LAUREL – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars soccer team captured their first ever win over the district powerhouse Laurel Christian Lions in a 3-2 shootout Thursday night in MAIS soccer action.

“I am proud of the way our boys fought the entire game,” said BA coach Clint Rounsaville. “You could tell our boys wanted it more and believed in themselves.”

Laurel Christian managed to break up the scoreless game with five seconds to go in the first half with a breakaway goal.

After making some adjustments in the second half, the Cougars evened the score with a goal from Grant Melancon on an assist from Trent Nettles.

BA took the lead just two minutes later on a laser shot from 25 yards out by Zach Dickerson.

Laurel Christian evened the score with 10 minutes to go in the game. The teams battled through two ten minute overtime periods with the game remaining deadlocked.

In the shootout through the first four kickers the teams remained tied, with BA getting goals from Jordan Lea, Grant Melancon, and Parker Myrick.

This set the stage for the last player for each team to take their penalty kicks. Zach Dickerson scored first with a shot in the upper portion of the goal.

Goalkeeper Lamar Lang secured the victory with a diving stop of Laurel Christian’s last shot. The win improved BA’s record to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in district.

The Cougars will enjoy a long break before returning to action after the holidays. BA visits Natchez to battle the ACCS Rebels Jan. 6 at 3 p.m.

In JV action,  BA recorded a 3-0 victory to improve their record to 2-2. The Cougars were led by goals from Connor Griffin, Harpreet Singh, and Bryce Lofton. Peyton Smith contributed with an assist.