Bearcats Overcome Heat and Lightning Delay to Secure First-Round Victory
Published 12:09 pm Friday, April 25, 2025
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In their first-round state playoff matchup against Stone Mountain, the Bainbridge Bearcats girls’ soccer team battled not only their opponents but also the elements. A combination of sweltering heat and an unexpected lightning delay tested the team’s endurance. A decisive 4-1 win added to their tally, making it the BHS’ girls soccer program’s ninth match this season with a two-goal margin or more.
BHS soccer coach Brian Hill knew from the start that managing the effects of the warm weather would be crucial. “We were getting tired pretty quickly,” Hill admitted. “So we were rolling subs in and out to keep everyone fresh. The heat definitely played a factor.” The frequent substitutions helped maintain energy levels, ensuring the players remained aggressive and didn’t lose momentum in the opening half.
Despite the strategic rotation of players, the Bearcats struggled defensively in the early minutes. Hill noted that his team was too passive before the lightning delay, allowing South Mountain to dictate the pace at times. “We stood around too much,” he reflected. “We were watching rather than reacting. The heat played a factor, but we needed to compete harder.”
That defensive lapse resulted in a lone goal for South Mountain late in the 69th minute—one that Hill described as fluky. “It kind of dribbled in. It didn’t have a lot of speed on it. Just one of those goals that sneaks past you,” he said. However, rather than letting that setback shake them, the Bearcats adjusted after the delay, demonstrating sharper defensive execution and a renewed determination.
The turning point came after the lightning warning, which halted play temporarily at the 39:44 mark of the second half. Hill focused on ensuring his team didn’t lose momentum when the game resumed. “The goal was just to keep the energy high and not let a drop-off occur,” he explained. “We needed to come out and play better—hustle more, stop watching the ball.”
Hill’s words resonated with his players, and one athlete in particular stepped up in spectacular fashion—Addison. The prolific forward netted all four goals for Bainbridge, three of which came before halftime—bringing her season tally to an astonishing 46. Her consistency and drive have been major assets for the team throughout the season.
“She practices hard, and when she gets into the game, she has that fiery competitive nature,” Hill said. “It’s always great to see that, especially in playoff games.” With an ability to shine under pressure, Addison has proven herself to be a standout force.
There’s optimism that Bainbridge will have the opportunity to host another playoff match as part of the GHSA Girls State Soccer Playoffs. “Yeah, we should,” he said. “The one seed gets to host at least the first two rounds.”
Having cleared the first hurdle in the postseason, Bainbridge is eager to keep their winning mentality alive as they head into the Sweet 16 hosting the Gilmer Bobcats (11-5, 4-2) from Region 7, May 1 at 6:00 p.m.
