Red Devils dispatch BHP, head to Chapman today

Clinton’s road to an Upper State Championship in girls tennis turned familiar Monday with a 6-0 win at Belton-Honea Path in the third round of the Class 3A playoffs.

With that victory, which was delayed from Thursday due to rain, the Red Devils were to play Region 3-3A rival Chapman for the Upper State title and the right to compete for a state championship Tuesday in Inman.

(The match against BHP) was well paired, and our girls were very focused” said Clinton head coach Clovis Simmons. “They came out here and did what they were supposed to do.”

Only Chandler Dailey was challenged significantly Monday at BHP. Jessica Callaham forced Dailey to three sets at No. 2 singles before Dailey prevailed 7-5, 3-6 (10-6).

Today, Clinton and Chapman are to tangle for the third time this season. The Panthers won both regular-season meetings convincingly and have been Clinton’s roadblock to the state finals since 2019.

“We know what we’re up against,” Simmons said of Chapman. “All that’s left to do is show up and fight hard.”

Here are results from Monday’s playoff match at BHP:

Clinton 6, Belton-Honea Path 0

Singles: No. 1 Mary Catherine Dailey def. Maggie LeCroy 6-0, 6-2; No. 2 Chandler Dailey def. Jessica Callaham 7-5, 6-3 (10-6); No. 3 Gracie Spangler def. Emily Brown 6-3, 6-2; No. 4 Reese Gowan def. Natalie Brown 6-1, 6-1; No. 5 Kimora Wesley def. Aleaha Foster 6-0, 6-1.

Doubles: No. 2 Gracie Wiggins and Libby Dailey def. Rainey Gaines and Taylor Bell 6-3, 6-2.