The Lake Oconee Academy girls’ soccer team started their playoff run Tuesday with a game against Lincoln County.
The Lady Titans played the Lady Red Devils earlier in the year and lost 1-0, but got their revenge as they came out on top, 4-0, on Tuesday, advancing to the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs.
“It feels really good, and getting revenge was awesome,” LOA head coach Kourtney Kelley said. “I think the girls really wanted it.”
In its first meeting, Lake Oconee Academy tripled the number of shots on goal compared to Lincoln County, but couldn’t get anything into the back of the net.
Lincoln County’s defense provided trouble for the Lady Titans in the first matchup, and they were looking to prevent that from happening again.
“We knew Lincoln was going to sit back and play a 10-man defense, so the focus in practice was on finishing,” Kelley said.
LOA found the back of the net early. Senior Anika Imhof started the scoring on a free kick in the first half, giving her team a 1-0 lead. Imhof also assisted on two goals in the win over the Lady Red Devils.
“We didn’t get anything early on but were knocking on the door, and that door opened in the second half,” Kelley said.
The floodgates opened for Lake Oconee Academy after the half as senior Jane Monachello scored two goals, and freshman Evie Van Mol knocked one through the back of the net as well.
“The effort and focus in practice this week was fantastic and the best we’ve seen this season,” Kelley said. “I also think their conditioning paid off really well today. The girls also focused on possessing and playing the wide ball.”
She added that the team has been locked in all season and the girls are doing everything they’re being called on to do.
“At this point in the season, where any game can be your last, it makes them want to keep playing together,” Kelley said.
The team now shifts its focus towards Wheeler County. LOA will host the Lady Bulldogs next week.
“Wheeler is a good team, and it’s going to be a really tough game,” Kelley said. We’re looking for a win.”