News Summary
The Chapin High School girls soccer team suffered a 3-2 loss to Eastside in the Class 5A Division II championship, marking their second consecutive defeat in state finals. Despite an impressive season, Coach Chad Bridges emphasized the team’s growth and resilience, urging them to focus on future success as they prepare for next year.
Chapin, SC – The Chapin High School girls soccer team faced a heartbreaking defeat in the Class 5A Division II championship match, losing 3-2 to Eastside at Memorial Stadium. This loss marked another missed opportunity for the Chapin squad, which had previously fallen short in the state finals last season to Clover.
Eastside’s victory secured their third consecutive championship and their first title in the 5A division. Despite the disappointing outcome, Chapin’s coach, Chad Bridges, recognized the journey his team had taken throughout the season and expressed pride in their accomplishments, while also conveying his disappointment for the seniors on the team.
The Chapin squad started the season strong, being ranked as the preseason No. 1 team in South Carolina soccer, placing them ahead of Eastside. As they progressed through the playoff rounds, Chapin showcased their dominance by winning three matches with a combined score of 18-0. However, Eastside’s path to the championship was notably different, featuring tougher competition, as all of Eastside’s playoff matches had gone to overtime, highlighting their resilience.
In the championship match, Chapin initially took the lead with a goal from Mayson Donahue in the 23rd minute. This early momentum shifted when Eastside’s Payton Nutzman equalized in the 49th minute. Just five minutes later, Camille Carter scored, putting Eastside ahead 2-1. Chapin’s Kat Haigler managed to tie the game again at 2-2 in the 71st minute. However, Nutzman scored her second goal during the first overtime session, bringing the final score to 3-2.
Nutzman’s two goals in the match brought her season total to an impressive 35 goals. This victory underscored Eastside’s capability to perform under pressure, contrasting sharply with Chapin’s previous playoff dominance, during which they had not allowed any goals in their last eight matches.
As the final whistle blew, Eastside’s goalie, Emmy Rikard, made a crucial save that preserved their lead and secured the championship. In the aftermath, Chapin players and coaches gathered to reflect on what had been a tumultuous yet fruitful season, with many players visibly emotional about the loss.
Moving forward, Coach Bridges assured the team that despite the disappointment, they would focus on growth and set their sights on returning to the championship next year. The team’s motto “Unfinished” resonated throughout the season, capturing their hopes of achieving championship success.
As Chapin prepares for the next season, the resilience and dedication demonstrated by players and coaches alike will serve as a building block for future endeavors, with the aspiration of overcoming this season’s heartache and achieving the ultimate goal of capturing a state title.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chapin High School to Compete in Girls Soccer State Championship
Remarkable Achievements in Midlands Lacrosse Season
J.L. Mann High School Rises to Top of United Soccer Coaches Rankings
South Carolina High School Soccer State Championships Begin
S.C. High School League Soccer Championships This Weekend
S.C. Soccer Coaches Association Announces All-State Teams
Chapin Eagles Secure 8-0 Playoff Victory Against West Florence
Chapin and AC Flora Girls Soccer Teams Reach State Championships
Chapin High School Eagles Prepare for Showdown with Lucy Beckham Bengals
Chapin to Host Memorial Day Ceremony with Keynote by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Burton
Additional Resources
- The State: Chapin High School Soccer
- USA Today HSS: How to Watch Soccer Match
- The State: Chapin Soccer News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Soccer
- Herald Online: Soccer Championship Recap
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
