s last season. 

Chapin’s boys and girls Lacrosse teams fell in the final four last year, losing to Wando in both games. The boys lost 10-5, while the girls were close to advancing but fell 12-10. 

Not being ranked and not making a deep playoff run does not eliminate a school from contention before the season really gets going. Those that faced early elimination last season, have had a full year’s worth of training and development to get better for this year. 

The start of every season brings hope. Even the teams that struggled the most start every season tied for first, and expectations are often defied in high school sports. 

There will be several exciting matchups this spring season, including some this week. If interested, check the list below. 

Spring sports games to see this week

Baseball - Airport at Aiken, March 8, 7 p.m. 

Softball - Irmo at Hammond, March 7, 7 p.m. 

Boys soccer - Chapin vs. J.L. Mann, March 8, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer - Lexington at Clover, March 8, 6:30 p.m.

Boys lacrosse - White Knoll vs. Dutch Fork, March 7, 7:15 p.m.

Girls lacrosse - Lexington vs. River Bluff, March 7, 7 p.m.