GREENE COUNTY
The Lake Oconee Academy girls golf team continues to establish itself as one of the top programs in the state, turning in another dominant stretch of performances against elite competition.
At the North Oconee Lady Titan Classic at Jennings Mill Country Club on March 23, the Lady Titans claimed the 18-team title with a team score of 225, finishing seven shots ahead of runner-up Greenbrier at 232.
Lili Nelson led the way by defending her individual title with an even-par 72, highlighted by five birdies. Tianna Chiplock followed with a 77 to place third overall in a field of 82 golfers, recording four birdies, including one on her final hole. Kensley Windham also carded an 83, good for an eighth-place individual finish.
LOA girls head coach Chris Ingle believes what this group is accomplishing is something truly special.
“We are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime team this year with the LOA varsity girls golf program,” Ingle said. “To be ranked number one across all GHSA classifications — especially as one of the smallest schools in the state — is truly remarkable.”
The strong outing came on the heels of a runner-up finish at the GSGA Girls Invitational at The Chimneys Golf Course in Winder, where LOA posted a 36-hole total of 300, finishing just four strokes behind Rivers Academy.
Nelson once again paced the field, earning medalist honors with a two-day total of 145 in a field of 68 golfers. Chiplock placed 10th overall with rounds of 75 and 80 for a 155, while Lily Dominy and Windham added finalround scores of 81 and 82, respectively, to round out the scoring.
Earlier in the month, LOA placed second at the Wildcat Invitational at Richmond Hill Golf Club, shooting a 242 in a 12-team field despite competing without both Windham and Chiplock.
Nelson fired a 1-under 71 to lead the field, while Dominy added a 77.
The team also earned a notable victory in a triangular meet at Champions Retreat in Evans, defeating both Greenbrier and defending Class 4A state champion North Oconee. Nelson tied for medalist honors in that event with a 1-under 35.
Coming off an 18th-place finish at the PGA National High School Tournament at Pinehurst last July, LOA has now compiled an impressive 46-1 record against GHSA schools and currently sits ranked No. 1 across all classifications in the GHSA/iWanamaker team ratings.
“Not only are they competing against state champions from Class A through 6A, but they are also consistently defeating them,” Ingle said. “What this team is accomplishing is rare, and something we may never see again in any sport. Even more impressive, these young women are first-class students and even better people. It is an absolute privilege to be part of their journey alongside Coach Alan Dodds and Coach Marnie Nelson.”
LOA will compete in several dual meets in April and conclude the season with the GHSA area tourney at Harbor Club on May 4 and the GHSA state championship in Metter on May 18-19.