The Bainbridge Leisure Services Department’s 8-and-under girls All Star softball team concluded their season Friday with a fourth place finish in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association State Tournament in Moultrie.

All Star coach Brooks Wade said he could not be more proud of his team.

“This little Bearcat team began their quest for a state title on Saturday, June 20, at the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association District 3 Tournament,” he said. “This exciting group of girls finished second in the district which qualified them to participate in the state tournament.”

The little Bearcats began state tournament play on Thursday, July 9, with a 13-1 victory over Troup County. They were then defeated by Vidalia, putting them in the loser’s side of the bracket.

“With a ‘never give up’ mentality, the little Bearcats fought back with decisive victories over,” coach Wade said. “They fought back with decisive victories over Moultrie Gold and Rockmart. The scored 28 goals against Moultrie Gold and at that point only four teams remained Bainbridge, Moultrie Black, Vidalia and Effingham.”

The little Bearcats were defeated in their next game against the eventual state champion Moultrie Black, giving them a fourth place finish in the state.

“We, the coaches are extremely proud of this team and their accomplishments this season,” Wade said. “They have all improved individually, but more importantly, they have learned how to play together as a team and be successful through hard work and dedication.

“We had a great group of energetic, passionate young ladies and it was really fun to watch them enjoy their success following the practice and preparation that they all put in. We were blessed to have a really good group of girls supported by a great group of parents that were always there, cheering them on. A special thank you to the city of Bainbridge and Bainbridge Leisure Services for promoting and supporting all of the youth sports and activities.