For the first time since 2006, the Bainbridge Bearcat tennis team has advanced to the Elite Eight round of the state tournament.

The Bearcats won 5-0 against Griffin High School at the BHS courts Monday and are thrilled to keep pushing deeper into the Class AAAA tournament.

“Collectively, they have been building momentum to this point,” coach Amy Thomas said. “They anchored by my seniors. Their leadership is reflected among the rest of the team.”

Those seniors, Hema Hasona playing at No. 1 singles and Jack Reynolds at No. 1 doubles, dominated the courts.

Hema beat Randy Chastain 6-0, 6-0, holding control throughout the entire afternoon. His brother, Nour at No. 2 singles, beat Ricky Lewis 6-0, 6-1. At No. 3 singles, Jones Gossett won 6-1, 6-1 against Tarick Jones.

Reynolds and Mark Loeffler beat Tristian Smallwood and Hayden Fletcher 6-0, 6-1 at No. 1 doubles. Bryce Howell and Gavyn Albritton came out on top against Jestin Burden and Cameron Powell at No. 2 doubles 6-1, 7-5.

“I think we have a great team from top to bottom,” Thomas said. “I think they have been really working together as a team.”

Bainbridge will play West Laurens in the Elite Eight round at an undetermined location and time.