The Lake Oconee Academy girls soccer team has built strong momentum this season.
The Lady Titans (4-5, 3-0) entered this week undefeated in region play after a challenging start in non-region competition.
LOA head coach Carina Baxley attributes the Lady Titans’ success to the team’s composure and steady growth.
“I’m super proud of the girls so far,” Baxley said. “We are 3-0 in the region, and the composure we’ve shown in those exciting games has been impressive.”
Early in the season, the Lady Titans tested themselves against tough non-region opponents, preparing them for the postseason.
“We’ve faced some really strong teams, and even in those games, we’ve seen our strengths and watched our team grow,” Baxley said. “I’m just excited about how competitive the girls have become together.”
On Tuesday, LOA demonstrated growth with a hard-fought win over non-region opponent GMC Prep. The match tested the team’s resilience and leadership.
“It was an exciting game, maybe more intense than we expected,” Baxley said. “GMC brought a great team, but our veteran players held the middle, maintained possession, and helped us find the goal we needed to secure the win.”
Several players have emerged as key contributors this season. Senior Marley Dellinger anchors the midfield.
“Marley is a staple in the middle,” Baxley said. “She’s creating plays, helping us finish, and serving as a strong leader for our younger players.”
Addison Kelly has shown versatility, primarily playing in midfield despite being capable as a goalkeeper.
“She’s a very versatile player, ready to step into any position we need,” Baxley said.
Younger players have also strengthened the Lady Titans’ defense.
Baxley highlighted defenders Addi Everett and Finley Griffin for their speed and composure.
“Addi has great speed in the back, and Finley is making a name for herself as a quick, reliable defender,” Baxley said. “They’ve done a fantastic job working with the team.”
Baxley emphasized that the team’s focus at the start of the season was to build play from the back and maintain structured possession.
“At the beginning of the year, we concentrated on playing out of the back and progressing forward to create scoring opportunities,” she said. “That foundation is really starting to pay off.”
One area for continued growth is finishing chances in front of the goal.
“We’ve had opportunities,” Baxley said. “The more goals we score, the more exciting the game becomes, so that’s something we’re working to improve.”
As the regular season winds down, Baxley also hopes younger players continue gaining confidence and experience on the field.
“I want them to feel like they’re truly contributing because they are,” she said. “Once that confidence comes, everything else falls into place.”
With a perfect region record and a roster that blends veteran leadership with emerging talent, the Lady Titans appear well-positioned for the final stretch of the regular season and a potential run in the state playoffs.