Lake Oconee Academy’s volleyball team is off to an excellent start, entering the weekend at 13-2 overall.
Under the guidance of head coach Chris Ingle, the Lady Titans have shown great promise this season. Ingle is confident that this team has the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs.
“We’ve worked really hard throughout the summer on our team chemistry and have created a team-first mentality this year,” Ingle said. “It has shown so far this season. Multiple team members can step up on any given night and carry us to a victory. Our outstanding leadership continues to develop from top to bottom, and it’s a pleasure as a coach to see the players take the reins.”
LOA has played several tough matches against Rabun County, Westminster Christian, Social Circle, Commerce, and others this year. The Lady Titans are currently on a three-match winning streak.
“They’ve earned a 13-2 overall start, and they’ve learned great lessons in the two losses,” Ingle said. “I am proud of each and every one of them for their hard work and true commitment to each other.”
The team’s two losses have come to Westminster Christian and Rabun County, both on the road.
The Lady Titans will begin area play later this week, hoping to secure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
However, they’ll face a tough schedule with a loaded area featuring teams such as Oglethorpe County, Athens Academy, Elbert County, and others.
LOA fell in the first round in 2023, so Ingle wants his team to make it to the second round this year.
LOA has returned a strong core this season, including Victoria Goubran, Autumn Hinspeter, Bailey Pattison, and Emma DiMascio. Other Lady Titans have stepped up and helped lead the way.
Ingle didn’t want to highlight one player, saying each one had helped the team differently. He referred to a quote from legendary Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler about this year’s team.
“It’s impossible only to highlight a player or two so far,” Ingle said. “As legendary Coach Bo Schembechler famously said, ‘It’s the team, the team, the team.’ Every player who has entered the court has contributed. Our captains are Victoria Goubran and Bailey Pattison, who have a ton of experience playing for LOA. They set the tone daily and do what is expected on and off the court.”