Lake Oconee Academy’s soccer teams recently secured wins to advance to the semifinal round of the state playoffs.
The Lady Titans hosted Portal for a quarterfinal match on Monday, May 5, and got a dominant win. They defeated the Lady Panthers 5-1 to advance to their second straight semifinal and first under coach Carina Baxley.
Two of LOA’s girls, Lauren Glass and Mackenzie King, scored two goals each. Marley Dellinger also scored a goal and had an assist. Senior Victoria Goubron contributed two assists in the win.
Baxley was proud of her team’s performance and said it is finally starting to peak at the right time.
“We played our hearts out in the Elite Eight and had a lot of fun doing it,” Baxley said after the win over Portal. “This team has really come together. We’ve shown we have depth, chemistry, and we’re not finished yet.”
Next, the Lady Titans (11-6) will face Trion (17-2) in the Final Four on the road, and it will be a tough test for them.
“We’re excited for the challenge of the Final Four and ready to keep pushing forward,” Baxley said.
The LOA boys earned a semifinal berth with a dominant 8-1 win over Dooly County on Tuesday, May 6.
The Titans got two goals each from Julio Arriaza and Leo Inostrosa. Jameson McCuin, Joshua McCuin, Luke Lollis, and Palmer Larkin also each added scores in the lopsided victory over the Bobcats.
The LOA boys are moving on to the Final Four for the first time in a few years, and coach Tyler Mayer is excited.
“I’m so proud of how we found ways to score, and with multiple players scoring. As soon as we were able to break down their tight defense, the levy broke,” Mayer said. “I’m so proud of these boys and especially the seniors. We live to play another day.”
Next, LOA’s boys (15-3) will also face Trion (15-4) on the road in the Final Four. The Bulldogs will be a tough test and recently beat GMC Prep, which defeated the Titans earlier this season in penalty kicks.
“We are looking forward to playing Trion. We took them to a 2-2 draw last season, and while using GMC as a measuring stick, anyone who beats GMC has the ability to win any time they step on the pitch,” Mayer said. “They will have our respect, but they will need to be prepared to face this senior-led and determined Titan squad.”