Savannah Arts volleyball senior Maggie Allen can still hear the voice of the late John Lord, father of head coach Lauren Lord, in her head.
“You got this, Mags,” said Allen, recalling the elder Lord’s words of encouragement. “He was always our biggest supporter and was at every game. It’s hard with him not being there this season.
“We all want to continue playing in a way that would make him proud.”
It may just be enough inspiration for Allen and her teammates to get back to the state Class 2A finals.
The Panthers recently took a major step forward by winning the regular-season Class 2A Region 3 tournament. Which means they will host the region championship games, set for a best-of-three-of- format, on October 11. In this tournament, the Panthers defeated Appling County (2-0), Crisp County (2-0), Pierce County (2-0), Tattnall (2-0), and Cook (2-0).
With their string of victories, Savannah Arts improved their overall record to 11-15 and 5-0 in region. This marks the 11th occasion that the Panthers will host the regional championship.
Lord believes their victories can prove to be a springboard for further success.
“I think this weekend is our turning point,” beamed Lord, who has guided the Panthers for the last 11 years and recorded 242 wins. “I think this gave the girls a ton of confidence. They have been doing well all season. They are learning and growing together and making new strides every game. By the time state rolls around, I think they will be ready for anything.”
This group is not new to the game. They possess all the skills necessary for us to be successful.
Allen, who plays libero and outside hitter, recorded 14 aces and 63 digs in the tournament. She is part of a veteran returning core setting the pace. Sophomore outside hitter Ellie Ayala contributed 15 aces, 25 kills, and 45 assists. Junior middle hitter Charlotte Brown collected 27 kills and 10 blocks, while outside hitter Samantha Lehto finished with 25 kills.
Junior outside hitter Maddie Balthorpe, a newcomer, added nine aces, 11 kills, and eight blocks. Sophomore libero Bella Jaqua contributed four aces and 45 digs.
Lord has watched her team mature at the right time.
This is a young team,” offered Lord. “We have as many underclassmen on the team as we do upperclassmen. Sometimes, on the court, we have more sophomores than juniors and seniors. But they are not new to the game. They have all the skills they need for us to be successful.”
Allen sees a similar picture.
“We have a young team, and we are continually growing and evolving,” echoed Allen. “You will see a different team when we reach the state playoffs.”
The senior has also seen her team form a tighter union throughout the season.
“Our chemistry has been great since day one,” boasted Allen. “We did a lot of team bonding over the summer to get to know each other better. We have a lot of fun together on and off the court. I love my teammates.”
She has also relished her role on the team.
“I want to lead by example by training hard, staying positive, and supporting and encouraging my teammates,” added Allen. “They have been some really great players and teammates who mentored and showed me the way, and I want to do the same for my current teammates.”
With momentum on their side, the Panthers are aiming for another deep postseason run. Last year, they reached the state finals and have appeared in the final four round twice before.
Lord plans to keep her expectations high.
“I was and am still very excited about this year,” boasted Lord. “We, of course, lost some incredible players but we have a lot of talent on this team.”
Like her coach and teammates, Allen plans to keep the faith.
“We are a very different team now than we were when the season started,” reflected Allen. “Coach Lauren has been a constant source of encouragement, but she has also held me accountable. She’s taught me the meaning of perseverance.
“It’s a process, and we’re lucky to have such a great coach to guide us through it.”
The Panthers move forward, fueled by the inspiration of their coach, the lessons of her late father, and a shared resolve to make this season one to remember.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Joy Jaqua for the Savannah Arts Academy Volleyball Program
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