After their nail biting state semi-final victory over Katy Cinco Ranch, girls varsity soccer fell 0-3 to Houston Memorial High School in the state championship bout. But although the loss was hard to stomach, the girls in red did not exactly come away empty handed.

This year’s trip to the state championship marks the first time the lady Marauders have done so since 2007—a playoff run the Dallas Morning News wrote puts Marcus girls soccer “back on the map.” From 2005-2007, the girls made the state championship three times, even winning it in 2005.

Other than breaking the over a decade drought, three senior players also received “UIL Soccer State All-Tournament Team” honors. Among the three are forwards Kaity Hemperly and Taylor Moon and midfielder Maddie Algya.

Support for the girls before, during and after the tournament has been constant. Parents, students, teachers, coaches, administrators and even middle schools have congratulated the team on their run.

Assistant Principal Kyle Smith tweeted that the team was “inspiring” and reminded the girls to not “hang [their] heads,” for their accomplishments will last a “lifetime.” Team photographer Brent Allen tweeted that the lady Marauders “achieved far, far more than most could even dream of.”

Even though the team is losing some key seniors, many players like junior forward Francesca Amoe and sophomore midfielder Delaney Hemperly will return next year. Senior goalkeeper Stephanie Starr wrote that she will be watching them “do great things next year.”