After playing another incredibly tough schedule, No. 9 Lincoln will look to punch its ticket to state for the 17th straight year as regionals start today.

The Bulldogs (17-17) will be at Oologah starting today in a regional featuring the No. 8 Mustangs, Locust Grove and Catoosa.

Lincoln won six of its final nine regular season matchups, building some momentum heading into the start of the postseason.

"We saw what we are capable of in two big matches recently," said Lincoln head coach Deidra Rader. "We lost to Victory in five sets, but walked away with a win against Booker T Washington in five sets at the Owasso Tournament."

The Bulldogs will have to keep that momentum going on the road in regionals for the first time ever, which makes for a unique but ultimately the same mindset.

"Our mindset is that we are choosing to play to win, not playing to not lose, because we have made history," Rader said. "We are the first OSSAA-era team to not host the regional tournament, and we can also make history as the first team to not host and yet still punch our ticket to state."

The Bulldogs faced ranked opponents in 21-of-34 matches in 2025, which has prepared them for the tough competition this week and ahead.

"These girls didn't ask for the tough schedule that I planned last fall, but they know it's the pruning they need to enjoy the fruit of their labor," Rader said. "With a record of 17-17, we've had plenty of introspective locker room chats."

The always tough schedule allows for ups and downs during the season, but also allows for players to take ownership and find ways to navigate wins and losses, which is right where Rader wants things.

"We're seeing a player-led team arise and that's where the magic happens," she said. "I'm excited to come along on the journey with them. Even with the ups and downs that a season inevitably brings, I've truly been at peace that God is working in and through us every day. What a rewarding life I get to lead."

And after navigating the tough schedule, Rader and her team are not only locked in, but cohesive and healthy with a collective mindset heading into the biggest week of the year.

"Everyone is healthy, everyone is on the same page," Rader. "The seniors have done a tremendous job of leading by holding high standards with humility and vulnerability. They are not afraid to do the hard things and push through adversity to develop the character that will take them further."

After the five-set win over Booker T on Sept. 20, Lincoln also won over NOAH, No. 6 (3A) Rejoice Christian, Southmoore, Choctaw and Bishop Kelley during the final week of the season.

And while they suffered losses, as well, Rader and her team fully know that if they compete with ultimate effort and focus, they will have done all they can to keep the season alive.

"From a mental standpoint, we are improving the mentality that mediocrity is not acceptable, that we are not ok with losing," Rader said. "Now a team may beat us, but we are not going to beat ourselves."

Rader and her team have also reworked some of their lineups to fine tune things during the tough schedule, allowing for plenty of experience playing together and building chemistry with different combinations on the court.

"From a physical standpoint, we have worked into a fluid lineup where we know exactly who is going where," she said. "We explore a lot of lineups and positions throughout the season so we can make sure we pull every last bit of volleyball IQ out of these girls and see where the chemistry is its strongest. We are prepared to change a lineup if we need to, but we have a consistent lineup that will keep 'whose ball' errors to a minimum."

The Bulldogs will take on Catoosa on Thursday at noon in the opening round. The winner of that matchup will face the winner of Oologah and Locust Grove at 2 p.m. for a spot in the state tournament.

Lincoln swept Oologah back on Sept. 6 in the Port City Tournament in Catoosa, winning 2-0.

Rader and her team will be prepped and ready before Thursday afternoon's matchup, as the biggest day of the 2025 season has arrived.

"As we prepare for regionals, we are meeting in the morning to do some serving, passing and light hitting to get some touches before we step on the court in Oologah," Rader said. "Then we eat breakfast together and finish with praise and worship before loading the bus."

The preparation and mental readiness will be done, as Rader and her team will give things to God and have peace knowing they are ready.

"I see this as mirroring other big days that they will walk through coming up in life - a job interview, a big presentation at work," she said. "That we can do our best to prepare for all the scenarios (scout review, walk-through, healthy breakfast), but that ultimately we will surrender to God (praise and worship and a prayerful heart of gratitude). That's how we can tackle all of those big events in the future, starting with tomorrow."

Rader led the Bulldogs to the state title in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022. Lincoln is looking for its 6th state championship as a program.