Morgan County will take on Savannah Arts Academy this weekend, attempting to win its second state championship in three seasons.
The Spike Dogs have put together an incredible season, winning 36 of 40 matches they’ve played.
Morgan County’s offense has been the force that has allowed them to put this spectacular season together.
“We have a really aggressive offense, and we don’t have a hole in it either,” Morgan County volleyball coach Kathleen Goodwin said. “No team in 2A can pick up what our offense is putting down.”
The key for this team has been a combination of stellar and dedicated athletes.
“The girls just have that drive to perform for themselves and each other,” Goodwin said. “It really is just the perfect combination of people on that team.”
This isn’t uncharted territory for Morgan County, as it beat Oconee County in the 3A state title game two years ago.
Seniors Chloe Burns, Quinn Butler, and Haedyn Crumbley were all starters in 2022, so having that experience is very valuable for this team. They were sophomores when the program won its first state title.
“It is an overwhelming experience the first time you see it because it’s such a different venue, and the stakes are so high,” Goodwin said. “So, they bring a level-headed understanding of what is at stake, and it doesn’t scare them.”
The Spike Dogs must get past Savannah Arts Academy, which is 28-15 on the year if they want to win another ring. Like them, the Lady Panthers are one of the best teams in Class 2A.
“They’re playing polished volleyball, and they have some blockers that are pretty consistent in the middle,” Goodwin said.
SAA played right after Morgan County’s semifinal game, so Goodwin and her players were able to do some early scouting. They saw firsthand why the Lady Panthers are the team they’re playing in the finals.
“We were able to develop a decent plan from watching them, and we do feel confident going in that we’re going to be able to execute that,” Goodwin said. “Hopefully, it’ll be a no-drama victory.
“The girls in the locker room are having fun with the run their team is putting together. The volleyball is there, so we’ve just got to keep them mentally engaged and happy.”
Morgan County travels to Cartersville to Lake-Point Sports Complex to take on Savannah Arts Academy in the 2A state championship game. The five-set match will start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
“They’re ready to go, and they’re really looking forward to another trip up to LakePoint,” Goodwin said. “They would play tonight if they could.”