As the regular season comes to a close, Lake Oconee Academy volleyball is gearing up to make a run in the area tournament.
The Lady Titans started the year 13-2 but have since gone 3-5 and are now seventh in the area rankings.
“We are currently [15-7], and all but two of those losses could have gone either way,” LOA volleyball coach Chris Ingle said.
After finishing second in the area last season, Lake Oconee Academy returned to work to try and improve.
“We worked really hard throughout the summer on our team chemistry and on creating a team-first mentality,” Ingle said. “It has really shown so far this season.”
Outstanding leadership has been a major theme for the Lady Titans this season, and it continues to develop from the top to the bottom of the roster.
Ingle acknowledged how complex it was to highlight only a few standout players because he thinks everyone has contributed in their own way.
“It is a pleasure as a coach to see the players take the reins,” Ingle said. “On any given night, multiple team members can step up and carry us to victory.”
However, the team’s leaders are senior captains Victoria Goubran and junior Bailey Pattison.
“They both have a ton of experience playing for LOA,” he said. “They set the tone every day of what is expected on and off of the court.”
The Lady Titans have plenty of time to find their groove before postseason play starts.
“We strive to get better every single day, and that seems to be the trend so far,” Ingle said. “I am proud of each and every one of them for their hard work and true commitment to each other.”
Lake Oconee Academy has two more weeks of area matches before the area tournament.
“We have pointed all of our plans towards peaking that week,” Ingle said. “Hopefully, it all comes together, and we earn a higher seed going into the state playoffs.”
The Lady Titans hit the court again next Tuesday as they travel to Elberton to take on Washington-Wilkes and Elbert County. They will end the regular season with a match against Putnam County and Banks County on Oct. 3.
“We look forward to the most intense part of the season coming up soon,” Ingle said.