For the third consecutive season, the girls’ soccer team’s hopes of a CIF Championship were ended in penalties, this year in the form of a 4-3 loss to Santa Margarita in the CIF Semifinals Tuesday.

Regulation ended in a 1-1 tie, with the sole Wolverine goal being scored by Paige Howard ’17. Both sides had several close chances on goal in overtime, though neither could convert. Among the Wolverine attempts was a far post shot from Mackenzie Howe ’14, which appeared to be past the goalkeeper and all but good until a Santa Margarita defender leaped in and headed the ball away at the last moment.

Last season, the team’s dreams of a Championship were also dashed in CIF Semifinals via penalty kicks, then against Chaminade. A similar result came two years ago as well, when the Wolverines lost 4-3 in penalties to San Clemente in the Quarterfinals.

The Wolverines finish their season 20-2-2 overall. Before Tuesday, the team had gone 20 straight games undefeated, having not lost a game since Dec. 13.