The women’s soccer team had an unforgettable undefeated regular season, but the playoffs were another story. The University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeated the Gaels 3-0 in the quarterfinals.

This was the fourth undefeated season in program history—they also accomplished the feat in in 1998, 2003 and 2005, all led by Head Coach Dave McDowell.

“To play 15 or 16 games and go undefeated is really difficult in the league,” McDowell told The Journal in an interview.

The Gaels were an incredibly young team playing against more mature teams that appeared to be much more experienced, and yet nearly came out as winners.

 “This group has really come together, we have a very good first-year recruiting class, we’ve got some returning players and they’ve just embraced each other and played off each other,” McDowell commented.

However, the women’s fairy tale season ended at Richardson Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 27, against the underdog University of Toronto, who Queen’s had beat 1-0 and tied 2-2 during the regular season.

Miranda Badovinac scored for Toronto early in the game, leaving the Gaels trailing 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Toronto’s Badovinac and Jenny Wolever (a Queen’s alum) each scored within ten minutes of each other to give Toronto a commanding 3-0 lead.

The Gaels continued to fire away at Toronto until the very end of the game, but they couldn’t manage to beat Levanta Staggolis, who made seven saves in the afternoon. The game ended with a score of 3-0, snapping Queen’s undefeated streak.

Despite the loss, the Gaels are staying hopeful for future seasons.

“It has been very enjoyable to watch the culture that has developed and the way that they have embraced some of the things we want them to do. We are excited about this group; we expect to be doing some really exciting things over the next few years,” McDowell said.

“They’re very dynamic, they’re very athletic. They have a really good mentality, we were down against Nipissing [Lakers] but they kept going.”

McDowell was talking about their final regular season game against the Nipissing Lakers. The Gaels were down until the end of the game, but they rallied and scored three goals to make a comeback and win 3-2.

“I’m really proud of this group. The record speaks for itself, equally as proud of the way they play. They embrace what we want to do,” McDowell said.

In spite of the disappointing end to the season, what the team has accomplished is a major feat for Queen’s Athletics.

Veterans such as goaltender Alanna Richardson and midfielder Lidia Bradau may not return, but much of the same core will be back for next year and the years to come. This won’t be the last time you’ll hear from these Gaels.