Despite being touted as this year's underdog, and still going on to get the gold at the OCAA championships, the women's soccer team had to settle for silver at nationals.

In the final game against the Concordia Thunder, the score remained tied until a tough-to-block shot clinched the Thunder's 2-1 win over the Falcons.

“The way we lost — the last kick of the game — very disappointing,” said head coach, Martin Painter. “But the positives outweigh the negatives — the experience and memories will last.”

Goalie Emily Gillet shared the same outlook.

“We had some really bad luck in the last five minutes of the game,” she said. “But second in the country is not too shabby.”

In addition to a frustrating loss, the team also contended with the attitudes of other teams who didn't believe they deserved to be there over Humber, whom they beat in the OCAA final.

“It felt like the whole time we were there, we were not appreciated,” said Gillet. “Everyone passed over us. Humber cheered for the opposite team.”

Yet despite the disrespect, the team was able to show the naysayers they were capable of playing at the top.

“It was nice to show them we kick ass,” said Gillet.

Second year Fanshawe student and first time defender, Erin Hemming, also echoed similar feelings.

“It was really tiring, but it paid off,” she said of the team's efforts. “I don't think a lot of people thought we'd make it that far, so it was nice to prove them wrong.”

Having made it as far as they did this year, the team made up of mainly rookies is looking to put on an equally strong performance next year.

Hemming hopes the team comes back even more cohesive and determined.

“(We'd) like to make it to the same spot but come back with a gold rather than a silver,” she said.