The River Bluff High School girls’ tennis team has a different vibe. Winning a first-ever state championship last season has created a higher confidence level. They opened the season by winning the Palmetto Tennis Classic for the 4th consecutive year. Now the Lady Gators looked poised to defend their Class 5A title. “The girls now know the expectations are very high each year,” head coach Brian Lim said. “They know we are capable of winning at a high level, but it takes hard work throughout the season. The girls are motivated to be the first River Bluff team to win back-to-back state titles.” River Bluff returns five players from last year’s 21-4 squad. Liyin Zhu, Claire Floyd, Victoria Votion, Kiana Thatcher, and Shelby Byers, along with last year’s seniors Maegan Togneri and Elizabeth Roquemore, were instrumental in the title run. The Lady Gators also bring back Riley Mitchell, Jillian Leitzsey, Anna Sofia Brown, and Jessica Seymour. “The biggest challenge will be to see who fills the role as leader,” Lim said. “Our two seniors who graduated last year have been the leaders the last few years, so it is time for someone new to step up and lead the team. “We are looking for players to hold her teammates accountable, motivate others, and lead by example.” This year’s Region 5-5A is all-Chronicle Country with the addition of Chapin and departures of Blythewood and Spring Valley. “The other four teams in the region (Chapin, Dutch Fork, Lexington and White Knoll) will still provide the girls with a challenge, but we feel confident competing against each team,” he said. River Bluff played its first regular season match Tuesday against Dreher.

GOLF

LADY WILDCATS WIN THE BLUE INVITATIONAL

The defending Class 5A girls’ golf champions opened the season with a 25-stroke win at the Blue Jacket Invitational at the Diamondback Golf Club in Aynor. Isabella Rawl placed first in the individual standings, shooting 2-under-par for the tournament. She was followed by fellow Lady Wildcat Molly Hardwick at 1-under-par. Gilbert High School shot a new 2-day school record with a third-place finish at 709. Kennedy Gooding set a new school record 72 in the 2nd round. Her two day 151 placed her on the all-tournament team. Sophomore Anna Moss had a new grade low score of 85. Meredith Price shot personal best 93. Earlier in the week, Gilbert defeated Dutch Fork 169-215 to set a new team school record low. Gooding tied her school record low (39), followed by Ally Moss and Alexis Hodge (both shot 43) and Anna Moss.

VOLLEYBALL

(Aug. 23) Pelion 3, Batesburg-Leesville 2 (21-25, 25-14, 25-10, 25-23, 15-13)

Lexington 2, Bishop England 0 (25-21, 25-9) Senior Maggie Salley led the team with 10 kills and juniors Layla Sarvis and Phoebe Perkins had some well placed kills and aces against the defending Class 3A champions.

Lexington 2, T.L. Hanna 0 (25-17, 25-12) Maggie Salley and Rae Stackley led the Lady Wildcats with their offense. Maggie had seven kills, a block and ace and Stackley had six kills and a block. Outside hitter Phoebe Perkins contributed with six kills and an ace.

River Bluff 3, Lugoff-Elgin 0 (25-10, 25-10, 25-17)