TENNIS TENNIS

When River Bluff girls’ tennis won the S.C. High School League Class 5A tennis finals 2 years ago, Coach Brian Lim knew the bar was set and the expectations would go higher.

Despite being confident that the team could go into this season to compete for another title, he knew his team had to stay focus on the journey.

The tennis season for the team ended with another state title, but was different than the past one. The schedule was very difficult this year as River Bluff played in two premier tournaments, wining 1 and finishing runner-up in the other 1. The Lady Gators faced 3 eventual state champions in Christ Church (Class 2A), Bishop England (Class 3A) and Hilton Head Island (Class 4A) in difficult matches. Lim said it helped prepare River Bluff for the Class 5A playoffs and showed the girls could play at a high level.

Even though the matches against Christ Church, Bishop England, and Hilton Head Island were tough, Lim still considered the state final against JL Mann the hardest tennis match of the season. The Lady Patriots were an extremely talented tennis team and the pressure of the state final was truly unprecedented for them.

Even though Lim knew it would not be easy, he and the girls felt confident going into the final they could compete well and were matched up well. Despite losing the first set on 4 of the 6 courts, the girls displayed the resilience and experience which explained their high confidence level, according to Lim.

Last year, River Bluff lost to Wando in the Lower State final. This year, Lim and the Lady Gators avenged that loss to the Lady Warriors motivated by the previous Lower State final meeting. After overcoming a tight match with Wando, River Bluff was happy to have a chance to play for the title again.

Something Lim was extremely proud of was his team’s ability to focus on each match throughout the season despite the big goals and expectations. They were able to live in the moment instead of looking ahead.

Senior transfer Jesse Hollins, whom Coach Brian Lim describes as an exceptional talent, has had a busy past week. She and Floyd won a doubles match at the North-South girls tennis All-Star event in Myrtle Beach on Saturday.

Hollins resumed play Wednesday at the S.C. High School League Class 5A individual tennis tournament where she reached the semifinals.

Hollins plans to pursue a collegiate tennis career at Coastal Carolina. She will provide the Chanticleers with a great team oriented player and high energy.

Many of the girls are interested in pursuing academic careers in medicine, but could also have opportunities to play collegiate tennis. Nevertheless, Lim does hope they continue playing tennis weather it is an adult league or club tennis at their university.

In addition to coaching the girls, Lim also coaches the boys. He said it’s a different experience, but this year he has a new group of boys and he’s excited to see how they will compete in the region.

When the girl’s tennis season comes back next fall, Lim will have 3 returning players. All were starters and this past season provided them with great experience.

For now, it’s too early to tell if the team will make a 3rd run at the finals. With 3 returning players who have reached the finals twice, Lim is hoping for a 3rd return visit.