The women’s soccer team won the only prize that’s eluded them in the past two seasons. On Sunday, the Gaels beat the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks to win the OUA gold medal.

In a rematch of last season’s OUA and CIS finals, the Gaels beat the Golden Hawks in a penalty shootout in Waterloo. After 120 minutes of scoreless play, the Gaels converted five straight kicks while fifth-year goalkeeper Chantel Marson made one save to win the title.

In 2009, the team suffered a shootout loss to the York Lions in the OUA gold medal game. Last season, the Golden Hawks beat the Gaels 1-0 in the final at Richardson Stadium. But this time, the Gaels weren’t to be denied, winning their first provincial title since 2002.

The Gaels’ best chances came early in the game, with striker Jackie Tessier and winger Riley Filion both forcing saves out of Golden Hawks goalkeeper Mallory Woeller.

The Golden Hawks had a goal disallowed on an offside call early in the second half. Gaels midfielder Alexis McKinty almost scored 20 minutes later, but her shot was saved by Woeller.

The Gaels and the Golden Hawks have been Ontario’s two best teams for the past two seasons. The they could meet again at nationals in Montreal this weekend.