Bainbridge soccer routs Monroe on Senior Night and stay in prime position of Region AAA Area 1
Published 11:35 am Wednesday, April 2, 2025
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The energy on Bainbridge High School’s soccer field was vibrant and charged.. It was Senior Night, and the Bainbridge Bearcats girls and boys soccer teams were poised to leave no doubt about their dominance. By the end of the evening, they had done just that, delivering a stunning dual victory over Monroe with identical 10-0 score lines—a testament to the strength and spirit of the seniors who had led the program over the years.
Emma Watson, Addison Hill, Abigail Holley, Emma Ryan Shirley, Briyana Butler, Alexis Keaton, Jaden Pearson, Denis Morales-Calmo, and Daniel Guzman were recognized at midfield before the varsity boys’ soccer match, honoring their dedication and contributions to the BHS soccer program.
For Bainbridge Bearcats coach Brian Hill, the night was more than a celebration of victory—it was a celebration of legacy. Reflecting on the journey, he shared the significance of the seniors, whose contributions had helped shape the program.
“These seniors, they’ve been extraordinary,” Coach Hill said, his voice laced with pride. “The girls’ program especially—it’s personal for me. I actually started coaching these girls when they were in sixth grade, volunteering at the middle school level. For the last seven years, I’ve watched them grow. They’ve been a coachable, hardworking group, and it’s been a joy watching them mature, not just as soccer players but as people. Seeing them succeed on a night like this makes all those years of hard work worth it.”
The girls’ team who have now won eight matches in a row (9-3. 7-0), played with poise and precision, their chemistry evident in every pass, every goal. This victory wasn’t just the result of talent—it was the result of years of dedication, and it’s put the BHS girls’ soccer program in the driver’s seat, siting at No. 22 in the latest Georgia Class 3A rankings.
Four Bearcats lit up the scoreboard with multiple goals in a stunning display of dominance! Seniors Hill, playing forward and midfield, and Shirley, excelling as a midfielder and defender, each delivered incredible hat tricks to seal the victory. Adding to the excitement, No. 0 Watson found the back of the net twice, while No. 20, junior midfielder and defender Lydia Bentley, showcased her prowess to complete the commanding win.
The girls cruised past Westover with a commanding 8-1 victory. The boys dominated after halftime, netting two goals in the first 45 seconds of the second half and six goals in the first ten minutes. Securing an impressive 11-1 triumph over the Patriots. No. 3 Hill’s performance on the field was nothing short of spectacular. She proved to be a relentless offensive powerhouse, showcasing her impeccable goal-scoring instincts by finding the back of the net an incredible four times. Each goal was a testament to her technical skill, precision, and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving the opposing defense struggling to contain her impact. Hill’s contributions didn’t stop at scoring. Her two assists highlighted her vision, creativity, and unselfishness, enabling her teammates to convert chances into goals. Well, No. 6 junior halfback Alicia Sarmiento buried one in the back of the net. Bentley stayed busy on the offensive end with two goals and an assist. No. 15 Shirley struck the back of the net, well setting up a goal for one of her Bearcat teammates.
The BHS boys’ soccer team was led by three players who scored a hat trick or a super hat trick. No. 9 midfielder Eduardo Miranda had three goals and an assist. With three goals, he turned the game into a personal showcase of skill. No. 10 forward Jose Bonilla-Ortiz had a masterclass performance on offense, combining clinical finishing with creative playmaking: four goals and four assists against the Patriots. No. 13 midfielder Angel Bonilla-Ortiz delivered a trio of goals, showing off his creative footwork and playmaking, as well also setting up his teammates for two assists. Both Jose and Angel were true game-changers on the pitch. Freshman halfback No. 7 Winston Brock had an assist in the victory, and No. 22 midfielder Henry Vanstone found the back of the net, adding his contribution to the thrilling scoring frenzy.
Turning his attention to the boys’ program, Hill praised the seniors for their pivotal role in shaping the team. “The boys’ group has been incredible as well,” he said. “They’ve played together for years, building up this program with their hustle, competitiveness, and consistency. What sets them apart is their attitude—they’re coachable, they lead by example, and they’re just really great kids. They don’t cause problems, they just get the job done. Nights like tonight prove what this program is all about.”
Coach Hill’s program is currently ranked No. 18 in Georgia’s Class 3A, placing it within the top 20, with three regular-season matches still to be played.
Both teams had faced Monroe earlier in the season, securing decisive wins. But to replicate that dominance on Senior Night, and to do so with the precision and consistency expected of top-tier teams, spoke volumes about the program Coach Hill had worked tirelessly to build.
“We’ve worked hard to reach this level,” he said. “Our goal is to compete at the state level, to build a program that represents Bainbridge High School with pride and excellence. We’re not there yet, but nights like this show we’re getting closer.”
The Bearcats are set to return to the pitch on April 11th at Centennial Field, hosting Peach County in a highly anticipated region rematch. The girls’ game kicks off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys’ match at 7:30 p.m.
