Lake Oconee Academy’s tennis teams recently defeated Christian Heritage to advance to the Georgia High School Association’s (GHSA) Class A Division II quarterfinal round of the state playoffs.
Last Friday, the two-time defending state champion Titans traveled north to face Christian Heritage.
LOA’s boys had a strong showing from every player on the court. Adam Kalmanowicz, Garrett Griffin, Henry Hynes, Jack Kalmanowicz, Major Mercer, and Christian Moore performed well on Friday.
“The boys beat Christian Heritage last Friday. I was surprised we went there and beat a No. 1 seed so easily,” Lake Oconee Academy head coach Tom Imhof said. “I’m very proud of their effort.”
Adam Kalmanowicz set the tone at No. 1 singles, followed by Mercer at the No. 3 singles spot. The two doubles teams also dominated their competition, helping power the Titans to an easy win.
In the first round, No. 2 seed Lake Oconee Academy swept No. 2 seed Wilkinson County. The Titans return to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face Region 4’s top seed, Telfair County, on the road.
“We are looking forward to playing Telfair County this Thursday. They are a No. 1 seed and a great team” Imhof added. “I feel confident we’re peaking at the right time, though.”
On Monday, the Lake Oconee Academy girls’ tennis team dominated Christian Heritage with a 3-0 win.
The Lady Titans were sparked by a win from No. 2 singles player Elizabeth Moore, followed by a hard-fought victory from top singles player Georgia Bosart, who eventually got the best of her opponent.
“Our girls also beat Christian Heritage on Monday at home, winning both No. 1 and No. 2 singles matches with Georgia (Bosart) and Elizabeth (Moore),” Imhof said. “Our No. 1 doubles team then won without losing a game, so our No. 3 singles player and No. 2 doubles team didn’t have to play.”
The win over Christian Heritage was sweet for Imhof and his girls’ players. The Lady Lions eliminated the Lady Titans last season in the quarterfinals, so they were hungry for revenge.
The LOA girls’ team had a bye in the first round, and after defeating Christian Heritage, its next match will be against Emmanuel County Institute at home. The Lady Bulldogs won the Region 3 title.
“ECI finished first in its region of only two teams. They’re young,” Imhof said. “We’ve still got to be ready.”