By Powell Cobb
Reporter

The Bearcat soccer team was hot off a thrilling overtime win last Saturday when they packed up and headed to Augusta to face Greenbrier High School for the second round of the GHSA Class AAAAA state playoffs.

Extensive travel and hot weather set the Bearcats at a disadvantage against the Wolfpack, the team ending a 13-2-1 season with a 6-0 loss.

“We had our dinner with destiny,” Bainbridge coach Mike Lewis said.

When they got off the bus mid-afternoon, the temperature was reaching the lower 90s. Though it cooled down as the evening went on, Bainbridge players struggled to keep hydrated and avoid fatigue.

In the first half of the game, the Wolfpack (13-1) were only able to score one point, despite maintaining control from the start.

Lewis said his defense was able to shut down the majority of Greenbrier’s score attempt thanks to a strategy he was proud his players pulled off.

“We shut down the wings and forced them to the middle,” Lewis said. “It worked excellently. That’s why the one goal they got in the first half, they shot it from the so far out. I have to tip my hat to my defense.”

The second half saw Bainbridge loosening up on defense and allowing more holes. The Wolfpack was able to score on five more shots throughout the half.

Wolfpack player Mason Vaughan scored on a penalty kick early in the second half to give Greenbrier the 2-1 advantage.

Logan Tihey scored two goals while Daniel Pyun and Malik Sherman both scored one each.
Bainbridge goalkeeper Dominic Douglas had another strong performance, finishing with 14 saves before coming out late in the game.

“It was just their night, but there’s no shame on my young mens’ effort,” Lewis said. “Just because the scoreboard says 6-0 doesn’t mean you didn’t give an effort.”

Lewis said when his players got back on the bus after the game, he would have thought the team won. Attitudes were positive as the Bearcats looked back on their history-making season — a season that featured the school’s first soccer playoff game win.

“I’m humbled, honored and grateful for the good Lord blessing us with a tremendous season,” Lewis said. “It was special, historic and nothing less than spectacular.”

Greenbrier will advance to the GHSA Class AAAAA state playoff quarterfinals.