At Lake Oconee Academy, volleyball is another program that is quickly on the rise, and it has shown why in the past month.
Since August 22, the Lady Titans have only lost one match a few weeks ago to Oglethorpe County. The team is 5-1 in its first six area matches with three of those coming as straight set victories.
In an interview with the Lake Oconee News, head coach Chris Ingle attributed the program’s recent success to the culture that is being built around the team, and that it has rubbed off heading into region play.
“The team has come together really well. Our five freshmen have gained experience that has helped them feel more comfortable on the court. Every player is contributing very well.”“Our goal this year is to have the best team culture in the region. I believe that we accomplish that every day,” Ingle said. “We want to take the culture into the area and state tournaments. We know that it can take us as far as we are willing to fight for.”
Lake Oconee Academy is currently the second-best team in Class 1A Area 5 – only the Lady Patriots rank higher with a 6-0 region record. LOA still has an opportunity against Oglethorpe later this season to redeem themselves from the straight-set loss they experienced on September 5.
The Lady Titans will host the Lady Patriots next Thursday, and Ingle understands it will be a challenge.
“Oglethorpe is always a very tough opponent,” Ingle said. “They are a great serving and hitting team. They have a couple of the most athletic girls that you will see in any sport, and we look forward to the challenge.”
As the season has progressed, more and more players for the Lady Titans have contributed to the success on the court. Ingle acknowledged that the team captains, along with others, have been instrumental in getting their recent results.
“Our captains, Chloe Manville and Victoria Goubran provide great leadership on and off the court,” Ingle said. “Bailey Pattison is consistently scoring through her serving and attacking. The whole team gives great effort and consistently does whatever it takes to keep that ball off the ground.”
The Lady Titans’ captains have been consistent all season, and the supporting play has made it even more evident.
Not only does Goubran lead LOA in serving aces, but she also leads the team in blocks per game. She has also added 42 kills to her resume, which is second on the team behind Pattison who has 92. Mansville has contributed with consistent receiving and is third on the squad in assists.
The Lady Titans have also had a few freshmen, Emma Dimascio and Jordan Klevansy, get a lot of minutes in the rotation. The two have contributed on both sides of the net and have given the team some spark in multiple moments this season.
Lake Oconee Academy only has three more games before the area tournament, and Ingle just wants his team to keep the same energy they have since tryouts as they head into the area tournament.
“Our team chemistry is amazing. Since tryouts, great team culture has been our number one priority. Every player has completely bought in in terms of accountability, commitment, and encouragement of one another. They are truly becoming a player-led team, which is a coach’s dream.”