The county has made a name for itself as a volleyball power with Starr’s Mill and Landmark Christian each with state titles in their trophy cases and teams like McIntosh, Sandy Creek and Fayette County making the state playoffs and being tough opponents throughout the season. But what will happen when Starr’s Mill, McIntosh and Fayette County are all in the same region and their opponents in the season include reigning state champion Woodward Academy and teams such as Sandy Creek and Landmark Christian? One thing is for sure, you’ll have a compelling season with great games happening nearly every week and you can also bet that the area tournament will be excellent as well.

Region 3-AAAA

Fayette County (last season 19-14)

The Lady Tigers, coached by Cheryl Laporte, are in a situation similar to many of their region counterparts because they too have to replace some big time players. The team does return some experience, such as seniors captain Melanie Stephens and assistant captain Lindsey Gunter. “As a whole, we are a young team with a lot of players learning new positions. With hard work and determination, however, we intend to get caught up and be contenders in the area,” Laporte said. “We look forward to a fun and successful season.”

Next game: Thursday, Aug. 17 vs. Our Lady of Mercy, 5 p.m.

McIntosh (last season 45-13)

The Lady Chiefs, coached by Wendy Weaver, were region runners-up last year and finished the season fourth in the state. The team graduated some talented players but Weaver states that the team has strength and experience returning. Among the seniors on the squad are Samantha Krehel and Whitney Jones, while juniors Kendall Wilde, Leigh Moyer are both returning starters and Elyse Chubb will be a key player for the team as well.

McIntosh is ranked third in Class AAAA in the first GaSports.com coaches poll of the season.

Next game: Thursday, Aug. 24 at Milton, 6 p.m.

Starr’s Mill (last season 44-11)

Starr’s Mill has piled up numerous region titles over the last few years to go along with their 2004 state title. The team graduated six seniors from last year’s squad but will have seven seniors on this year’s team, all with experience and the knowledge of what a team must do to be of state championship caliber. Among the players to watch this year are Cassie Carr, Mary Chaudoin, Caitlin Linder, Allie Harrington and Erica Sayers.

Starr’s Mill is ranked fourth in Class AAAA in the first GaSports.com coaches poll of the season.

Next game: Thursday, Aug. 24 at Landmark Christian, 4:45 p.m.

Whitewater (last season 12-25)

The Lady Wildcats, under new head coach Ben Thacker, will return four starters from last year’s squad; senior Angela Grant, junior Vanessa Warner and sophomores Casey Howett and Jordan May. The team will be counting on a number of other girls to step up and help the team including seniors Kayla Stillions, Pam Carmolingo and Angel Walker.

“Practices have been intense and the team is excited about starting the season,” said Thacker. “We have a good mix and we are still young in some areas. The team will be tested early but we’ll build on every match and hopefully make some noise in our region.”
Next game: Saturday, Aug. 19 vs. Holy Innocents at Cherokee, 11 a.m.

6-AAA

Sandy Creek (last season 36-17)

The Lady Patriots, coached by Paul Collins, have long been a team on the verge of great things but a tough region has kept them from going to the state playoffs the last two years. They are a young team this year but they are not inexperienced. In fact, only two starters graduated from last year’s team. There are three juniors on the team, Olympia Haney, Talyah Mueller and Jessie Ruple and sophomores Lauren Belyeu and Katie Davenport are just two of the five sophomores that will have an impact on the team this year as they play in a new region and classification.

Next game: Thursday, Aug. 17 at Dutchtown, 5 p.m.

Landmark Christian (last season 30-13)

The Lady War Eagles won the Area 3-AA/A title last year and fell in the state playoffs in the first round to Wesleyan. Coached by Barb Mason, the team is always a contender for area and state titles although this year’s team will feature some new faces as five seniors graduated from last year’s squad. Players to watch this year will be juniors Kristiana Crawford and Stephene Cash, sophomores Monique Mead and Mallory McCurry and senior Christian Hunnicutt, the school’s star basketball player.
Landmark Christian is ranked fourth in Class AA/A in the first GaSports.com coaches poll of the season

Next game: Thursday, Aug. 17 at Westminster, 5 p.m.

Our Lady of Mercy (last season 11-15)

The Lady Bobcats, coached by Bill Schmitz, are looking to return to the state playoffs for the first time since 2003. The team has six seniors and captains Alex Liddy, Amanda Crocker and Thomassenia Berry will help shape what is likely to be a defensive minded team. Joining the senior captains are seniors Janet Nagaj, Lindsey Barth and Lauren Hohenberger and junior Katie Bischoff.

“I feel great about this group of young ladies. All summer they have worked hard in efforts to achieve a team goal of getting to the state playoffs,” said Schmitz.

Next game: Thursday, Aug. 17 at Fayette County, 5 p.m.