The Bainbridge High School Bearcats soccer team won their first ever region championship Friday, defeating the Hardaway Hawks 1-0 at Centennial Field. It was Hardaway’s first loss of the season.

The only goal in the game came in the 18th minute from a low, well-struck ball from Luis Mejia. The ball squirted free to Mejia, who was just inside the penalty arc and had plenty of time to wind up a strong kick into the Hardaway net.

Bainbridge coach Jamie Ard said he was very excited about his team’s performance.

“The victory was a total team effort,” he said. “Every player that played believed that they could win the game if he did his part on the night. Every player that played gave everything he had to make this victory possible.

“I am just so proud of how mentally tough and mature this team has become, over the course of the season.”

The Bearcats played solid defense all night. During much of the second half, the Bearcats endured repeated attacks on their goal, but Hardaway was never able to capitalize on its opportunities.

Ard especially praised the play of goalkeeper Dominic Douglas, who earned the shutout.

“Dominic was instrumental in this region win, just as he was in our 1-0 win over Central,” Ard said. “He thwarted several of the Hardaway attacks with athletic saves that most keepers would not stop.

“Dominic was nothing short of spectacular on the night.”

Bainbridge improved its record to 9-2-2 overall, and 4-1 in Region 1-AAAAA. Hardaway fell to 12-1-0, and 4-1 in region play.

The Bearcats have completed the Region 1-AAAA portion of their season. Their next game is Wednesday, April 10, against Monroe, at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Field.